ENGR 465 Principles of HVAC

Did you know: you can heat a building with over 100% efficiency? May sound impossible, but it's not!

Did you also know: space heating accounts for approximately 32% of total energy use in U.S. commercial buildings?
ENGR 465 Principles of HVAC Course Offering Spring 2025

 

Why take the course?

HVAC systems are everywhere, and the industry needs more engineers. The intent of good HVAC is to provide a clean, safe, comfortable, and productive indoor environment in the most efficient manner possible.

 

  • HVAC systems worldwide are predicted to increase from 2 billion today to 6 billion by 2050. – International Energy Agency
  • We spend 90% of our time indoors. – World Green Building Council 
  • Buildings and homes represent 75% of total electricity end-use. – US DOE 
  • On average, controls tuning can save 29% of commercial building energy use. – PNNL

 

Course topics

  • Fluid machinery basics: pumps, fans, and compressors
  • Refrigeration and heat exchangers
  • Psychrometrics—temperature and humidity properties of air
  • Mechanical system controls
  • Building science
  • Load calculations

 

Employment Opportunities

  • Building design
  • Commissioning
  • Technical sales
  • Aftermarket support
  • Equipment manufacturer roles
  • Controls vendors and contractors
  • Testing and balancing
  • Mechanical contractors
  • General contractors

 

Questions? Reach out to Dr. Alanna Cooney (aycooney@sfsu.edu)