HAMLET — Students in Richmond Community College’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program are learning about new technology used for heating, cooling and keeping food fresh, thanks to equipment donated by partnering businesses and companies.

Hoffman and Hoffman donated a Daikin ductless mini split heat pump, which consists of an indoor unit that can be wall mounted, floor mounted or concealed, paired with a compact outdoor unit.

“Our students are learning about the latest technology in mini-split/ductless systems that are extremely energy efficient and are also somewhat portable,” HVAC/R instructor Bill Frye said. “These heat pumps are increasing in popularity, especially in Asian countries, or any place where residential space is limited. In the U.S., the same type of unit works well with spot cooling/heating or special locations.”

Students are also getting hands-on experience with zoned duct systems and the electronics that control the air zone system, thanks to Boles Supply and EWC Zone Systems, which donated the dampers and controls.

“We want our students to be familiar with all kinds of systems, especially as more cost-efficient, energy-efficient technology is developed,” Frye said.

On the refrigeration side of the program, the students have been able to work on a refrigeration rack that was once cooling frozen food items on a freezer aisle in a Food Lion store in Banner Elk. Welch & Sons Refrigeration of Mount Airy arranged for the donation and also transportation of the unit to the Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg, which is where the HVAC/R program is taught.

“We are really thankful for the support from these companies and helping us provide our students with a well-rounded curriculum in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration,” Frye said. “Some of these students may go on to own their own businesses one day, and we want to provide them with the knowledge and skills to be very successful in a lifelong career.”

Richmond Community College students in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program stand with the Daikin ductless mini split heat pump donated by Hoffman and Hoffman.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_rcc_hvac_daiken.jpgRichmond Community College students in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program stand with the Daikin ductless mini split heat pump donated by Hoffman and Hoffman.

Richmond Community College students in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program are getting hands-on experience with zoned duct systems and the electronics that control the air zone system, thanks to Boles Supply and EWC Zone Systems.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_rcc_hvac_zoning-1.jpgRichmond Community College students in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program are getting hands-on experience with zoned duct systems and the electronics that control the air zone system, thanks to Boles Supply and EWC Zone Systems.

For the Daily Journal