HVAC Training Schools in Texas (TX)

The timing is right for starting a career as an HVAC technician in all parts of the country, but particularly in Texas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in the US, demand for HVAC technicians is expected to increase by 13 percent through 2028, which is more than double the average (5 percent) for all professions (BLS 2019). This percentage equates to 46,300 new jobs across the country during that time frame.

So what are the factors contributing to the healthy, thriving demand for qualified HVAC professionals in Texas? First, these systems generally need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, not to mention required retrofitting of old systems to make them compatible with new structures or technologies. Secondly, the rise of regular service and maintenance contracts which accompanies the installation of modern systems may ensure regular work throughout the year, even during the typically low seasons (spring and fall). Maintenance and repair work is especially stable, while specializing in HVAC installation may thrive more in cities with high rates of construction.

The BLS (2019) reported that 9 percent HVAC mechanics and installers were self-employed in 2019, and 64 percent worked for plumbing, heating, and A/C contracting companies. Some of these skilled professionals in TX work normal business hours, while others may be called upon to service equipment on evenings, weekends, or holidays, particularly during the high summer season.

HVAC workers do incur a relatively high risk of injury and illness compared to other US occupations. They lift heavy equipment, deal with electrical wiring, and handle refrigerants, three activities which increase one’s risk of muscle strains, electrical shock, burns, and frostbite, among other maladies. These problems can generally be kept to a minimum with proper training and use of safety equipment.

Despite the physical challenges within the profession, there is further evidence that the employment climate is thriving for HVAC workers in TX. In fact, common job post sites are bursting at the seams with opportunities. For example, Indeed (2020) had links to 1,223 relevant HVAC worker openings in TX, including positions at American AC and Heating, CMS/Nextech, Precision Heating & Air, LLC, and Chill Out Heat Air & Refrigeration LLC. Additionally, Monster (2020) advertised 811 HVAC jobs in TX at places such as ABM Industries, Soal Technologies Inc., Climate Services of Texas, and Advantage Resourcing.

Accreditation is an important part of any higher education program. In the US, there are two organizations that offer accreditation for HVAC programs: HVAC Excellence and Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).

There are no accreditation requirements for registering or becoming licensed as an ACR contractor in Texas. However, accreditation does indicate that a professional association has evaluated the quality of education offered by a program both in terms of curriculum and facilities. Therefore, although accreditation may not be required, it is highly recommended for a discerning student.

Lincoln College of Technology offers students the ability to learn HVAC skills through the lens of green technology, and is the first school in the country incorporating energy auditing courses from the Green Mechanical Council. The Texas location of Lincoln Tech is in Grand Prairie, which is near Dallas-Fort Worth, and is an HVAC Excellence accredited program.

Students at Lincoln Tech can complete the 44.5 credit-hour HVAC diploma program in a total of 47 weeks. Coursework in the program includes introduction to climate control systems, air-conditioning design and layout, commercial refrigeration design, and energy efficiency and green technology systems. As of 2020, students can anticipate spending an estimated $24,943 on the program (including tools and fees).

Laredo College is located in Laredo, Texas and offers an HVAC Excellence-accredited HVAC program. Laredo has both one- and two-year certificate programs that include coursework in basic HVAC electricity, the principles of refrigerations, and residential and commercial projects.

Students who complete the one-year, 32-credit-hour program exit with a “Basic Commercial Air Conditioning & Refrigeration” certificate. Those completing the 52-credit-hour, two-year program are trained in advanced commercial skills, must complete a capstone course, and exit with a “Commercial Air Conditioning & Refrigeration” certificate.. As of 2020, students at Laredo could expect to pay $50 per credit-hour (in-district), $100 per credit-hour (out-of-district), or $200 (out-of-state).

Vernon College offers a PAHRA-accredited associate in applied science (AAS) in HVAC or level 1 certificate in HVAC through its Skills Training Center in Wichita Falls. The 60-semester-hour AAS takes two years to complete, and requires students to complete general education requirements in addition to HVAC courses. The level 1 certificate program is 36 semester-hours and takes nine months to complete.

Coursework in both programs includes basic electricity for HVAC, gas and electric heating, air conditioning troubleshooting, and residential air conditioning. Both programs also require students to complete verification of workplace competencies through a capstone experience. As of 2020, Wilbarger County residents can expect to pay $50 per semester-hour; out-of-county Texas residents can expect to pay $95 per semester-hour; and out-of-state students can expect to pay $200 per semester-hour.