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What is HVAC Technology?

HVAC is formally known as the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A HVAC professional is responsible for the installment and maintenance of systems used to maintain varying temperatures in a given structure. Such structures may include homes, office buildings, warehouses, or any other building that requires one or all of the above mentioned systems. Individuals trained in this field will be able to fully and competently implement these systems, ensure their functionality, maintain them annually and properly train customers in the proper use and care of the system. In case of malfunction technicians will also be required to conduct repairs.

What is the Difference Between a HVAC Certificate and Technical Certificate?

The primary difference between a technical certificate and certificate in HVAC comes down to credit hours, program emphasis, and skill development.  The technical certificate will typically have a greater number of credit hours in the program with a larger breadth of classes than a certificate program.  The program emphasis of a technical certificate is hands-on learning coupled with career-ready, transferrable skill development to a greater degree than a certificate program.   Students completing a certificate program or degree in HVAC or HVACR will be ready to launch a career in residential or light commercial systems as a service technician, installer, HVAC mechanic, refrigeration mechanic, or refrigeration technician.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$48,320

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

23.29%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

294,730

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Training

A part of the Rolla Public School District, this vocational institute offers various continuous educational programs for the residents of Rolla, Missouri. This public school is very affordable, giving financial aids to students from low-income families. It currently adopts a hybrid system of education, combining online and classroom-based learning.

Students enroll in this facility could take dual credit programs on any of their certificate training. Amongst their best programs is the HVAC course for which could be finished in a maximum of two years period. The program is led by well-experienced instructors and high-tech facilities often supported by several companies working in a similar field.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Established in 1949, this technical college provides educational programs mainly in the automotive, diesel, and electrical fields. This non-profit institution is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with accreditations in ACCSC and ASEEF. It has a high job placement at 88% with most of its graduates employed in the field they’ve previously enrolled in.   The HVAC Mechanical Training is a comprehensive curriculum consist of extensive hands-on training and knowledge with air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It incorporates flexible learning set up with a day or evening schedules to choose from. After finishing the course, an associate degree in specialized technology will be received. Also, an opportunity to earn an EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification could be taken.

Acceptance Rate

60.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

This private for-profit institute has two available branches with its main campus located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was established in 1975, gaining national accreditations on its several programs in 1998. The institution accepts financial assistance for low-income families and military personnel who wants to upgrade their skills.

The HVAC/R Training program offered in this technical school takes about 60 weeks or 15 months with four days per week class schedule. This 48 credit program is EPA approved, leading to a Diploma in Air Conditioning and Heating Technology. It runs into an exclusive ESCO site for HVAC excellence hands-on learning.

Acceptance Rate

47.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Situated in Greater East Philadelphia, this training center stands in an 88000 square feet facility consisting of two separate wings intended for the different courses they’re offering. The institution is adorned with modern equipment and technologies to be used by students during lectures and practicums. It also provides scholarships for those deserved students through sponsorships and donations.

Along with its other four training programs, its HVAC Tech program will help you land an exciting job within the field. Its trade diploma program takes only 6 to 13 months covering intensive skills training designed to efficiently diagnose, maintain, and repair HVAC units.

Acceptance Rate

60.69

Tuition

$14,938 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

A private vocational school with branches located in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. It’s a suburban institution, accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. Running for more than 75 years, this school offers a variety of programs in different skilled fields. It includes day and night classes for those opting for flexible education.

As of now, the trade school offers 10 courses including the popular HVAC degree program. The HVAC trade program takes entry-level and professional knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. With a maximum of two years of education, the HVAC program offers hands-on training structured to prepare its graduates for highly demanding industry work.

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$20,736 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Formerly known as an aviation school, this institution is a private for-profit school with three campuses locating in Canton, Michigan, and Houston. Founded in 1969 by Lee R. Koepke, its Michigan campus is vastly sized at 125,000 square feet to accommodate different programs for its students. The school encourages and welcomes admission of military personnel and veterans who want to upgrade their skills through training on the programs offered.   Its 9-month HVACR training program is designed to efficiently learn the science of heating and cooling systems. It delivers a systematic approach to learning through hands-on and classroom-based teaching. It’s a reliable foundation for those who want to enter the HVAC workforce with its national accreditations.

Acceptance Rate

83.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

This private college is located in Sparks, Nevada a few minutes away from Lake Tahoe and Sierra Mountains. Started in 1989, CCNN provides seven diploma and associate degrees on several trade school programs. Its classrooms and labs are imitated in a real-employment setting for students to easily concretely immerse themselves in the practical field of work. It also accepts financial aid for those who are eligibly qualified.

