Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems regulate the temperature, air quality, and airflow in residential and commercial buildings. These systems are heavily relied on to maintain comfort for property owners. Installing, repairing, and maintaining these systems are left up to the professionals — HVAC&R technicians. And these professionals require training.

How long is HVAC&R school? At Pennco Tech, we provide HVAC&R training in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in just 35 weeks. Students find the training they need to pursue a good-paying job in less than a year. Here, we outline the benefits of our HVAC&R program and the perks of pursuing an HVAC&R career.

About HVAC&R Training at Pennco Tech

The HVAC&R program offered at our campuses in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ, introduces students to the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology. A majority of the 35-week program is taught through hands-on training from experienced instructors.

The curriculum covers a wide range of HVAC&R essential topics, including combustion analysis, unit airflow setup and checkout, equipment and part identification, best safety practices, and more. Our comprehensive technical education provides specialized training in system circuits, soldering, and pipefitting. Additionally, students will learn basic principles of electricity, gas, oil, heat pump systems, installation, and maintenance practices.

Our HVAC&R program offers both day and evening classes to accommodate our students’ schedules. The daytime program includes 1,200 learning hours, consisting of four terms at 300 hours each. The evening program is made up of 960 learning hours, consisting of four terms at 240 hours each.

As part of the program, we provide certification testing for Section 608 (EPA) of the Clean Air Act, Students who earn this certification can differentiate themselves from other job candidates and increase their employment opportunities, as many employers prefer credentials that verify a person’s skills and knowledge.

After acquiring an unrivaled level of instruction and education, students will be prepared to pursue entry-level roles in the HVAC&R industry. To assist with this, Pennco Tech proudly offers lifetime career services for students and graduates. Our services help you find employment upon graduation, and any employment assistance needed in the future.

The Benefits of Working in HVAC&R

The career of an HVAC&R technician provides a host of great benefits, making this role especially enticing. Many choose to become HVAC&R technicians for the following reasons:

Variety of Work

The duties of an HVAC&R technician can involve a wide range of responsibilities in a given day, meaning technicians won’t find themselves doing the same things daily. The variety in work helps to keep the job fresh and prevents technicians from getting bored.

Job Opportunities

One of the biggest challenges for prospective employees in today’s competitive job markets is the lack of opportunities in their desired fields. Thankfully, for those wishing to pursue a career as an HVAC&R technician, the role is in high demand. People everywhere need their homes or businesses to be at a comfortable temperature.

Short Training Time

Some people are reluctant to switch careers or pursue new roles because of the time commitment needed for training. Many college degree programs take two to four years or more to complete, which is why people might just stay where they are.

HVAC&R training from a trade school can be completed in a relatively short time. This allows aspiring professionals to receive the training they need without needing to put their lives on pause.

Competitive Salaries

When looking at a potential new career, money is often the first consideration. Income for an HVAC&R technician is determined by various factors and can allow professionals to earn a comfortable living, depending on their circumstances. Although the average salaries of HVAC&R technicians may differ depending on location, employer, and experience, these professionals often earn decent pay. The mean annual wage was $59,620 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages for HVAC technicians can increase with experience and acquiring certain certifications.

Enroll in the HVAC&R Program at Pennco Tech Today

If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC&R technician, you might think training requires a significant amount of time. At Pennco Tech, we provide effective HVAC&R instruction for our day time program in just 35 weeks. Our program, taught at our campuses in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ, introduces students to the tools of the trade, preparing them to earn certifications and find success after graduation.

We believe everyone should be allowed to earn a quality education. Our trade school is pleased to offer financial aid to students who qualify. For more information about our HVAC&R program and how to enroll, contact us today.