10601340Forced Air Heating Systems
Course Information
Description
This course is an introduction to basic forced air heating systems. Topics include terminology, the forced air heating cycle, humidification process and equipment, safety, fuels, maintenance, and troubleshooting issues. The learner will disassemble and assemble forced air furnaces and roof top units as well as use hand tools, and test instruments. The learner will start up, operate, and repair forced air heating units. Practice using work orders and other industry documentation.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Practice shop safety
    Assessment Strategies
    Written objective test
    Lab performance
    Criteria
    Describe basic shop safety rules
    Perform lockout/tagout procedures
    Choose the correct personal protective equipment for given tasks
    Identify potential safety hazards that can be minimized by shop cleanliness
    Describe safe practices for lifting and transporting heavy objects
    Handle tools and chemicals safely

  2. Apply basic theory pertaining to heating systems and the forced air heating cycle
    Assessment Strategies
    Written objective test
    Drawing/Illustration
    Criteria
    Describe basic theory of heat and energy and how it relates to our industry.
    Identify the quantity and intensity of heat sources and how they are important in our industry.
    Differentiate between sensible and latent heat and how heat is transferred.
    Identify tables, charts, formulas and conversions used in the heating industry.
    Describe proper application of various heating and humidification systems.
    Show the basic furnace components in their proper place in the system in a drawing.
    Label the components and show direction of flow.
    Propose reasonable pressures or temperatures for all processes in the heating cycle.
    Select the correct equipment for various typical applications.

  3. Evaluate the function of the main components of a forced air heating system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written objective test
    Lab performance
    Drawing/Illustration
    Criteria
    Diagram the basic forced air heating system.
    List each version of the main components of a forced air heating system.
    Explain the function of the forced air heating system components.
    Identify the inter-connecting wiring between the basic forced air heating system components.

  4. Use industry tools and instruments used in the operation of forced air heating systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Formal demonstration
    Lab performance
    Criteria
    Read and troubleshoot electrical schematics.
    Demonstrate proper use of a Volt/ ohm meter when verifying operation or troubleshooting electrical circuits.
    Use a manometer (u-tub and digital) to verify pressures in a system.
    Use capacitor testing equipment to verify capacitor status.
    Use various air flow testing equipment to calculate air flow in forced air systems.
    Choose the correct service tool in order to clean, tune up, and verify proper operation of forced air heating systems.
    Leak test fittings with nitrogen and repair as needed.

  5. Evaluate the function of the main components of a humidification system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written test
    Practical exercise
    Criteria
    Diagram the basic humidification system.
    List the main components of a humidification system.
    Explain the function of the humidification system components.
    Demonstrate knowledge of the inter-connecting wiring and control strategy between the basic humidification system components and the heating system.

  6. Evaluate air distribution of a forced air heating system
    Assessment Strategies
    Formal demonstration
    Lab performance
    Drawing/Illustration
    Written Objective Test
    Criteria
    Diagram the basic forced air heating system.
    List the main components of a forced air heating system.
    Explain the function of the forced air heating system components.
    Identify the inter-connecting wiring between the basic forced air heating system components.
    Analyze various air distribution designs.

  7. Implement troubleshooting techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing / Illustration
    Formal demonstration
    Lab performance
    Criteria
    Interpret basic wiring diagrams.
    Use test instruments to troubleshoot electrical circuits.
    Determine sequence of operation with use of applicable documentation.
    Interpret various styles of fault codes.
    Determine sequence of operation with use of applicable documentation.
    Differentiate between electrical and mechanical issues.
    Identify primary and secondary effects of mechanical and electrical failures.

  8. Conduct start-up and operational verification
    Assessment Strategies
    Formal demonstration
    Project work
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Evaluate gas pressures and voltages
    Determine proper connections are made to associated components of system
    Verify sequence of operation
    Verify heating cycle is completed

  9. Use basic thermostatic controls
    Assessment Strategies
    Formal demonstration
    Written Product
    Written tests
    Criteria
    Classify the various types of Thermostat/ Humidistats
    Classify the various types of subbases and their applications
    Describe functionality and operation of various thermostats

  10. Install and service residential and commercial air distribution systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Lab performance
    Formal demonstration
    Written test
    Criteria
    Use manufacturer industry approved install methods.
    Install furnace or blower coil with electric auxiliary heat.
    Explain operation and repairs made on the system to customer.
    Demonstrate respect for customers and their property.
    Troubleshoot and service various electrical capacitors, relays, contractors, motors, controls, heaters and transformers.
    Check and adjust gas furnace.
    Check and adjust electric heat section coil blower.
    Service blower in a forced-air system.
    Measure air flow of air handling apparatus.
    Identify the requirements to bring power to new forced air heating system.
    Properly connect equipment to all associated components.