There are immense opportunities for professionally trained HVAC-R technicians as the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors need skilled workers to build, install, and maintain complex systems. Technological developments that phase out outdated systems, new environmentally green systems, and the need for comfortable workplaces and homes ensure that HVAC technicians will always be in demand. Therefore, if you’re looking for a career with a positive job outlook and like working with your hands, then becoming an HVAC-R technician may be a great choice. Your key responsibility will be to install and maintain heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in residential and commercial spaces.
HVAC programs are offered in vocational schools and community colleges and typically run for 10 months (certificate and diploma programs) to 2 years (associate degree). The training will include theory and hands-on instruction in the fundamental principles and concepts required for entry-level and mid-level positions.
Coyne College
Coyne College prepares HVAC students with real-world skills through theory and hands-on training with an individualized emphasis. Industry professionals will teach students how to install, troubleshoot, and service domestic and commercial systems. The 49-quarter credit curriculum will cover the essentials of mechanical and electrical systems or contemporary heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Major courses will include Introduction to Mechanical Refrigeration Systems, Introduction to Electrical Servicing, Introduction to Commercial Controls, Commercial Controls and Applications, Gas Heating, Air Conditioning, Electric Heat, and Heat Pumps, and Troubleshooting Systems and Installation. An associate degree option is available for students who want to complete a degree program. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
HVAC-R Diploma
Duration: 42 weeks (day program) 56 weeks (evening program)
Quarter credit hours: 49
Prerequisites:
- Must be 17 years or older
- Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED
- Take and pass an entrance exam – exam is waived for applicants who have taken the ACT with a minimum score of 15 or a SAT with a minimum score of 800
- Schedule and attend an interview with a financial aid officer
- Pay the registration fee of $25
- Complete an enrollment agreement prior to acceptance
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $16,772 including registration fee and technology fee. The cost of textbooks, uniforms, and supplies are not included in the cost.
Website: https://www.coynecollege.edu/programs/hvac/
Address: 1 North State Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 888-308-2144
Kennedy-King College City Colleges of Chicago
The A.A.S. degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program offered by Kennedy-King College will prepare students to design, select, maintain, test, and install residential and commercial air conditioning refrigeration, heating, and ventilation systems. Apart from building skills related to the trade, students will obtain business skills that will support self-employment or collaborative work with engineers in an industrial or business setting. Areas of study include Equipment and Systems Controls, Introductory Laboratory, Commercial Refrigeration, Duct Design and Layout, Heating Laboratory, Owner-Contractor Management, and Intro to Principles of Heating. Graduates can apply for positions as a furnace installer, a/c mechanic, gas furnace mechanic, or oil burner mechanic.
Program overview:
A.A.S. in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 62
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission online
- Submit high school transcripts or GED certificate
- Submit official transcripts of any college courses completed
- and college transcripts where applicable
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $146 per credit for in-district students and $384 for out-of-district students. Expenses for books, uniforms, fees, materials, and insurance are not included in the cost.
Website: https://www.ccc.edu/careers/Pages/Heating,-Air-conditioning,-and-Refrigeration-Mechanics-and-Installers.aspx
Address: 6301 South Halsted St Chicago, IL 60621
Phone: (773) 602-5000
Chicago Professional Center
Chicago Professional Center offers an HVAC Technician/ Electrician course that prepares students for licensure as an electrician and HVAC technician. The training begins with an introduction to electricity followed by participation in several National Electrical Code Seminars that will enable students to receive Class A Electrical License. The second phase of the program covers residential and commercial heating and air conditioning that includes training on boilers and chillers. Students will then be prepared for Type 2 and Type 3 EPA HVAC Certification. Training will be conducted in the classroom primarily with up to 40 percent of the total program committed to hands-on training. Instructors will guide students in their use of real electrical and HVAC equipment thus supporting their transition to a real-world environment. Morning and evening classes are offered to accommodate working professionals.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician/ Electrician Certificate
Duration: 4 months
Clock hours: 184
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application
- Provide evidence of high school graduation or GED
- Applicants with no high school diploma or equivalent may be admitted after demonstrating ability to benefit from the training
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Complete the Student Enrollment Agreement
- Must provide a photo ID card
Program cost:
The total cost registration and tuition is $5,000. Books, test fee, and materials and supplies will cost an additional $300.
