Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

The design of the Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program incorporates fundamentals and integrates new technologies and innovations of climate control systems for application in the real world. The output is a well-rounded technician who understands the importance of safety and soft skills such as attitude and good communications who possesses traditional technical skills in air conditioning, refrigeration and heating. The program is relevant, unique and state of the art in that it goes beyond the basics and introduces the student to new and emerging technologies in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration that allows buildings and systems to be operated more efficiently. Individuals satisfying program requirements have countless career opportunities in a variety of job classifications.

Students successfully completing any of the certificates listed below may apply a maximum of 21 semester hours towards an AAS degree in Construction Technology - Craft Management Specialization. For certificates with fewer than 21 semester hours, additional courses in Construction Technology, Business Administration, or other related disciplines may be required.

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

HCC completers are positioned to outshine the competition when seeking employment or advancing in an existing career. In addition to receiving a certificate or degree, get certified by the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER), HVAC Excellence or NATE.

• The Basic HVAC certificate is aligned with NCCER.
• The Advanced HVAC certificate is aligned with HVAC Excellence.
• The HVAC AAS degree is aligned with NATE and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Students who take certain courses may also have the opportunity to receive OSHA 10 certification.

Our program is driven by industry. We aim to exceed the needs of industry by continually seeking ways to improve. Our advisory committee is diverse and comprised of representatives from companies that are traditional, non-traditional, private and public. Our industry partners include:

• Carrier
• Century Supply
• Daiken
• Houston Independent School District
• Jackson Supply
• Johnson Controls
• Siemens
• York
• Yokogawa of North America

According to the US Department of Labor, the growing number of sophisticated climate-control systems is expected to increase demand for qualified HVACR technicians. Candidates familiar with computers and electronics, as well as those who have developed troubleshooting skills, will have the best job opportunities.

There are 6,819 Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 8.2% over the next four years.

• The estimated annual job openings is 347 jobs a year.
• Median Wages - $19.50 hourly, $41,000 annually