HVAC

While some people choose to go into an apprenticeship, which means jumping right into on-the-job work under substantial supervision, the fact that it can take several years to advance beyond the role of apprentice can be a turn-off for many.   

The alternative is enrolling in an HVAC technician training program like the one offered at Summit College San Bernardino. This path appeals to those who want a structured learning experience that makes the most of their time and resources.   

To apply for the HVAC program at Summit, you need to: 

• Be 18 years or older 
• Provide an acceptable high school diploma, GED, or equivalent 
• Complete an interview with an Admissions Advisor 
• Meet the required level of proficiency with speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English 

As part of the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that any HVAC technician who works with refrigerants must hold the EPA 608 Certification for the equipment that they work on — small appliances, high-pressure appliances, low-pressure appliances, or all types. The HVAC program at Summit College San Bernardino is structured to prepare our students to sit for the EPA 608 Universal Certification. 

Beyond that, there are a few different types of contractor licenses through the California Contractors State License Board. If you aim to become a contractor or to be self-employed, you will likely need to sit for licensure exams like: 

• C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor — A warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning contractor fabricates, installs, maintains, services and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This classification shall include warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems which utilize solar energy. 

• C-46 Solar Contractor — A solar contractor installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. A licensee classified in this section shall not undertake or perform building or construction trades, crafts, or skills, except when required to install a thermal or photovoltaic solar energy system. 

C-38 Refrigeration Contractor — A refrigeration contractor constructs, fabricates, erects, installs, maintains, services and repairs refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, and insulated refrigerated spaces, temperature insulation, air-conditioning units, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity and thermostatic controls for the control of air, liquid, and/or gas temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit (50 ), or ten degrees Celsius (10 ). 

It can, which can be a big upside for people who hate sitting all day at a computer and prefer to work with their hands. HVAC technicians work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in cramped spaces or buildings that are exceedingly warm or cold because the system isn’t working. Learning how to appropriately utilize personal protective equipment, like safety goggles and masks, and how to properly lift heavy parts and machinery goes a long way toward preventing injury. 

Depending on the school you pick, some programs – like those at community colleges – can take up to a year or even longer. However, at a dedicated trade school like Summit College San Bernardino, we work with many students who can’t wait that long to get started on a new career. That’s why our HVAC program can get you from first class to graduation in just 36 weeks.  

Traditional colleges in California  can cost upwards of $40,000 per year, a price tag that is out of reach for a lot of people. But, as a comparison, HVAC programs at dedicated trade schools, like the one we offer at Summit College San Bernardino, can cost less than half that number. Summit College also has access to a number of financial aid options to support our students.