Modern commercial and residential buildings are equipped with some form of air conditioning system to provide for the safety and comfort of residents. HVAC technicians have the knowledge and skills to maintain and repair these systems to keep them in top working order. There are many rewards of preparing for a career in this sector. HVAC technicians have a steady supply of jobs throughout the year. The income earning potential is another key benefit. Technicians at every level – even entry-level technicians – can earn a competitive wage. The opportunities for advancement and growth provide for higher salaries and greater responsibilities within the sector. The path to entry is easier than most careers. HVAC is a trade job that does not require a degree for entry. A certificate program requires one semester of study at a local community college or vocational school and will prepare you with all the skills needed to start out in the profession. Depending on your career goals, you can continue your studies to advance to a specific area in the industry.
Tech Zone HVAC-R
Tech Zone’s HVAC program is designed to teach students the basics in refrigeration, air conditioning and heating through an understanding of thermodynamics and the pressure/temperature relationship. The program will also cover the basics in the electrical system and knowledge of motors. Hands-on practice will include sessions designed for students to diagnose the problems they can encounter and use of tools of the trade in their repair. Course topics include HVAC theory, basic electricity, motors, brazing, recovery/evacuation/charging, combustion systems, heat pump systems, soft skills, and EPA exam studies. Students will be required to complete 90 percent class time in order to graduate and maintain an 80 percent or better GPA on all required tests. Graduates will be prepared to work as licensed technicians, service technicians, installers, maintenance workers, manufacturers, or sales representatives. Class sizes are small to provide individualized attention. Day, night, and Saturday schedules are available.
Program overview:
HVAC Certificate
Duration: 2 weeks (full-time) 10 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 100
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalency or pass the school’s ATB test with a score of 70% or greater
- Complete an application for admission
- Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $3,350 and includes the $200 deposit, access to the book, tools, and supplies while in class.
- Website: https://techzonehvacr.com/
- Address: 617 East Second Street Irving, TX 75060
- Phone: 972-579-8822
Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College offers an HVAC Residential Technician Certificate level program designed for adults who enjoy trouble-shooting and problem-solving. They will specialize in residential systems and prepare for an in-demand field with a bright job outlook. Students will learn how to install, check and maintain HVAC/R systems, install large HVAC/R systems as part of a team, repair or replace malfunctioning components of HVAC/R systems, and follow government regulations when handling and managing refrigerants. Marketable skills developed in the program include critical thinking, reasoning, teamwork, computer literacy, communication, and personal and social responsibility. Course topics include technical calculations, basic electricity for HVAC, refrigeration principles, advanced electricity for HVAC, residential air conditioning, and air conditioning installation and startup.
Program overview:
HVAC Residential Technician I Certificate
Duration: 2 semesters
Certificate hours: 23
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be a resident of Tarrant County
- Complete an application for admission
- Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $1,472 for level I for in-state and in-county residents. Total does not include textbooks and other materials.
- Website: https://www.tccd.edu/
- Address: 5301 Campus Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119
- Phone: 817-515-4514
Texas State Technical College
The HVAC Residential Technician Certificate program at Texas State Technical College is offered in online, in-person, or hybrid formats. It is designed to prepare students for employment in the HVAC industry. The curriculum will cover basics in electricity, refrigeration, troubleshooting, installation, and repair of residential systems. Course modules include basic electricity for HVAC, refrigeration principles, HVAC shop practices and tools, gas and electricity heating, air conditioning control principles, residential air conditioning, air conditioning installation and startup, air conditioning troubleshooting, and heat pumps. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
HVAC Residential Service Technician Certificate I
Duration: 8 months
Certificate hours: 27
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be a resident of Tarrant County
- Complete an application for admission
- Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $5,568.
- Website: https://www.tstc.edu/
- Address: 1902 N. Loop 499, Harlingen, TX 78550
- Phone: 800-852-8784
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech offers career-focused training to prepare students for employment in the HVAC industry. Students will learn from instructors who have worked in the industry and want to pass on the information they know. The program includes classroom as well as hands-on training with a focus on skills such as installing, maintaining, and repairing temperature control equipment. Lincoln Tech is one of 135 Certified Master HVAC Educators in the United States. Course topics include electricity, heating system, basic refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, air conditioning design and energy conservation, commercial refrigeration systems, commercial air conditioning and refrigeration system troubleshooting, and advanced electrical and troubleshooting. Graduates will meet the essential entry level skills and knowledge required of HVAC technicians.
Program overview:
HVAC Technology Diploma
Duration: 52 weeks – Day, Afternoon, Evening
Clock hours: 1200
Semester credit hours: 50
Prerequisites:
- Must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
- Must be a high school graduate or possess an approved equivalency
- Complete and sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the Learner Assessment to determine readiness for academic success
- Must have access to the Internet and a device that meets the minimum requirements
- Attend a New Student Orientation
Program cost:
The estimated total program cost of $28,030 includes tuition, books, uniforms, registration fee, student fee, and technology fee.
