Environment Control Technology
Division: Industry & Technology
The Environment Control Technology Department prepares students for entry-level employment in the field of Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Systems, and Environmental Control Technology (HVAC). Students completing these degrees/certificates will have a basic foundation in troubleshooting and repair of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems.
Career opportunities upon successful completion of this degree are HVAC/R technician, sales, service, and repair.
Contact Information
Environmental Control Technology Faculty Contact
Ramiro Serrato-Aldaco | (559) 688-3039 | ramirose@cos.edu
Building F: F104B | Tulare Campus
William Reilly | (559) 730-3802 | williamr@cos.edu
Building F: F106A | Tulare Campus
Industry and Technology Division Chair
Brian Unruh | (559) 688-3053 | brianu@cos.edu
Building F: F109A | Tulare Campus
Dean of CTE and Workforce Development
Jonna Schengel, Ed.D, MA, PT | (559) 688-3027 | jonnas@cos.edu
Building F: F103 | Tulare Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
ECT 242 Air Conditioning Sheet Metal
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
This course provides an introduction to basic air conditioning sheet metal theory, design, drafting, bending, shaping, soldering, tools and equipment used to fabricate fittings.
ECT 260 Basic Refrigeration
2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1.5 Lab
Introductory course in basic residential air conditioning and refrigeration that covers applied electrical and refrigeration theory. The students will learn how to use electrical meters to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems. In addition, proper brazing techniques, tools and safety practices are taught as applied to various other trades.
ECT 261 Introduction to Air Conditioning
2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1.5 Lab
This introductory course covers commercial and domestic air conditioning. The students will study the practical wiring circuits and diagnosing of electrical problems found in both commercial and domestic applications. The student will also become familiar with various types of electrical motors, and their individual characteristics. This course provides essential knowledge for students seeking further advancement in a career.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ECT 260 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
ECT 262 Introductory Heating Systems and Controls
2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1.5 Lab
ECT 262 is a course offered in introductory residential and light commercial heating that covers design, controls, and operation of modern day space heating systems. The students will study the practical wiring of circuits, and the diagnosing of problems found in both residential and light-commercial applications. In addition, the students will gain an introductory understanding of both L.P. and natural gas fundamentals and applications, controls and safety, with particular emphasis given to safe work habits and practices. This course provides essential knowledge for a student seeking further advancement in his/her career.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ECT 260 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
ECT 263 Introduction to Commercial Refrigeration Systems and Controls
2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1.5 Lab
A course that introduces commercial refrigeration. The course covers controls and operation of modern day commercial refrigeration systems. The students will study the practical wiring of circuits, various defrosting methods, piping, design, sizing, and controls commonly used in the industry.
ECT 280 Electrical Theory and Applications of Controls for HVAC
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
This basic course in electrical theory and applications of controls for the heating, ventilating, air conditioning/refrigeration controls class explores the theories and concepts of Ohms and Kirchoff's laws, in addition to the theories and concepts of refrigeration.
Corequisites: ECT 281 must be taken concurrently.
ECT 281 Basic Air Conditioning
12 unit(s)
Hours: 11 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
ECT 281 is an introductory lecture and demonstration course in residential air conditioning, refrigeration and heating that covers applied refrigeration theory, including how to evacuate and charge systems, diagnose refrigeration problems and how to properly install an entire duct system in the project house. In addition, proper brazing techniques, tools and safety practices are taught as applied to various other trades.
Corequisites: ECT 280 must be taken concurrently.
ECT 282 Advanced Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Commercial/Domestic
12 unit(s)
Hours: 9 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
9 Lab
An advanced course offered in Environmental Control Technology that covers commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration theory. Topics include the fundamentals of wiring circuits and the concept of electrical problem solving as it relates to both commercial and residential applications. Topics also include using methods to calculate heat loads values necessary to sizing equipment in the industry.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ECT 281 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.