How long is HCI's HVAC & Refrigeration program?

Houston Career Institute's Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning program is a 10-month diploma program with hands-on training in residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, and refrigeration systems.

What does the curriculum cover (residential, commercial, refrigeration)?

The program covers residential HVAC systems, commercial HVAC systems, refrigeration cycles, electrical components, refrigerant handling, system installation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.

Does the program prepare students for EPA 608 certification?

Yes. The program prepares students for EPA Section 608 certification, which is federally required for technicians who service equipment containing refrigerants.

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). HCI's admissions team works with each applicant individually on documents, financial aid, and start dates.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Houston Career Institute is approved for federal financial aid including Pell Grants and federal student loans for qualifying students.

What jobs do HCI HVAC graduates pursue?

Graduates pursue roles such as HVAC technician, HVAC installer, refrigeration technician, and service technician at residential and commercial HVAC companies, property management firms, and industrial facilities throughout the Houston area.

Skilled Trades

Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning

Learn the foundational skills to install, maintain, and service commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems. Training is designed to prepare students for entry-level opportunities.

In as few as 10 Months

EPA Section 608

840 Clock Hours

Program Length

Certification

Industry Recognized

Small Classes

Personal Attention

Career Services

Job Placement Help

Hands-On Technical Training
Trains students in basic electricity and refrigeration theory, commercial and residential air conditioning, heat pump systems, heating systems, and advanced troubleshooting and equipment installation at HCI's Bissonnet Street campus in Houston.
Day or Evening Schedule
Entirely classroom and lab — 504 lecture hours and 336 lab hours over seven 6-week modules, with day or evening classes (5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday).
EPA Certification Prep + Free Toolkit
Program is structured to prepare students to sit for EPA Section 608 Certification (refrigerant handling). HCI also provides each graduate with their own toolkit to keep as a graduation gift.

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Financial aid for those who qualify.

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Program Overview

Our HVAC program provides comprehensive training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration systems. You'll learn installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of modern HVAC/R equipment. Graduates are prepared for the EPA 608 certification exam and entry-level positions in the field.

The Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning program is offered at our Southwest Houston campus, where small classes and hands-on labs are part of an ACCSC-accredited career training environment. Tuition assistance is available through our financial aid options for those who qualify, and graduates receive ongoing support from our career services team with connections to Houston-area skilled trades employers. Ready to apply? Review the steps on our admissions and enrollment page.

Hands-On Training

Get real-world experience in our industry-standard training facilities.

Curriculum Highlights

Refrigeration Fundamentals

HVAC System Components

Electrical for HVAC/R

Commercial Refrigeration Systems

Heat Pumps & Heating Systems

Air Conditioning Systems

System Troubleshooting

EPA 608 Certification Prep

OSHA Safety Training

Hands-On Equipment Training

Certifications This Program Prepares You For

EPA Section 608 Certification

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federally-required certification for technicians who handle refrigerants

Where This Career Path Can Take You

Explore the career paths and advancement opportunities available after completing this program.

Entry Level

HVAC/R Service Tech

Install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems.

0-2 years

Mid Level

Senior Service Technician

Handle complex commercial systems and train junior technicians.

2-5 years

Senior Level

Lead Technician / Specialist

Specialize in commercial refrigeration or building automation systems.

5-8 years

Leadership

Service Manager / Business Owner

Manage HVAC teams or launch your own contracting business.

8+ years