The 36 week HVAC course program will prepare students to master the technical skills on heating and cooling maintenance, repair, and installation. Moreover, an in-depth lecture and training will be given with versatile instruction in commercial and residential HVAC systems. A growing in-demand career in the USA, students after graduation will have the opportunity to gain the EPA Section 608 for HVAC technician accreditation.

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$25,325 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, this public college organized into three schools offers more than 29 baccalaureate degree programs, 49 associate degrees, and certificates. It began in 1908 through a New York legislature aimed to provide equal opportunities to all people of any social status. Its 260-acre campus sits in the rural lands of Alfred, New York with a student population of about 3,700. The university boasts 98% employment after six months of graduation.

The four-semester associate degree in HVAC system is structured to impart knowledge and skills with HVAC maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and repair. Also, the program includes basic instruction on plumbing to intensively perform a range of tasks effectively in a real-time situation. After graduation, alumni could enter for a baccalaureate program in BTech or technology management BBA degree program. Moreover, physical requirement upon entry into this program is strictly followed.

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

This public technical college was named after Thaddeus Stevens who provided a huge endowment to start this college. Situated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this institution offers more than 22 academic programs to its 1,200 students. It has two available campuses, one consists of 19 buildings on 32.5 acres of land. Recognized as one of the best two-year trade schools, it ranked ninth on the national rankings by Forbes in 2018.

The HVAC/R program specializes in problem-solving skills to optimize service operations in this growing field of work. This 75 credit program could be finished in four semesters with additional courses in electrical and plumbing to diversely extend knowledge on other subjects. A challenging and exciting career lies ahead for graduates with potential service companies for employment includes Gote Services, Morrison Inc, and Protech Mechanical.

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded by Orlando Johnson, this not for profit technical college opened in 1912 as an elementary education program. Not until 1985, the school had expanded offering certificate and associate degree programs. It's situated in Scranton, Pennsylvania with a total enrollment of more than 500 and 9 to 1 student to faculty ratio.

The two-year Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technology program trains students to unique technical standards to develop skills, abilities, and behavior needed. The 42-credit associate degree program enables students to possess entry to the proficient level on installation, repair, and cleaning of HVAC systems.

Acceptance Rate

97.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Launched originally as a business school in 1929, this institution has grown over the years offering technical courses for its constituents. This private for-profit institution is located in the suburbs of Washington, Pennsylvania with at least 300 students enrolling. It stands on a 64,000 square foot facility equipped with modern equipment, rooms, and student centers to ensure high-quality learning.

Part of their 16 programs being offered currently includes the HVAC/R certification which could be completed for 13 to 18 months. The program is scheduled between Monday and Thursday featuring hands-on learning exercises and lectures to equipped students for various job prospective. After graduation, an associate in specialized technology degree will be awarded to the student.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Established in 1899, this public university was created by the Michigan Legislature. Its Small City’ campus stands in a 350-acre land with at least 210 instructional facilities located in Marquette, Michigan. It offers more than 180 undergraduate and degree programs with a student population of about 8,000. A tobacco-free institution, NMU has grown to employ cutting-edge technology initiatives with nationally accredited programs.

Under the Technology and Occupational Sciences Department, the HVACR Technology degree comprises a two-year certificate (44 credits) that prepares graduates with sufficient skills to get employed in the HVACR industry. Its extensive learning background is combined with hands-on training and theory-based instructions for repair, installation, and troubleshooting. Moreover, extensive training in electrical related instruction including circuits, wiring, and components will be taught in this program.

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Began as an agricultural college in 1913, this public college is located in the scenic foothills of the Catskill Mountains of Delhi, New York. It's organized into five academic schools with more than 60 programs being offered. This includes 20 bachelor's degrees, 46 two-year associate degrees, and two master's degrees. Its 625-acre campus consists of 44 buildings admitting more than 3,000 students per semester. Currently, it offers flexible online and evening programs with affordable educational options for everyone to have an enrollment opportunity.

