Online HVAC Training

Those interested in learning the fundamentals of HVAC systems—as well as current HVAC professionals interested in deepening their competencies in various subfields—can gain HVAC training through online certificate programs. These programs are ideal for those looking for entry-level HVAC jobs, or for entry-level professionals looking to increase salaries. Students are prepared to take (and may receive vouchers for) specific HVAC certification exams as part of the programs.

Following are twelve featured online certificate programs for HVAC professionals, aspiring and current:

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) provides two distance-based HVAC certificates available: an HVAC/R certified technician program and an HVAC/R technician program.

Although both programs prepare graduates to work as HVAC techs, individuals looking for the most suitable training to enter the HVAC technician field should consider the HVAC/R certified technician program. It is designed to prepare installers and technicians to pass various national HVAC certification exams, including the EPA 608 Refrigerant Handling Exam, the R-410A Refrigerant Handling Qualification, and the students’ choice of certification exams from NATE or HVAC Excellence. Students receive vouchers to sit for the most common industry certification exams as part of the program.

Students for the HVAC/R certified technician program should have one to two years of industry experience and a high school diploma or GED. The HVAC/R technician program does not have any prerequisites.

Students will delve into topics such as refrigeration & refrigerants, tools & equipment, tubing & piping, system charging, fasteners, basic electricity & magnetism, application of motors, types of electric motors, compressors, condensers, special refrigeration systems, gas heat, electric heat, oil heat, air distribution & balance, and geothermal heat pumps, among others.

Notably, UND also offers programs in HVAC/R simulations for field technicians; HVACR controls/building automation systems; and residential electricians, among others.

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
• Estimated Tuition: $4,395 total

Ashworth College

Ashworth College provides an online career diploma in heating and air conditioning that can be completed in as few as four months. This online HVAC training program was built to provide a flexible, convenient learning experience to busy students who do not have the time to commit to an on-campus program. This program offers them the flexibility of completing it entirely online from the comfort of their home, at their own pace.

The comprehensive, self-paced program provides lessons on the field, including an HVAC/R orientation, fundamentals for HVAC/R, HVAC/R systems, and HVAC/R system design, layout, and commercial applications.

Ultimately, the Ashworth College HVAC Career Diploma provides preparation for the EPA Section 608 Certification exam. The Ashworth program includes a voucher for the student’s certification cost from ESCO. The program is ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their current skills and prepare for a high-demand field.

This program gives students the skills and knowledge needed to successfully install, troubleshoot, and maintain HVAC systems for commercial and residential buildings. Notably, Ashworth also offers an automotive HVAC career certificate.

• Location: Norcross, GA
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four months
• Estimated Tuition: Full pay ($799); monthly pay ($959)

Penn Foster (sponsor)

Penn Foster offers students a DEAC-accredited online career diploma that will help them take the first step toward becoming an HVAC/R technician. This online program is designed to help students prepare for HVAC certification and can be completed in seven to eleven months.

Through nine courses—the program includes topics such as electrical systems, math for the trades, and fundamentals of HVAC/R, refrigeration systems, residential and light commercial HVAC/R systems, commercial refrigeration systems, and HVAC/R system design and installation—students learn to install, repair, and maintain home and commercial systems. As part of their program, Penn Foster’s HVAC/R technician program graduates are also given a voucher for the EPA Certification Test.

Penn Foster also offers students an online career certificate program that helps graduates develop their skills in the essentials of automotive HVAC. This online program covers automotive engine heating and cooling systems, EPA rules, regulations, and safety practices. Graduates of Penn Foster’s automotive HVAC essentials certificate program will also receive an ASE test-prep book to help them prepare for the ASE Heating and Air Conditioning test.

• Location: Scottsdale, AZ
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Career diploma (seven to 11 months); Automotive HVAC (one to five months)
• Estimated Tuition: Full pay ($899); monthly pay ($1,089)

Air Conditioning Contractors of America

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) offers an online residential HVAC certificate. It comprises three modules and 28 lesson units in subjects such as designing a ducted distribution system, appropriately sized equipment, and performing residential load calculations. These certificates are valid for five years.

This program is ideal for contractors, design and utility personnel, technicians, wholesalers, licensing and code officials, energy commission officials, and others interested in learning about the importance of accurate residential load calculation procedures for system design.

ACCA also offers certification programs in light commercial HVAC design, EPIC instructor competencies, refrigerant handling (EPA 608), and two ACCA-developed Qtech certifications (quality installation and home performance).

• Location: Alexandria, VA
• Accreditation: N/A
• Expected Time to Completion: 22 to 25 hours plus individual study time
• Estimated Tuition: $495 ($395 for ACCA members)

HVAC Training Solutions

HVAC Training Solutions provides several online training programs, including commercial refrigeration, HVAC technician, contractor, and NATE certification training. The course allows students to learn at their own pace and consists of video lectures along with online simulations of HVAC repair and maintenance scenarios.

