HVAC technicians are high in demand as they are responsible for installing, maintaining, and upgrading heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Buildings and single-story houses depend on HVAC systems to keep their environment comfortable.
HVAC professionals make sure that these units keep working, and they can perform important repairs if things do break down. The complexity and importance of the profession in Phoenix make it one of the highest-paid ones.
This guide will walk you through the whole process of becoming an HVAC technician in Phoenix.
How Long is HVAC School?
Typically, the average length for an HVAC program is two years. In two years, you will be ready to be a certified HVAC technician. Several HVAC schools offer accelerated programs as well and last for around 15 weeks.
The experience will have to be somewhat reduced when you opt for the accelerated program, and the classes are somewhat rushed. If you are in the market for an HVAC job and not for running a business, then accelerated programs can be a great option as there is always some kind of on-job training available. On the other hand, if you are looking forward to running an HVAC company on your own, it might be more prudent to spend the extra time and take the regular certification route.
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How Much Does HVAC School Cost?
HVAC school expenses can vary a lot. They can go all the way up to $28000 for HVAC certifications alone. It must be noted that while the certification is enough to secure a job or apprenticeship, to work as an independent contractor, or secure a mid or master-level certification, EPA certification is a prerequisite. This certification can cost an extra $21000. These costs can vary depending on the course's total time, the skills or courses covered, and the certifications offered.
Standalone HVAC programs range between $1200 and $30000. There are many factors involved, like the applicant's residency status (if you are applying to a community college from the same state.) An associate degree or master-level technician/contractor certification should be expected to range between $15,000 to $35,000.
Quick Take - Best HVAC Schools in Phoenix
Just looking for the top 3 schools in your area? Here are the best HVAC schools in Phoenix:
List of the Top HVAC Schools in Phoenix
If you are considering a career in HVAC, you need to have adequate knowledge. For this, you must enroll in a good HVAC school. Some top schools that you should consider are:
Address: 555 N. 18th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602-286-8000
List of Programs:
- Certificate of Competency (CCT) for HVAC Technician
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning
- Certificate of Competency (CCT) in HVAC Residential Installation and Service Technician
Our Review of the Program
GateWay Community College offers four programs related to HVAC. You can opt for a CCT in HVAC Residential Installation and Service Technician if you intend to work on strictly residential clients. A CCT in HVAC Technician will allow you the freedom to work across both residential and commercial domains. A CCL in Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning allows the student to be well versed with air conditioners and related services. If you want to go for an Associate degree, you could select the AAS in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities.
Whichever degree you opt for, Gateway Community College offers hands-on training in a practical world setting, thus producing well-trained technicians. The course outline for all the courses is available on their website. Perhaps the best thing about GateWay community college is that it offers all the courses in both day and night time classes, giving the applicant the freedom to opt for his preferred time slot.
GateWay community college is among the top HVAC schools in the world. Students are under the apprenticeship of the best trainers who have first-hand practical experience with advanced HVAC systems.
The school offers programs that dig deep into HVAC solutions along with industry training for local partnering businesses. The AAS in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities is the most comprehensive of all the degrees offered. It complies with several requirements and standards in application throughout the US. It is a composite of the other HVAC-related certifications offered by the institute and will prepare you for everything related to HVAC in the practical world.
Address: RSI, 4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85034
Phone: 866-820-0823
List of Programs:
- Electrical application
- Electrical technologies
- Refrigeration technologies
- Electro-mechanical technologies
Our Review of the Program
The refrigeration school aims to meet the increasing demand for entry-level electricians, welders, and facility maintenance technicians. It offers programs that cover refrigeration solutions, along with refrigerant piping and electrical solutions.
Given how quickly it prepares students for entry-level positions, Refrigeration School Inc (RSI) remains the best choice, as it provides an accelerated six-month short course.
Moreover, the ease in accessibility of the RSI campus from different areas of Phoenix ranks it among the best HVAC schools. The infrastructure facilities that include well-accommodated classrooms, labs, and other equipment add up to the bright side of RSI.
The schedule is highly convenient as it offers day and night classes. The course primarily concerns high-pressure and low-pressure systems. Moreover, the designed courses aim to deliver knowledge about efficiently repairing and installing HVAC systems, in addition to details about residential and retail HVAC systems.
The programs are career-oriented, enabling students both hands-on training and real-world application. RSI graduates are also taught to deal with energy-star certified controllers and devices, which distinguishes them from others.
Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are also available at RSI. Fresh graduates are provided with job placement assistance, too. Enrolling in RSI enables you to gain valuable skills sooner than you can imagine.
Address: 2101 W Alice Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 230-696-6051, Fax: 230-696-2062
List of Programs:
- HVAC/R Training
Our Review of the Program
Vocational Training Institute (VTI) offers advanced diplomas, graduate diplomas, and Postgraduate Diplomas in line with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) guidelines. These diplomas are equivalent to University Bachelor and Master Awards.
HVAC training by VTI is effective and extremely handy in professional life as VTI dedicates the majority of its HVAC training time to hands-on work. Besides, instead of following a lecture program, the instructors teach by taking you into labs or fields to enable you to understand the tools, techniques, and systems first-hand. VTI also has options where it employs its students.
