HVAC technicians are trained in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. This certification is often paired with basic training in plumbing. After receiving technical education, HVAC technicians may seek certification and licensure to offer these home repair services in their state.
Typical costs:
An HVAC certificate costs $1,200-$15,000 and may be completed at a technical school or community college in 6-12 months. Northwest HVAC/R[1] in Spokane, WA, offers a one-year certificate program for $6,500. With multiple Michigan locations Dorsey Schools[2] offers HVAC training for $13,500 for the nine-month program, EPA examination fees and a basic tool kit. HVAC certificate programs[3] offer basic training in refrigeration, motor controls, heating systems, applied physics and technical math to get students started in the field.
An associate's degree in HVAC Technology costs $15,000-$35,000 and can be completed in two years. The Refrigeration School[4] in Phoenix, AZ, offers HVAC training via a one-year certificate program for $19,125 or a two-year associate's degree for $29,420. Redstone College[5] in Denver costs $30,200 for an associate's degree in HVAC. HVAC Associate's degrees[6] offer general education courses and more technical skills training than a certificate program.
HVAC apprenticeships typically cost $500-$2,000 and may last 3-5 years. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of America[7] offers home-study course for apprenticeships $512 to $732 per year of the four-year program. The self-study coursework[8] is equivalent to classroom training and should be completed in conjunction with an on-the-job training from an approved employer. The Air-Conditioning Contractors of America[9] offers apprenticeships that cost $1,300-$2,000 to cover coursework over the four years. Apprentices may also work under the supervision of an HVAC technician while earning a percentage of a typical wage. Local chapters of national home-building organizations, like the Associated Builders and Contractors, also sponsor HVAC apprenticeship programs. An example is the Northern Kentucky Home Builders Association[10] .
Licensing fees for HVAC technicians are $75-$300. In Virginia[11] , license fees are $90 and exam fees cost $30- $90. In Texas, there is a $50 application fee, $90 exam fee and a $115 license fee. After one year, the license must be renewed for $65.
Certifications are offered by North American Technician Excellence[12] , with an exam cost of $155 -$205. The fee and content of this exam varies by state. Some states require HVAC technicians to have completed an apprenticeship program or 2-5 years of work experience to be licensed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies technicians[13] to handle refrigerants, with a cost of $40-$240.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes common HVAC coursework[14] as including safety practices, tools, blueprint reading and the theory and design of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. Advanced techniques like cutting and soldering pipes and checking electrical circuits may be learned in advanced coursework or during an apprenticeship.
Additional costs:
Additional costs for HVAC students range from $500 to $1,000 for books and supplies and $5,000-$10,000 per year for housing and food. Tools for HVAC students attending AC/C Tech[15] in Indianapolis cost around $400, and uniforms costs $160. Housing at South Florida Academy of A/C[16] in Fort Lauderdale is $4,000 per semester, while room and board costs at HVAC schools in Shreveport, Louisiana[17] are $6,700 on average and books and supplies are estimated at $951 per year.
Discounts:
An industry trade group, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of America[18] offers many scholarships of $500 or more. Some schools, like the New Castle School of Trades in Pennsylvania, also offer scholarship for HVAC students.
Shopping for hvac training:
Accredited HVAC training programs are listed at the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation[19] website.
National Contractors lists National HVAC license requirements and fees[20] by state.
A certificate, associate's degree or apprenticeship can lead to a variety of career options. Oregon's Portland Community College lists some job possibilities[21] at each educational level.
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