The HVAC technician course includes 20 training modules covering topics such as heat, temperature, and pressure; matter and energy; basic electricity and magnetism; troubleshooting electric motors; air-source heat pumps; and more. For those unsure about a future in HVAC, this course also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The simplified approach offered here for learning HVAC is very non-traditional. When students learn the basics of HVAC, they will have the necessary skills to pursue their HVAC career.

• Location: Online
• Accreditation: N/A
• Expected Time to Completion: Ten to 18 weeks
• Estimated Tuition: Full pay ($985); monthly pay ($217)

HVACRedu

HVACRedu offers a NATE-certified HVAC technician program that is 100 percent online. In addition to incorporating learning objectives from the greater HVAC industry (HVAC Excellence, AHRI, NATE, ESES, HARDI, PAHRA, ACCA, etc.), this 256-hour program brings students sequentially through the NATE ready-to-work exam, the NATE CORE exam, the NATE air conditioning specialty exam, and then the EPA Section 608 certification. Coursework in the program includes building systems review, electrical common components, introduction to cooling system troubleshooting, and electrical motors.

This program is ideal for individuals new to the industry, non-certified technicians, and installers who want formal education to upskill their knowledge and prepare for licensing or certification exams.

• Location: Heron, MT
• Accreditation: N/A
• Expected Time to Completion: 256 hours
• Estimated Tuition: $2,665 total

Excelsior University

Excelsior College provides an online HVAC/R technician program preparing students for entry-level employment in the HVAC/R industry by providing hands-on guidance for repair, solutions, and service. By completing this program, students will be ready to pass all seventeen HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificates, the NATE Ready to Work Certificate, and the EPA 608.

Students will also receive a voucher including one employment-ready certificate for electrical, one for air conditioning, and one for EPA 608 voucher.

This program is for students who have little or no background in HVAC/R, so there are no prerequisites to take this program. However, it is recommended to have a high school diploma or GED.

The curriculum includes automatic controls, electric motors, commercial refrigeration, all-weather systems, domestic appliances, commercial air-conditioning & chilled-water systems, safety, tools & equipment, and shop practices.

Upon completion, students learn about installing and operating HVAC systems. They also completely understand refrigerants’ recovery, recycling, and retrofitting.

• Location: Albany, NY
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
• Estimated Tuition: $2,895 total

Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College offers several HVAC programs, including an HVAC entry-level certificate, an academic certificate in HVAC/R mechanics, an HVAC/R associate degree, and an HVAC/R technician diploma. These programs cannot be completed entirely online, but many courses they offer have an online option. With a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, these programs prepare students for careers encompassing the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of various HVAC systems.

The HVAC entry-level training certificate consists of 141 clock hours, and the academic certificate requires 35 credits. The associate degree comprises 71 credits, while the diploma comprises 45 credits. The curriculum includes courses such as HVAC electrical operation and diagnostics; heat pump operations and diagnostics; fundamentals of refrigeration; heating fundamentals; basic air conditioning; heat pumps, airflow design, measurement, and diagnostics; and general psychology, among others.

Graduates can take up roles such as commercial refrigeration technician, residential service technician, HVAC/R installation technician, physical plant maintenance technician, to name a few.

• Location: West Columbia, SC
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: HVAC training certificate (141 clock hours); associate degree (five semesters); academic certificate and Diploma (three semesters each)
• Estimated Tuition: HVAC training certificate ($4,733; associate degree ($13,348); academic certificate ($6,580); diploma ($8,460)

University of California, Berkeley Extension

An online certificate program in HVAC offered by UC Berkley allows students to take classes live online from anywhere with an internet connection. Students in this program will be provided with an in-depth understanding of the technical applications and principles they need to design new HVAC systems and retrofit existing systems to meet energy conservation and comfort standards.

There are no prerequisites for this certificate program, but a bachelor’s degree in engineering or previous HVAC experience is recommended.

Made up of 11 credits, the curriculum is approved by the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design and overseen by industry and education leaders, ensuring that the education provided is relevant and current. The faculty includes working professionals who have years of practical experience. Sample some of the coursework: HVAC ductwork and piping systems; HVAC control & energy management systems; HVAC system design considerations; and HVAC system load calculations and psychrometry.

• Location: Berkeley, CA
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Three semesters
• Estimated Tuition: $4,875 to $5,285 total

University of Central Florida

UCF’s Division of Continuing Education has two HVAC programs available: an HVAC/R technician program and an HVAC/R certified technician program. Both programs provide students with vouchers to sit for certification exams.

Preparing graduates to work as HVAC techs, these programs prepare technicians and installers to pass a wide variety of national HVAC certification exams, such as the R-410A Refrigerant Handling Qualification and the EPA 608 Refrigerant Handling Exam, and the students’ choice of certification exams from HVAC Excellence or NATE.

The HVAC/R technician program has no prerequisites, while the HVAC/R certified technician program requires students to have one to two years of industry experience and a high school diploma or GED.

