Chiller Mechanic Program (36 Instructional Hours)
Many commercial buildings utilize chilled water systems for comfort cooling. These chillers come in many different configurations. Small and mid-size chillers are used in buildings such as schools and medical office buildings. Large facilities such as colleges, hospitals, and military bases have central chiller plants that supply chilled water to multiple buildings. This program is designed for advanced level technicians and building maintenance personnel who are responsible for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of chiller systems in commercial buildings. This program is made up of Four courses for a total of 12 learning modules that are recognized for 36 hours of continuing education (CEHs), applicable to NATE re-certification.
202 High Efficiency HVAC System Maintenance – Central Chillers (6 hours/30 days) Intermediate
Written by Chris Compton
The intent of this course is to give maintenance staff a feel for the equipment present in their buildings. With this understanding, you will be better able to perform and handle service issues when required. The course focuses upon Commercial Central Chiller Systems, with a basic introduction as to the layout of the various components utilized in large and small commercial facilities. Then the modules expand into the specifics of chilled water systems and the required maintenance and record keeping to insure efficient operation of the Chiller Systems. Recommended Prerequisites: You will need a strong working knowledge of HVACR Fundamentals prior to enrollment into this course. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ ASHRAE Standard 180. This course is recognized for 6 hours of continuing education (CEHs) applicable to NATE re-certification.
Module topics covered:
- Central Chiller Maintenance – Daily and Weekly
- Central Chiller Maintenance – Monthly and Annual
402 HVACR Packaged Chillers: 25 - 150 Tons (9 hours / 30 days) Advanced
Written by Ron Auvil
This course is designed for advanced level technicians and building maintenance personnel who are responsible for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of chiller systems in commercial buildings.
Packaged chillers such as those used in small and medium tonnage applications will be covered in this course. Emphasis will be given to operating characteristics, main components, maintenance, control, and troubleshooting. This course is recognized for 9 hours on continuing education, (CEHs), applicable to NATE re-certification. Modules cover:
- Introduction; AHU and Chilled Water System Overview
- Packaged Air-Cooled Chillers
- Packaged Chiller Control, Operation, and Maintenance
203 High Efficiency HVAC System Maintenance – Cooling Towers (6 hours/30 days) Intermediate
Written by Ron Auvil.
The intent of this course is to give maintenance staff a feel for the equipment present in their buildings. With this understanding, you will be better able to perform and handle service issues when required. The course focuses upon Commercial Cooling Tower Systems, with a basic introduction as to the layout of the various components utilized in large and small commercial facilities. Then the modules expand into the specifics of cooling towers and the required maintenance to insure efficient operation of the cooling tower systems. Recommended Prerequisites: You will need a strong working knowledge of HVACR Fundamentals prior to enrollment into this course. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation and ACCA/ASHRAE Standard 180. This course is recognized for 6 hours of continuing education (CEHs) applicable to NATE re-certification
Module topics covered:
- Cooling Tower Overview – Daily and Monthly Maintenance
- Cooling Tower Overview – Annual and Seasonal Maintenance
403 HVACR Water Cooled Mid & Large Tonnage Chillers 150+ Tons (15 hours/60 days) Advanced
Written by Ron Auvil.
This course is designed for advanced level technicians and building maintenance personnel who are responsible for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of chiller systems in commercial buildings. We will cover larger chiller systems, to include screw and centrifugal chillers, as well as cooling towers. Emphasis will be given to operating characteristics, main components, maintenance, control, and troubleshooting. The vast majority of chiller types are thoroughly covered, as well as components and control sequences. The course will finish up with detailed, in-depth multiple field troubleshooting scenarios. All scenarios are derived from actual service calls. Upon completion of this course the technician will have been exposed to a minimum 75% of the most common service calls on commercial chiller systems. Prerequisites are successful completion of the 402 HVACR Packaged Chillers 25 – 150 Tons Course or equivalent field experience. This course is recognized for 15 hours of continuing education, (CEHs), applicable to NATE re-certification. The modules cover:
- Centrifugal Chillers
- Screw Chillers
- Cooling Towers
- Typical Chiller Plant Layout
- Mid and Large Tonnage Chiller Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Textbook Reference: Textbook not required.
Program Prerequisites: This advanced program is designed for HVACR technicians and contractors, facilities managers, and commercial maintenance technicians who have already completed an educational program for HVACR and/or have current working knowledge of HVACR fundamentals. It will build on your existing knowledge.
Grades: Students who complete the program with a score of 70% or higher will receive a Certificate of Completion for the HVACR Chiller Mechanic Program. Both courses in the program also carry NATE continuing education credit for technicians maintaining industry certifications.
