According to the U.S. Department of Labor, from 2008 to 2018 HVAC jobs will increase by 28 percent, making heating and cooling schools worth considering for a career as an HVAC specialist. The average hourly rate for a heating and air conditioning school graduate is $19.08, with experienced workers earning more than $30 per hour. Free HVAC training can make it easy to get into these jobs, if you know where to find paid-tuition heating programs.
Heating and Cooling Schools
HVAC programs include training in:
- heating systems and furnaces
- ventilation and ducts
- air conditioning and cooling
- refrigeration
Most heating and cooling schools require a GED or high school diploma, but some allow students without either to join. Other requirements include:
- age 18 or older
- physically able to do the work (ventilation systems require flexibility, some tools require strength)
- able to read and write English well enough to complete invoices, small reports, customer service documents)
If you meet these requirements, then finding free HVAC training in heating and air conditioning schools can help launch your career. Successful students search out as much information as possible, online, and in print, when seeking the right HVAC course.
Heating and Air Conditioning Schools
The actual courses you can expect to enroll in at heating and air conditioning schools include:
- Refrigeration
- Electricity and HVAC systems
- A/C Controls
- Ductwork and piping systems
- Design
You want to make certain that the heating and air conditioning school you're considering is accredited by one of the two main organizations that accredit HVAC programs: HVAC Excellence and National Center for Construction Education and Research. Both organizations help to ensure that your heating and cooling school gives you the education you need to handle furnaces, refrigeration, A/C systems and more.
Free HVAC Training
To get into free HVAC training, find a heating and cooling school and then pursue these opportunities:
- Occupational Skills Training – In Massachusetts the Occupational Skills Training program provides free heating and air conditioning certification money for people who need to upgrade skills, but are not enrolling in a program that grants an associate, bachelor's or master's degree. Call 617-626-5375 for more details. If you're not a Massachusetts resident, contact your state's Department of Labor and ask about retraining grants.
- Community Colleges with HVAC Courses – Some colleges, such as Houston Community College in Texas, offer heating, ventilation and air conditioning programs that are for credit, and that are covered by Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid. Call your area community college to ask whether financial aid applies to get free HVAC training.
- Post-Graduate Vocational Training at High Schools – Did you know that you can actually go back to high school – even after you receive your diploma – and receive vocational training, often at a fraction of the cost of private programs? While the idea of going back to high school may not be appealing, how about free HVAC certification? Some public high schools offer a few limited slots of residents of the school district, or extremely reduced tuition. Call your local vocational school for details.
Finding free HVAC training requires discipline and determination. The programs are out there. The grant money is out there. Thousands of men and women complete these free heating and air conditioning certification programs each year and find good jobs.
Be thorough. Look at newspapers, call local vocational schools and colleges, contact your department of labor and be confident that if you keep trying, you'll find the trade job you desire.
To learn more about other trade school programs and trade jobs, please read:
Free Home Inspector Training – certified home inspectors are in high demand. Learn how to get free home inspector training now.
Free CNA Training – if nursing is more your cup of tea, learn how to find free certified nursing assistant programs here.
Free Home Health Aide Training – home caregivers are one of the fastest-growing occupations, and if you're looking for job security but don't have a GED or high school diploma, start with HHA training.
Resources:
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, "Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers."
HVAC Excellence (accessed October 29, 2010)
National Center for Construction Education and Research (accessed October 29, 2010)
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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