HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. In addition to traditional systems, HVAC is creating innovative systems with newer technologies like geothermal heating, energy efficient heat pumps, and smart thermostats, which are transforming how spaces are heated and cooled.
Skills Developed
HVAC teaches mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills for installing, maintaining, and repairing systems. HVAC skills also include the ability to read blueprints, safety practices, customer communication, and environmental regulations.
Mastering HVAC is more than fixing systems—it's learning to control comfort and efficiency in every environment.
Careers
HVAC Technician Starting Salary $39K
HVAC Installer Starting Salary $40K
Energy Auditor Starting Salary $40K
HVAC Engineer Starting Salary $69K
Control Technician Starting Salary $70K
Project Manager Starting Salary $80K
Certifications
OSHA 10
EPA Section 608
NATE Ready-to-Work (RTW) Certificate
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 Certificate
In Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology I, students will gain knowledge and skills needed to enter the industry as technicians in the HVAC and refrigeration industry or building maintenance industry, prepare for a postsecondary degree in a specified field of construction management, or pursue an approved apprenticeship program. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in safety, principles of HVAC theory, use of tools, codes, and installation of HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Instruction focuses on the installation of common piping materials in plumbing and HVAC/R systems, covering pipe math, terminology, common piping materials and applications, figuring offsets, and common pipe joints. Shop projects include pipe support and hanging, center-to-center measurements, and a variety of pipe joining methods. Students are introduced to school policies, safety procedures, and first aid, as well as the use of trade tools and terminology. Laboratory experiences include brazing, soldering, and working with materials while exploring the basic theory of refrigeration systems, components, charging, recycling, and evacuation of refrigeration units. Coursework also includes electrical AC and DC theory, study of Ohm’s Law, electrical power, distribution, transformers, capacitors, relays, and electric motors, with laboratory experiences applying electrical devices to electrical loads.
In Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology II, students will gain advanced knowledge and skills needed to enter the industry as HVAC and refrigeration technicians or building maintenance technicians or supervisors, prepare for a postsecondary degree in a specified field of construction or construction management, or pursue an approved apprenticeship program. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in safety, electrical theory, use of tools, codes, installation of commercial HVAC equipment, heat pumps, troubleshooting techniques, various duct systems, and maintenance practices. Coursework includes study of the mechanical and fuel gas requirements of the International Residential Code (IRC), with opportunities to apply general code requirements and review the sizing requirements of parts V and VI. Students gain experience in field analysis of malfunctions on actual heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning equipment, with an emphasis on customer interaction and diagnostic efficiency. Instruction also covers basic heating and air conditioning theory and service, including gas heat, electric heat, heat pumps, residential boiler systems, and central and window air conditioners. Additional areas of focus include the design, installation, and testing of residential heating and cooling systems, with emphasis on duct design and sheet metal work.
Prerequisite: HVAC I
Grades: 11-12
Length: 1 Year
Credit: 2 Credits (1 CTE / 1 Math A)
Certifications: EPA Section 608 Certification,National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 Certificate, NATE Ready-to-Work (RTW) Certificate
Concurrent Enrollment: International Residential Code (HVA 2000, 2 credits), Troubleshooting & Customer Service (HVA 2002, 3 credits), Air Conditioning (HVA 1023, 4 credits), Advanced Air Conditioning (HVA 1024, 4 credits)
Related Higher Education in Colorado
Front Range Community College: HVAC and Refrigeration, HVAC Fundamentals
Red Rocks Community College: HVAC Degree and Certificates
