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HVAC

Fundamentals, Sizing, Selection, and Operation of HVAC Systems

Next Class: August 31–September 4, 2026
5 days · 28 CPD Hours
Skill Level: Beginner
28
Formal PEO CPD Hours · Counts toward PEAK

Overview

Mastering the fundamentals, sizing, selection, and operation is essential for both designers and operators of HVAC systems. This comprehensive course delves into the core principles of HVAC systems, commencing with Psychrometry and proceeding to the representation and calculations of air conditioning processes and cycles.

Participants will learn cooling and heating load calculations, the design of air distribution systems, HVAC equipment and system selection, controls, energy conservation, and the economics of HVAC systems. Additionally, the course demonstrates the utilization of Carrier's Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) for the design and sizing of HVAC Systems.

Attendees will benefit from numerous practical rules of thumb, aiding beginners in system design and sizing, while offering experienced professionals valuable insights for quick design and operational checks.

Course Outline

1
Psychrometry
2
Air Conditioning Cycles
3
Space Conditions – Comfort
4
Cooling/Heating Load Calculations
5
Rules of Thumb (ROTs)
6
Design of Air Distribution System (Duct Design)
7
Workshops
8
HVAC Equipment and System Selection
9
Control Strategies, Energy and Costs
10
Design of Water Distribution Systems

What You'll Learn

Fundamentals of the design and operation of HVAC systems
Air conditioning cycle, load, duct, and hydronic piping design calculations
Selection procedures for efficient operation of various HVAC equipment and systems
Recognizing energy saving opportunities in HVAC systems and equipment
Select and design efficient controls of HVAC systems at part-load

Who Should Attend

Design & Project Engineers Plant & Facility Engineers Consultants Mechanical Engineers & Technologists Maintenance & Operations Personnel Technical Personnel

What Attendees Say

"My new job portfolio included HVAC. I wanted a basic understanding of how HVAC works. Most useful: rules of thumb, equipment selection, and A/C control strategies."

Lucas Specht — Director, Mission Critical Environments

"The instructor presented content at a good pace with many exercises. Very interactive with the class."

Course Attendee

"Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, with the relevant industry experience. The ability to communicate the ideas was greatly appreciated."

Godwin Theobald — Course Attendee

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. CANETCO offers custom delivery for organizations that want to train multiple staff members together. Contact us to discuss scheduling and group pricing.

Yes. If your organization has particular equipment, systems, or applications you want the course to focus on, we can tailor the content to address your specific requirements. Custom delivery is priced based on the scope of customization and the number of participants. Contact us to discuss your needs and we will develop a proposal that works for you.

What prior knowledge is needed for the HVAC Fundamentals course?

The course is designed for engineers and technologists with a basic understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics - typically at the undergraduate level. No prior HVAC experience is required.

Does the course include hands-on workshops?

Yes. The course includes four hands-on workshops where participants apply load calculations, equipment selection, and duct design to real building scenarios using Carrier HAP software.

Is this course suitable for facility managers as well as engineers?

The course is primarily designed for engineers and technologists. Facility managers who want an accessible overview without the full technical depth may prefer the Introduction to HVAC Systems for Non-Technical Individuals course.

Is this course delivered online or in person?

All CANETCO courses are delivered live online via Zoom. Participants interact directly with the instructor and other attendees in real time, with workshops completed during the sessions.

Does this course count toward PEO PEAK requirements?

Yes. This course is PEO PEAK compliant and the CPD hours count as formal core engineering learning toward your annual PEO PEAK continuing professional development requirement.

Dr. Mohamed Hamed

Course Instructor

Over 40 years of engineering practice and teaching. Dr. Mohamed Hamed's approach centers on bridging theory with real-world practical experience.

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering P.Eng. Ontario FEC

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