Are you looking for the best HVAC Schools in the USA? If YES, here are 10 best HVAC Schools in the USA. If you are thinking of starting a career in the HVAC industry, then you are on the right path. As a matter of fact, available data shows that graduates of HVAC trade school programs generally earn more and have better career prospects, and the surest way to achieve your goal of building a career in the HVAC industry is to enroll in a school that offers HVAC related courses.
Please note that most HVAC certificates and degrees provide similar foundational training, each comes with its own emphases and specializations. Some schools ensure you have a firm grasp on theory as much as application. Others stress the importance of getting in the lab and learning through hands-on experience.
In this article, we are going to be looking at some of the best HVAC schools in the United States, and trust me, in order to determine the best HVAC programs, criteria such as the reputation of each HVAC program in the nation, the graduation rates, retention rates, affordability, and the early salaries of graduates were looked into.
Having said that, and of course in no particular order, here are 10 of the best HVAC schools in the United States of America.
What are the Best HVAC Schools?
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Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC)
Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is top on our list of best HVAC schools in the United States. Located in Clarkson Georgia, part of the larger Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) serves the Atlanta community. It might interest you to note that over 8,000 students are enrolled in a GPTC program, of which there are over 120.
GPTC continues to grow and is currently developing new programs in the arts. At GPTC you can become fully prepared for a career in either residential or commercial heating and air conditioning. You will also gain a foundation in both theory and application on industry technologies. This includes troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems.
What makes this HVAC school unique is that GPTC is perhaps best known for having one of the largest adult literacy programs in the larger technical system of Georgia. It implemented the system-wide Certified Literate Community Program. GPTC was also recognized recently for having the largest number of students earn U.S citizenship while in school.
Here are some of the program options you can access at GPTC:
- Air Conditioning Technician’s Assistant (Certificate)
- Sustainable Technologies (Certificate)
- Air Conditioning Technology (Diploma)
- Associate of Air Conditioning Technology
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Ferris State University (FSU)
Another HVAC school that is worth attending is the Ferris State University (FSU). Located in Big Rapids, Michigan, Ferris State University (FSU) was founded as an industrial school. And today, though it offers hundreds of unique academic programs, it maintains those roots.
It has strong professional programs in the areas of technical education, business, health sciences, and more. At Ferris State you can earn a full BS degree in HVAC. This is a two-year program that introduces you to HVAC design, testing, and adjusting, systems balancing, and microcomputer controls. Meaning, you’ll graduate from Ferris State ready to immediately enter a rewarding career in HVAC.
One of the reasons why you should choose this HVAC school is that Ferris State boasts an impressively low student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. Students at Ferris State work closely with faculty members, who are leaders and experts in their professional fields. This has established a reputation of mentorship across the Ferris State campus.
One good thing about Ferris State University (FSU) is that graduates from the institution have gone on to become; Application Engineers, Project Engineers, HVAC Technicians, and Systems Representatives.
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Austin Community College
Austin Community College is yet another HVAC school that is amongst the best in the United States. This community college system (ACC) serves all of Austin, Texas, and its surrounding communities. In all, it serves over 100k students who either attend classes on one of the many campuses or online. ACC offers over 100 associate degrees and technical certification programs.
The Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology (HART) program at ACC give you two options: a 29 credit-hour certification that takes one year to complete or a 60 credit-hour Associate of Applied Science degree, which takes two years to complete. Both provide a foundation in HVAC with classes on General Basics in Electricity, Physics of Refrigerant, Temperature and Pressure Relationships, and Fundamentals in Troubleshooting Skills.
One of the reasons why you should consider attending Austin Community College is that as one of the largest community college systems in the United States, ACC is able to offer an impressive range of services and programs to its students. It is best known for its continuing education and technical training programs.
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Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NLTC)
Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NLTC) is no doubt one of the leading HVAC schools of repute in the United States of America. Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NLTC) offers degrees in business, health services, information technology, construction and manufacturing, and transportation. NLTC’s main campus is located in Minden but it has additional branches throughout the state.
Over 3k students are enrolled. You can earn an HVAC technical diploma, certificate of technical studies, or a technical competency area recognition at NLTC. All provide specialized training in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration repair. You will learn how to install, diagnose, repair, and maintain systems at the residential and commercial levels.
Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NLTC) offers certification, diploma, and associate degrees in a wide variety of areas. From phlebotomy to well drilling, students have many options at NLTC. The most popular programs of study are also among NLTC’s best: HVAC, business management, and computer science. Interestingly, at Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NLTC), you can anticipate taking classes such as:
- Applied Electricity and Troubleshooting
- Solar Thermal Applications
- Commercial Refrigeration
- Electrical Motors
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William Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech)
Another HVAC school in the United States that is amongst the best is the William Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech). From plumbing to applied technology, the William Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech) offers a number of vocational and professional degrees.
It’s one of the smallest schools on our list, with just a few hundred students. And it is a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning. Moore Tech is one of the oldest vocational institutions in the United States. It was founded in 1909 and since then has provided accessible education for those seeking careers in business and technical fields.
