The teaching reform of heating ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) was brought out and practiced based on the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate) concept. After the analysis of drawbacks of former teaching mode of HVAC course and the course design, the authors argued to incorporate them appropriately in order to implement the concept of "learn by practice".In the paper, the main points that should be paid special attention to during the practice of the teaching reform was brought out, and also the reform effect and continual improvement direction of the teaching reform were analyzed and summarized for the purpose of enhancing the teaching quality and learning effect of the students.