The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry, or HVAC, is one of the fastest growing industries around, and to accommodate this growth, there are plenty of schools to choose from. HVAC programs are found at institutions commonly referred to as career, trade, or vocational schools and generally offer associate degrees or diploma/certificate programs. The first step when selecting a school is to eliminate those that are not accredited. Accreditation is assurance that a particular school meets the quality criteria set forth by the accrediting agency.
An HVAC program should provide instruction in installation and maintenance/repair of all residential, commercial, and industrial units. Some training programs offer specialization in installation or maintenance/repair, but all HVAC technicians should be schooled in both areas. Those wishing to work on air conditioning units must be a certified EPA Technician, so it's a smart idea to make sure a school offers this certification.
Other things to look for in a school are hands-on training and facilities. A student should visit schools personally to talk with faculty, get a feel for the curriculum, and see first-hand what the training facilities are like. They should also ask about scheduling options (flexible day and evening schedules work best for those who work or have other commitments), length of the program, and financial aid options.
