HVAC Schools in Colorado – Programs & Certifications

In Colorado (CO), with its cold winters and various microclimates, there is a rich network of HVAC resources for both customers and professionals in the industry. For Colorado workers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) there is an abundance of trade-based associations to support people in the industry.

For example, the Colorado Association of Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors (CAMPC) traces its roots back to 1889, when it went by a different name (and is now known as Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association (RMMCA); it now represents over 160 member companies that enjoy legal advocacy on important HVAC issues, business marketing tools, continuing education, and networking events. Notably, CAMPC partnered with the Colorado Safety Association to offer members discounted training.

There is also the Pikes Peak Mechanical Contractors Association which offers technician training and hosts monthly meetings, energy efficiency incentive programs, community service opportunities, and more.

Finally, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Colorado provides not only educational and professional networking conferences, but it also has a comprehensive list of regional and national resources for people in the industry such as the Building Jobs for Colorado Coalition, the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, the Colorado Competitive Council (C3), the Mountain States Employers Council, NAIOP Colorado, the Associated General Contractors of Colorado, the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance, and the Denver Metro Economic Development Corporation.

In sum, there is no shortage of supportive organizations for HVAC technicians in Colorado—but what do these professionals do? HVAC mechanics and technicians install, troubleshoot, or repair HVAC systems and their components (e.g., motors, filtration devices, intake & exhaust fans, ducts, ductless splits, wiring, pipes, vacuums, heat pumps, hermetic compressors, economizers, loop systems); interpret & implement blueprint plans; keep detailed records of services; make client recommendations to increase energy efficiency; calibrate systems to manufacturer recommendations; calculate heat loads & losses; and maintain appropriate licensure or permits.

Some of these workers specialize in a type of equipment such as environmental and industrial setups, large-scale cooling plants, solar panels, commercial ventilation, or residential systems, to name a few; others are more generalist workers who provide a range of services across residential and commercial environments. In terms of requirements, HVAC workers typically must be able to lift at least 40 lbs and should be prepared to work in all kinds of weather.

In Colorado, there is expected to be an especially high demand for trained HVAC professionals in the years to come. Read on to check out the bright career outlook, salary prospects, accredited HVAC schools, and licensing requirements in this industry in CO.

Occupational Demand for HVAC Technicians in Colorado

Not only are ample opportunities expected for HVAC professionals nationwide in the coming decade, but evidence also suggests the future will be particularly bright for these workers in Colorado. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2026) projects an 8 percent increase in HVAC openings across the country between 2024 and 2034, much more robust than the 3 percent average increase anticipated for all occupations.

In Colorado, the prediction is substantially higher. Projections Central (2026) anticipates an astonishing 28.3 percent increase in openings between 2024 and 2034, four times the national growth figure predicted in this industry. In short, HVAC in CO is projected to be especially strong in the years ahead.

According to the BLS, HVAC technicians, mechanics, and installers can seek employment in a wide range of environments, particularly in high-growth cities such as Denver (which has a booming construction industry). In a state like CO, with cold winters, demand for these skilled workers extends across residential and commercial buildings, including schools, factories, convention centers, retail shops, grocery stores, and more. Notably, 5 percent of HVAC workers across the country were self-employed in 2024, and 70 percent were working for heating and air conditioning contractors.

While some of these professionals perform services during normal business hours, HVAC workers may also be called upon to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during the busy winter season.

People in this occupation also have a higher-than-average injury rate compared to other jobs in the US, likely because of the physical nature of the work and the chemicals workers are exposed to, such as refrigerants. Despite the threat of muscle strains, burns, and electrical shock, proper safety training and prudence can generally prevent these issues.

As a testament to the booming HVAC industry in Colorado, Indeed (August 2026) had relevant job postings across the state at places such as Conditioned Air Corporation, C&C Plumbing & Mechanical, Jetson Home, CAL Steel & Sheet Metal Inc, and Allen Service to name a few. Furthermore, Monster (August 2026) had postings with companies such as Befort Plumbing and Heating Inc, Yellowstone Local, and CoolSys.

Colorado HVAC Technician Salary Data

For a profession which generally requires only one to two years of postsecondary training, HVAC mechanics and installers make a relatively generous salary, especially in Colorado.

By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) reported that there were 409,670 HVAC workers nationwide with an annual average salary(mean annual wage) of $64,780; in CO, the 8,940 HVAC professionals enjoyed a mean salary of $71,330, which is higher than the national figure.

