Heat Pumps

In this Microcredential, students prepare for the EPA 608 Technician Certification exam through an in‑depth exploration of heat pumps and their role in modern HVAC systems. Learners begin by studying the fundamentals of refrigeration and air‑conditioning equipment, with particular attention to how heat pumps transfer heat, operate in heating and cooling modes, and differ from traditional HVAC units. Students then apply their understanding of the basic refrigeration cycle, examining each component, including compressors, expansion devices, coils, and reversing valves through hands‑on lab activities. These labs incorporate essential industry skills such as brazing operations, copper tubing fabrication, and diagnostic techniques used in heat‑pump installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Next, students review EPA regulations governing refrigerants, including requirements for heat pump technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone‑depleting substances. The Microcredential concludes with the EPA 608 Technician Certification exam. Successful completion of this Microcredential provides a strong foundation for continued study in several HVAC‑related degree pathways, equips current technicians with specialized heat‑pump installation and maintenance skills, and offers a valuable entry point into apprentice‑level HVAC positions—particularly as heat‑pump technology becomes increasingly central to residential and commercial energy‑efficient heating and cooling.

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