HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and sometimes HVAC-R for Refrigeration. These technicians are expected to install, repair, diagnose, and maintain all HVAC-R related equipment in either a commercial or domestic setting.
HVAC is one of those few industries that will never go out of need even in times like these. The job opportunities keep rising more than other fields, as we will discuss later. It is a great way to get a job that pays well and is stable.
This article will focus on job opportunities and the best HVAC training schools in Pennsylvania. Before that, let’s get a good idea of what this field requires.
Requirements to Be an HVAC Technician in Pennsylvania
To become a professional HVAC technician, you need to have technical training supported by industry-recognized certifications, whether it is mandatory or not. If you want to be employed in a good company with good base pay, you will need to stand out. Pennsylvania has many schools that offer certifications and hands-on training that we will review later.
Although Pennsylvania does not currently require any certificate or license to work in this field, you should have good knowledge of the safety and environmental aspects of the job, along with federal and state legislations.
Some cities within the state can have their own installation, repair, and alteration licenses, which you should look into, depending on where you plan on working. Some certificates you might be interested in include Manufactured Housing Installers Certification, Home Improvement Contractors, Crane Operators ‘Licensure, Asbestos, and Lead Removal Certification and Municipal Certification and License.
Salary and Job Outlook in Pennsylvania
According to the US Department of Labor, HVAC&R mechanics and installers can expect a 15% increase in employment opportunities in the years leading up to 2026. This is faster than normal growth when compared to other trades. On average, technicians with advanced training can expect to earn $22.89/ hour.
As an entry-level technician in this field, you can expect to start off with the basic salary of about $47,000 a year. This is not fixed; you can have more or less, depending on where you are located. Your salary is most impacted by your location and then your experience level.
As your years of experience grow, your roles will change along with the salary outlook. At the peak, you can expect around $73,000 a year. You can earn as much as $62,000 in Allentown as an installation technician. The rest stay in the $43,000 to $47,000 range with a few in the $50,000 range. You can, of course, earn more, but this is the average.
Other than these variables your job condition and security depends on the contractor. The more skills you have the better you are able to negotiate your pay.
Quick Take - Best HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania
Just looking for the top three schools in your area? Here are the best HVAC schools in Pennsylvania:
List of the Top HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania
Now that you have an idea of how lucrative and stable this job can be, let’s look at the best schools and colleges you can attend to ensure you get the best training and job opportunities.
Best Overall:
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Address: One College Avenue Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 570-320-2400 and 800-367-9222
List of Programs:
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Technology
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology (A.A.S)
Our Review of the Program
The Pennsylvania College of technology has been around since 1989. Their aim is to provide technical education to fight joblessness and make sure their students are equipped to go out into the technical world.
The technical college is part of a bigger community college with programs in various fields, including business, arts, and sciences. Their focus is on the HVAC program. The curricular of their program not only includes installing and repairing but also designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems as part of their bachelor’s degree.
For the students only looking for practical skills, there are associate degree options as well. This program is entirely focused on labs, troubleshooting, and testing. But with the bachelor’s degree, you will also get business and engineering courses to improve your chances and quality of the job.
There are also minors that you can pair with your degree like accounting, mathematics, business administration, and more. They also offer a scholarship to deserving students, which covers their tuition fees. Their labs include more than 100 industry-standard equipment, including heaters, burners, compressors, and gas & oil units.
For building strong industry background and experience for their students, they offer internships, labs, and the student chapter for ACCA (air conditioning contractor of America).
Best HVAC School in Philadelphia:
New Orleans Technical College
Address: 2770 Red Lion Road Philadelphia, PA 19114
Phone: 215-728-4716, 215-728-4725, 215-728-4426 and 215-728-4733
List of Programs:
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating (Diploma)
- Building Maintenance (Diploma)
- Plumbing and Heating (Diploma)
- Residential and Commercial Electricity (Diploma)
Our Review of the Program
The New Orleans technical College is a non-profit career school. Their aim is to provide relevant and up-to-date technical skills to improve job opportunities for adults. They have proven their quality of education and dedication by being named the “School of Distinction” by the ACCS (accrediting commission of career schools and colleges).
The college teaches many courses, including carpentry, electricity, and more. Their Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating program is a 6-13-month diploma. The program teaches not only installation, diagnostics, service, and repair but also how to deal effectively with the increasing standards of climate control by teaching energy-efficient solutions.
This course is focused more on residential HVAC, and it also offers financial aid for those in need and job search assistance once you have completed the diploma. To get good hands-on experience, there are fully equipped labs, and students can work with freezers, ice machines, and more.
