Residential Air Conditioning Technician

Be the chill champion

Test, troubleshoot and fix home AC systems

Let’s be clear—it’s the heat and the humidity. Be the one who makes August bearable. In this program, you learn:

how different air conditioning equipment types operate
to read electrical wiring diagrams and schematics
safety procedures
how to work with refrigerants safely
proper use of refrigeration gauges and electrical test equipment

What can you do with a Residential Air Conditioning Technician Certificate?

This certificate prepares you to go to work as an HVAC/R trainee.

With the fast-track program at CLC, you can complete 2 certificates in 4 months. This gives you a wider range of marketable skills for your first job in HVAC/R. Take it even further with a second level fast-track program. That’s one more semester for two additional certificates. After which you will only need a few more classes and general education courses to earn your Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) All your certificate classes are stackable and can be applied toward your Associate degree.
Choose the certificates that match your interests and goals:

See what students love about the HVAC/R engineering technology program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Vealo en español
Watch video on YouTube

Highlights

Earn EPA 608 Certification

Take a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved certification test to earn Section 608 Technician Certification.
Metallica Scholarships

Heavy metal scholarships available.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,011
  
  Median
  
  $82,536
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $130,848
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.00
  
  Median
  
  $39.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  21.74%
  
  Certificate
  
  34.78%
  
  Some college
  
  4.35%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.39%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  17.39%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $59,226
  
  Median
  
  $77,345
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $120,957
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28.47
  
  Median
  
  $37.18
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  22.02%
  
  Certificate
  
  32.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  45.71%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,011
  
  Median
  
  $82,536
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $130,848
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.00
  
  Median
  
  $39.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  41.38%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.03%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.45%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.69%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.45%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,411
  
  Median
  
  $84,673
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $127,773
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.71
  
  Median
  
  $40.70
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  57.2%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.08%
  
  Some college
  
  16.91%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.2%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  7.57%
  
  Doctorate
  
  2.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,478
  
  Median
  
  $65,658
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,593
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.49
  
  Median
  
  $31.57
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.49%
  
  Certificate
  
  68.08%
  
  Some college
  
  6.93%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,314
  
  Median
  
  $38,987
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58,001
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.57
  
  Median
  
  $18.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $27.88
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  34.03%
  
  Certificate
  
  23.48%
  
  Some college
  
  17.34%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  25.12%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.01%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27,170
  
  Median
  
  $46,121
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62,728
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.06
  
  Median
  
  $22.17
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $30.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  76.59%
  
