Miami Dade College - Miami, Florida

Miami Dade College immediately stands out to me because of its unique certificate program.

This is a win-win situation where you can earn a salary while going to school for free.

Although the college does not offer a conventional HVAC degree, I'm including it because it has a pre-apprenticeship program that puts students straight to work in entry-level positions.

The classroom instruction provides a fundamental understanding of HVAC mechanics.

Classes also cover on-the-job safety, how to use HVAC tools properly, and how to install a system from a blueprint.

Meanwhile, the paid apprenticeship provides invaluable, on-the-job skills that prepare students to work on their own.

During this time, expect to perform a variety of tasks alongside installers, technicians, and masters in the HVAC field.

The pre-apprenticeship programs at Miami Dade College last one year.

In my opinion, it is the best option since students go to school for free while also getting paid. Plus, I would have loved to spend a year in Miami.

Upon completion, many graduates are offered a full-time position at the company where they did an apprenticeship.

Alternatively, they can apply to other job openings with a year of experience under their belt.

Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology - Boston, Massachusetts

The Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology offers an excellent HVAC certification program thanks to its wide range of classes.

The curriculum consists of 800 hours of classroom instruction mixed with hands-on training.

Students participating in the certification will learn the basics of HVAC repair, system troubleshooting, and repairs.

The Benjamin Franklin Institute’s HVAC training program lasts nine months, with new classes starting in September and January.

So, it's an intense program, but the school moves students through it fairly quickly.

The college emphasizes the latest advancements in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology.

The HVAC certification courses can also be applied to an associate degree in building energy management later if you'd like to pursue that route.

Specializing in HVAC efficiency is very valuable as you will be able to better explain energy efficiency to homeowners.

The federal government is tightening efficiency standards, so learning about these advanced systems can provide students with a clear path toward a future HVAC career in the ‘efficiency’ sector.

The Ben Franklin Institute of Technology charges a premium of over $9000 per semester for the certificate program.

It is one of the most expensive in the country. Still, given the quality of the course and how it prepares students for a successful career, it is an excellent choice.

Ashworth College – Norcross, Georgia

Ashworth College in Georgia is an accredited online university that offers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning classes.

Students can take classes from anywhere in the world. The school is entirely online, with no night or day classes to work your schedule around.

Everything is online and at your pace.

I’ve always found that online learning provides much more flexibility than in-person instruction. The classes cover the same material as other schools.

The only thing left out is hands-on repairs, which you can learn from being an apprentice. (Of course, the downside is that you’ll have to find your own apprenticeship.)

The course is divided into four sections, covering everything from the basics of the refrigeration cycle to commercial refrigeration.

Each section takes approximately one month to complete, and there are no assignment deadlines. The certification must be completed within one year of starting the program.

Since this is a self-paced course, I would start working as soon as possible. While taking classes, try to find a local company to apprentice with.

That way, you can refer back to the courses after getting some hands-on experience.

Ashworth's HVAC certification program is very affordable at $899 if you pay the tuition upfront. They also offer a monthly payment plan that starts at $59 per month.

Ferris State University – Big Rapids, Michigan

Ferris University is one of two schools in the United States offering a four-year degree in the field.

Those looking for a faster route have the option to pursue an associate degree in HVAC technology.

Like most other trade schools, the associate degree covers the basics of HVAC installation and repairs.

It prepares graduates for careers as HVAC technicians, installers, or troubleshooters.

The bachelor's degree takes things a step further, emphasizing the science behind heating and cooling equipment.

For instance, these classes teach load calculations such as the Manual J Load, energy audits, and duct design: all things I recommend knowing if you're planning to own your own HVAC business.

Of course, it's crucial for me to note that a bachelor's degree isn't necessary to become an HVAC technician, and I would not go through the entire four-year program before getting a job in the field.

Still, a bachelor's degree opens the door to more career options beyond hands-on HVAC work.

Graduates with a bachelor's degree can use their expansive knowledge to create duct plans, size equipment for new construction, or even work as energy efficiency advisors.

The degree program has won numerous awards, including ones from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Tuition costs about $13,500 per year for US and Canadian residents at Ferris State University. That breaks down to approximately $483 per credit hour.

Austin Community College – Austin, Texas

Austin Community College offers one of the most recognized HVAC schools in the US. Numerous degree paths make it easy to get started and progress in your career.

I recommend the HVAC certificate as a great starting point. It takes between 16 and 20 weeks to complete and is divided into four courses.

Upon completion, aspiring HVAC technicians can take the EPA 608 and ACC Basic Electricity for HVAC Refrigeration Principles exams. The total cost for the program is $1,450.

The next option is Austin Community College’s two-year associate degree. It is a two-year program that builds upon the certification courses.

Therefore, certification graduates can apply those courses toward an associate’s degree.

The associate’s degree covers different types of air conditioning systems, including chillers, heat pumps, gas heat furnaces, and other refrigeration systems.

Finally, the two-year associate's degree courses can be used toward a Bachelor of Applied Technology.

This program provides a lot of room for mobility without committing a ton of time and money before starting to work.

Students in Austin Community College’s district will pay approximately $1,275 per semester for 15 credit hours. That number jumps to $4,290 for out-of-district students.

Riverside City College – Riverside, California

Riverside City College's range of HVAC courses really stands out to me among other trade schools.

Most schools offer an associate degree or a certification path, but Riverside offers a wide range of HVAC associate degrees and certifications.

