Choosing the Best HVAC Schools

Choosing the Best HVAC Schools. HVAC design programs are available for students that are pursuing employment as system designers, contractors, or inspectors. A student can enroll in a certificate program or earn a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. These programs can require prior experience or educational background in this field.

How to Find the School that’s Right for you

The HVAC certificate programs for design are available for mechanical engineers who have a desire to advance in this career field by deepening their understanding and knowledge of HVAC systems. Many of these certificate programs will require an applicant to have a bachelor’s degree or four to five years of experience, prior to enrolling in the program. Some of the bachelor’s degree programs will require program applicants to have obtained the associate’s degree.

A student can find a program with lab facilities, where they will be able to obtain the skills that are needed to prepare them for a career in designing, maintaining, or installing HVAC systems and equipment. The bachelor’s degree program allows students to earn hands-on experience through local internships.

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The two-year associate’s degree program will prepare a student for a career in building operations, construction, and manufacturing. Many of these programs will include such topics as air conditioning, heating, and electricity. Some programs can also offer specialized training in green technology or refrigerants.

The bachelor’s program will generally offer a broader scope of engineering skills and will allow a student to concentrate on HVAC-related specialization.

Many design programs are accredited by certifying organizations such as the PAC, HRA, or the EAC. Some of the associate’s degree programs will offer evening classes, but the majority of bachelor’s degree programs are only available on a full-time basis.

Associates and Bachelor’s Degree Programs

This program will usually take two years to complete and will include topics such as thermodynamics, blueprint reading, and computer-aided drafting.

The four-year bachelor’s degree program will provide a student will advanced technical training for a career in HVAC equipment design and maintenance, in addition to the business skills that are needed for managerial or supervisory positions. The classes in this program will cover topics such as management, physics, control systems, mechanical systems, and blueprint reading.

There are also professional certificate programs available for HVAC control and design that are intended for the professional HVAC designer and installer that wants to stay current in the profession or to qualify for advancement in their career. This type of certificate program can usually be completed in less than a year, with some programs taking nine months to complete. The typical classes will include training in electrical wiring, load calculations, facilities management, and ductwork.