Best HVAC Schools in California – 2021 Picks

Alex
| Last Updated: October 25, 2021
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Irrespective of the season, HVAC professionals are always in demand. They are called to look at various problems in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Safe to say, their demand never dwindles.

Many states of the United States offer schooling and certification in HVAC training. And California houses some of the best schools serving the purpose.

These schools have well-reputed professionals of the industry as their faculty and are equipped well enough to impart staunch knowledge of the trade to its students.

In this article, we will look at some of the best HVAC schools in California offering top tier training.

Requirements to Be an HVAC Technician in California

The laws of the state of California make it very convenient to acquire HVAC certification. The Contractors State License Board of California eliminates the need for any educational qualification to be eligible for certification.

However, work experience of four years is necessary. If an applicant possesses educational qualifications, they may add up to three years of work experience. In this case, only one year of relevant industry experience is required.

The experience gained at the journeyman level and above is accepted. Any work experience gained as a trainee or as an apprentice is not acceptable. 

The board may require documented proof of qualifications and experience. The experience may be verified by a previous or current employer, supervisor, colleague, contractor, building inspector, or an architect. Failure to entertain these requests may result in the disqualification of the applicant. In case the license has already been provided, it may get revoked. 

Salary and Job Outlook in California

The job prospects for HVAC technicians in California seem bright. The profession is expected to experience a 13% rise in employment from 2018 to 2028, which is amongst the highest recorded for any profession.

This is because not only do heating, cooling, and ventilation systems need constant maintenance, but there is a steady rise in the demand for climate-friendly and energy-efficient systems. These systems require dedicated professionals for installation, upgradation, refurnishing, and replacements. 

The basic median pay for an HVAC technician starts at around US$ 47,301 with additional bonuses, which may go as high as US$163 per job. For entry-level technicians, the salary is usually 50% of the median salary, but an increase is expected with the gain in experience. 

The job also provides healthcare benefits, social security, and a pension.

Professionals with an educational qualification are preferred for the job. Basic knowledge of computer systems and quick troubleshooting skills are considered an asset in the field. With the addition of experience, the salary may experience a rise of approximately $180 per year. 

Moreover, the life of an HVAC technician revolves around irregular hours. They may be sought at odd hours due to dysfunctional systems being a nuisance for residents. The technicians are also required to work in dark and tight spaces and might need to work double or weekend shifts as well.

Quick Take - Best HVAC Schools in California

Just looking for the top three schools in your area? Here are the best HVAC schools in California:

  1. DeHart Technical School 
  2. Los Angeles Trade Tech Community College
  3. Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center

List of the Top HVAC Schools in California

The job of an HVAC technician requires a deep understanding of technicalities and good training. They should be well familiar with the working of various systems backed by a staunch knowledge of the electrical and mechanical schemes. 

It is best to learn the skills of such trade from the best available institutes. California is home to some of the best HVAC schools that equip the students well enough to compete in the outside market.

In this section, we will have a closer look at some of these schools.

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Address: 311 Bitritto Way, Suite C Modesto, California 95356
Phone: (209) 497-6105

List of Programs:

  1. Facilities Maintenance HVAC Course 1
  2.  HVAC Facilities Maintenance HVAC Course 2
  3. HVAC/R Facilities Maintenance Course 3.

Our Review of the Program

Extending over a period of six months, this course has 480 training hours divided equally into classwork and workshop training. Students are graded on individual and group projects to prepare them for solo performance as well as teamwork.

The course deals with the foundational knowledge of electrical, plumbing, operational, and troubleshooting of commercial units, solar panels, climate control systems, etc. Each course is well detailed and teaches the basics before moving forward.

DeHart Technical School facilitates its students as much as it can. For that reason, it has flexible timings to help those who also work while they are enrolled. Experts from the industry provide an insight into the job market to the students.

Proud graduates of the schools report that the course helped them brush up their knowledge of the trade to gain competitive income and incredible benefits in their jobs.