Their program objective includes federal environmental reclamation and recycling, central air conditioning, window units, heat pumps, gas & oil furnace, ductworks, and principles of alternate energy. Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for the industry-recognized NOCTI certification.
Best HVAC School in Pittsburgh:
Rosedale Technical College
Address: 215 Beecham Dr. #2 Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Phone: 800-521-6262
List of Programs:
- Electrical Technology
- HVAC Technology
Our Review of the Program
RTC is a nonprofit institute that has been working in the fields of Automotive, diesel, electric, and HVAC since 1949. Their objective is to impart necessary trade industry knowledge and to make sure their curriculum and equipment change with the changing requirements and standards.
Their education meets the current standards as they have been approved by the Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges and ASE education foundation. Students can also apply for financial aid as the college has the approval of the US Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency for different aid programs.
After the completion of their HVAC course, you will be granted an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology and be able to take the EPA Section 608 Certification. The curriculum includes basic refrigeration, electricity & troubleshooting, forced air heating systems, hydronic heating systems, blueprint reading, sheet metal applications, heat pump diagnostics, thermodynamics & design, control system analysis, and air conditioning maintenance.
Their labs are fully equipped with different types of AC units, refrigerators, furnaces (oil, gas, electric), duct equipment, and light commercial units. You can also avail the opportunity to get small courses on safety inspection, custom corporate training, and attend diagnostic training seminars to take your career to the next level.
4. Pennco Tech
Address: 3815 Otter Street, Bristol, PA 19007 and 99 Erial Rd., Blackwood, NJ 08012
Phone: 215-486-1631 (Bristol, PA) 856-245-5320 (Blackwood, NJ)
List of Programs:
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration
- Electrician
- Plumbing & Heating Technology
Our Review of the Program
Pennco Tech is a career-focused education and training center that has been around since 1973. Their mission is to empower students to better their lives through technical skills and knowledge and to contribute to their organizations and communities.
Their financial aid includes the PA State Grant FAFSA while also offering individual sessions with a counselor and other scholarships, student Stafford loans, veterans’ educational benefits, grants, private educational loans, and third-party contracts.
Their HVAC & R course is an entry-level technician training program. They aim to get you equipped with hands-on knowledge and experience in this field. The curriculum includes different aspects of installation, repair, maintenance, basic design, and troubleshooting along with electrical wiring.
You will go from textbook knowledge, including fundamentals of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration to using labs and software. As a part of their program to promote safety, you will be taught gas properties, heat transfer, HVAC&R regulations, evacuation, circuits, soldering, and pipefitting.
They also let their students take the EPA section 608 certification on campus to further improve employment opportunities and pay.
Address: 1200 Lebanon Rd #101, West Mifflin, PA 15122 and
50 Powhatan Ave, Essington, PA 19029
Phone: 855-834-4580
List of Programs:
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Our Review of the Program
All State Career has four campuses; three in Pennsylvania and one in Maryland. All of their Pennsylvania campuses have ACCSC accreditation and Federal approval for Title IV funding programs.
They provide post-secondary career education for adults looking to improve job opportunities in today’s industry. They offer both diplomas and degree programs, depending on what you choose to study. For students of Brightwood and Virginia College, they offer facilitations to transfer their credits after the closing of the college.
Their HVAC&R program focuses on providing students with not only traditional techniques but also how to use computer-controlled appliances as it is the increasing trend today. To meet the industry’s ‘Green’ standard, the course also prepares students for the Environmental Agency’s Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification test.
For improving their students’ job placement, they hold on-campus job fairs and teach interviewing skills and how to write resumes and cover letters. They also have financial aid offices to help students get government and private loans.
Address: 1730 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584
Phone: 717-464-9518
List of Programs:
- Construction Technologies (HVAC&R)
Our Review of the Program
LCCT is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) and educational improvement organization affiliated with the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. Their focus is not just on adult education but also on high school with a total of 50 career programs. Their students can apply for the FAFSA or the WIOA financial aid, depending on their subject.
Their HVAC program is a part of their high school courses. Students can use this as a basis for further education or be employed in the industry directly. The curriculum will enable students to be either an air conditioner, duct, pipe, installer, or an HVAC, heat pump, oil & gas burner, electric/climate control technician.
At the end of the course, students can earn the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Certificate and PA skills Certificate. They allow the students to work alongside industry professionals and learn installation, repair, maintenance, analyzing, and upgrading AC, heat, and climate control systems.
According to their statistics, 88% of their high school students pursue higher education, and 1/3rd earn 3-13 college credits or an industry certificate. By using the school’s certificate, students can earn a diploma and get internship opportunities.
Address: 242 Oak Spring Rd. Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-222-5330
List of Programs:
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration
Our Review of the Program
Penn Commercial School has been around since 1929 and offers diploma programs and associate degrees that last for three months in case of a diploma and 18 months for the associate degree. Their financial team helps students determine eligible scholarships and how to apply for them. A vast majority of their graduates have been hired locally, creating a community and alumni that can help new students.
Their HVAC&R program covers electricity, DC/AC circuits, system components, sealed systems, HVAC controls and diagrams, gas heating, air conditioning equipment, oil heating/installation/service for domestic equipment, and heat pump applications.
They teach students through different settings of homes, offices, and healthcare facilities so they can have more practical knowledge of what to do where. Their labs are equipped with the latest tools and technology used in the industry so students will not be blindsided and know what they are doing from the start. You will be able to operate both commercial and residential equipment.
Your job outlooks after the completion of the course include HVAC-R installer, service technician, HVAC-R technician, and HVAC-R salesperson. They host job fairs, career counseling, interview preparation, resume assistance, and externships.
Address: 1057 County Rod Leesport, PA 19533
Phone: 610-374-4073
List of Programs:
- Construction (HVAC/R)
Our Review of the Program
The BCTC School was established in 1968, and it now has two campuses across Pennsylvania. It offers high school students with highly relevant industry centered education with 38 different career paths to enhance their opportunities.
The school is registered as an ISO 9001 Quality Management System for meeting international standards so you can be sure to receive the best quality education and environment.
The HVAC-R program is offered on the Oley campus only and has HVAC excellence accreditation. It is part of the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Pennsylvania’s Builders Association. This creates a community for not only the school to keep on top of the latest standards but also allows students to interact and learn from professionals.
The curriculum includes principles of air conditioning, cooling, heating, filtering, and humidity control. You will also learn how to work with blueprints, control systems, motors, compressors, thermostats, tubes, and more. Apart from installing and maintenance to pass the course, you will have to learn diagnostics, troubleshooting, and energy management control.
After the completion of the course, students can get EPA 608 Certification, NCCER Core, Section 609 Certificate, Pennsylvania Builders Association Skills Certificate, and OSHA Certifications.
Address: 77 Graterford Rd. Limerick, PA 19468
Phone: 724-222-5330
List of Programs:
- Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Our Review of the Program
WMCTC students have the opportunity to either go directly into the workforce or pursue a college education. Their teaching standard allows students to do both.
Their Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program combines theory and shop practice in all major aspects of the field. Other than the basics, they also teach hydronic heating, duct/pipe system design and layout, automatic controls, zoning controls, refrigerant recovery and management, and more.
Because working with heavy equipment is an important part of the job, safety instructions are taught as well. Graduates of this course work in repairing HVAC-R systems, and installing, maintaining, and repairing mechanical and control devices.
The course tries to prepare students for both commercial and domestic equipment and the environment. They work with HVAC excellence to standardize their curriculum and maintain quality. This membership also allows students to earn different certificates and be part of the community.
Address: 4117 Pulaski Rd. New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: 800-837-8299
List of Programs:
- Refrigeration and A/C Technology
Our Review of the Program
The NCST has been working since 1945 as a technical training school. It has the ACCSC accreditation and Pennsylvania Department of Education approval. They offer both diplomas and associates in specialized technology degree programs.
They have four loan programs and three grants to help students in need. These include the Federal grants and loans for which you have to complete the FAFSA.
Their refrigeration and HVAC course is an elementary level course that focuses on the installation and repair of HVAC-R equipment. It also includes power sources, diagnostics, troubleshooting, ductwork, and sheet metal fabrication. It takes a total of 15 months or 60 weeks to complete, and they guarantee a 0% debt for a typical graduate when leaving.
The curriculum includes a climate control portion and teaches climate control systems as well. Because their course also teaches working with commercial freezers, walk-in coolers, and ice machines, etc., students can shift into the food industry as well.
Their labs are equipped with heavy-duty commercial equipment that you will likely work within your job like furnaces and freezers, etc.
HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania Comparison Table
If you want just a quick overview of our top schools, then you can see the table below and compare the programs offered by each of them. You can contact the schools for more information with the numbers and addresses given here.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the HVAC industry is a practical choice because the demand for HVAC technicians is increasing rapidly. All of these schools are well-known, and they have developed a community of alumni to help guide their students. As they are all accredited and recognized schools, your decision might end up being due to the nearness of the location.
Nearby HVAC Schools
Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:
