Heating and Air Conditioning Technology
Program Description, Mission, and Objectives
The Heating & Air Conditioning program examines the principles of heating and cooling air in controlled situations. The knowledge and applications of electricity and refrigerants are taught through problem-solving techniques to enable students to diagnose malfunctions and service/repair residential, commercial and industrial systems. The Heating & Air Conditioning curriculum is designed to help students prepare for employment in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
The mission of the program is to provide accessible, quality education opportunities that will provide individuals with knowledge, technical skills, and attitudes necessary to obtain entry-level employment in the HVAC profession.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Heating & Air Conditioning program may become employed as a Service Technician, Facility Maintenance Supervisor, Heating & Air Conditioning Lab Technician or Heating & Air Conditioning business owner.
Additional information is available from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook
Skills Needed
Successful Heating & Air Conditioning Technicians are in good physical condition; are familiar with reading blueprints; have knowledge of plumbing and electrical work; possess a basic understanding of microelectronics
Expected Earnings/Salary
Earnings of Heating & Air Conditioning Technicians as reported by the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook are as follows:
Median hourly earnings for heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $19.08.
The middle 50 percent earn between $14.94 and $24.84 per hour.
The highest 10 percent earn more than $30.59 per hour.
There are currently two levels of training available.
Estimated Program Costs
| Program |
Award Level |
Credit Hours |
Est. Tuition Cost |
Est. Books |
Total Est. Cost |
| ACR (Heating and Air Conditioning Technology) |
Associate Degree (AAT) |
75 |
$9,825.00 |
$1,800.00 |
$11,625.00 |
| ACR (Heating and Air Conditioning Technology) |
Career Entry Certificate (CER) |
59 |
$7,729.00 |
$1,500.00 |
$9,229.00 |
| ACR (Heating and Air Conditioning Technology) |
Career Skills Certificate (STC) |
29 |
$3,799.00 |
$600.00 |
$4,399.00 |
Certification
The Heating & Air Conditioning program is certified by
HVAC Excellence.
Advisory Committee
Mr. Troy Davison
General Manager, All Seasons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Mr. LaDon Dunkin
MEP Coordinator, Adtran
Mr. Rick Hall
Service Manager, Comfort Group
Mrs. Lindsay Morgan
Manager, Johnstone Supply
Mr. Bobby Petty
Upward Bound Math/Science Education Specialist, North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence
Mr. Paul Reutter
Account Manager, Trane
Mr. Don Wimberly
Facilities Manager, Benchmark Electronics
Contact the Heating and Air Conditioning program at 256.551.3138 or on campus in building 812.