Part of the School of Applied Technologies, the associate degree program in HVAC systems seeks an entry-level position on installation, repairing plumbing systems, and maintenance on residential or commercial ventilation systems. In partnership with the Refrigeration Services Engineers Society (RSES), this 64 credit hour program extensively demonstrates the ability and skills of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Acceptance Rate

96.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

This private technical institute was founded by the Minneapolis businessman, William Hood in 1914. Its located in a 15-acre campus on the urban lifestyle of Upper Midwest, Dunwoody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers more than 45 majors including certificate, associate, and bachelor degree programs. It also offers online programs for students who prefer to enroll in distance learning. Dunwoody is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. It admits about 1,500 students with equal opportunities despite race, religion, or gender.

The HVAC Installation and Residential Service offers entry-level skills and knowledge on maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting of residential and commercial heating and ventilation systems. This 72 credit hour program could be finished for four semesters with a combination of hands-on training and lectures on its curriculum. An accredited program by the HVAC excellence, graduates of this course could pursue a bachelor's program in Construction Management and Business Management Leadership.

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

This public four-year college started in 1906 as an agricultural school. Organized into three schools, this institution offers about 29 bachelor’s degrees, 20 associate degrees, and five one-year certificate programs. Its 555-acre campus is located in Canton, New York admitting about 3,200 students. It has more than fifty organizations and clubs to join with including sports, academics, or those having special interests. Additional facilities on its campus include an ice arena, lap pool, fitness center, and cross-country ski.

The associate degree in HVAC Engineering Technology consists of 62 credit hour curriculum including preparatory, core, and elective courses. The program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level career in the HVAC industry. Admission to this technology program should meet the grade and prerequisite requirements in high school. For those who don’t qualify, an HVAC certificate would be given. Potential employers after graduation include Siemens, Thomas Associates, and Galson Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

This public research university is the flagship institution of the Montana University System. It's established in 1881 through a state legislature. The second-largest campus in the state of Montana, it spans about 220 acres located in Missoula, Missouri bordering the east by Mount Sentinel and the north by the Clark Fox River. It comprises eleven full colleges and schools admitting about 10,900 students. It's among public universities producing Rhodes Scholars, Goldwater Scholars, and Udall Scholars.

The HVAC Technician Certificate program consists of an 18-credit, 200 hours program covering the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Moreover, the program also includes lectures in electrical theory, laws, and principles. Students who complete this program will receive a certificate and will be allowed to take the Universal 608 EPA exam.

Acceptance Rate

93.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

This private college was established in 1965 by Alta Colleges Inc. Its located in Colorado with two existing campuses in Broomfield and Westminster. Currently, all of its campuses were acquired by the Spartan Education Group which offers courses related to the aviation industry. Likewise, its existing programs have been highly accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

The degree in HVAC allows students to become proficient HVAC technicians. This 17-month associate degree program will help students on learning the concepts of HVAC systems and might as well, its laboratory work and hands-on training. It’s a highly flexible curriculum dealing with residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC related equipment. Graduates from this program are expected to take an entry-level position on various HVAC related companies.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Previously named as Topeka Trade School, this institution was created in 1941. Under the administration of Topeka Unified School District 501 Board of Education, its currently been governed by the Board of Regents of Washburn University. Its located in Topeka, Kansas organized into six different schools and colleges offering bachelors, masters, certificate, and associate programs. Besides, the school provides wartime and civil service training to students attending military school.

The HVAC Technician program extends knowledge and skills to warm up a career in climate and energy control technologies. It currently works on a state of the art facility in Midwest Training Center of which is equipped with the finest laboratory tools and equipment. This 44 credit hour technical certificate could be accomplished for two semesters, which could be part-time or full time. After graduation, students will have an opportunity to proceed for an advanced degree at Washburn University or find a prospective career in the HVAC field.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Established in 1972, this public-funded educational training center has two existing campuses located in Oklahoma, mainly in Norman and South Oklahoma City. It consists of more than 40,000 yearly enrolments offering full time and short term courses to its students. Currently, its erected in a total of 323, 000 square feet with a total of six buildings and numerous spaces for conferences and practicums.

A 1050 hour duration course, its HVAC/R training program is a highly accredited program by the local government with various credited certifications including EPA 608, I.C.E Certification, Oklahoma State License, and OSHA General Safety Certification. It’s a premier technical school with wide-span job prospects through the USA.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Administered by the Tennessee Board of Regents system, this institution is located in Alabama Ave. Memphis, Tennessee. It has three teaching locations, one of which is the main campus, aviation extension campus, and the instructional service center. It comprises more than 20 existing associate degrees and certificates. Founded in 1963, this trade school is highly accredited by a lot of organizations including the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

The HVAC/R certification is a 16-month program that aims to help students learn how to repair, troubleshoot, or maintain residential and commercial air conditioning or refrigeration systems. Diploma or various certificates are given depending on the credentials finished. Courses in this program could be taken flexibly, day or night as needed. Potential career perspectives in the HVAC industry could be explored upon finishing the course of programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,011 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

This public school is situated in the rural area of La Puente, California with a total student enrollment of about 903. One of the largest adult education programs in California, this institution comprises three campuses of which all located in the California area. Almost all programs are accredited by the state of California with an excellent designation from the California Department of Education. As of now, the school offers degrees and certificates in eight different fields.