Best HVAC School in Los Angeles, CA:
Los Angeles Trade Tech Community College

Address: 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
Phone: (213) 763-7000

List of Programs:

  1. Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration

Our Review of the Program

The technical course offered at Los Angeles Trade Tech Community College is divided into four semesters. The classes may be taken in the morning or in the evening. However, the day or evening programs cannot be mixed. A minimum of 48-course units is required to pass, which are divided into 42 units of required courses and six units of elective courses.

Students gain an understanding of the working and controls of residential, commercial, and industrial units of heating cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration. Solid knowledge of working tools, safety, installment of units, and maintenance of units is imparted to them.

The wide range of elective courses offered to enable students to explore the avenue or to become more proficient in their already decided paths of interests. A minimum of C grade is required to be maintained by the students in order to pass. At the end of the course, the students are awarded Environment Protection Agency refrigerant certification.

Best HVAC Schools in Sacramento CA:
Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center

Address: Sacramento City Unified School District 5735 47th Ave. Sacramento, CA
Phone: (916) 643-7400

List of Programs:

  1. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HVAC)

Our Review of the Program

The school provides a very elaborate course on HVAC training. It spans over a period of 33 weeks and consists of 990 credit hours. It is available in different sessions throughout the year, making it easier for applicants to enroll when they want.

There is an admission policy, however, that requires a high school diploma or an equivalent to be eligible for admissions. The applicants must also attend the CAJ orientation. In addition, an assessment test is required for the students to pass with a minimum of 230 in reading and 235 in Math.

The course provides all the knowledge and training expected of an HVAC course, including electrical and plumbing of units, airflow and heat regulation, etc. Additionally, it includes safety awareness, customer services, and code of ethics to equip the students to perform better in the society.

At the end of the course, the passing graduates receive a CAJ certification of completion. Additional certifications, such as Heat Pump ER, Light commercial ER, and other ER certifications are also available at an added price.

Best HVAC Schools in Anaheim, CA:
Brownson Technical School

Address: 1110 Technology Circle Suite D, Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: 714-774-9443

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC Technician Program

Our Review of the Program

Brownson boasts an 89% employment rate of its graduates in the HVAC field. The school offers a ten-month course with a well-structured outline and content. It is the only school that provides Direct Digital Control (DDC) learning. These are computerized controls for installation and have an increasing demand in the HVAC industry.

The course is extensive and is based on 1040 credit hours. Hands-on training is provided in one of the largest labs in California here at Brownson Technical School. Pressurization testing, thermal lighting, and airflow monitoring are some of the things taught at the lab.

The faculty at the school comprises the best professionals of the field. All of the instructors are Subject Matter Experts, and some are Master Certified HVAC Educators, both these certifications are very hard to get.

Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available at the school. Full-time enrollment ends in ten months while part-time takes 22 months and has evening classes. To make matters even easier, the school provides financial aid to those who qualify.

Best HVAC Schools in San Diego, CA:
San Diego Continuing Educationl

Address: 4343 Ocean View Boulevard San Diego, CA
Phone: 92113-1915

List of Programs:

  1. Air conditioning and Heating I
  2. Air Conditioning and Heating II 

Our Review of the Program

This program is a series of two courses. The first is an introduction to the basics of heating and cooling systems along with their schematics. It also provides a detailed overview of the appliances in use, along with their controls and circuits.

It also imparts hands-on training related to copper piping and fitting. This course is 72 hours long and spans over 11 weeks, with seven hours of course work per week. It is focused on familiarizing the students with the working of the systems.

The second program is about gas and electrical heating and their installation and maintenance. It polishes the learning of the previous course by providing the skills necessary for an HVAC technician.

Special focus towards troubleshooting is also given as it forms the basis of problem-solving. This second course is 48 hours long and spans over seven weeks, with seven hours of course work per week.

Address: 6295 Edsall Road Plaza 500, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22312
Phone: (703) 461-9767

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC job training program

Our Review of the Program

This course is particularly aimed at preparing students for direct employment. The duration of the course is seven to eight months, with 30 credit hours per week. However, a 25-hour course is also available.

