Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R)
Carrington’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) program prepares graduates with fundamental, hands-on training for a career in the heating and cooling industry.
Program Details
Cost & Financial Aid
Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. Every student comes to Carrington with unique financial needs. Carrington College is committed to helping you achieve your education goals. We participate in most financial assistance programs, both federal and state, as well as private financing. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
For complete information on current tuition costs, please see page 236 of the Academic Catalog.
Location Availability
Carrington College’s HVAC Technician program is available at the Trades Education Center in Phoenix.
Accreditation and Approvals
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415- 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at www.accjc.org/.
For comprehensive information on Carrington’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation.
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Career Opportunities
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
The following are examples of what HVACR technicians do, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:1
- Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems
- Install electrical components and wiring
- Inspect and test HVACR systems and components
- Discuss system malfunctions with customers
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts
- Recommend maintenance to improve system performance
- Keep records of work performed
Check out our guide on becoming an HVAC-R Technician.
If you enjoy mathematics, mechanics, and hands-on work, you may enjoy a career as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician. These professionals apply their knowledge of machines, building construction, and electrical design to install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. They make sure buildings’ heating and cooling systems are functioning properly.1
HVAC Technician FAQ
What does an HVAC technician do?
HVAC-R technicians work on each part of the acronym: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. This can include installing and maintaining these systems, as well as dealing with electrical components and wiring.2
How long does it take to become an HVAC technician?
While how long it takes to complete training is often dependent on the student, Carrington College’s HVAC-R program can be completed with a Certificate of Achievement in as few as 10 months.
How do I become an HVAC-R technician?
The first step to becoming an HVAC-R technician is education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many HVAC-R technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Some states require HVAC-R technicians to be licensed. Check your state and local area’s requirements to see if you need to become licensed. According to the BLS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires technicians who work with refrigerant-cooling systems to be certified with appropriate refrigerant handling.3
What type of degree does an HVAC tech need?
While not all states require HVAC-R technicians to have degrees, according to the BLS, employers generally prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.3
What does an HVAC technician do?
HVAC-R technicians work on each part of the acronym: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. This can include installing and maintaining these systems, as well as dealing with electrical components and wiring.2
How long does it take to become an HVAC technician?
While how long it takes to complete training is often dependent on the student, Carrington College’s HVAC-R program can be completed with a Certificate of Achievement in as few as 10 months.
How do I become an HVAC-R technician?
The first step to becoming an HVAC-R technician is education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many HVAC-R technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Some states require HVAC-R technicians to be licensed. Check your state and local area’s requirements to see if you need to become licensed. According to the BLS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires technicians who work with refrigerant-cooling systems to be certified with appropriate refrigerant handling.3
What type of degree does an HVAC tech need?
While not all states require HVAC-R technicians to have degrees, according to the BLS, employers generally prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.3