HVAC Training Schools in San Diego, CA

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Sept. 2019), HVAC workers occupy a high-growth and relatively lucrative career. In fact, the BLS projected a 13 percent increase in HVAC openings across the country between 2018 and 2028—the addition of 46,300 positions—which is more than double the average growth expected across all jobs during that same decade (5 percent). And in the Golden State, the prospects are even brighter. As proof of point, Projections Central (2020) predicted a 19.6 percent increase in HVAC opportunities in California between 2016 and 2026. This is significantly greater than the national figure and nearly four times the growth expected across all jobs.

Currently, California employs the second most HVAC mechanics and installers of any US state, just behind Florida. The BLS (March 2019) found that there were 27,720 HVAC professionals across CA, with many of them concentrated in the relatively warm climates of the southern regions.

There are several factors contributing to the healthy employment climate for HVAC technicians in San Diego and beyond. First, these systems generally need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years and require regular servicing. Second, local laws, regulations, and technologies are continually evolving, which also leads to a steady stream of system upgrades. Additionally, nearly all buildings in San Diego have climate control systems and, especially in areas with high rates of construction, there’s a demand for the installation of brand-new equipment.

According to the BLS (Sept. 2019), 9 percent of HVAC workers nationwide were self-employed, and 64 percent worked in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contracting industry. The remainder were employed by institutions and in the retail and wholesale trades. Some of them work normal business hours, and others may be called upon to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially in the summer when demand for air conditioning and refrigeration services peaks.

As proof of the thriving employment climate, Indeed (2020) had numerous HVAC jobs posted in the SD area, including opportunities at Legacy Air, Trane, Airtec, DMG, Precision Temperature, Bay Air Systems, UC San Diego, General Atomics, and San Diego Natural History Museum, among others. The job openings include calls for installers, mechanics, facilities managers, and similar. Monster (2020) lists more than 200 openings, including positions with CBRE, EMCOR, Pacific Rim Mechanical Contractors, Sodexo, Johnson Controls, ABM Industries, Sears, and the County of San Diego.

There are various routes to becoming an HVAC professional in San Diego. Some workers choose to enroll in an apprenticeship program.

For example, the PHCC of San Diego HVAC Apprenticeship for HVAC service tech is a seven-month program designed for workers with no experience. Students receive hands-on training combined with classroom theory. They learn light residential and commercial maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as preparing for and taking the EPA and OSHA 10 exams. The program costs $1,975 annually for PHCC members and $2,495 for non-members. Additional fees may apply for books and other materials.

Also, the Associated Builders and Contractors sponsors a four-year HVAC apprenticeship program at the San Diego Community College District Poway campus. To qualify, students must pass a TABE test, which measures students’ knowledge in math in English (secondary school level).

Prior to seeking employment, all HVAC workers in San Diego must ensure that they have the proper certification and licensing.

First, there is one mandatory certification for all people who handle environmentally sensitive refrigerants—the EPA Section 608 certification—and there are four types: type 1 (small appliances), type 2 (high-pressure appliances), type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and type 4 (universal). Most HVAC training programs include 608 exam preparation as part of their curriculum.

There’s an abundance of other national entities that offer competency-based, employment-ready trade certifications. These organizations and some sample certifications offered include:

• HVAC Excellence (e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology [HEAT], HEAT Plus, carbon monoxide safety, heat oil combustion, residential heat load analysis, green awareness, etc.)
• North American Technician Excellence or NATE (e.g., air conditioning, air distribution, heat pump [air-to-air], hydronics gas, commercial refrigeration, light commercial refrigeration, etc.)
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society or RSES (e.g., EPA Section 608, commercial air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, domestic service, dynamic compression, HVAC-R electrical, etc.)

To learn about the gamut of national credentials available, please visit the HVAC certifications page.

Lastly, HVAC workers in San Diego must ensure that they have all local licensure prior to beginning work. HVAC workers in the state are licensed by the California Contractors State License Board. The Board requires all HVAC workers performing work in excess of $500 to hold a C-20 contractor license. To qualify, candidates must:

• Submit a C-20 license application
• Show proof of at least four years of experience
• Show proof of having at least $2,500 in working capital
• File a bond with the registrar for $10,000
• Pass two exams: business & law and a trade-specific test
• Pay licensure and examination fees

The HVAC trade exam gauges professionals’ knowledge across four areas:

• Evaluation, design, and estimation
• Fabrication, installation, and startup
• Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance
• Safety

Please note that there is an initial $330 application fee. The first two-year license costs $200 and can be renewed every two years for $400. Also, following the submission of all requisite documentation, there is licensing reciprocity with three other states: Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Lastly, the City of San Diego requires all businesses to obtain a Business Tax Certificate in lieu of a city business license. The fee is based on the number of employees. Additionally, the City requires permits for electrical work and the installation or replacement of air conditioning units. Conveniently, the City accepts completed applications and fees online. Above all, HVAC workers in San Diego and beyond should ensure that they have all necessary certifications, licenses, and permits prior to agreeing to any work. Failure to do so can result in legal action and financial penalties.