Students get an in-depth knowledge of the principles of electricity, ductwork, plumbing, piping systems, and customer services, etc. In addition, the basics of computers are also taught. Students are also prepared for job interviews and get help with their resumes. Upon graduation, the school assists them in finding a job.

To further facilitate the students, the school offers financial aids to those who qualify. Support services are also available. The fee covers uniform, toolkit, and books provided to each student by the department.

A fully functional lab allows students to tear down and rebuild commercial and residential heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Class size is kept small at approximately 20-25 students to give proper attention to each and every one. Students can start their classes as soon as the admission is secured.

Address: 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave. #32

Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: 1-626-486-1000

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC Technician 

Our Review of the Program

Capstone College accepts applicants who possess a high school diploma or GED in their HVAC Technician Course. The students are admitted in small classes so that each and every student gets an exclusive treatment.

The course content equips the students with thorough knowledge of the working of the HVAC systems. Along with that, essential training of plumbing, welding, and electrical is also provided. Classes are taught by reputed industrial professionals who hold extensive experience.

Hands-on training and on-site testing make the students familiar with the latest technology and how to deal with them. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and the school also assists with job placements upon graduation.

This course prepares the students for entry-level employment. This is why it might be suitable for those who are just beginning their careers. Individuals with previous experience looking to polish their learning might not find this course very informative or useful.

HVAC Schools in California Comparison Table

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Facilities Maintenance HVAC Course 1, HVAC Facilities Maintenance HVAC Course 2 and HVAC/R Facilities Maintenance Course 3
  • 311 Bitritto Way, Suite C Modesto, California 95356
  • 209-497-6105
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration
  • 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
  • 213-763-7000
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HVAC)
  • Sacramento City Unified School District 5735 47th Ave. Sacramento, CA
  • 916-643-7400
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC Technician Program
  • 1110 Technology Circle Suite D, Anaheim, CA 92805
  • 714-774-9443
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • Air conditioning and Heating I and Air Conditioning and Heating II
  • 4343 Ocean View Boulevard San Diego, CA
  • 619-388-4956
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC job training program
  • 2025 W Park Avenue Suite 1 Redlands, CA 92373-6274
  • (909) 307-5770
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC Technician
  • 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave. #32 Pasadena, CA 91103
  • 626-486-1000
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews

There are many schools in California that provide not only strong academics but also hands-on practical training. Each school prepares its students for the competitive job market and imparts crucial skills such as customer dealing and efficient troubleshooting to give them the edge in the professional world. Below is a quick comparison of the schools discussed above, to sum up all that they offer.

Conclusion

In order to become a skilled and proficient HVAC technician, a thorough understanding of the systems and associated skills are essential. With the right education and training, HVAC techs can find well-paying jobs with additional benefits. 

California is expected to observe a rise in demand for HVAC technicians in this decade, and to cater to the need, it has numerous schools to prepare aspiring minds. 

People Also Ask

Deciding upon a school that defines your career path is not an easy decision and requires careful assessments. In this regard, you might still have some questions that might have been left unanswered or need further elaboration. In this section, we will try to answer the most asked queries regarding the best HVAC schools in California.

How Do I Get HVAC Certified In California?

To get HVAC certified, the applicants must first provide proof of four years of relevant industry experience or an educational qualification related to the field with one year of relevant industrial experience. 

After that, they need to pass two exams; a business and law exam and a trade-specific exam. Upon passing those, the applicant is awarded an HVAC certification by The Contractors State License Board of California.

How Long Does It Take To Get Certified In HVAC?

It does not take much time to get HVAC certification once you complete the training. The training may last from six months to two years, depending upon the course. After that, the institute might offer a certification themselves, or you can take quick tests with the Contractors State License Board of California to get your certification.

Nearby HVAC Schools

Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:

Alex

Hey there, my name is Alex, and I’ve been writing for HVAC Schools Near Me (HSNM) since we launched in 2020. Like many, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S, I was out of work and worried about my career. A family friend introduced me to the owner of HSNM, and I found writing to be a great fit after seven years of being a technician. I hope you find our articles to be informative, valuable, and serve you well.

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