Residential Energy Auditing

Small changes add up

Help customers save energy

Bring an expert eye to energy efficiency in people’s homes. Help customers use heating and cooling appliances more wisely, so they have more comfort and less cost. Learn to identify places heat escapes in winter or seeps back in during summer. Guide customers to the changes that save both money and the planet.

What can you do with a Residential Energy Auditing Certificate?

The certificate in Residential Energy Auditing prepares you to work as an energy auditor for people’s homes, or in related roles.

With the fast-track program at CLC, you can complete 2 certificates in 1 semester. 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.
Apprenticeships Available

Learn and earn through structured on-the-job training.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
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

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,208
  
  Median
  
  $82,291
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $145,186
  
  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
  
  $24.61
  
  Median
  
  $39.56
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.80
  
  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.
  
  Some college
  
  39.48%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  14.08%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  43.6%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.84%
  
  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).
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,214
  
  Median
  
  $51,289
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77,045
  
  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
  
  $17.41
  
  Median
  
  $24.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $37.03
  
  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
  
  47.24%
  
  Certificate
  
  20.79%
  
  Some college
  
  4.72%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.54%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  12.19%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  6.52%
  
  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).
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $67,745
  
  Median
  
  $96,051
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $176,635
  
  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
  
  $32.57
  
  Median
  
  $46.17
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $84.91
  
  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.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95.66%
  
  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).
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,729
  
  Median
  
  $90,982
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,721
  
  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
  
  $24.39
  
  Median
  
  $43.73
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.01
  
  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
  
  23.17%
  
  Some college
  
  13.7%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  25.59%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  33.61%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.94%
  
  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
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
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

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	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 Code	Course Title	Credits
HET 291	HET 291 Energy Auditing Class Description This course covers building energy auditing and associated heating and air-conditioning equipment. The concepts of heat flow, energy audit software, building science, building envelope, construction practices, material costs, moisture concerns, proper insulation techniques, energy pricing, energy modeling, and commercial and residential HVAC systems including equipment selection, layout, piping techniques, troubleshooting, codes, preventive maintenance, multiple systems, and system accessories are covered. The function and operational characteristics of building construction, building materials, various types of commercial and residential heating and air-conditioning equipment, wiring, and safety procedures are studied. Electric controls, thermostats, power distribution, and protective devices are studied, as well as equipment selection, layout, duct design, troubleshooting, and commercial and residential energy usage codes. This course also reinforces load calculations, ventilation requirements, piping techniques, the use and operation of electrical/mechanical test equipment and service manifolds. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.	4
HET 292	HET 292 RESENT Exam Preparation Class Description This course provides a review of material required to prepare students to take the Residential Energy Services Network's (RESNET®) Quality Assurance Designee Trainer Exam. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor	1
HET 294	HET 294 Green Building/Energy Sustainability Class Description This course provides an introduction to "Green Building" within the LEED certification process. Other topics related to sustainability will be covered including conservation, insulation, weatherization, and renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, and geothermal systems.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 291
Course Title	HET 291 Energy Auditing Class Description This course covers building energy auditing and associated heating and air-conditioning equipment. The concepts of heat flow, energy audit software, building science, building envelope, construction practices, material costs, moisture concerns, proper insulation techniques, energy pricing, energy modeling, and commercial and residential HVAC systems including equipment selection, layout, piping techniques, troubleshooting, codes, preventive maintenance, multiple systems, and system accessories are covered. The function and operational characteristics of building construction, building materials, various types of commercial and residential heating and air-conditioning equipment, wiring, and safety procedures are studied. Electric controls, thermostats, power distribution, and protective devices are studied, as well as equipment selection, layout, duct design, troubleshooting, and commercial and residential energy usage codes. This course also reinforces load calculations, ventilation requirements, piping techniques, the use and operation of electrical/mechanical test equipment and service manifolds. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 292
Course Title	HET 292 RESENT Exam Preparation Class Description This course provides a review of material required to prepare students to take the Residential Energy Services Network's (RESNET®) Quality Assurance Designee Trainer Exam. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 294
Course Title	HET 294 Green Building/Energy Sustainability Class Description This course provides an introduction to "Green Building" within the LEED certification process. Other topics related to sustainability will be covered including conservation, insulation, weatherization, and renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, and geothermal systems.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

18

*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

A Residential Energy Auditing Certificate takes 1-2 semesters. You specialize in the energy audit and insulation of residential buildings and gain employment as an energy auditor. You learn:
- basics of HVAC theory
- basic electricity
- energy auditing of residential dwellings
- blower door testing
- green building, sustainability and energy efficiency concepts
We’re always upgrading! You can look forward to updated lab facilities, new equipment and the latest industry materials and tools.
The best faculty: Your industry-experienced instructors play a crucial role in ensuring your best possible experience. Together with the department chairs, they provide an environment where you can thrive and succeed.
Flexible options: This program is stackable so you can earn individual certificates by taking specific courses. Your courses can also apply toward the A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science) degree.
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.
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!

Small changes add up

Help customers save energy

What can you do with a Residential Energy Auditing Certificate?

Fast-track your career with 2 certificates in 4 months for better job prospects

Highlights

Earn EPA 608 Certification

Metallica Scholarships

Stackable Credentials

Apprenticeships Available

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Accountants and Auditors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Financial Examiners

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 10 Credits

Semester 2 8 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 highlights of learning at CLC?

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