Custom Courses Engineering & Technical Maintenance

HVAC Design and Engineering Training

SAQA US AATICD-0250 | NQF 5 | Credits 10 | Duration 5 Days
From $1,242 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to design and engineer HVAC systems that comply with South African regulations and industry standards. Participants will gain practical competence in load calculations, system selection, ductwork design, and energy efficiency optimization for commercial and residential applications.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply HVAC design principles to calculate heating and cooling loads for various building types.
  • Design ductwork and piping systems using industry-standard methods and software.
  • Analyze system performance and select appropriate equipment (chillers, boilers, air handlers).
  • Evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability options in HVAC system design.
  • Demonstrate compliance with SANS 10400 and relevant South African building regulations.
  • Implement commissioning and testing procedures for HVAC installations.

Target Audience

This course is designed for mechanical engineers, HVAC technicians, and building services professionals seeking to upgrade their design and engineering competencies. It is also suitable for recent graduates entering the HVAC field.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of HVAC Systems and Thermodynamics

Objectives:
• Understand basic principles of thermodynamics and psychrometrics
• Identify different types of HVAC systems and their components
• Explain the refrigeration cycle and heat transfer mechanisms
• Apply load estimation fundamentals
• Recognise relevant South African standards and regulations

Topics:
• Introduction to HVAC engineering and its applications
• Thermodynamics: laws, heat transfer, and energy
• Psychrometrics: properties of air, humidity, and comfort
• Refrigeration cycle: components and operation
• HVAC system types: split, packaged, VRF, and central systems
• Basic load estimation: heating and cooling loads
• Overview of SANS 10400 and other local regulations
• Energy efficiency principles in HVAC

Day 2: Load Calculations and Psychrometric Analysis

Objectives:
• Perform detailed heating and cooling load calculations
• Use psychrometric charts for air conditioning processes
• Determine indoor air quality requirements and ventilation rates
• Apply load calculation software tools
• Interpret results for system sizing

Topics:
• Manual J and other load calculation methods
• Factors affecting loads: building envelope, occupancy, equipment
• Psychrometric processes: sensible and latent heat, mixing, bypass
• Ventilation standards: ASHRAE 62.1 and SANS requirements
• Introduction to load calculation software (e.g., Elite, HAP)
• Case studies: load calculations for residential and commercial buildings
• Sizing of air handling units and terminal devices
• Practical exercise: manual load calculation

Day 3: Air Distribution and Ductwork Design

Objectives:
• Design duct systems using equal friction and static regain methods
• Select appropriate diffusers, grilles, and dampers
• Calculate duct pressure losses and fan requirements
• Understand duct construction standards and insulation
• Apply noise control principles in duct design

Topics:
• Ductwork design fundamentals: materials, shapes, and fittings
• Design methods: equal friction, static regain, velocity reduction
• Pressure loss calculations: friction and dynamic losses
• Fan selection: types, curves, and system effect factors
• Air distribution: diffuser selection and placement
• Duct insulation and vapour barriers
• Noise and vibration control in duct systems
• Practical exercise: duct sizing for a small building

Day 4: HVAC Equipment Selection and System Integration

Objectives:
• Select chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and heat pumps
• Design hydronic piping systems for heating and cooling
• Integrate controls and building management systems (BMS)
• Evaluate equipment efficiency and life-cycle costs
• Understand commissioning and maintenance requirements

Topics:
• Chiller types: air-cooled, water-cooled, absorption
• Boilers and heat exchangers: selection and sizing
• Cooling towers and condensers: types and applications
• Hydronic system design: piping, pumps, valves, and expansion tanks
• Controls: thermostats, VAV, DDC, and BMS integration
• Energy efficiency: COP, EER, and IPLV
• Commissioning process and documentation
• Maintenance strategies for HVAC systems

Day 5: Advanced Applications, Sustainability, and Project Work

Objectives:
• Design sustainable HVAC solutions using renewable energy
• Apply green building standards (e.g., Green Star SA, LEED)
• Troubleshoot common HVAC design issues
• Complete a comprehensive HVAC design project
• Present and defend design decisions

Topics:
• Sustainable HVAC: solar thermal, geothermal, and heat recovery
• Green building rating systems: Green Star SA, LEED, EDGE
• Indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort standards
• Retrofit and upgrade strategies for existing buildings
• Common design pitfalls and solutions
• Project: design an HVAC system for a commercial building
• Project presentation and peer review
• Course summary and certification

Practicals

16 hours of practicals To be conducted online or on-campus or in-house
Overview

Practical sessions reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on exercises in load calculation, duct design, equipment selection, and system integration. Learners use industry software and case studies to simulate real-world HVAC design projects.

Practical Activities
  • Load Calculation Practical — Learners perform manual and software-assisted heating and cooling load calculations for a provided building plan. (4h)
  • Ductwork Design Practical — Using duct sizing software, learners design a duct system including layout, sizing, and pressure loss calculations. (4h)
  • Equipment Selection Practical — Learners select chillers, boilers, and air handlers based on load calculations and manufacturer data. (4h)
  • Integrated Design Project — Teams complete a mini-design project for a commercial space, integrating load calcs, duct design, and equipment selection. (4h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) 100% 30%
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 50%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Practicals 30% + Daily Average 20% + Final Test 50%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Fri 11 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 21 Sep 2026 Fri 25 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Fri 09 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Dec 2026 Fri 11 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 04 Jan 2027 Fri 08 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 01 Feb 2027 Fri 05 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Fri 05 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Jun 2027 Fri 11 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 21 Jun 2027 Fri 25 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 05 Jul 2027 Fri 09 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Sep 2027 Fri 10 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 20 Sep 2027 Fri 24 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 04 Oct 2027 Fri 08 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Dec 2027 Fri 10 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 20 Dec 2027 Fri 24 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 03 Jan 2028 Fri 07 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 426 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $1,863 Register
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Dubai, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Durban, South Africa Winter 2026 $2,916 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Abu Dhabi, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 17 Aug 2026 Fri 21 Aug 2026 Harare, Zimbabwe Winter 2026 $3,078 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 14 Sep 2026 Fri 18 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 28 Sep 2026 Fri 02 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 12 Oct 2026 Fri 16 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Dec 2026 Fri 18 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 11 Jan 2027 Fri 15 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 08 Feb 2027 Fri 12 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Jun 2027 Fri 18 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 28 Jun 2027 Fri 02 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 12 Jul 2027 Fri 16 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Fri 17 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 27 Sep 2027 Fri 01 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 11 Oct 2027 Fri 15 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Dec 2027 Fri 17 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 27 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 10 Jan 2028 Fri 14 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

View Sessions & Register Get A Quote Download Course Brochure
Have an account?

Sign in to track your applications and manage your cart.

Related Courses

Other Custom Courses courses at NQF level 5 learners on this page also viewed.

Browse the full Custom Courses category for custom courses training programmes.
GET A QUOTE / APPLY COURSE CATALOGUE