Please note that the Associate in HVAC degree through Moore Tech takes two years to complete. With a job placement rate of around 97 percent, Moore Tech sets its students up to find stable careers after graduation. At William Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech), you have the privilege to specialize in areas like:
- Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Mechanics and Installation
- Principles of Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Heating Mechanisms
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Indian River State College (IRSC)
Indian River State College (IRSC) is yet another HVAC school that is amongst the best in the United States. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, Indian River State College (IRSC) offers approximately 10 bachelor’s degrees in addition to a number of certificates, associate, and diploma programs. All in all, there are over 100 areas of study and trade, from education to manufacturing.
At IRSC you can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology. This program not only fully trains you on the needed skills of HVAC technicians, but it ensures you are ready for a mid-management position. Choose between hands-on module learning or the apprenticeship program.
At Indian River State College (IRSC), their classes include:
- Air Conditioning and Heating Service Management
- Refrigerant Recovery and Reclaim
- Introduction to Business
- Energy in Building Design
Choosing Indian River State College (IRSC) for your continuous education towards building a career in the HVAC industry is just the right choice. As a matter of fact, Indian River State College (IRSC) was recently named one of the ten best community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute. Additionally, its Knight Center for Emerging Technologies is designated first in the nation among mid-size colleges by the Center for Digital Education.
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Palm Beach State College (PBSC)
Another HVAC school in the United States that made the list of the best HVAC schools is the Palm Beach State College (PBSC). Palm Beach State College (PBSC) is a member of the highly regarded Florida College System. It is located in Palm Beach County and is home to over 50k students. PBSC offers over 100 degree programs, from certifications to full bachelors, and in an equally diverse range of subjects.
At Palm Beach State College you will learn all the skills and knowledge affiliated with air conditioning and refrigeration, installation and maintenance, and control circuitry. This program is HVAC Excellence Employment Accredited and it prepares you to ace the EPA HVAC certification exam. At PBSC classes are organized into four tiers, with multiple courses in each and they are;
- Heating, AC, and Refrigeration Helper
- Heating, AC, and Refrigeration Mechanic Assistant
- Heating, AC, and Refrigeration Mechanic
- Heating, AC, and Refrigeration Mechanic Technician
It might interest you to note that the Palm Beach State College (PBSC) is one of the largest schools in the Florida College System. It was recently ranked as the 12th largest producer of associate degrees in the U.S. by Community College Week. And, it offers the lowest tuition rates in the state of Florida.
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Florida State College (FSCJ)
Florida State College (FSCJ) is yet another HVAC school that has built a good reputation over the years in the United States. Located in Jacksonville, Florida State College (FSCJ) offers some of the most affordable and accessible degrees in the state. It has a global learning initiative, with classes held online. And FSCJ offers over 150 academic, professional, and technical programs.
Florida State College (FSCJ) offers a Workplace Certification in HVAC that takes one year to complete. This program sets you on the path to either earn a more advanced degree or to jump right into HVAC work as either a mechanic or installer. In addition to the coursework, you will complete a number of labs plus an internship. Florida State College (FSCJ) offers HVAC courses such as:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Theory I and II plus labs
- Basic Electricity and Schematics
- HVAC Controls
- Applied Heating and Piping
Florida State College (FSCJ) is highly recommended to potential HVAC students and in addition to its praise for being affordable and accessible, Florida State College (FSCJ) is also known for its commitment to student diversity. Students represent more than 100 countries. Community College Week ranks Florida State College (FSCJ) as 11th in the nation.
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Moraine Valley Community College
If you live in Illinois and you are looking for one of the best HVAC schools to attend, then you should consider attending Moraine Valley Community College. Moraine Valley Community College is located in Palos Hills, Illinois. It is home to over 36k students, who are enrolled in one of Moraine Valley’s many academic and trade programs.
Classes are held both online and on-campus (or both), on weekends, and at night. Tuition is low and scholarships are plentiful. Moraine Valley offers a 33 credit-hour Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate. This is a perfect route to gain an entry-level position in the HVAC industry.
Interestingly, at Moraine Valley, in addition to taking the traditional classes on electrical service, installation, control systems, and AC theory, you will also have the opportunity to take unique electives such as:
- Sheet Metal Hand Forming
- Sustainable Energy Practices
- Electronic Controls
- Plus seminars and internships
Moraine Valley Community College is one of the best HVAC schools in the United States and it has demonstrated an adamant commitment to sustainability. Its Center for Sustainability, established by the Illinois Green Economy Network, works to maintain a green campus. But it also promotes green careers and job training among its students.
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Lewis-Clark State College
Lastly, Lewis-Clark State College is yet another HVAC school that is considered among the best of the best. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Lewis-Clark State College as among the top public colleges in the West. It is also known for its research initiatives and its collaborations with other state colleges and universities, as well as local business leaders, public sector groups, and more.
A public undergraduate school, Lewis-Clark State College offers approximately 85 areas of study and trade. However, it is most known for its technical, education, criminal justice, and nursing programs. Over 4,000 students attend Lewis-Clark State College, which is located in Lewiston, Idaho.
Interestingly, at Lewis-Clark State College you can earn an Advanced Technical Certificate, an Associate of Applied Science, or a Bachelor of Applied Science in HVAC. It all depends on the amount of time and energy you can provide, and what level of training you desire.
Even though the certificate requires 55 completed hours and the BAS requires 120. Core classes cover:
- Mechanical Systems Maintenance
- Refrigeration Theory
- Systems Design and Installation
- Hydronic Systems