HVAC Training Schools in South Carolina (SC)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017) reported that there were 307,060 HVAC technicians working across the country. Between 2016 and 2026, there will be an expected addition of 48,800 fresh openings in this field—a 15 percent increase. Notably, this figure is more than double the average growth projected across all U.S. occupations during that same decade (seven percent).

And fortunately for aspiring HVAC technicians in South Carolina, opportunities are expected to swell in that state, as well. Projections Central predicted that the HVAC industry in South Carolina would experience a 17.4 percent increase in the same ten-year timeframe, an addition of 750 SC-based jobs altogether.

Although there is no single driving factor behind this rapid growth in opportunities, a number of reasons should be highlighted. For one, HVAC systems require routine maintenance by skilled technicians, and must generally be replaced entirely every 10 to 15 years. In addition, the laws and regulations governing the HVAC industry are constantly in flux; this means that customers must utilize the services of HVAC professionals to ensure their systems remain in compliance with the law. And finally, nearly all new buildings in South Carolina will likely be erected with some type of climate-control system; here, skilled HVAC installers will be needed for the original planning and implementation.

There is perhaps no greater proof of the thriving demand for HVAC technicians in South Carolina than online job boards. For example, searching for available HVAC positions in South Carolina on Indeed (Dec. 2018) brought up 1,356 results, with companies including Fogel Services Inc., Total Air Care, Inc., Horry County Schools, and Honeywell.

A similar search on Monster (Dec. 2018) provided over 640 results with organizations including Compass Group USA Inc, CBRE, Emcor, and Johnson Controls.

Before searching for work in the field, many aspiring HVAC technicians choose to complete a training program in order to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. In general, this takes the form of an apprenticeship, formal degree, or certificate program, although other options are available.

Currently, the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 421 in multiple cities offers an apprenticeship for those interested in a new career in HVAC. This program lasts for five years, and requires participants to complete a significant number of hours of on-the-job training and classroom education. During the course of the program, apprentices earn a wage that is calculated based on the compensation of the supervising journeyman, and are also eligible for raises on a periodic basis.

Those interested in pursuing a formal degree in HVAC may consider the associate of applied science (AAS) in HVAC and refrigeration offered by Midlands Technical College located in Columbia. Students in this program must take 75 credit-hours of courses, including units in the heating fundamentals, commercial and domestic refrigeration, heat pumps, codes and ordinances, duct fabrication, and a number of others. Tuition is estimated to be approximately $13,350 total, although this does not include all applicable fees.

The Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter has HVAC Excellence-accredited certificate programs in both basic and advanced air conditioning and heating. In the basic program, students study 39 semester-hours of subjects such as basic electricity for HVAC-R, tools and service techniques, heating fundamentals, domestic refrigeration, basic air conditioning, codes and ordinances, duct fabrication, and EPA 608 certification preparation. Interested applicants can contact the school’s bursar office for a customized tuition assessment.

Greenville Technical College also offers several HVAC Excellence-recognized programs, including a diploma in applied science (AC/refrigeration technology), two certificates in applied science (AC/refrigeration technician or basic electricity/refrigeration), and an AAS in general technology. The majority of these programs require candidates to take specific competency exams in areas such as residential air conditioning and heating in order to qualify for graduation. Tuition varies greatly depending on many factors. Check out the school’s tuition table to determine an assessment.

Alternatively, aspiring technicians may also choose to pursue a certificate or diploma, which often takes even less time. For example, Spartanburg Community College offers a certificate in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology, which requires students to take 40 credit-hours over 42 weeks. It features courses such as automatic controls, heat pumps, basic electricity, fundamentals of refrigeration, and basic air conditioning, among others. Tuition for Spartanburg residents is set at $181 per-credit-hour, bringing the total cost of the program to $7,240.

Anyone looking to complete HVAC education in South Carolina should also understand that many aspiring technicians choose to enroll in accredited programs, which often last between six months and two years. These programs have been evaluated by independent organizations for faculty, facilities, curriculum and learning outcomes. As of this writing, two main organizations offer accreditation for HVAC programs: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). Both Central Carolina Technical College and Greenville Technical College, as noted above, have earned accreditation from HVAC Excellence. As of December 2018, there are no PAHRA-accredited programs currently exist in this state.