An HVAC training program is designed to provide the student with classroom and hands-on training for a career in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. Students will develop an understanding of the electrical and mechanical principles related to residential and commercial gas and oil heating units, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. During an HVAC program, classroom work will be supplemented by hands-on training where students use the actual equipment they’ll be using on the job after they graduate.
2 Common Types of HVAC Programs
There are 2 common types of HVAC training programs, diploma programs and associate’s degree programs. An HVAC diploma program will take about 10 months to 1 year and it will prepare you for an entry level job in the field. An associate’s degree in HVAC technology will take about 16 months to 2 years and will include more classroom and field work. Earning an associate’s degree may enable the student to start off with a little higher pay.
Use the search application to find an HVAC program near you.
Common Courses Taken During an HVAC Program
Every HVAC training may not include all listed courses but these are some of the most common ones a student may encounter.
- Basic Math
- Trade Skills
- HVACR Trade Math
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration
- Basic Electricity & Control Circuits
- Electrical for Gas Units
- Electrical for Oil Units
- Residential & Commercial HVAC Systems
- Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems
- Oil Burner Fundamentals
- Oil Burner Controls and Servicing
- Basic Building Trades Blueprint Reading
- HVAC System Design & Layout
- Heating Systems Fundamentals
- Mechanical for Oil Units
- Mechanical for Gas Units
- Forced Air Heating & Cooling
- Brazing, Soldering, Cutting & Piping
- Sheet Metal Theory
- Heating, Hydronic and Steam
- Green Technology Systems
- HVAC Related Codes & Standards
- OSHA Regulations
- EPA Refrigerant Standards & Certification
- International Mechanical Code
The above list of courses is a mixture of those found in both diploma and associate’s degree programs. For example, courses like green technology and international mechanical code may be more commonly encountered during an associate’s degree program. An associate’s degree program will also include more general education courses such as English and an elective or two.
If you’re ready to start training for a career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, find an HVAC program near you.
More reading: