As Wake County's population grows, so does the need for more qualified technicians to maintain the heating and cooling systems for residential homes and businesses. If you enjoy solving mechanical problems and have good communication skills, a career as an HVAC technician may be the perfect fit.
The median annual wage for HVAC technicians is $48,400 – or $23.37 per hour. HVAC technicians can be employed in a variety of places, from an HVAC repair company to a large corporation or educational institution with its own facility maintenance team. Some HVAC technicians start their own businesses or work as independent contractors.
Wake Tech also offers career pathways in Heating and Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Operation, Installation and Service.
In these pathways, you will learn the safety standards and protocols as you develop the skills required for entry-level employment as a technician with an HVAC company. On completion, you will be eligible to take the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Section 608 EPA Certification exam to earn certification.
Industry-recognized credential(s): EPA Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Certification
Complete course in: Six months or less
Financial assistance available
Don't have enough money to pay for a course? Right now, Wake Tech's Propel program offers scholarships that cover the cost of registration and fees.
NOTE: The Propel Scholarship Application is currently closed and will reopen July 1.
HVAC Technician Courses
Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Part 1
Course Objectives
Know basic operation of heating systems
Do minor repairs of electrical systems
Apply general safety practices in the shop area.
Handle refrigerants safely
Understand regulations and rules of EPA regarding refrigerants
Describe the instruments used in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration
Develop good business practices and interactions with customers
Basic working knowledge of oil, gas and electric furnaces
Apply and understand electrical circuits
Understand heat pump controls and circuits
Outline of instruction
Introduction to HVAC
Copper, Soldering and brazing:
a. Covers tools, materials, and safety precautions and depicts step-by-step procedures for soldering and brazing piping.
Basic Electricity:
a. Teaches power generation and distribution, electrical components, DC circuits, AC circuits and electrical safety
Introduction to Cooling:
a. Covers the basic principles of heat transfer, refrigeration, and pressure-temperature relationships, and describes the components and accessories used in air conditioning systems.
Introduction to Heating:
a. Covers heating fundamentals, types and designs of furnaces and their components and basic procedures for installing and servicing furnaces.
Air Distribution Systems:
a. Describes air distribution systems and their components, air flow measurement, ductwork installation principles, and the use of instruments of measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, and velocity.
Introduction to Heat Pump units:
a. Covers the basic principles of heat pump equipment, understanding of thermostats and the components and circuits controlling heat pump units.
Refrigerant:
a. Covers the safety and handling procedures for units that use refrigerants
EPA Preparation and Test :
a. Covers the requirements for the EPA 608 examinations.
Contact Hours
110
CEUs
1
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
EPA 608 Certification Test
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
N/A
Text and Supplies Needed
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology- Bill Whitman and Johnson, John Tomczyk and Eugene Silberstein
ESCO Institute EPA Certification Exam Preparatory Manual (Wake Tech to Provide)
Students are required to have the tool Kit with them during Labs, if you do not have the tool kit you will not be able to participate in the lab and will be graded accordingly.
Student Tool Kits:
3/8 socket set
Tape Measure
Tubing cutters
Linemen's pliers
Needle nose pliers
Tongue and groove pliers
Nut drivers 5/16", ¼", 11/32"
Phillips screw driver #1,#2,#3
Slotted screw driver 3/16, 5/16, 3/8
Hex key set
12 "adjustable wrench
8 "adjustable wrench
Reversible refrigeration ratchet
Gloves
Wire Crimpers
Wire strippers
Six in one screwdriver
Refrigeration wrench Allen Key tool
R 22/R410/404A Three hose Manifold Gauge set
One Low loss fitting
Safety Glasses
Multimeter that reads Microfarad, Temperature, Voltage, Amperage, and resistance
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
90% attendance"Successful completion of this course requires 90% attendance and satisfactory class participation (i.e. be able to demonstrate proficiency in all concepts taught). Students with irregular attendance, less than 90% attendance, or who are unable to demonstrate competency will receive a grade of NG (no grade)","Students must arrive on time on testing day. Students will not be allowed into the classroom after the test begins. NO makeup testing dates will be offered","Students must pass a written and hands-on assessment exam with a score of 70% or higher to demonstrate competency and to receive a certificate of completion."
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
Students interested in an entry-level employment as a technician in an HVAC company.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
HVAC Technician (Helper or Installer)
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
Yes
Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment
HVAC Helper
Related Courses
MNT-3066B2
ELC-3119B4
Course Contact Information
Myra Beckers
919-532-5977
[email protected]
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
EPA Refrigerant Recovery/ Recycling Certification Exam Preparation
Course Objectives
understand the EPA requirements and material to be a Type I, II, III or Universal certified technician.
Outline of instruction
Type I,II,III and Universal Technician Certifications
2. Ozone Depletion
3. Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol
4. Section 608 Regulations
5. Substitute Refrigerants and Oils
6. Refrigeration
7. Recovery Techniques
8. Three R's
9. Dehydration Evacuation
10.Safety
11. Shipping
12. Test
Contact Hours
18
CEUs
1
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
EPA 608 Certification Test
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
N/A
Text and Supplies Needed
ESCO Institute EPA Certification Exam Preparatory Manual
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
attendance"Successful completion of this course requires 100% attendance and satisfactory class participation (i.e., be able to demonstrate proficiency in all concepts taught). Students must arrive on time on testing day. Students will NOT be allowed into the classroom after the test begins. NO makeup testing dates will be offered."
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
Hearing and air conditioning companies (Business)
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
HVAC Helper
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
Heating and Air Conditioning - home business, Refrigerant companies.
Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment
Refrigerant helpers
Heating and air conditioning assistant
Related Courses
AHR-3131A2
AHR-3128A3
OSH-3013B1
Course Contact Information
Myra Beckers
919-532-5977
[email protected]
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Heat Pumps: Operation Installation and Service
Course Objectives
Know basic operation, installation and service of heat pump systems
Outline of instruction
1- Principles of Operation
2.- System Components
3.- Airflow
4.- Defrost Methods
5.- Balance Point
6.- Secondary Heat
7.- Electrical Control Wiring
8.- Refrigerant Piping
9.- System Installation
10.- Refrigerant Evacuation and Charging
11.- Preventive Maintenance
12.- Troubleshooting
13.- Dual-Fuel Systems
14.- All-Weather Systems
Contact Hours
96
CEUs
1
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
ESCO Institute. Heat Pump Employment Ready Certification
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
Heating and Air Conditioning Course (AHR-3131B2)
Text and Supplies Needed
Heat Pump Operation, Installation, Service- Esco Institute (Book must be purchased by student) www.escogroup.org
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
HVAC Lab
Requirements for Successful Completion
90% attendance"Successful completion of this course requires 90% attendance and satisfactory class participation (i.e. be able to demonstrate proficiency in all concepts taught). Students with irregular attendance, less than 90% attendance, or who are unable to demonstrate competency will receive a grade of NG (no grade) and will not receive a certificate of completion. ","Students must arrive on time on testing day. Students will not be allowed into the classroom after the test begins. NO makeup testing dates will be offered","Lab exercises, when applicable, are due on the date assigned by the instructor. Late assignments may be accepted only at the instructor's discretion","Students must pass a written and hands-on assessment exam with a score of 70% or higher to demonstrate competency and to receive a certificate of completion."
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
Students interested in an entry-level employment as a technician in an HVAC company.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
HVAC Technician
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
Yes
Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment
HVAC Helper
Related Courses
AHR-3128A3
AHR-3131A2
Course Contact Information
Myra Beckers
919-532-5977
[email protected]
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) [Spanish] Part 1
Course Objectives
Know basic operation of heating systems
Do minor repairs of electrical systems
Apply general safety practices in the shop area.
Handle refrigerants safely
Understand regulations and rules of EPA regarding refrigerants
Describe the instruments used in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration
Develop good business practices and interactions with customers
Basic working knowledge of oil, gas and electric furnaces
Apply and understand electrical circuits
Understand heat pump controls and circuits
Outline of instruction
Introduction to HVAC
Copper, Soldering and brazing:
a. Covers tools, materials, and safety precautions and depicts step-by-step procedures for soldering and brazing piping.
Basic Electricity:
a. Teaches power generation and distribution, electrical components, DC circuits, AC circuits and electrical safety
Introduction to Cooling:
a. Covers the basic principles of heat transfer, refrigeration, and pressure-temperature relationships, and describes the components and accessories used in air conditioning systems.
Introduction to Heating:
a. Covers heating fundamentals, types and designs of furnaces and their components and basic procedures for installing and servicing furnaces.
Air Distribution Systems:
a. Describes air distribution systems and their components, air flow measurement, ductwork installation principles, and the use of instruments of measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, and velocity.
Introduction to Heat Pump units:
a. Covers the basic principles of heat pump equipment, understanding of thermostats and the components and circuits controlling heat pump units.
Refrigerant:
a. Covers the safety and handling procedures for units that use refrigerants
EPA Preparation and Test :
a. Covers the requirements for the EPA 608 examinations.
Contact Hours
110
CEUs
1
Industry Standard, State or National Certification
EPA 608 Certification Test
CE or CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
N/A
Text and Supplies Needed
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology- Bill Whitman and Johnson, John Tomczyk and Eugene Silberstein
ESCO Institute EPA Certification Exam Preparatory Manual (Wake Tech to Provide)
Students are required to have the tool Kit with them during Labs, if you do not have the tool kit you will not be able to participate in the lab and will be graded accordingly.
Student Tool Kits:
3/8 socket set
Tape Measure
Tubing cutters
Linemen's pliers
Needle nose pliers
Tongue and groove pliers
Nut drivers 5/16", ¼", 11/32"
Phillips screw driver #1,#2,#3
Slotted screw driver 3/16, 5/16, 3/8
Hex key set
12 "adjustable wrench
8 "adjustable wrench
Reversible refrigeration ratchet
Gloves
Wire Crimpers
Wire strippers
Six in one screwdriver
Refrigeration wrench Allen Key tool
R 22/R410/404A Three hose Manifold Gauge set
One Low loss fitting
Safety Glasses
Multimeter that reads Microfarad, Temperature, Voltage, Amperage, and resistance
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
N/A
Requirements for Successful Completion
90% attendance"Successful completion of this course requires 90% attendance and satisfactory class participation (i.e. be able to demonstrate proficiency in all concepts taught). Students with irregular attendance, less than 90% attendance, or who are unable to demonstrate competency will receive a grade of NG (no grade)","Students must arrive on time on testing day. Students will not be allowed into the classroom after the test begins. NO makeup testing dates will be offered","Students must pass a written and hands-on assessment exam with a score of 70% or higher to demonstrate competency and to receive a certificate of completion."
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
N/A
Intended Audience
Students interested in an entry-level employment as a technician in an HVAC company.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
HVAC Technician (Helper or Installer)
Wake County Need for Industry Positions
Yes
Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment
HVAC Helper
Related Courses
MNT-3066B2
ELC-3119B4
Course Contact Information
Larry Buie
919-334-1611
[email protected]
| Details | Section | Date(s) | Location | Price | Seats | 310207 | 07/19/25 - 09/27/25 | BEC | 250.00 | 0 |
|---|
If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