Website: https://www.chicagoprofessionalcenter.com/
Address: 16 E. Piper Ln Ste 127, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: 847-215-8203
West Chicago Professional Center
The HVAC Technician program offered by West Chicago Professional Center comprises of theory, hands-on, and preparation for certification/licensure. Three separate divisions (four weeks each) cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced work that support proficiency in the profession and make graduates ideal candidates for employment. Course modules include Basic Craft Skills and Fundamental Principles of Heating and Air Conditioning, Practical Skills for Heating and Air Conditioning Technicians, Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Training, Preparation for EPA certification, and Personal Career Counseling for HVAC Technicians.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician Certificate
Duration: 12 weeks
Clock hours: 150
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED or pass an admission exam
Program cost:
The total program cost is $5,450 including tuition, books, supplies and lab fees, and HVAC certification exam.
Website: https://www.westchicagohvac.com/
Address: 1801 East Fabyan Parkway, West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-232-3250
ETI School of Skilled Trades
ETI School of Skilled Trades prepare HVAC students for a rewarding career as an HVAC technician in just 7 months. Instructors will follow a sequential format that moves from basic to advance with an emphasis on hands-on training. The theory will cover 449 hours and the lab hours cover 457 clock hours. Course modules include Sheet Metal, Conduit and Electricity, Boiler Systems, Piping and Applications, Gas Heating, System Design and Controls, and Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and EPA. Graduates will be prepared to take the test for EPA Section 608 Universal Certification and R-410A. Job placement assistance is available. The school offers day and evening classes for students with busy schedules.
Program overview:
HVAC/R Certificate
Duration: 7 months
Clock hours: 906
Prerequisites:
- Call or write to schedule an interview and campus tour with an admissions representative
- Provide official transcripts or original diploma as proof of completing high school or equivalence certificate
- Complete all admissions paperwork including signed enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The total cost of attendance is $15,999.77. It includes tuition, registration fee, books, tools, EPA exam, and sales tax.
Website: https://eticampus.edu/hvacr-program/
Address: 500 Joliet Rd Suite #100, Willowbrook IL 60527
Phone: (888) 830-7678
College of Lake County
College of Lake County’s HVACR program provides instruction in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program will start with fundamentals of electricity, electric motors, and theory of refrigeration and move to advanced preparation for commercial work including reach-in and walk-in units, temperature and humidity control, air circulation, and installing, cleaning, and troubleshooting equipment. At the conclusion of the second semester, students will qualify to take the Industry Competency Exam (ICE) to obtain a nationally recognized credential in the HVACR industry. Graduates will be eligible to take the national exit exam to obtain recognition on an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute National Registry.
Program overview:
HVAC/R Engineering Technology A.A.S.
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 63-67
Prerequisites:
- Apply for admission using the online application form
- Demonstrate college readiness in the areas of reading, writing, and basic algebra
- Submit copy of high school diploma or transcripts
- Must be at least 18 years
Program cost:
Tuition costs $125 per credit hour for in-district students and $322 per credit hour for out-of-district students. Additional costs for fees, textbooks, tools, and supplies must be added to the total.
Website: https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/het
Address: 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
Phone: (847) 543-2000
Harper College
The comprehensive Associate Degree HVACR Technology program offered by Harper College supports the development of technical and industrial expertise that will prepare students for employment as a HVACR installer and service technician. Training will be conducted in the classroom and the state-of-the-art HVAC/R Open Lab. Students will gain experience in the operation, maintenance, service, and repairs of HVAC systems. Theory will cover heat laws, gas laws, pressures, and thermodynamics for energy conservation. Graduates will be eligible for employment as service technicians, technical consultants, facility operation engineers, property managers, equipment installers, project managers, and sales personnel.
Program overview:
A.A.S. in HVAC Technology
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 61
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable enrollment fee of $25
- Submit official high school transcripts
- Submit official transcripts of college courses completed if applicable
- Log onto the Student Portal to get up-to-date communications
- Attend an appointment with an admissions representative
- Complete the application for financial aid
- Schedule a placement exam – may be waived with submission of satisfactory ACT or SAT scores
- Schedule and attend a new student orientation
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $133.50 for in-district students and $390.50 for out-of-district students. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/manufacturing/hvac/index.php
Address: 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: 847-925-6000