In more detailed terms, HVAC workers across the country had the following salary percentiles (BLS May 2025, the latest data available as of August 2026):

	United States	Colorado
Number of HVAC professionals employed	409,670	8,940
Annual mean wage	$64,780	$71,330
10th percentile	$40,050	$48,220
25th percentile	$48,360	$58,050
50th percentile (median)	$61,010	$65,200
75th percentile	$77,060	$82,010
90th percentile	$95,210	$103,640

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (2026), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles:

10th percentile: $37,000
50th percentile (median): $53,471
90th percentile: $97,000

As noted above, the average salary for HVAC workers in Colorado is slightly higher than that of the rest of the nation. As with any salary projections, taking into account the cost of living is also important. As such, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2026) ranked CO 35th in affordability, making it more expensive than most states. For HVAC technicians, this means relatively high salaries may still not go as far as lower salaries in other states, so that is something to keep in mind.

Accredited HVAC Schools in Colorado

For aspiring HVAC technicians in Colorado, there is an array of quality training programs available. While some of these skilled professionals seek out an apprenticeship to learn the hands-on techniques of the trade, others enroll in diploma, certificate, or degree programs in HVAC technology.

There are currently two main entities that accredit programs and institutions offering HVAC training: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).

To learn about how programs are approved, please refer to the HVAC programs accreditation section.

As of August 2026, there are two HVAC Excellence-accredited schools in Colorado: Front Range Community College and Lincoln College of Technology. Front Range Community College is additionally accredited by PAHRA.

Pikes Peak Community College

Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, offers the following HVAC courses of study:

Residential HVAC/R certificate program – This program is made up of 35 credit-hours, preparing graduates for positions such as apprentices or helpers. It involves courses such as basic refrigeration, fundamentals of gas heating, electricity for HVAC/R, piping skills for HVAC, residential air conditioning, and air conditioning and refrigeration controls.

Industry upgrade certificate – Designed for employed technicians who are looking to advance their skillset, this 18 credit-hour certificate involves courses such as direct digital controls, heating for commercial, advanced refrigeration, residential heat pump service, and advanced air conditioning.

Direct digital controls certificate program – Comprising 15 credit-hours, this certificate program qualifies graduates for entry-level employment as environmental control technicians for HVAC systems in industrial and commercial facilities. Applicants for this program will need at least four years of work experience or a degree in HVAC or facilities management technology. Courses include a survey of electronics, building automation: installer; building automation: service, and building automation: advanced operations

Associate of applied science (AAS) degree – This 68-credit degree program involves the same courses as the certificate programs, as well as additional trade classes in commercial heating, hot water heating systems, advanced HVAC/R, and heat pumps. This program teaches communication and technical writing skills and includes classes in computer applications or computer literacy, math, and workplace psychology. Students complete the program with an internship or sheet metal fabrication.

On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as HVAC installer or repairer, HVAC contractor, business owner, or HVAC instructor.

Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program length Industry upgrade certificate (two semesters); direct digital controls and residential HVAC certificates (three semesters); AAS (four semesters)

IntelliTec College

IntelliTec Colleges has campuses in Colorado Springs and Grand Junction that prepare students for entry-level employment as an HVAC technician. With a strong focus on refrigeration, students in the program have the opportunity to complete an 18-month associate of occupational studies (AOS) degree with advanced training to pass professional certification exams including the EPA Section 608.

Courses in the program include organizational communication & etiquette, fundamentals of electricity, basic gas furnaces and safety, heating fuels and combustion analysis, alternative heating systems, refrigeration theory and EPA certification, advanced refrigerations, residential air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, and duct design and blueprint reading, among others.

Preparing students for entry-level employment in the HVAC industry, the program provides students with the confidence and know-how to succeed in a new career. They learn all about installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC/R systems.

Graduates of the program can take up roles such as refrigeration technician, HVAC control technician, heating equipment technician, HVAC service technician, facility maintenance technician, HVAC mechanic or HVAC installer, and many such positions. Graduates will also be prepared to earn the EPA Certification, Mechanic IV Licensing, and additional certifications.

Location: Colorado Springs, CO; Grand Junction, CO
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College has campuses around Colorado, but its Larimar campus offers HVAC programs accredited by HVAC Excellence as well as the state’s only PAHRA-accredited HVAC program. It offers an AAS degree and four certificate programs such as HVAC/R fundamentals, residential HVAC, light commercial HVAC, and commercial refrigeration.

The 15-credit HVAC/R fundamentals certificate includes an introduction to HVAC, basic refrigeration, electrical components, and basic electricity. The other certificates build on these basics. The 32-credit residential HVAC certificate provides additional education in advanced HVAC, customer service, troubleshooting, communication skills, and more.

The 34-credit light commercial certificate is similar to the residential HVAC certificate, with an additional focus on industrial controls. Finally, the 25-credit commercial refrigeration certificate covers commercial refrigeration.

The 60-credit HVAC/R degree program includes all of the coursework required for the certificate programs, as well as an internship or capstone project, and general education coursework in English, math, science, and an elective.

Students in this program will be trained to safely handle refrigerants, troubleshoot HVAC/R systems, operate gas fuel torches used in brazing and soft soldering, perform general maintenance and servicing of HVAC/R systems, and develop the highest level of professionalism as well as communication skills.

