The Best Training for
HVAC Technicians in 2021

HVAC experts play a crucial role in making sure people are comfortable. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If you want to get an HVAC job, try one of the best HVAC schools and programs in 2021.

This guide will help you determine which HVAC school is ideal for you based on your needs and interests. It contains essential information about each school, including tuition, curriculum, and more. If you want to become an HVAC technician, keep reading.

Rundown: The Top 10 HVAC Programs in 2021

The table below compares the schools and programs based on degrees, tuition, and possible certifications you can earn after graduation. Please be aware that costs can change, and all tuition has been sourced from each school’s official website.

School State Programs and Cost Certifications
Austin Community College TX HVAC CE Certificate
$1,450 total
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Cabell County Career Technology Center WV HVAC Technician Advanced Program
$4,252 per year
NCCER Certification
Ferris State University MI Associate of Applied Science in HVACR Technology
$12,404 per year (US residents)
$20,020 per year (international)
Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management
$12,404 per year (US residents)
$20,020 per year (international)
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Florida State College
at Jacksonville
FL Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
$3,942 total
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Georgia Piedmont Technical College GA Air Conditioning Technician Assistant
Technical Certificate
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
Associate of Applied Science in
Air Conditioning Technology
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
Associate of Applied Science in Building
Automation Systems
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
Associate of Applied Science in
Commercial Refrigeration
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
Building Automation Systems Technology Diploma
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
Commercial Refrigeration Diploma
$100 per credit (in-state)
$200 per credit (out-of-state)
NATE Certification
Indian River State College FL Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
$104 per credit (in-state)
$390 per credit (out-of-state)
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Lewis-Clark State College ID HVACR Technology Certificate
$3,491 per semester (in-state)
$10,119 per semester (out-of-state)
Associate of Applied Science in HVACR Technology
$3,491 per semester (in-state)
$10,119 per semester (out-of-state)
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Moore Tech College
of Technology
TN Associate of Applied Technology in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating
$9,870 per year
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Moraine Valley Community College IL Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate
$131 per credit hour (in-state)
$370 per credit hour (out-of-state)
EPA 608 Universal Certification
Northwest Louisiana Technical College LA HVAC Technician Certificate
$134 per credit
EPA 608 Universal Certification
How to Pick the Best HVAC School for You

How to Pick the Best HVAC School for You

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The best HVAC schools offer more practical instruction than theory because that is what the occupation demands. So, this is one of the first things you should consider when choosing an HVAC program. You also need to select an accredited school that offers certification so you can work right after graduation.

Accreditation

HVAC Excellence accreditation should be offered in any school you choose to attend. Ensure this institute and other relevant bodies accredit the school you choose. Otherwise, you may not be able to get work in the industry. Attending a school that isn’t accredited is a waste of resources.

Curriculum and Certification

If you want to get legal work as an HVAC professional in the United States, you need to take the licensing exam and get certified. Each state has a list of mandatory courses you must pass before you qualify for the certification exam. Compare the school’s curriculum with the certification requirements to make sure you are eligible for the exam.

Prerequisites and Cost

Do you need a high school diploma before you can be admitted? Is there a minimum CGPA requirement for admission? These are some questions you should ask when you’re choosing a school. Keep in mind that you will be required to take an entrance exam to gain admission. You should also consider the cost of attending the school.

The Best HVAC Schools of 2021

This list is made up of more details about a few of the best HVAC programs in 2021. You should attend one of these programs if you want to become an HVAC technician.

Austin Community College

Programs

HVAC CE Certificate

Accreditation

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Online Options

Not available

This school is for anyone who wants to work in heating and cooling. It was established in 1973 and claims to charge 75 percent less tuition than other technical schools in Texas.

The HVAC certificate program has four mandatory courses that can be completed in 16 to 20 weeks depending on how much time you commit. According to Austin Community College’s official website, the job placement rate for students after the program is 93 percent.

HVAC CE Certificate Curriculum

Construction industry

Basic electricity for HVAC

Refrigeration

EPA Recovery Certification

Cabell County Career Technology Center

Programs

HVAC Technician Advanced Program

Accreditation

Council on Occupational Education

Online Options

Not available

Cabell County Career Technology Center is another excellent school with an impressive graduation rate of 94 percent. The HVAC program covers everything from the basics to more complicated topics that will help you understand the inner workings of HVAC products.

Students who are already trained can apply for the HVAC Technician Advanced program for a shot at the NCCER certification. The full-time program runs for one year while the part-time version runs for two years. Students can also apply for an entry-level HVAC program.

HVAC Technician Advanced Program Curriculum

Duct systems fundamentals

Fundamentals of AC

Refrigeration

Ferris State University

Programs

AAS in HVACR Technology, BS in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Online Options

Not available

This school is among the few that offer a Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management. You will gain the technical and business foundation to launch a rewarding career. The bachelor’s degree runs for two years, which is half the time of a regular bachelor’s.

Keep in mind that only students with an Associate Degree in HVACR can apply for the two-year bachelor’s degree at Ferris. The theories are supported with hands-on practicals to give students a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management Curriculum

Load calculations

Energy audits and analysis

Design principles and processes

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Programs

AAS in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology

Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Online Options

Yes

This community college offers an associate degree covering HVAC subjects that runs for two years. After the extensive program, students may dive into the industry or transfer into a bachelor’s program for further education. Florida State College is one of the go-to institutions for HVAC training in the United States for this very reason.

Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology Curriculum

Applied heating and piping

Air conditioning and refrigeration theory

HVAC controls

Basic electricity and schematics

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Programs

Air Conditioning Technician Assistant Technical Certificate, Air Conditioning Technology Diploma, AAS in Air Conditioning Technology, AAS in Building Automation Systems, AAS in Commercial Refrigeration, Building Automation Systems Technology Diploma, Commercial Refrigeration Diploma

Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Online Options

Yes

This technical college offers students many different programs in HVAC technology. If you want to specialize your practice in air conditioning, refrigeration, or another field, you should attend Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

Your studies will go beyond design, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs of HVAC systems. Students also pick up education and management skills that help them transition into the ideal career path without additional professional lessons.

Association of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology Curriculum

Commercial air conditioning

Residential air condition

Automation technology

Mechanical repair

Indian River State College

Programs

AAS in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology

Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Online Options

Hybrid classes available

This community college offers a unique program because it doesn’t just train you with technical skills. It also has a course dedicated to improving your business acumen. Apart from the business skills, students can either choose traditional education routes or become apprentices.

The apprenticeship program takes more time, but it involves more hands-on learning than the formal school. In addition, Indian River State College is one of the few colleges in the United States that accept interest-free loans for tuition.

Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology Curriculum

Heating and air conditioning service management

Energy in building design

Refrigerant recovery and reclaim

Introduction to business

Lewis-Clark State College

Programs

HVACR Technology Certificate, AAS in HVACR Technology

Accreditation

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Online Options

Not available

Another excellent option for those interested in a full-time HVAC program is Lewis-Clark State College. The public school has been around for over 120 years. It is essential to note that it has a low graduation rate of about 29 percent, but this isn’t unusual when you consider the 100 percent acceptance rate.

The associate degree covers installation, design, maintenance, hydronic codes, and everything there is to know about HVACR systems. In addition, there are certificate programs available to students who don’t have the time for a two-year degree. You may also dive directly into the apprenticeship if you are eligible.

Associate of Applied Science in HVAC Technology Curriculum

Commercial refrigeration

Residential air conditioning

Principles of refrigeration

HVACR service procedures

Moore Tech College of Technology

Programs

Associate of Applied Technology in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating

Accreditation

Council on Occupational Education

Online Options

Hybrid classes available

The Moore Tech College of Technology is known primarily for its high job placement rate of about 97 percent. The Associate of Applied Technology in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating covers air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration and can be completed in two years.

The curriculum is extensive, covering enough theories and practicals for you to gain the experience you need for an entry-level job.

Associate of Applied Technology in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Curriculum

Industrial and residential heating mechanisms

Refrigeration and ventilation maintenance

Principles of refrigeration and conditioning

Mechanics and installation

Moraine Valley Community College

Programs

Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Online Options

Hybrid classes available

This program is for people who already have the HVAC experience and are looking for a refresher program ahead of the EPA 608 Certification exam. All you need is 33 credit hours that focus primarily on the certification requirements.

Students have a chance to get entry-level jobs right after they pass the certification exam. You can take the certification exam in one of the school’s centers by paying an additional $99 after tuition.

Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate Curriculum

HVAC electronic controls

Sustainable energy best practices

Sheet metal hand forming

AC theory

Northwest Louisiana Technical College

Programs

HVAC Technician Certificate

Accreditation

Commission of the Council on Occupational Education

Online Options

Not available

This is another great technical college for HVAC training. You will be taught about all the regular HVAC systems, including installation, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance. There is also an option for dual enrollment for those who want to double up technical skills with another subject.

HVAC Technician Certificate Curriculum

Solar thermal applications

Applied electricity and troubleshooting

Electrical motors

Commercial and residential refrigeration

How Much Can You Earn as an HVAC Expert?

How Much Can You Earn as an HVAC Expert?

On average, HVAC workers earn an average salary of $54,148, according to ZipRecruiter. However, the base salary varies based on experience and location. For example, ZipRecruiter reports that an HVAC engineer earns an average of $82,752 per year, while a manager earns $72,515 per year.

Below is a table of the most common and lucrative job titles for HVAC experts. While a bachelor’s degree is listed as the minimum requirement for these positions, certified HVAC specialists with diplomas and years of experience may qualify.

The Highest-Paying HVAC Roles

Role Required Education Average Salary
HVAC Engineer Bachelor’s Degree $82,752
Work From Home HVAC Engineer PE Bachelor’s Degree $76,317
Work From Home HVAC Consulting Bachelor’s Degree $75,430
HVAC Manager Bachelor’s Degree $72,515
Work From Home HVAC Superintendent Bachelor’s Degree $71,580

Why You Should Be an HVAC Technician in 2021

You should become an HVAC technician in 2021 because it is a lucrative field that does not require too much education. Formal education programs for these experts take six months to two years. Apprenticeship might take more time, but you will log in hours of real-world experience while you study.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that HVAC technician job growth is about four percent between 2019 and 2029. This means that there will be many job opportunities in the coming decade. If you want to become an HVAC technician, you should start now.

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