Demand for HVAC technicians is high as residential, commercial, industrial, and automotive customers need to maintain their heating and cooling systems. New innovations lead to smarter, cheaper, and more efficient systems. Yet they are more complex and advanced, requiring the skills of a certified technician to install, maintain, and repair.
HVAC technicians install, repair, or maintain air systems that control the temperature and air quality indoors. Some technicians choose to specialize in one area – installation, service, or repair. There are opportunities to further specialize in a specific component, such as commercial refrigeration, gas heating, oil heating, or air distribution and ducts. As there are many sides to the profession, the duties will also depend on the industry and specialty. In general, HVAC technicians test pipes or joints for leaks, change filters, clean ducts, replace defective components, install thermostats and timers, and test electrical circuits.
According to the BLS, jobs for HVAC technicians is set to grow by 4 percent between 2019 and 2029. This rate is faster than the average growth rate for all other job fields. As regulatory guidelines are updated, jobs related to the installation and repair of energy-efficient programs are expected to increase according to the US Department of Energy.
National Technical Institute – Phoenix
The National Technical Institute HVAC-R curriculum covers everything that adults need to function competently as an HVAC-R technician. It will include practical and didactic training in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. Experienced industry professionals will teach students how to troubleshoot, service, repair, and install residential and commercial systems. Course modules include Advanced Air Conditioning, Gas Heating, Heat Pumps, HVAC Troubleshooting, Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Components of a Commercial Refrigeration System, and Troubleshooting Commercial Refrigeration Systems. Areas of study include heat pump theory, control circuits, heat pump design, furnace, ignition theory, operational controls, ice machines, cascade systems, electrical controls, lab troubleshooting practice, and charging a refrigeration system. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm or from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Program overview:
Certified HVAC/R Technician Program
Duration: 4 months
Contact hours: 192
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Attend an interview with an admission’s representative
- Sign the Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $6,895 and includes tuition, books, and tools.
Website: https://phoenixhvacschool.com/
Address: 3660 E Wier Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (480) 359-4052
Refrigeration School, Inc.
The Refrigeration and HVAC training program offered by the Refrigeration School, Inc trains students for entry-level service and maintenance jobs in the HVAC-R industry. The curriculum centers around the installation, operation, service, and repair of refrigeration and comfort systems. Course modules include Fundamentals of Electricity, Fundamentals of Refrigeration, Comfort Systems – Residential, Comfort Systems – Commercial, Refrigeration Systems and Practices, and Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques. Students will learn basic electricity including test meter usage and safety processes associated with electrical systems, the refrigeration cycle and the tools associated with the refrigeration industry, residential split systems, packaged heat pump systems, gas furnaces, and evaporative coolers, removing and replacing components within residential and commercial HVAC systems, maintaining and managing residential and commercial grade walk-in refrigerators, and the operation and maintenance of reciprocating liquid chillers and stands. The hands-on training includes real-world externships to facilitate the application of skills acquired in the classroom. Day and evening classes with flexible schedules are available.
Program overview:
Refrigeration Technologies Training Program
Duration: 6 months
Credit hours: 24
Contact hours: 600 plus outside hours
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Schedule and attend a personalized campus tour
- Apply for admission to RSI
- Submit documentation of previous education
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $16,735 and includes tuition, registration fee, course materials, gear package, EPA certification, textbooks, and accident insurance.
Website: https://www.rsi.edu/programs/refrigeration-technologies/
Address: 4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85034
Phone:(866) 820-0823
Gateway Community College
GateWay College offers a Certificate of Completion and Associate in Applied Science Degree in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Facilities Technology (ACRF). Instructors will use class lectures as well as hands-on training to equip students with the required competencies for employment in the field. Course topics include Refrigeration Applications & Components I, EPA Section 608 Technician Preparation and Certification, Electricity for Industry, Heating & Air Conditioning, Motors, Controls & Wiring Diagrams, Load Calculation & Duct Design, Electro-Mechanical Devices, Facilities Air Conditioning, Controls and Instrumentation, Codes, Air & Water Balance, and Construction Safety. Students must complete general education courses as part of the AAS degree requirements. It is recommended that applicants complete MAT090 before applying to the program.
Program overview:
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 66-74.5
Prerequisites:
- Submit the Student Information Form
- Verify in-state residency
- Request official high school and college transcripts to be sent to the Admissions and Records Department at GateWay College
- Take a course placement test – if applicable
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships if eligible
- Meet with an Industrial Technology Program Advisor
- Register for courses and pay tuition and fees
- Attend a program orientation session
Program cost:
Tuition and fees for the AAS degree cost $6,644. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/hvac-refrigeration-technology
Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 286-8000
Arizona Automotive Institute
Arizona Automotive Institute’s comprehensive Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration program prepares adults to enter the HVAC industry. At the conclusion of the theory and practical requirements, students will receive an HVAC Diploma. They will learn how to use hand and specialty tools and understand the necessity of shop safety procedures during the shop courses. Major requirements include Technical Customer Service, Business Communications, Fundamentals of Math, Job Search, Air Conditioning, Electrical Systems and Controls, Heating and Heat Pumps, and Refrigeration. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society technician certification exam and EPA section 608 certification. The school admits new students every 5 weeks.