  Certificate
  
  20.34%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.08%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HET 110	HET 110 Basic Refrigeration Systems Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration theory and practice in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR). The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, sustainable energy sources and refrigerants are covered. The use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, system evacuation and charging, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills are covered. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.	4
HET 111	HET 111 HVACR Electricity I Class Description This course introduces students to basic AC and DC circuitry, the laws of electricity, wiring of basic HVACR equipment, and safety procedures with an emphasis placed on sustainable energy sources through the use of lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiences. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and contactors are studied, along with capacitors, power distribution, motors, and protective devices. This course introduces the National Electrical Code, the use of meters, schematics, wiring diagrams, electrical troubleshooting, electrical service procedures and electrical test equipment. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.	4
HET 190	HET 190 EPA Certification Preparation Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration, theory, and practice of the EPA mandated Section 608 Refrigeration Certification exam. The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, and sustainable energy sources refrigerants are covered, as well as material pertinent for students to pass the EPA exam. This course also introduces ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol, CFC and HCFC refrigerant replacements, recovery cylinders, shipping and transportation of refrigerants, system operational pressures, substitute refrigerant replacement, recharging techniques, refrigerant recovery and reclaiming, and basic system troubleshooting. This course reinforces the use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 110
Course Title	HET 110 Basic Refrigeration Systems Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration theory and practice in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR). The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, sustainable energy sources and refrigerants are covered. The use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, system evacuation and charging, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills are covered. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 111
Course Title	HET 111 HVACR Electricity I Class Description This course introduces students to basic AC and DC circuitry, the laws of electricity, wiring of basic HVACR equipment, and safety procedures with an emphasis placed on sustainable energy sources through the use of lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiences. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and contactors are studied, along with capacitors, power distribution, motors, and protective devices. This course introduces the National Electrical Code, the use of meters, schematics, wiring diagrams, electrical troubleshooting, electrical service procedures and electrical test equipment. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 190
Course Title	HET 190 EPA Certification Preparation Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration, theory, and practice of the EPA mandated Section 608 Refrigeration Certification exam. The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, and sustainable energy sources refrigerants are covered, as well as material pertinent for students to pass the EPA exam. This course also introduces ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol, CFC and HCFC refrigerant replacements, recovery cylinders, shipping and transportation of refrigerants, system operational pressures, substitute refrigerant replacement, recharging techniques, refrigerant recovery and reclaiming, and basic system troubleshooting. This course reinforces the use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HET 150	HET 150 Air Conditioning I Split-Systems Class Description This course introduces students to the basic principles, practices, operations, service and installation of split-system residential and commercial cooling equipment, as well as industrial refrigeration equipment. The function and operational characteristics of various types of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, the wiring of split-system equipment, and safety procedures are also studied. Students will be exposed to topics such as electric controls such as thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and contactors, as well as capacitors, power distribution, motors, protective devices, system malfunction diagnosis, corrective procedures, and the refrigerants used in the split-system industry. This course reinforces the use and operation of electrical and mechanical test equipment, wiring diagrams and schematics, service manifolds, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 150
Course Title	HET 150 Air Conditioning I Split-Systems Class Description This course introduces students to the basic principles, practices, operations, service and installation of split-system residential and commercial cooling equipment, as well as industrial refrigeration equipment. The function and operational characteristics of various types of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, the wiring of split-system equipment, and safety procedures are also studied. Students will be exposed to topics such as electric controls such as thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and contactors, as well as capacitors, power distribution, motors, protective devices, system malfunction diagnosis, corrective procedures, and the refrigerants used in the split-system industry. This course reinforces the use and operation of electrical and mechanical test equipment, wiring diagrams and schematics, service manifolds, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.
Credits	4

Total Credit Hours

14

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study HVAC/R Engineering Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the HVAC/R Engineering Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

The Residential Air Conditioning Technician Certificate at CLC takes only one semester! You’ll be ready for a job as a residential air conditioning trainee. You learn:
- Theory of refrigeration and refrigeration cycle
- System recovery, evacuation and charging of refrigerants
- Electrical schematics and wiring diagrams reading
Electricity: Electrical skills are an essential part of every HVAC/R system. You will learn these skills. You start with basic theory and principles of electricity. You also learn to read schematic diagrams, which is like a roadmap to how electrical components and wiring are arranged and connected. Electrical knowledge and troubleshooting are very marketable and sought after skills.
Classes engage your brain, your hands and your muscle memory. You learn the theories and ideas first, then apply them in labs and team projects. In this way, you build confidence in your solutions and in your ability to do the work.

When your first boss tests to see if you know how to do the work on a residential HVAC/R system, you bring everything you learned in lectures and labs to show you know the how and why.

Every class session includes both lectures and hands-on lab work. You work in groups to do a task or project. Instructors often use real-world scenarios to make sure you get the most out of each class.
Most of your classmates (but not all) have been out of high school for a while. Some may be working, some may be changing careers and others are just starting out. In group projects and with the guidance of your instructors, you learn how to work with others on HVAC/R puzzles, just as you will on the job.
No—the hands-on labs are essential in every course. In-person classes keep your program on track. You also learn to interact in person with faculty and peers.

Natasha Phillips
Graduate
“Heating, ventilation and air conditioning is a trade skill that’s always going to be needed, so I can have a stable career.”
Natasha studied HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC. A Workforce Equity Initiative grant paid for her education so she can start a new career in a high-demand industry.
Read Natasha's story

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!

Be the chill champion

Test, troubleshoot and fix home AC systems

What can you do with a Residential Air Conditioning Technician Certificate?

Fast-track your career at CLC with 2 certificates in 4 months for better outcomes

Highlights

Earn EPA 608 Certification

Metallica Scholarships

Stackable Credentials

WIOA Program

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Construction and Building Inspectors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Energy Auditors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Home Appliance Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 10 Credits

Semester 2 4 Credits

Total Credit Hours

HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn in this certificate program?

What are some of the best parts of this program?

How will I learn in this program?

Are there students like me in the program?

Can I take my classes online?

Natasha Phillips

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

Get started