1. How Cooling Works. Students learn how heat is removed from a space using refrigerants and components like compressors, condensers, and evaporators. This helps them understand how refrigerators and air conditioners keep things cold.

2. Parts of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems

They explore the different parts of a refrigeration system, such as:

• Compressor – the “heart” of the system that pumps refrigerant.

• Condenser coil – where the hot gas turns into liquid.

• Evaporator coil – where cooling happens as the refrigerant absorbs heat.

• Thermostat – controls temperature inside the appliance.

3. Tools and Equipment. Students are trained to use basic hand tools and specialized instruments like vacuum pumps, manifold gauges, leak detectors, and recovery machines.

4. Installation of Units. They learn how to properly install air conditioners and refrigerators in homes to make sure they work efficiently and safely.

5. Routine Maintenance and Servicing. Students are taught to clean filters, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and replace faulty parts to make sure the unit runs well.

6. Diagnosing Problems. They practice how to identify common problems like no cooling, strange noises, water leaks, or electrical faults and learn how to fix them.

7. Handling Refrigerants. Safe handling of refrigerants is crucial. Students learn about environmental laws, how to prevent leaks, and how to properly dispose of or recover refrigerants.

8. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact. Trainees are educated on how to choose and maintain appliances to save electricity and reduce harm to the environment, like using eco-friendly refrigerants.

The Code of Practice for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning outlines a set of regulations and guidelines designed to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems in the Philippines. 

Part 1: General Requirements

1. TESDA Certification for Technicians

TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) is responsible for accrediting and certifying technicians in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry. In the Code of Practice, it is stated that technicians must undergo accredited training and assessment programs to be certified by TESDA. This ensures that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform tasks such as installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning systems safely and effectively.

Importance: TESDA certification guarantees that technicians are qualified and can meet industry standards. This enhances safety, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

2. DTI Accreditation for Service Shops

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is responsible for accrediting service shops that specialize in refrigeration and air conditioning services. Shops must meet specific operational standards, ensuring that they provide high-quality service to consumers.

Requirements for DTI Accreditation: Service shops must be equipped with the necessary tools and equipment, employ trained personnel (such as TESDA-certified technicians), and comply with environmental and safety standards.

Importance: This accreditation ensures that consumers can trust service shops to deliver reliable and professional service while adhering to legal and industry guidelines.

3. DENR Registration

DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) registration is required for businesses and individuals involved in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, particularly those dealing with refrigerants. The DENR regulates the use, handling, and disposal of refrigerants to protect the environment and public health from harmful chemicals.

Purpose of DENR Registration: This ensures that businesses are compliant with environmental laws and regulations, including the proper management of refrigerants that may contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.

Part 2: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector

This section addresses the different categories of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Each category has specific requirements for installation, maintenance, and operation:

2.1 Domestic and Window-Type Air Conditioners

Domestic and window-type air conditioners are commonly used in residential buildings. The code sets guidelines for their installation, maintenance, and energy efficiency.

• Installation: These units should be installed in proper locations to ensure optimal performance and safety.

• Maintenance: Routine checks on refrigerant levels, cleanliness of filters, and overall functionality are crucial.
  
  

2.2 Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

These systems are used in large-scale applications like shopping malls, factories, and warehouses. They require more specialized installation and maintenance procedures.

• Energy Efficiency: These units must be designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

• Specialized Systems: These systems might include multiple units or centralized cooling systems that require specialized knowledge to maintain.

2.3 Transport Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Transport refrigeration is used in vehicles like trucks, vans, and ships for maintaining temperature-sensitive goods during transport. This section highlights the unique requirements for these systems, such as durability under varying conditions.

System Design: Transport refrigeration must be capable of maintaining consistent temperatures while being subjected to constant motion and external weather conditions.

Part 3: Retrofitting and Alternatives

This section discusses the retrofitting of existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems with newer, more efficient technologies or eco-friendly refrigerants. It also explores alternatives to traditional refrigerants that are harmful to the environment, such as HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons).

• Retrofitting: Converting older systems to use more energy-efficient refrigerants or technologies helps reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

• Alternatives: The Code encourages the use of natural refrigerants, such as ammonia or carbon dioxide, that have less environmental impact than traditional refrigerants.
  
  

Part 4: Refrigerant Handling and Storage

This section covers guidelines for the safe handling and storage of refrigerants. Since many refrigerants are toxic, flammable, or contribute to ozone depletion, the proper storage and disposal of refrigerants are critical for worker safety and environmental protection.

• Storage Facilities: Refrigerants must be stored in properly ventilated areas to avoid accidents such as leaks or explosions.

• Handling Procedures: Technicians must follow strict procedures when transporting, storing, and disposing of refrigerants to avoid contamination or environmental harm.
  
  

Part 5: Recovery, Recycling, Reclamation, and Disposal

This part of the code outlines the proper methods for recovering, recycling, reclaiming, and disposing of refrigerants. The goal is to reduce the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere and ensure that refrigerants are reused whenever possible.

• Recovery: Extracting refrigerants from old equipment for safe disposal or reuse.

• Recycling/Reclamation: Cleaning and processing refrigerants to restore them to a usable condition.

• Disposal: Proper disposal of refrigerants that can no longer be recycled or reused to prevent environmental damage.
  
  

Part 6: Safety Aspects

This section focuses on the safety measures that must be followed during the installation, operation, and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Safety is of utmost importance due to the potential hazards involved with high-pressure systems, electrical connections, and the handling of refrigerants.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Technicians must wear PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and safety boots, to protect themselves from injuries.

• Safety Protocols: Clear procedures must be followed to avoid accidents, including guidelines for working with electrical components, refrigerants, and during maintenance activities.
  
  

Part 7: Legislation and Regulations

This section outlines the various laws and regulations that govern the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in the Philippines, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.

1. DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-08

This order regulates the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and sets standards for handling refrigerants. It is part of the Philippines' commitment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase out substances that harm the ozone layer.

2. Philippine National Standards (PNS) for MAC Systems

The PNS for MAC (Mobile Air Conditioning) Systems establishes standards for the proper design, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning systems in vehicles. This ensures that these systems operate efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner.