When we think about Nevada, three things come to mind – hot days, cold nights, and of course, Las Vegas. The sunny and arid weather conditions in Nevada mean that expert technicians working in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are in high demand, making the HVAC a useful and profitable field for people who like working with their hands.
In today’s modern world, buildings are becoming more energy-efficient. As a result, the HVAC technical profession has become one of the fastest-growing careers in the country with highly skilled technicians in quite high demand.
If you are in Nevada and are interested in this exciting profession, then you are in the right place. Here we will provide an in-depth review of HVAC programs offered by some of the top HVAC schools in Nevada to help start your journey as a skilled HVAC technician.
Requirements to Be an HVAC Technician in Nevada
In accordance with the Clean Air Act, any technician working, servicing, or repairing air conditioners or refrigerators is obligated to sit for the EPA Refrigerant Certification exam.
The HVAC technicians in Nevada need a Classification C-21 in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning. This exam consists of topics like furnaces, fuel systems, heaters, hangers, piping, chillers, load calculations, controls, and ducts.
In order to apply for the HVAC license, you will have to meet some requirements first:
- Experience of four years as an HVAC technician over the past ten years
- Schooling period can only count as three years of the required practical experience
- Four reference certificates must be submitted to prove your experience
- Pay an exam fee of $600
- Forward your current financial statements to a CPA
- Pass a background check
- Pay bond decided by the Board depending on the type of license you are applying for
This license will have to be renewed every two years.
According to Nevada law, HVAC technicians working with the installation of solar-powered heating or any alternative energy systems must clear the Solar Contractor Licensing exam.
This is essential while contracting for solar services like solar space heating, solar water heating, solar air conditioning, solar thermal process heat, and solar pool heating.
An HVAC technician who wants to practice in Nevada must have a license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Salary and Job Outlook in Nevada
On average, HVAC technicians in Nevada earn almost $53,710 while the salary fluctuates between $34,980 and $74,120. This amount changes because of various factors, including the population and size of the city and the state of competition in the market. On average, the hourly wage rate in Nevada varies from $16.82 to $35.63.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics in the USA was $47.080 in May 2017. For example, HVAC technicians in Carson City earn a median salary of $42,522, while in Las Vegas, HVAC is earning a median pay of $40,993 annually.
The HVAC industry has been a contributing factor in the continued success of the growing Nevada casino city. As a result, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, there will be a 42% increase in demand for HVAC technicians over the next ten years.
Quick Take - Best HVAC Schools in Nevada
Just looking for the top three schools in your area? Here are the best HVAC schools in Nevada:
List of the Top HVAC Schools in Nevada
HVAC is one of the fastest-growing careers, and it is particularly in high demand in Nevada. It is the perfect career option for people who are interested in hands-on learning and stability. The following information about some of the top HVAC schools in Nevada is particularly compiled for individuals interested in pursuing HVAC as a career in this state:
Best Overall:
National Technical School
Address: 1870 Whitney Mesa Dr Henderson, NV 89014
Phone: 702-935-2193
List of Programs:
- HVAC Install Technician
- Certified HVAC Technician
- Certified HVAC/R Technician
- Facility Engineer
Our Review of the Program
If you envision a career as an HVAC specialist, then you need EPA certification from one of the best HVAC schools in Nevada. The National Technical Institute is one such top institute that believes in hands-on training instead of learning theory only from PowerPoint.
NTI’s HVAC technician program is highly affordable and offers flexible morning and evening classes. In just four months, you can earn a certificate that is recognized by the industry. Whether you are a beginner or already have HVAC repair experience, the NTI training programs are perfect for you as they can put you on a path to start a successful career as a proficient HVAC technician. This program also includes the EPA 608 Universal Certification Exam and its preparation.
The National Technical Institute has a 9,000 square foot training facility solely dedicated to technical training. The classrooms are equipped with computerized teaching aids and state-of-the-art audio/video equipment. The 3,000+ square foot lab is fully equipped with three-phase power and electrical training units.
