The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) program at College of DuPage provides both a general technical background in HVACR and also allows for specialization in many areas of the industry.
Students learn about refrigeration, air conditioning and heating, electrical circuitry, control equipment and system design, as well as troubleshooting and equipment installation. Take HVACR courses in testing, troubleshooting and equipment installation.
Our degree and certificate programs prepare students for positions as technicians and mechanics, installers, stationary operators, managers, contractors and HVACR business owners. With proper planning, students can continue their education at a four-year college or university and pursue a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
Determine Your Path
Find employment with utility or supply chain companies companies, governmental organizations or manage your own business.
Whether you are preparing for a career in HVACR, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
- Flexible schedules with day, evening, and online learning.
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Affiliations with many industry and trade associations such as The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), as well as local unions ensure that the students gain knowledge and skills that are relevant and in demand by today’s employers.
Facility Maintenance Mechanic
The Facility Maintenance Mechanic, Associate in Applied Science degree is designed for students seeking a career in facility maintenance. The degree course track prepares students for commercial and industrial facility maintenance employment.
HVACR Service Technician
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician, Associate in Applied Science degree offers the most complete background if you are seeking a career as a service technician or are planning to transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution.
HVACR Contractor
The HVACR Contractor, Associate in Applied Science, degree combines the technical training required to be a service technician with management courses that are essential for success in today's business environment.
Building Automation Systems
The Building Automation Systems (BAS) certificate prepares students for a growing field that merges traditional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration knowledge with computer and IT skills.
Energy Audit and Analysis
The Energy Audit and Analysis certificate is designed for HVACR and building inspection contractors to expand their services to include residential and light commercial energy audits and additional related services.
Entry Level HVACR
The Entry Level HVACR certificate prepares students for an Entry-Level technician positions in the HVACR industry.
Stationary Operator
The Stationary Operator certificate prepares students for jobs as stationary machine operators and building maintenance personnel.
Service Technician Certificate
The Service Technician certificate prepares students for entry- level positions in the HVACR industry.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in HVACR is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
- Facility Maintenance Mechanic, Associate in Applied Science
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician, Associate in Applied Science
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Contractor, Associate in Applied Science degree
- Building Automation Systems (BAS), Certificate
- Energy Audit and Analysis, Certificate
- Stationary Operator, Certificate
- Service Technician, Certificate
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program graduates will:
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Formulate an installation or trouble shooting plan utilizing proper tools and instruments.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local, state and federal laws as they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the HVACR program.
If you are planning to attend school full-time (at least 12 semester hours of classes), suggested first semester courses can be found in the course catalog. Suggested courses for your first semester are listed in the information for each degree/certificate.
If you are planning to attend part-time, then regardless of the degree or certificate, we suggest that you enroll in HVACR 1100 first, followed by HVACR 1105, HVACR 1161 and HVACR 1110.
