Compare Dallas-area HVAC training programs—including length, tuition, labs, EPA 608 certifications, and local jobs.
Methodology
When compiling our list of Dallas-area heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) training programs, we took into account cost, lab times, available certifications, and access to job resources and employer partners.
Quick Facts on HVAC Training Dallas, TX
- Typical program lengths will vary based on several factors, including curriculum and format. Most certificate programs take less than one year to complete, while associate degrees usually take around two years.
- The cost of an HVAC program also spans a wide range, from less than $2,000 to more than $30,000. This will depend on whether you’re pursuing a certificate or associate degree, as well as the length, curriculum, and location of the course.
- Beyond tuition, prospective students should also take into consideration the cost of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment as well as additional certifications.
Top Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Programs in Dallas (Unranked)
ForgeNow
ForgeNow provides students with an opportunity to obtain four types of HVAC certifications, as well as a number of credentials including EPA 608, OSHA 10, and more. Their HVAC program consists of 297.5 total hours of coursework, with a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 1:30 in the classroom and 1:20 in the lab.
Credentials: Certifications
Length: Seven weeks
Costs: $12,000
Lab setup: 174.5 hours of lab work
EPA 608 support: Students are able to attend EPA certification preparation seminars offered through the program
Externship/placement: Career services including job placement assistance, workshops, and job fairs
Formats: Full-time weekdays
Lincoln Tech
Since the opening of their first location in Newark, NJ in 1946, Lincoln Tech has been providing HVAC training to thousands of students at campuses across the United States. Some courses are even available online to help accommodate a range of schedules.
Credentials: Associate diploma
Length: 52–77 weeks
Costs: $514–$595/credit hour
Lab setup: Several hours of lab work in addition to lectures for each program unit
EPA 608 support: EPA certification prep included
Externship/placement: Job placement assistance and an opportunity to apply to a specialized Hussmann partnership program
Formats: Daytime, afternoon, and evening classes
Lindsey-Cooper Refrigeration School
Founded in 1970, the Lindsey-Cooper Refrigeration School has nearly 50 years of experience teaching HVAC skills. Students will complete 108 hours of classroom learning and lab work.
Credentials: Certifications
Length: 2–12 weeks
Costs: Contact school
Lab setup: 54 hours of hands-on lab work
EPA 608 support: EPA certification, including a class and testing for Federal EPA certification, is held every 3 weeks
Externship/placement:
Formats: Full-time day, part-time night, part-time weekend
Tech Zone HVAC School
Boasting small class sizes and a curriculum that includes both technical and soft skills, Tech Zone HVAC offers 100 hours of class time, divided between lectures and lab work, with a variety of schedule options.
Credentials: Certification
Length: 2–12 weeks
Costs: $3,350
Lab setup: 49 hours of lab work covering electricity, motors, brazing, combustion systems, and more
EPA 608 support: Program includes one EPA certification voucher with study guide
Externship/placement: Job assistance including career fairs, job boards, and hiring partners
Formats: Full-time day, part-time night, part-time weekend
Texas HVAC Technician and Contractor Requirements
- Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TLDR). The TDLR is responsible for overseeing license applications, management, and renewals. In order to work as a licensed HVAC contractor or technician, you must pass an examination through this department.
- Contractor vs. technicians. There will also be distinct requirements for contractors and technicians. To work as a technician, who is overseen by a contractor, you must be at least 16 years of age and submit your application. For a contractor’s license, you must have at least 48 months of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor or have held a technician certification for the past 12 months with at least 36 months of experience within the past two years.
- EPA 608 certification. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, HVAC technicians who are responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, or disposing of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere must obtain an EPA 608 certification.
How to Choose the Right Dallas HVAC School for You
Curriculum and Goals
First, you’ll want to think about your career goals and what you’ll need to learn in order to get there. What skills does the course impart? Do they offer training to prepare students for any specialized certifications? Will you get hands-on experience or just classroom theory? These are all factors to keep in mind when comparing schools.
Schedule Flexibility
While some are able to commit to a full-time program, or even a 2-year associate degree, others may have existing work or family obligations that require a more flexible schedule or prefer a short-term course that will get them in the workforce quicker. When researching schools, think about if you’d rather enroll in a full-time course over a shorter period of time, or a part-time course that spans a longer period.
Industry Partnerships and Career Services
Many vocational schools across the U.S. have relationships with one or more local businesses to help their graduates connect with local businesses and land entry-level positions. Take a look to see if your prospective schools work with any hiring partners, as well as if these companies are ones you would want to be employed by.
HVAC Training Cost and Funding Options
The cost of attending an HVAC school can vary widely, ranging from less than two thousand dollars to more than thirty thousand depending on location, school, certification, and length.1 In addition to this, prospective students must also factor in the costs of tools, exam fees, and licensing. Luckily, most schools also provide multiple payment options to help ease the cost.
- Workforce grants. You may also want to look into government-sponsored programs that provide grants for technical training schools, covering partial or full tuition. Contact your school to learn if they’re eligible for any of these grants.
- Employer sponsorships. Through an employer sponsorship, a company will pay all or part of a student’s tuition, in exchange for that student agreeing to work for them for a certain amount of time after their training. You’ll want to keep in mind that, if you leave employment before the required timeline, you will typically be required to pay back the tuition that the employer covered.
- Federal financial aid. Depending on the type of program you’re attending, you may be able to apply for federal student loans. To find out if your school qualifies, reach out to the admissions office or search for institutions on the Federal Student Aid website.
- Private loans. While not all HVAC schools offer federal student loans, they may provide private loan options. It’s important to remember, though, that should you choose this route, you’ll likely end up paying more in interest payments, and your credit score may be affected.
Dallas HVAC Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), skilled HVAC technician continues to stay an in-demand career, as they project an 8% job growth rate through 2034 (“much faster” than the national average across all occupations of 3%).2 They also put the median annual salary at $59,810.3 The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area in particular has the second-highest number of HVAC jobs, with an employment number of 9,980.4 So it’s no wonder that aspiring HVAC professionals can be drawn to this city, with its large residential and commercial real estate markets, as well as data centers that require constant temperature control.HVAC techs can also look forward to consistent salary growth throughout their careers, from those with less than one year of experience to those with more than 20. Payscale maps out the average salary by experience, with their data showing entry-level salaries at $18.61/hour and late-career salaries at $30.87/hour.5 For those looking for hands-on work in a rewarding career, becoming an HVAC installer and maintenance worker could be the path for you.
FAQs
Should I get an AAS or a certificate?
Whether it’s better to get an associate degree or a certificate will vary from person to person. Think about what you want to learn, the environment you learn best in, and what scheduling best works for you.
How soon can I test for EPA 608?
You must schedule your exam date at least 72 hours in advance, but you can take the test 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Do programs include tools?
Whether or not you need to provide your own tools will depend on your specific program. Some schools include tools such as refrigeration or air conditioning equipment in the tuition cost, while others require students to supply their own.
Sources
1https://www.neit.edu/blog/how-much-does-hvac-school-cost
5https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=HVAC_Technician/Hourly_Rate