These units are available to students for practicing circuit troubleshooting and control wiring. The teachers at NTI encourage students to reinforce classroom instructions with hands-on training. They can train while using commercial and industrial equipment as well as refrigeration equipment and A/C, gas heating units, including basic refrigerators, ice machines, and reach-in coolers.
The four different courses offered by NTI include:
HVAC Install Technician
This basic foundation program offered at NTI consists of four courses and is spread over a total of 88 hours. This program includes topics like refrigeration, electrical systems, and air conditioning. Students will also get EPA certification and exam preparation.
Certified HVAC Technician
The curriculum of this program consists of all topics related to the HVAC Installer program plus four courses, thus taking the duration of instruction time to 160 hours. It also includes topics like heat pumps and A/C troubleshooting.
Certified HVAC/R Technician
This program teaches students about commercial refrigeration. It is designed to enhance the skills acquired in the Certified HVAC Technician course. The total duration of this course is 192 hours and consists of nine courses.
Facility Engineer
The Facility Engineer program at NTI is very helpful for technicians who want to further their career. It consists of three advanced courses and will enable students to get complete knowledge regarding the central plants used in industrial and large commercial buildings. However, these courses require students to have an experience of one year in the field as an HVAC technician.
Best HVAC in Las Vegas:
Advanced Training Institute
Address: 5150 S Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89118
Phone: 702-291-1924
List of Programs:
- HVAC/R Training
Our Review of the Program
The aim of the Advanced Training Institute is to train students for industry-recognized certifications in the HVAC field. They offer both day and evening courses to enable students to choose the course they find most convenient. This specialized and intensive hands-on program is fashioned to train students to excel as professionals upon graduation. It also provides students with the opportunity to sit for industry certifications.
The ten and a half month-long certificate HVAC/R program offered at ATI aims to provide students with the theoretical as well as practical knowledge needed to become a skilled HVAC technician.
The contents of the curriculum consist of circuit repair, service and repair of light commercial and residential gas heating systems, mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, evaporator and compressor fan motor replacement, residential and light commercial condensing unit, and more. This program also enables students to sit for both the EPA 608 Universal and HVAC Excellence certification.
The teachers and staff at ATI take their roles very seriously. They are also concerned about the success of their students. That is why they provide complete assistance to their students with career placement not only when they graduate, but throughout their career.
Address: 1421 Pullman Dr. Sparks, NV 89434
Phone: 775-241-4445
List of Programs:
- HVAC/R Service Technician
Our Review of the Program
The goal of the HVAC/R Service Technician program offered at the Career College of Northern Nevada is to provide career-ready training to its students. That is why the curriculum of this program has been designed with the help of local employers while keeping in mind the employment trends. This ensures that the courses offered at CCNN are based on in-demand jobs.
With the help of this HVAC/R program, students will be able to obtain not only knowledge but advanced technical skills as well that are essential for an entry-level position in this high-demand field.
Career College of Northern Nevada has one of the most modern and state-of-the-art educational facilities, specifically designed to meet the educational needs of their students. Its HVAC/R Service Technician program is designed to provide students with hands-on, in-depth training that will help them succeed in the rapidly growing refrigeration, ventilation, heating, and air conditioning field.
The duration of this program is nine months and includes topics such as Electrical Theory and Application, HVAC/R Fundamentals, Heating Systems, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems. After the completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the national EPA Section 608 certification exam.
At CCNN, hands-on training is considered an essential part of learning basic HVAC/R. The small class size ensures individualized attention from instructors. Moreover, financial aid is also available for deserving students.
Address: 3139 Westwood Dr. Las Vegas NV 89109
Phone: 702-597-0861
List of Programs:
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration
- Electricity for Air conditioning
- Electric Heat and Cool
- Heat Pumps
- Troubleshooting
- Gas heat and brazing
Our Review of the Program
Quality Technical Training Center offers programs to students that help them become skilled technicians who can diagnose, repair, and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They also provide students with the unique opportunity to become certified in the environmentally-friendly refrigerant, R410A.