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/
- Address: 2915 Alouette Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
- Phone: (972) 660-5701
Remington College
Remingon College offers a hybrid HVAC program designed for students who need to program that fits with their schedules. The theoretical coursework will be delivered online and the hands-on sessions on campus. Practical sessions will cover the maintenance and troubleshooting of complex heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems including commercial and industrial systems. Course topics include Career Development Fundamentals, Career Development Principles, Basic Refrigeration Theory, Fundamental HVAC Maintenance, Basic Electricity, Residential AC, Motors and Motor Control, Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Heat Pumps and Hydronic Health, and Ventilation and Air Flow. Morning and evening schedules are available. Morning classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:50 pm. Evening classes meet Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 10:50 pm.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician Diploma
Duration: 12 months
Clock hours: 980
Quarter credit hours: 59
Prerequisites:
- Must execute an Application and Enrollment Agreement with Remington College
- Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the Application and Enrollment Agreement
- Must provide documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
- Complete the Career Path Assessment and Online Risk Profile
- Complete an online orientation to become acquainted with the learning management system
- Applicants may be admitted under an Ability-to-Benefit determination if 19 years or older
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
Program cost:
Tuition costs $21,685. Equipment and supplies are not included.
- Website: https://www.remingtoncollege.edu/
- Address: 1800 Eastgate Dr, Garland, TX 75041
- Phone: (972) 686-7878
Dallas College – Eastfield Campus
The AAS Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program at Dallas College prepares students for industry certifications and entry-level employment as an HVAC technician. The program will cover residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems. Theory in the classroom will be followed by hands-on practice sessions to aid the transition to the workplace. There will be a special emphasis on commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration during the second year. Course modules include basic electricity for HVAC, refrigeration principles, air conditioning control principles, heat pumps, gas and electric heating, residential air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, air conditioning troubleshooting, conditioning and refrigeration, energy management, advanced air conditioning controls, and cooperative education – heating air conditioning and refrigeration. Graduates may apply for industry certifications and may transfer to a four-year degree program.
Program overview:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology AAS
Duration: 4 semesters
Clock hours: 980
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Meet with a financial aid counselor
- Take the TSI assessment and submit scores or submit high school test scores
- Must have meningitis vaccination
- Attend a New Student Orientation
- Register for classes
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
Program cost:
Tuition costs $4,740 for the AAS degree for Dallas County residents.
- Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspx
- Address: 1601 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215
- Phone: 214-378-1500
Arlington Career Institute
Arlington Career Institute’s HVAC program takes a hands-on approach to learning to prepare students with the skills that will help them to succeed in the HVAC industry. The program will emphasize the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning systems – both residential and commercial. Course modules include safety and introduction to installation, cooling cycle and cooling tune-ups, heating operation and heating tune-ups, a/c and heating maintenance, heat pumps and gas furnace, and HVAC diagnostics. Graduates will be eligible for universal EPA certifications and job placement assistance upon successful completion of the program requirements.
Program overview:
HVAC Certificate
Duration: 7 weeks (full-time)
Contact hours: 270
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Complete an interview with an Admissions Representative and a campus tour
- Complete the initial Application for Admission online
- Must have a high school diploma, high school transcripts, or GED certificate
- Pay the $100 enrollment fee in full or make a partial payment
- Submit a completed Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:.
The total program cost of $7,850 includes tuition, tools, supplies, and registration fee.
- Website: https://www.arlingtoncareerinstitute.edu/
- Address: 901 E. Avenue K, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
- Phone: 972-284-0881
- Fax: 972-647-4044
North Central Texas College
The HVAC program at North Central Texas College prepares students to earn an Occupational Skills Award (OSA) and a Level 1 HVAC Certificate. They will have the option to continue on the AAS HVAC Degree at NCTC. The program will be delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes for students to fit into their lives and schedules. Course topics include refrigeration principles, basic electricity for HVAC, AP recovery certification preparation, residential air conditioning, and industrial mathematics. Graduates will be prepared to test for and obtain an EPA 608 certification, which enables them to transport, recover, and dispose of all refrigerants. They will demonstrate improved communication skills, application and use of common hand tools of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning trade, and understanding of HVAC systems.
Program overview:
HVAC Level I Certificate
Duration: 1 semester
Credit hours: 15
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Schedule and attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must take and pass an admissions assessment
Program cost:
Financial assistance of up to $2,500 is available for new students.
- Website: https://www.nctc.edu/
- Address: 1525 West California St., Gainesville, TX 76240
- Phone: (940) 668-7731