As part of the program, some of the topics students will explore include calibrating instruments, system charging, introduction to automatic controls, troubleshooting basic controls, automatic control components & applications, expansion devices, indoor air quality, comfort & psychometrics, cooling towers & pumps, and room air conditioners to name a few.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
• Estimated Tuition: $2,895 total

Remington College

Remington College Online offers an HVAC diploma and an associate of occupational studies program in HVAC. Courses in these programs are delivered in a hybrid format. Courses in the hybrid format may include in-person (residential) and distance education (online) components. These programs provide in-depth training in HVAC systems, helping students learn about the basics of maintaining and troubleshooting today’s complex HVAC/R systems.

The diploma comprises 59 credits, while the AOS degree comprises 95 credits. The curriculum includes basic refrigeration theory; residential heating; basic electricity; fundamental HVAC maintenance; hydronic systems; ventilation & airflow; commercial refrigeration systems; motors & motor control; domestic appliances & cold water air conditioning; and residential heating, among others.

At the end of the program, graduates will be ready for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry, such as in commercial or industrial heating and cooling, residential, commercial or industrial refrigeration & freezers, and residential heating and cooling. They can find opportunities with manufacturers, contracting companies, refrigeration appliance installation & repair, and commercial freight and air conditioning.

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Diploma (12 months); AOS degree (24 months)
• Estimated Tuition: Diploma ($248.86 per credit); AOS degree ($246.27 per credit)

Altierus Career College

Altierus Career College offers two hybrid diploma programs in HVAC and HVAC/R, where students will be prepared for certification in Universal R410A, OSHA 10-hour Basic Safety Orientation, and EPA 608 Universal Certification. While most of the courses are available online, students will have to visit campus twice a week to practice hands-on skills and ask questions to instructors. Both programs require 54 credits.

The HVAC program includes courses such as basic construction; electricity for HVAC/R technicians; HVAC/R craft skills; advanced heating systems; air distribution; and energy conservation methods. The HVAC/R program includes coursework in refrigeration controls and troubleshooting; refrigeration systems; commercial hydronic systems; and basic air conditioning.

• Location: Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX
• Accreditation: HVAC Excellence
• Expected Time to Completion: Nine months
• Estimated Tuition: $15,822 total

Several online training options for HVAC continuing education units (CEUs) are required to maintain active licenses and certifications in some states. Although many state government websites (e.g., Texas Department of Licensing and Registration [TDLR], Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction) provide links to approved HVAC continuing education facilities, there are also online CEU opportunities offered through universities and training institutes.

Before enrollment, applicants must verify online CEUs are valid to maintain their chosen certifications or licenses. Interested students should check with licensing bodies, certification providers, or CEU program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

ASHRAE

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) has several online classes, valid for three CEUs each, including combined heat and power, laboratory design, fundamental requirements of a standard, and commissioning process in new and existing buildings.

Trane

Trane, a company that patented its first air conditioner in 1931, hosts many more specialized online CE courses approved by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Trane offers classes in coil selection and optimization (1 CEU); air handling systems (1); air-to-air energy recovery (1.5); and applying variable refrigerant flow (1.5). These more advanced courses may qualify for state-licensed professional CEUs.

State CE

State CE, a multi-industry CE provider that has helped more than 100,000 professionals meet their needs since 2001, provides a wealth of state-specific online CE programs with training in HVAC fundamentals; rules, law, safety & health; and systems and standards. Experienced HVAC professionals prepare all CE course materials to ensure thoroughness, relevance, and accuracy.

All programs are certified by the appropriate state licensing bodies. The self-study courses allow students to take control of their learning process. They won’t feel the need to keep up with other students. They can repeat the lessons as often as they wish until they have mastered the materials to their satisfaction.

Penn Foster (sponsor)

Penn Foster’s online HVAC program (profiled above in “online HVAC certificate programs”) can also be used for continuing education units (CEUs) through select state government and certification organizations.

University of North Dakota

Although students must check to see if these programs count for CEUs with their regional certifying bodies, HVAC professionals looking for professional development can enroll in HVAC/R simulations for field technicians and HVAC/R controls/building automation systems—both available from the University of North Dakota.

HVAC/R simulation is an 18-hour, six-month course that enables entry-level HVAC professionals to practice real-life troubleshooting of HVAC systems in a simulated environment. HVAC/R controls/building automation is a 90-hour, six-month course for experienced HVAC/R professionals who want to expand their knowledge of systems and controls from professionals with 38 years of industry experience.

HVACRedu

HVACRedu offers two advanced online HVAC training programs in commercial refrigeration and commercial building automation systems. The commercial refrigeration program is recognized to provide 24 hours of continuing education (CEH) for NATE recertification. The commercial building automation systems program is not officially listed as being recognized for CEUs but provides several hours of professional development that complies with ACCA quality installation and maintenance standards.