The programs are all approved by relevant departments and conform to the official guidelines in place for HVAC technicians. To accommodate students with busy schedules, the institute offers day programs, night programs, and even crash course programs that will have you prepared within four weeks.
Vocational Training Institute has expert instructors with years of experience, advanced equipment, and works with the best industry names, including Carrier, Bryant, Samsung, and Lennox, to continuously improve their HVAC programs.
On top of the excellent in-class and on-field training, Vocational Training Institute offers lifetime job placement assistance, personal job leads, and relocation assistance. These will assist you in not only jump-starting your HVAC technician career but will also help you along the way, even if you have to move elsewhere.
Address: 3660 E Wier Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: 480-360-0550
List of Programs:
- HVAC Install Technician
- Certified HVAC Technician
Our Review of the Program
NTI provides the best and most convenient ways of learning various courses for students.
NTI offers both an HVAC install technician course and a more detailed Certified HVAC Technician course. This course guides the applicant through the necessary information and practical experience of the whole installation process. This course also includes the EPA 608 certification, so getting certified as an install technician also allows you to maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. The install technician program takes a total of 88 hours and has four courses under it.
For the HVAC technician program, students can choose either morning or evening classes. The course takes the install technician program and adds to it to make sure that the applicant is well-versed in everything relating to HVAC systems. It is covered in 192 hours, which can be spread over four months. The learning is made even easier as most of the content is taught through online sessions. For practical learning, students go to the labs once a week. The instructors are experienced, friendly, and are always ready to help.
5. UEI College
Address: 9215 N, Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ, 85021
Phone: 623-226-7300
List of Programs:
- HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) TRAINING PROGRAM
Our Review of the Program
Students here get one of the best hands-on experience as one instructor is responsible for training twenty-five students only. UEI College has both morning and evening classes for all programs. Your time at UEI will include going to the campus for training and gaining practical experience in the field.
Many facilities are available for students, including career services, which help students learn interview skills and other career-related benefits. Students are provided with Wi-Fi and have access to break rooms, outdoor areas, resource center, computer labs, microwave, and vending machines.
With such a facility and campus, students can fast track any course within ten months. UEI college provides the best HVAC training as it trains how to use HVAC tools and understand the process of installation, diagnosis, and repair of HVAC systems. If you opt for the HVAC course from UEI college, you will get certified in EPA 608 and EPA-R410A Universal. Although the R410-A is neither a statutory requirement nor a UEI requirement, the institute encourages getting it. This will enable you to handle systems that use R410-A refrigerant, which will further improve job opportunities.
HVAC Schools in Phoenix Comparison Table
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What Makes Phoenix a Great Place to Start an HVAC Career?
Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona, and like most capital cities, it has some great opportunities. While the salaries might be a bit high in other states, you can still benefit from starting your career here. Some factors that make Phoenix a great place for an HVAC career include:
High Growth Potential
According to statistics, HVAC technicians can make up between $23,000 and $70,000 in Phoenix. The median average annual income is around $50000. There is a lot of potential in Phoenix as it is by far the most populous city in the state, and the construction industry is growing at a rapid pace.
The HVAC industry goes hand in hand with the construction industry, so technicians will always be in demand for maintenance, repair, and upgrades of HVAC systems. So, it’s safe to say that you can find some good opportunities here.
Photo credit: rsi.edu
Weather
Phoenix experiences both hot and cold seasons and the weather varies greatly throughout the year. The need for HVAC systems is hence dire. HVAC systems are installed to provide cooling, heating, and dehumidification throughout the year.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
Phoenix does not have very strict regulations when it comes to HVAC technicians. Arizona does not require a license before one sets out to find work as an HVAC technician.
The requirements of a license vary with the type of license the technician intends to obtain. For a journeyman license, the prerequisites include a minimum of four years of experience before you can take a test. However, other types of licenses only require one to take a comprehensive examination.
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Job Outlook and Salary For HVAC Techs in Phoenix
The HVAC industry in Phoenix is relatively young and is developing rapidly. Technicians are in high demand to install and maintain the HVAC systems. Moreover, these systems are constantly evolving.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a growth of 21 percent in the field between 2012 and 2022. Besides, the bureau expects the demand to increase consistently by fifteen percent through 2026.
As for the salary, the average payout for entry-level, mid-level, master-level is as follows:
Entry Level
The average annual wage for an entry-level HVAC technician is $36,520 currently, and this is expected to increase in the coming years.
Photo credit: uei.edu
Mid-Level
For a mid-level HVAC technician, the average annual wage is between $47000 and $60000. These technicians are more specialized than entry-level ones and are the ones demanded most.
Master-Level
With up to ten years of experience, you can make between $50,000 and $76,000. These technicians are extremely adept at their work and have experience with the most advanced systems.
Conclusion
Phoenix, Arizona, is an excellent place to begin your HVAC career. This is particularly true because of the weather. Phoenix gets both hot summers and chilly winters, so there will always be work for HVAC technicians. Moreover, since Phoenix has both summers and winters, HVAC technicians get to work with all sorts of equipment like heating systems, cooling systems, and refrigerants. The average annual wage for HVAC technicians is also higher than many other jobs. All these factors make Phoenix a great place to start your HVAC career.
Nearby HVAC Schools
Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:
