RCC HVAC Students Assist with Habitat for Humanity Construction
Jul 21, 2014This summer students and faculty in the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) program are lending a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity while getting some great field experience in HVAC installation.
Habitat for Humanity is in the process of finishing their 19th house located in Stoneville. The future homeowner is paralyzed and is unable to walk or stand. This is Habitat for Humanity’s first handicapped accessible home.
The energy efficiency of this home is to notch. Icynene insulation is being installed and will provide the homeowner with years of substantial energy savings on their heating and cooling bills. Also, a special design for the crawlspace involves sealing and pressurizing to ensure minimal heat loss or gain. The HVAC students will test the duct system for leakage using a duct pressurization test and a whole house infiltration test called a blower door test. The testing is a requirement for all new HVAC installations and these skills are taught as part of the Green Building Concepts class.
Steve Underwood, Owner of Heat and Air Controllers located in Eden explained, “The HVAC industry is in need of skilled employees and especially skilled Installation Mechanics.”
As a part-time instructor at RCC, Underwood understands the importance of a good working knowledge of HVAC basics and building codes for anyone entering the HVAC field.
Students in the HVAC program have many options when making a career path selection.
Both Johnathan James and Matthew Bonds are both part-time employees with a local HVAC company and are enrolled in the program. Bonds likes the hands on activities in the class and hopes to own his own business one day.
“I really enjoyed installing the system in the Habitat for Humanity house because it gave me a chance to show my knowledge of installing a complete system,” shared James.
The skills taught in RCC’s HVAC program will always be in high demand. What graduates can count on is good pay and a variety of career options.
For more information about enrolling in the HVAC Program at Rockingham Community College call Keith Sigmon at 342-4261, Ext. 2226.
