Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.
📐Cooling Load & Capacity Calculations
- BTU/hour requirements based on space volume and conditions
- Sensible heat load from temperature difference
- Latent heat load from humidity control requirements
- Solar gain factors and building construction variables
- Equipment selection using load calculations
📖TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact)
- Direct emissions: refrigerant leakage to atmosphere
- Indirect emissions: energy consumption and power generation
- GWP (Global Warming Potential) of refrigerants
- System efficiency and operational carbon footprint
- Environmental regulations and compliance standards
📋EPA & EC Environmental Regulations
- EPA Phase-Out schedules for CFC and HCFC refrigerants
- F-Gas Regulation (EC 517/2014) in European standards
- ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) classification
- Reporting and certification requirements for technicians
- Penalties for non-compliance and improper disposal
⚙️Advanced Superheat & Subcooling Techniques
- Static superheat vs. active superheat measurement
- TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) operation and tuning
- Evaporator saturation pressure determination
- Condenser liquid line temperature monitoring
- System optimization through charge balancing
📖Fault Finding & Diagnosis
- High pressure and low pressure diagnosis procedures
- Sight glass analysis for refrigerant state identification
- Compressor discharge temperature monitoring
- Non-condensable gases detection and purging
- Performance testing: cooling capacity and energy consumption
📋Refrigeration Mechanics Red Seal Standard
- Red Seal certification requirements and scope
- Portable refrigeration and transport units
- Display case and commercial refrigeration systems
- Industrial refrigeration and ammonia systems safety
- Heat pump systems: heating and cooling operation
📖Advanced Recovery & Recycling Processes
- Multi-refrigerant recovery system operations
- Oil separation in recovered refrigerant streams
- Moisture and acid removal procedures
- Certification standards for recycled refrigerants
- Contamination testing and acceptance criteria
⚙️System Design & Installation Best Practices
- Pipe sizing for liquid, suction, and discharge lines
- Oil return requirements in various piping configurations
- Vibration isolation and sound dampening installation
- Superheat line routing and protection from heat
- System component layout for optimal performance