Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology

An air conditioning, heating and refrigeration (AHR) technician is trained to design, install and service air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment in residential and light commercial applications.

Most homes, workplaces and dining or entertainment spots have heat and air conditioning. Most also have refrigerators, freezers and ice makers. There is an obvious need for qualified technicians in this field, and the industry is focused on keeping people comfortable, their drinks cold and their food preserved. The AHR industry is one of the most demanding in that there are several trades involved. You must become proficient in the electrical, sheet metal and piping trades. In order to accomplish this in the given time frame, it takes a dedicated person who is willing to set goals and work hard.

Wake Tech's AHR program is designed to provide students with the basic skills to design, install and service air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment and is offered with three different degree tracks: Commercial A/C, Building Automation and Commercial Refrigeration. Commercial A/C is for residential and light commercial applications; Building Automation covers building automation controls within the commercial HVAC context; and Commercial Refrigeration specializes in commercial refrigeration systems. Once they graduate, technicians may decide to pursue design work, fabrication, installation or service work in a residential or commercial setting. Demand is great for qualified individuals in this field.

AHR Fast-Track

• Enroll in the daytime AAS degree program
• Take classes two days a week
• Be available the remainder of the week to pursue a position in the trade while being a full-time student
• Graduate in two years with your AAS degree in AHR
• Be confident you are job-ready, proficient and embedded in a growing field

Space is limited, so don't delay. Get on the fast track to success.

The program includes the following:

• HVACR electricity and electrical equipment
• HVAC controls
• Comfort cooling systems
• Oil, gas and electric heating systems
• Maintenance and servicing
• Schematics and diagrams 

Professional licensure

Wake Tech academic programs (credit and non-credit) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications. If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section of the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.

Employment

The industry needs personnel in all areas, including installation, servicing and sales. According to job market research, there are 15 to 25 jobs for every qualified technician nationwide. Starting salaries are between $11 and $15 per hour. However, with overtime and performance pay, several past graduates have reported making more than $40,000 their first year. This is a self-paced career, and earnings will rise rapidly with experience and knowledge.

Employment choices among local or nationwide companies will be almost limitless: Johnson Controls, Piedmont Air Conditioning, Encompass, American Residential Services, Service Experts, Southern Piping, Triangle Refrigeration, Greater Raleigh Refrigeration, Johnstone Supply Company, Lincoln Properties, Fowler and Sons Refrigeration and many more.