Curious about how heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems actually work?
Maybe you’ve thought about an HVAC career that lets you work with your hands, avoid boring desk jobs and make a real impact on your community.
If you’re interested, understanding key HVAC system components is a great first step — and it could lead to a career to be proud of.
In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of HVACR systems and how training at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) can help you go from curious to career-ready in under a year.1
Key Components Explained
HVACR systems have a few essential parts that work together to heat or cool buildings, remove moisture and maintain air quality. Learning these HVAC system basics early on could give you a head start in pursuing a career as an industry pro.
Compressors, condensers and evaporators
These are the power trio of any HVACR system. The compressor pushes refrigerant through the system. The condenser releases heat from the refrigerant, turning it from gas back into liquid. Then the evaporator does the opposite — absorbing heat from the air around it. Together, these parts are key components of HVAC system performance.
Read: HVAC Systems & Indoor Air Quality: What You Should Know
Expansion valves and refrigerant lines
Expansion valves help lower the pressure of the refrigerant before it moves into the evaporator, making it easier to absorb heat. Refrigerant lines are the pipes that carry refrigerant between all the system parts. Knowing how these pieces work is part of understanding the full picture of HVAC system components.
Hands-On HVACR Career Training
If you want to get hands-on with real equipment — not just learn from a textbook — our 9-10 month HVACR training program might be the right fit. Students get to train using industry-aligned tools and systems while learning real-world repair and safety techniques.
Hands-on practice with HVACR systems
Our program isn’t about general education courses; it’s focused, technical and built for people who want to master their craft. You get lab time working with actual HVACR equipment to understand how systems operate in real-world conditions. Learn more about what it’s like to train for a career in this growing industry.
Learning safety and maintenance procedures
Safe handling of pressurized systems and refrigerants is non-negotiable. Our instructors teach key safety procedures and best practices for maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, so you can not only learn how things work...you can learn how to work smart and safely.
Get Hands-On HVACR Career Training!
If you're ready to stop wondering and start doing, UTI’s HVACR career training can help you get started in less time than you might think. Our program is designed to be completed in under a year, and with support from instructors and our Career Services team, you won’t be going it alone.
To speak with an Admissions Representative, call 1-800-834-7308. You can also get started online and take the first step toward hands-on career training today.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.