These various pathways allow students to specialize in areas such as building automation systems, commercial air conditioning technology, and net-zero energy.

I highly recommend this program for those interested in a specific niche.

Certification courses can be completed in as little as a year, while an associate degree could take up to two years.

Riverside City calls credit hours "units," and the shortest path is the Residential Installation Certification, which requires 12 units.

Because Riverside offers many different options, tuition prices can vary a lot, but resident rates start at $46 per unit (credit hours).

That means the cheapest certification costs $552, while the longest associate’s degree program would cost $1,656.

If you are in southern California, it is hard to beat the value that a certification from Riverside offers.

North Central Kansas Technical College – Beloit, Kansas

North Central Kansas Technical College has a certification that combines plumbing and HVAC courses. This certificate is available at both the Hays and Beloit campuses.

Unlike most HVAC programs, this one comprises many short classes.

For instance, one class solely goes through the EPA 608 certification, while another goes over electrical wiring basics.

There are over 15 individual courses in total. Some classes are only worth one credit hour, while others are worth up to four.

Some people won’t see a value in taking the extra plumbing classes. However, I see it as a great opportunity.

Many HVAC companies also do plumbing, so this would be very appealing on a resume.

North Central Kansas Technical College does not offer an associate’s degree in HVAC, but the HVAC certification classes can be used toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.

Tuition costs $10,721 for the certification program. For that price, I wish they included the tools and books, but they are sold separately.

Mitchell Technical Institute – Mitchell, South Dakota

Mitchell Technical Institute in South Dakota offers several options to get HVAC certified.

The first option is a certification program that consists of 12 classes. One standout is the sheet metal lab that teaches students how to build ductwork.

I cannot stress enough how valuable this class is. There are also math and communication electives. The certification is split up into two semesters.

The associate degree continues with the certification courses. It adds two semesters of more advanced coursework and a third as an internship.

It would take approximately two to two and a half years to complete all courses to get the associate degree.

Since certificate credits count toward the associate's degree, I think it is a good idea to start with it and then consider working toward an associate's degree after starting a job.

The cost for just an HVAC certificate is roughly $8,200. Alternatively, the associate degree program costs just under $18,000.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offers a comprehensive HVAC degree program.

Located in Lancaster, PA, the school requires all students to live in the state for two years before applying, which obviously makes it pretty exclusive.

Students who qualify to attend Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology will take 75 credit hours to graduate with an associate’s degree in HVAC.

That means it will take many students a full two years to graduate.

Although I find the program very long compared to others, students will leave with an advanced understanding of air conditioning equipment.

All classes are taught in person. They consist of classroom instruction and hands-on troubleshooting and repairs, as well as understanding all the steps that go into HVAC preventative maintenance. 

Outside HVAC classes, there are also mandatory safety and gen-ed lessons, so I recommend this program to Pennsylvania residents who are looking for more of a traditional college program.

Pricing for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is pretty straightforward. It costs $4,500 per semester for 12 or more credit hours. Individual courses cost $308 per class.

Houston Community College – Houston, Texas

Houston Community College offers a basic and advanced certificate program consisting of seven and fourteen classes, respectively.

All classes are taught in person, but there are numerous satellite campuses throughout Houston.

The college also offers a traditional associate degree program. This option requires 60 credit hours to graduate, which will take about two years to complete.

Students will also be prepared to take certification exams, such as EPA 608 and NATE (North American Technician Excellence).

The basic certificate does not cover much. Still, it is a good option for people who have little to no existing knowledge of HVAC systems.

I think it would be better to take the advanced course to get a higher-paying job and more experience.

Tuition costs $1,270 per semester for a Houston citizen, assuming the student takes the recommended 15 hours per semester.

If the student lives outside of the district but within the state of Texas, tuition goes up to $2,710 for the same number of credits.

New England Institute of Technology – Greenwich, Rhode Island

New England Institute of Technology strongly emphasizes cutting-edge technology, and the school's HVAC program is no exception.

NEIT offers an associate's degree in HVAC, which can be completed in as little as 18 months. Two years is more realistic for people who want to avoid summer classes.

The course is primarily split between refrigeration and heating. The refrigeration portion focuses on air conditioning, chilling systems, and coolers.

Being in the northeast, NEIT's heating program covers a lot more systems than most schools.

Steam and forced hot water systems are very common in the region, as are systems built to handle the salty ocean air.

Students will learn how to work on these delicate systems and the precautions necessary to do so safely.

I can't emphasize how important the heating aspect is. Many companies operating in the north and northeastern expect employees to have knowledge about these systems.

Maintenance and repairs in the winter (such as fixing a frozen heat pump) are a huge part of careers here.

The school will also help students navigate Rhode Island’s complex licensing process. Tuition for NEIT is on the high end at $17,325 per year or $8,662 per semester.

Which certification is best for HVAC?

Outside of the required EPA 608 Universal, I would consider NATE certification to be the best. I’ve encountered many companies that require NATE professional certification for new hires. It certainly looks good on a resume, even if it is not a requirement.

Where is the best place to work HVAC?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best place to work. It is a good idea to learn about the companies in the area and determine which ones are reputable. Also, contact some local HVAC professionals to learn how different companies treat their employees.

Is HVAC a good career in the USA?

HVAC is an excellent career path because there is a lot of room to grow. Additionally, the pay is pretty good after getting past the apprentice stage. Some days are more trying, but every day is a new adventure.