Accredited HVAC Schools in Washington DC
Many aspiring HVAC professionals choose to enroll in an accredited certificate or degree program, which may take between six months to two years to complete. As of this writing, two main organizations offer accreditation for local HVAC programs: the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA), and HVAC Excellence. As of February 2021, there were no programs accredited by either organization in Washington, DC, although nearby Alexandria, VA offers accredited training through the Edison Academy.
As there are no training programs that are available in the District of Columbia, students may be interested in programs that are offered in nearby states.
Lincoln College of Technology
For those interested in a classroom training program, Lincoln Tech offers HVAC training at its campus in Columbia, Maryland, about an hour outside of DC. It offers a lower division certificate program in HVAC technology. The program introduces students to green technology concepts preparing them to confidently enter this HVAC industry possessing important skills required for servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing residential and commercial indoor HVAC air management systems.
Coursework is divided between hands-on training in a lab and classroom lectures. Students take courses on basic refrigeration systems, electricity, air conditioning systems, commercial refrigeration, and energy efficiency. Students receive a certificate in HVAC upon the completion of 45 credits. Students can complete this program in approximately 40 weeks studying during the day, while students may take up to 74 weeks while studying in the evening.
They also learn proper refrigerant recovery and recycling techniques and are encouraged to complete the EPA certification test. Graduates are qualified for employment in entry-level positions.
- Location: Columbia, MD
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: Day (40 weeks); evening (74 weeks)
- Estimated Tuition: $23,220
Northern Virginia Community College
There are three HVAC programs offered by the Northern Virginia Community College:
- Associate in applied science degree in air conditioning and refrigeration (67 to 68 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration certificate (33 to 34 credits)
- HVAC-R and facilities services technology career studies certificate (21 to 23 credits)
The career studies certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in the HVAC industry. Sample some of the coursework in the curriculum: heating systems, air conditioning and refrigeration controls I, air conditioning and refrigeration, refrigerant usage EPA certification, and circuits and controls.
The HVAC/R certificate includes all courses from the career studies certificate with additional coursework in air conditioning and refrigeration controls III, introduction to physics, and basic technical mathematics.
The AAS degree provides students with the knowledge and skills which will help them take up leadership positions in the industry. All courses mentioned above are included in this curriculum, with the addition of heat loads and psychrometrics, advanced troubleshooting and service, heat pumps, introduction to communication, gas-fired warm air furnaces, and hydronics and zoning.
Graduates of these programs will be well equipped to service, maintain, repair, and install all types of HVAC/R systems.
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (24 months); certificates (12 months each)
- Estimated Tuition: Virginia Resident ($180.40 per credit); out-of-state ($359.65 per credit)
Advanced Technology Institute
The ATI offers an HVAC technology diploma and an associate in occupational science (AOS) degree program in HVAC technology. These programs program students with practical experience and knowledge in classroom lectures and in labs using modern HVAC tools and equipment. The faculty of these programs include seasoned technicians bringing several years of HVAC experience and a host of industry-related certifications with them.
The diploma program is made up of 48 credits, while the AOS degree comprises 60 credits. All courses from the diploma are included in the AOS. The curriculum consists of courses such as fundamentals of technology, pipe brazing/ducting and air movement, basic electricity and circuits, sheet metal fabrication, domestic and commercial refrigeration, and direct digital controls, among others.
Graduates of these programs are prepared for entry-level positions in this HVAC industry and are also prepared for several certification exams. They will also have the opportunity to earn the EPA section 608 and R410A certification.
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Diploma (60 weeks); AOS (18 months)
- Estimated Tuition: Diploma ($27,360); AOS ($34,200)