Program overview:
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, & Basic Refrigeration – Diploma
Duration: 40 weeks
Credit hours: 50-75 quarter credits
Clock hours: 800
Prerequisites:
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or transcript or GED certificate
- Attend an interview with an admission representative
- Meet with a Financial Aid Officer
- Meet with an Enrollment Compliance Officer to complete an enrollment agreement and required forms
- Submit necessary information to determine eligibility for admission
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $20,040 and includes tuition, registration fee, course fees, books, tool kits, supplies, and uniforms.
Website: https://www.aai.edu/programs/hvac-refrigeration/
Address: 6829 N. 46th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301
Phone: 888-419-9440
Vocational Training Institute
Vocational Training Institute offers a hands-on HVAC program to prepare students for the real world after graduation. Students will cut and assemble pipes for gas lines, wire high and low-voltage lines with the aid of expert instructors. They will acquire skills to install, maintain, and service HVAC/R equipment. Course modules include Orientation HVAC/R Mechanical and Electrical System Introduction, Mechanical Refrigeration Components & Electrical Controls Function, Electrical Distribution, Controls Configuration, Instruments, Devices, and Tools Application for Mechanical and Electrical System Troubleshooting, Certification Exam Prep, Refrigerant Transition & Recovery Certification, Technical Service Procedures and Troubleshooting Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Blueprint Reading, Introduction to Commercial Refrigeration, Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic, Introduction to Chillers, and Heating Systems. Day and evening classroom with multiple scheduling options are available for students’ convenience.
Program overview:
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Training Program
Duration: 24 weeks (morning) 30 weeks (evening)
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Be at least 18 years of age or 17 years and have a parent or guardian co-sign the enrollment agreement
- Meet with an admission’s representative
- Complete an application for admission
- Sign the enrollment agreement
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or transcript or GED certificate
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $20,995 and includes tuition, registration fee, books, tool,s and training materials.
Website: https://myvocationaltrainingaz.com/
Address: 2101 W. Alice Ave. Phoenix AZ 85021
Phone: 602-243-9926
Email: admissions@hvactechschool.com
Better Tech Institute
Better Tech Institute prepares students to become qualified HVAC contractors. The program offers a fast-track to certification and includes hands-on training, both off-site and on-site with opportunities to work side-by-side with senior technicians. Practical training will include testing and troubleshooting HVAC system components, servicing electrical systems, type of refrigerant and proper refrigerant handling, maintaining and repairing heating systems, and principles of refrigeration and air conditioning. BTI offers a fully equipped facility with multiple heating and cooling units, superior instruction, modern classrooms and labs, small class sizes, and affordable training. Graduates will be able to perform HVAC tune-ups, diagnose system issues, and conduct repairs.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician Training Program
Duration: 6 weeks (morning) 10 weeks (evening)
Clock hours: 240
Prerequisites:
- Be at least 16 years – applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian co-sign the enrollment agreement
- Meet with an admission’s representative
- Complete an application for admission
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or transcript or GED certificate. The school accepts ability-to-benefit
- Submit to a background check
Program cost:
Contact the school for a breakdown of the affordable tuition.
Website: https://www.bettertechinstitute.com/
Address: 7595 E Gray Road Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: (602) 313-1915
UEI College
The HVAC-R program offered by UEI College provides students with knowledge and technical skills to acquire entry-level employment in the field. Theory and hands-on training will cover installation, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and design of refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning systems. Hands-on simulations are included to prepare students for field service work as repair technicians, apprentice mechanics, and installation technicians. Course titles are Basic Electricity, Motors and HVAC Controls, Basic Refrigeration Theory and Application, Air Conditioning, Troubleshooting and Heat Pump Systems, Heating Systems, Duct Design, Blueprint Reading and Load Calculation, Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Specialized Commercial Equipment and Green Awareness, Regulation and Building Automation, Electrical and Mechanical Troubleshooting. Graduates will be prepared for two industry certifications – EPA Section 608 Certification for Stationary Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Universal R-410A Safety Training and Certification.
Program overview:
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Diploma
Duration: 10 months
Clock hours: 720
Credit hours: 31.5
Prerequisites:
- Be at least 17 years
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Applicants 18 years or older who do not have a high school diploma may apply as Ability to Benefit students – Verbal 200, Quantitative 210
- Submit an official College Application
- Submit official transcripts for all colleges attended
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $19,900 and includes tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms.
Website: https://www.uei.edu/trade-school/arizona/phoenix/
Address: 9215 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: (623) 226-7300
Western Maricopa Education Center #402
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program offered by Western Maricopa Education Center prepares students for entry-level employment as technicians in the HVAC industry. The curriculum covers electrical fundamentals, the refrigeration system, and diagnostics from a technician’s viewpoint. Program graduates will be eligible to take the exam to obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 certification and the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER) certification in HVAC-R. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 6:45 pm to 9:45 pm.
Program overview:
HVAC-R
Duration: 10 months
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Be at least 17 years – parental consent is required for applicants under 18 years
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Submit an application for admission
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $5,240. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://west-mec.edu/hvac/
Address: 1617 W. Williams Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Phone: 623-738-0022