The HVAC Service Technician program provides entry-level knowledge and training on HVAC systems for commercial and residential setups. This 540-hour program consists of technical instruction with an emphasis on wiring principles of the HVAC system. Additionally, its curriculum is approved by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in taking operational and troubleshooting techniques of ventilation systems. After obtaining the certificate, students will have an opportunity to take the EPA Universal 608 test and become a Certified Refrigerant Handler.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,300 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

32:1

This California based vocational school comprises six campuses including those located in Sacramento and Santa Ana. With more than 35 years of experience in the teaching industry, this institution takes pride in its thousands of graduates, quality education, and multiple course offerings.  The 9-month intensive HVAC certificate offered in this school combines both on-campus and online set of instructions for comprehensive learning. It’s a perfect program designed for convenience, most especially for those people who can't afford to go to school every day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Started in 1980, this public college is located in Port Charlotte, Florida with more than 300 students enrolled. It offers more than 20 technical programs that are highly in demand on this current generation’s workforce. These programs are accredited by industry standards with a close relationship to its partnered companies that potentially seeks employment after graduation. Moreover, the institution provides financial assistance to veteran and persons with a disability which seeks to study for these programs.

The HVAC/R program prepares students for employment in any related study in the HVAC industry. Nonetheless, the program focuses on understanding management, finance, and the underlying skills and knowledge in the ventilation systems. Also, safety precautions and environmental issues concerning the HVAC systems are discussed in this program. This 750-hour program requires students to acquire a driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance before enrolling in it. After completion of the program, the student will have an opportunity to take the EPA certification.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Mainly an aviation school, this for-profit college began in 1969 located in Northfolk, Virginia. AIM is part of a group of companies that were constructed across different states in the USA. It founded the Orlando campus in 2006 which sits nearby the Orlando Executive Airport. Nonetheless, its Orlando campus consists of more than 240 undergraduate students. Three associate degree programs and an online certificate course are offered on this campus.

The 12-month course in HVAC system provides instruction-based and hands-on training to be fully equipped on taking a career in the HVAC industry. Students attending this program will learn entry-level technical knowledge on heating systems, heat pumps, hydronic and other equipment used for ventilation systems. Upon finishing the course, students will gain an opportunity to take the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Industry Competency Examination (ICE). Possible trade careers after graduation include becoming an HVAC specialist, mechanic, or technician.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

This private technical school founded in 1968 is situated in the large town of Morgantown, West Virginia. Mainly intended for those seeking high school diplomas and non-English speakers, the trade school has extended on offering professional certificates for trained skills such as Culinary Arts, Electrical Technology, and Practical Nursing. This technical school accepts financial aid and scholarships to eligible students with great academic potential. Adult admission programs are open for 16 years of age and beyond.

Formerly the Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology program, the HVAC Technician is a 900 clock-hour certificate that comprises comprehensive instruction and training with installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of residential or commercial HVAC systems. This daytime program ìs certified with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Students who complete the program will have an opportunity to take several accreditation programs including the 410A Certification and the WV apprentice electrical test.

Acceptance Rate

73.68

Tuition

$4,015 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top HVAC Degrees

The degree and certificate programs available to students pursuing a career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) include a number of options to consider.  We have outlined the programs below to help you better understand your options when considering earning skills in the trade from an accredited college or university.  The degree and certificate programs in HVAC include:

Certificate & Diploma Programs in HVAC

The certificate and diploma programs in HVAC is the entry-point into the world of HVAC that will take less time to complete than an associate’s degree or technical certificate.  Earning a diploma or certificate in HVAC can be a 6-12 month program as a function of course load and program pace.  Examples of classes a student may see in a course catalog include: introduction to HVAC, fundamentals of heating, refrigeration, introduction to electricity, indoor air quality, customer relations, heating service, comfort cooling, and electrical circuits & controls.