Spread over an area of 11,000 square feet, its classrooms are designed for a maximum of 20 students, thus ensuring individual attention. The labs on the campus are fully equipped with real working air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration units at the disposal of the students. This ensures plenty of hands-on training for each student and enables them to learn about the working of different components and how they can troubleshoot and repair them.
The HVAC training program at Quality Technical Training Center covers all the basic principles of air conditioning and refrigeration. It covers major system components, types of refrigerant, troubleshooting procedures, refrigerant handling, testing equipment, and emphasizes the understanding of electrical systems. In addition, proper brazing techniques, the opportunity to perform a compressor change-out, and maintenance and repair of heating systems are also a part of the curriculum.
The different courses offered at the Quality Technical Training Center include:
Fundamentals of Refrigeration
The duration of this course is 24 hours and includes basic physical laws related to mechanical refrigeration. Basic cycle controls, functions of receivers, evaporators, metering devices, compressors, condensers, and refrigerants are also taught.
Electricity for Air Conditioning
The basic fundamentals of electricity, as well as advanced electricity, are taught in this course. It also includes OHM’s law, electron theory, power equations & Kirchoff’s law relating to current, voltage, resistance, and power in parallel and series circuits. The duration of this course is 24 hours.
Electric Heat & Cool
This 24-hour course is a combination of the theory in A/C 100 and A/C 101 with hands-on running and wiring of actual units. Moreover, refrigerant recovery, ambient charging procedures, and evacuation will also be taught.
Heat Pumps
As the name suggests, this course is about heat pumps and their operation. It covers various topics, including defrost methods and superheat charging.
Troubleshooting
This 24-hour advanced course educates students about the recommended diagnosis and service procedures for air conditioning systems. It also includes general troubleshooting measures for both electrical and mechanical systems.
Gas Heat and Brazing
This course includes various topics related to gas packs and gas furnaces. The curriculum includes gas valves, gas burners, operating controls, gas combustion, ignition systems, and pilots. Moreover, brazing techniques and the proper method for a compressor change-out are also included in this 24-hour course.
Address: 7000 Dandini Boulevard, Reno, NV 89512
Phone: 775-673-7111
List of Programs:
- HVAC/R Program
Our Review of the Program
The aim of the HVAC/R program at Truckee Meadows Community College is to prepare students for job opportunities available in the local community. Their state-of-the-art lab makes it very easy for students to learn about the innovative training systems in HVAC/R. The best thing about this program is that it combines classroom instructions with hands-on training, thus providing industry-grade training on a regular basis.
This program is designed to prepare students to systematically approach, inspect, troubleshoot, and solve the problems related to HVAC/R by highlighting hands-on techniques and practical skills. There are multiple degrees and certifications offered in this program, thus preparing students to master this field. The Undergraduate Certificate in HVAC/R Maintenance Technology will not only help students design commercial and residential HVAC/R systems but troubleshoot and repair them as well.
The duration of this program is 30 weeks and comprises 31 units, including required and elective courses.
Address: 4601 W. Bonanza Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107
Phone: 702-651-4800
List of Programs:
- Air Conditioning Technology Program
Our Review of the Program
College of Southern Nevada offers its students the Air Conditioning Technology Program that aims to provide cutting-edge training in the field of HVAC/R. This program has been designed to ensure that students receive not only classroom theory but also learn practical skills and hands-on techniques.
The main purpose of this program is to ensure that students become familiar with all the components and learn to solve the problems analytically. This program is accredited by PAHRA (Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation). It is ideal for students who want to pursue a successful career as technicians and installers in refrigeration and air conditioning.
HVAC Schools in Nevada Comparison Table
There are a number of HVAC schools in Nevada that provide quality education, making it easier for individuals to excel in this field. We have compiled the main features of these schools in the form of a table, thus making it easier to pick one best suited for you.
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Conclusion
It is not only the sun that is bright in Nevada – the future prospects in HVAC are too! If you are not afraid of hard work and are prepared to work in demanding weather conditions, then the HVAC industry is just right for you.
You will have to pass the state certification exam in order to get the license, but the result is well worth the effort in terms of stable prospects and career growth.
Nearby HVAC Schools
Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:
