Month 2: HVAC System Fundamentals

HVAC system fundamentals is the focus of Month 2 of the Tru Tradesman’s Institute HVAC Workforce Development Program, which covers Weeks 5–8. How a residential split system works: the air handler, evaporator coil, filters and drain, the outdoor condenser and compressor, thermostats, the cooling cycle and common airflow problems.

What you learn in HVAC system fundamentals

• Name every major part of a residential split system and what it does
• Explain the refrigeration (cooling) cycle in plain language
• Recognize common airflow and condensate drain problems
• Describe HVAC career paths from apprentice to technician

Month 2 lessons

1. HVAC Explained + Career Paths. Explain what an HVAC system does and the career paths the trade offers.
2. Residential Split System Overview. Identify the indoor and outdoor parts of a residential split system and how they connect.
3. Air Handler, Evaporator Coil, Filters & Drain System. Explain how the indoor unit moves air, removes heat and moisture, and drains condensate.
4. Outdoor Condenser, Compressor, Fan Motor & Thermostat Basics. Explain the job of the outdoor unit’s main parts and basic thermostat operation.
5. Cooling Cycle, Airflow Problems & Month 2 Review. Explain the refrigeration cycle and recognize common airflow problems.

How you finish Month 2

Each week has video lessons with notes and an assignment, and then a 10-question quiz. After that, the month ends with a 20-question exam. So score 80% or higher on every quiz and exam and finish your assignments. Then your instructor reviews the month and releases your Month 2 Certificate of Completion, and the next month opens.

This course is part of the full HVAC program, and you enroll in all six months at once on the tuition page. Safety always comes first: for example, OSHA explains its hazardous energy rule at 29 CFR 1910.147, and EPA explains refrigerant rules on its Section 608 page.