Technical Certificate Programs in HVAC

A technical certificate in HVAC is a program that provides students with hands-on, technical knowledge in the trade.  Students can expect to complete the program in about a year’s time of full-time studying or longer for part-time students.  Students in the program will learn a number of key aspects to step into a vocation in HVAC that include technical and soft-skills.  An example of classes taken in the technical certificate program include: communications, residential building design, heat pump technology, building code, applied mathematics, heating fundamentals, introduction to HVAC, refrigeration basics, introduction to electricity, heating service, electrical controls & circuits, heat pump systems, duct installation and duct fabrication.

Associate Degree in HVAC

The associate degree in HVAC is conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) as a function of the school’s courses and accreditation parameters.  A typical associate degree program will take student’s 2-years to complete for full-time matriculation and longer for part-time students in the program.  Foundational classes will look very similar to classes in a technical certificate program plus liberal arts classes such as English composition, communications, physics, and psychology to help students think differently about the world around them and equip them with critical thinking skills.  Students may see additional science-bases classes along with green energy coursework as the industry evolves along with technology.

Educational Requirements in Heating & Ventilation

Adegree in HVAC demonstrates that an individual is prepared to install, maintain and repair those systems in a home or office setting. Most individuals will pursue a degree or certificate/diploma through a vocational school or community college, which will take between 6 months and 2 years depending on the program. Sponsored apprenticeships are also available, and individuals will be considered skilled laborers once the apprenticeship is completed.

Programs in heating and air conditioning will combine classroom courses with practical experience, allowing students be exposed to the various systems they will have to work with and how to diagnose and repair problems within those systems. Additionally, students will learn how to read blueprints and diagrams in order to identify electrical systems and other features within the building they will be installing such systems in. graduates of such programs will have a strong understanding of heating and air conditioning systems and will be ready to enter the workforce at entry level positions.

An HVAC curriculum may include:

  • Trade Math
  • Piping and Ductwork
  • Systems Design
  • Control and Energy Management Systems
  • Applied Physics

HVAC Certification and Licensure

Individuals may work with professional firms, individual contractors, repair companies or form their own business. Individuals may also pursue an apprenticeship in order to obtain work experience prior to pursuing a career or opening their own business. The work involved in HVAC is labor intensive, and the equipment installed requires regular maintenance. Due to this, it is important that an individual maintain a healthy relationship with his or her clients in order to annual maintenance and repeat business.

Salary, Job Growth and Related Trades

The average salary of an HVAC technician is $45,910 per year, with the top 10% making $73,350 and bottom ten percent making over twenty-eight thousand dollars a year on average.  Increases in salary are based on experience and location, with areas with a larger population having more work available, a higher demand for installation and repair, and a higher tolerance for competition.

HVAC jobs are expected to grow much faster than average.  In fact, the BLS estimates a job growth of 14% over the coming decade adding some 39,600 jobs during that reporting period.  Individuals interested in a career in HVAC should work well with others, be patient with clients, have a solid math foundation, able to lift heavy objects, and capable of reading and following schematics. Some states may require licensing in order to work, and the requirements will vary between those states, though some amount of work experience and a state issued test are usually required. Additionally, individuals who pursue certification from a national certifying body, particularly those who familiarize themselves with computer systems, will find more job opportunities than those who do not.

Biggest Employers of HVAC Mechanics & Installers

  1. Building Contractors                                212,810
  2. Direct Sellers and Retailers                        9,410
  3. Heating & Wholesale Suppliers                 8,070
  4. Commercial Machinery Manufacturers   6,170
  5. Colleges and Universities                            5,620

States with the Highest Employment of HVAC Mechanics & Installers

  • Florida               28,700
  • California          25,360
  • Texas                  24,300
  • New York           15,930
  • Pennsylvania    13,160

Top Paying States for HVAC Mechanics & Installers

  1. District of Columbia    $67,230
  2. Hawaii                            $66,820
  3. Alaska                             $63,620
  4. North Dakota                $60,420
  5. New Jersey                    $58,420

Individuals interested in entering an HVAC program may also consider a program in plumbing, electrician, refrigeration.   For additional information, check out The Complete Guide to an HVAC Career on our blog here.

List of Resources in HVACR

Trade groups and associations can be useful to help advance your career in this field.  Associations work to provide information, education, and resources for its members throughout the country.  Associations may also provide continuing education courses or webinars to help keep professionals at the top of their game year over year.  A list of the top ranked trade groups include:

Featured Rankings

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