Location: Fort Collins, CO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence; PAHRA
Program length: AAS degree (four semesters); residential HVAC (three semesters); light commercial (three semesters); commercial refrigeration (two semesters); HVAC/R fundamentals (one semester)

Red Rocks Community College

Red Rocks Community College of Lakewood provides both degree (AAS) and certificate programs in HVAC. Its AAS degree program is made up of 62 credit-hours and includes courses such as fundamentals of gas heating, piping skills for HVAC, air conditioning systems, basic sheet metal, heating controls, mechanical codes, and servicing forced air systems, among others.

Apart from the AAS degree, Red Rocks Community College offers the following certificates:

Air Conditioning-AHRA Certificate (37 credit-hours)
Refrigeration-AHRR Certificate (31 credit-hours)
Refrigeration Level I-AHRR Certificate (11 credit-hours)
Refrigeration Level II-CTHO Certificate (23 credit-hours)
HVAC Fundamentals-AHRF Certificate (15 credit-hours)
HVAC Control Technician-CTHM Certificate (18 credit-hours)
Forced-Air Heating-AHRFH Certificate (30 credit-hours)

Graduates of these programs can find employment in roles such as air-conditioning, air-balancing, facility maintenance, refrigeration servicing, heating, and service.

Location: Lakewood, CO
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Expected Time to Completion: Varies (one to four semesters, depending upon the program)

Lincoln College of Technology

Aspiring technicians can enroll at Lincoln Tech and attend the HVAC/R diploma program during the day, afternoon, and evening. They learn the basic skills they need to service, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC systems. The program includes coursework on green technology and energy auditing designed to improve technicians’ marketability. Students learn through hands-on training in fully equipped labs and classroom lectures.

The 50-credit curriculum features instruction in electricity, heating systems, HVAC and HVAC/R basics, air conditioning design and energy conservation, commercial refrigeration, and troubleshooting, among others.

Graduates are qualified to take industry exams, such as EPA Section 608 certification, and seek entry-level positions as technicians.

Location: Denver, Colorado
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Program length: 52 weeks

Emily Griffith Technical College

The HVAC/R certificate program at Emily Griffith Tech is available in a blend of on-campus and online coursework. Hands-on training is completed in an innovative lab and ride-along experience. Students learn core skills that include fabrication, PVC piping, electrical controls, and diagnostics.

Coursework is scheduled during the day and in the evenings. The curriculum covers trade safety training, basic refrigeration, electrical components, electricity for HVAC/R, fundamentals of gas heating, advanced air conditioning, hot water heating systems, refrigerant recovery training, HVAC/R systems troubleshooting, and more.

Upon successful completion, students will be able to seek employment as HVAC service technicians, building engineers, maintenance technicians, commercial refrigeration technicians, and temperature control technicians.

Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Program length: Five months full-time

Pickens Technical College

The college offers a certificate in HVAC/R service technology that prepares students for entry-level positions as residential technicians. Coursework is taught using state-of-the-art computer simulation programs, hands-on training in the lab, and classroom lectures.

The curriculum includes topics such as basic electricity, HVAC and HVAC/R troubleshooting, service tech training, gas heating, piping, basic refrigeration, forced air systems, residential load and duct design, and OSHA compliance, as well as an independent study project.

Students complete 35 credits to earn their certificate and are qualified to sit for industry-based certifications such as the EPA Universal and the 10-hour OSHA Certificate.

Location: Aurora, CO
Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Program length: One year

For students who live in rural regions in CO or are otherwise unable to attend an on-campus program, there are various distance-based training schools available. To survey the options, please check out the online HVAC programs page.

Colorado HVAC Certification & Licensing

In addition to pursuing a training program or apprenticeship, HVAC professionals in Colorado must ensure that they have all the necessary credentialing prior to beginning work.

For all people who work with refrigerants, there is one mandatory national credential—the EPA Section 608 certification—with four subtypes: type 1 (small appliance), type 2 (high-pressure appliances), type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and type 4 (universal). Most accredited HVAC programs will include EPA 608 certification as part of their training.

Other national certifications typically connote that an HVAC worker has mastered a particular skill or set of skills. The agencies that bestow these national certifications include North American Technician Excellence (e.g., Industry Competency Exams or ICE); HVAC Excellence (e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus); and Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (e.g., entry-level Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator).

To learn in-depth about the variety of HVAC credentials, check out the main HVAC certification page.

While the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) does not require HVAC technicians or contractors to be licensed, local laws governing HVAC work vary by region.

In Colorado Springs, for example, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department regulates HVAC workers, with separate licensing available for commercial and residential HVAC contractors. These licenses can be renewed annually after completing six hours of continuing education.

Above all, because local laws vary, aspiring HVAC professionals in Colorado should contact their city administrators to confirm all required credentialing before beginning work.

Jocelyn Blore

Jocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.