The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning program designed around the broad area of indoor environmental systems control. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning is two-year intensive course of study in the general trade’s areas of refrigeration, air-conditioning, sheet metal and heating and ventilation. Projects involve use of various types of refrigeration/air conditioning equipment and heating and ventilation trainers. Safety procedures and proper use of testing equipment are taught in each of these areas. In refrigeration, students learn about typical residential and commercial applications of refrigeration systems. In the air conditioning area, students are instructed on central air systems as well as window air conditioning units. In heating and ventilation, students are involved with boilers, burners, ventilation systems and total environmental control applications. Students learn to assemble various types of duct work and air handling systems. Piping using acetylene and oxygen torches and various solders and fluxes used in the installation of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Uses of various refrigerants and fuel heating oils are also covered. In each area, students cover the basics of each system and learn to assemble and troubleshoot the various devices necessary for the systems. The student will become familiar with the mechanical and electrical components necessary to work in the field. Students learn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and regulations about refrigeration containment and needs for certification. Certification testing is provided at the school twice a year (fall & spring).

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning specialist may work alone, with a team, work indoors, outdoors, travel or stay in the office and manage the business. This field offers full-time work year round. There is a variety of work exposure as one moves from one location to another. HVAC is an apprentice trade involving certified training hours. On completion of the program at Bristol TEC, the student receives credited hours toward a state-approved apprenticeship in the field.

Interested and qualified students may be offered a placement with the Work-based Learning program. This gives students an opportunity to work in the field at local facilities and receive credit for their work.

The supply of trained people has not kept pace with the rapidly increasing demand for HVAC technicians. It is estimated that at least 75,000 to 250,000 more trained Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning specialists will be needed in the next few years in the industry.

Pay scales for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Helpers–Installation click this link Dept. of labor

Pay scales for Heating and Cooling click this link Dept. of labor

Pay scales for Sheet Metal Workers click this link Dept. of labor

Pay scales for related HVAC jobs click this link Dept. of labor

Pay scales for related Refrigeration jobs click this link Dept. of labor

Students that complete the program can become apprentices to the trade and work in area heating, air conditioning and refrigeration businesses. Many people who enter this field find they can move into other areas of industry, such as:

  • Custom metal fabricator
  • Designer
  • Electrician
  • Estimator
  • Plumber
  • Sales Representatives
  • Field Service Person
  • Operations Manager
  • Service Manager
  • Business Owner
  • Wholesale Operations

  • BPI- Building Science Principles Certificate
  • CT-DOL Approved Related Instruction Hours
  • CSST Certification
  • EPA- Section 608 Refrigeration Certification
  • Ladder & Scaffolding Certification
  • NATE Industry Competency Exam (ICE)
  • Core, Air-conditioning, Oil Heat, Gas Heat
  • OSHA 1926 (Construction Industry) Certification
  • Skills USA – Career Readiness