HVAC Schools in Connecticut – Degrees & Certification

Not only are there abundant opportunities for qualified heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R or HVAC) professionals, but Connecticut (CT) is also renowned for its focus on energy efficiency in these systems. In fact, the CT Post reported that since people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, there’s been a newfound focus on New England’s climate-control systems according to the “WELL Building Standard.” The International WELL Building Institute measures how healthy an indoor environment is through seven metrics, including air quality and comfort.

Furthermore, the Connecticut Geothermal Association is committed to educating the public about ground source heat pump technologies (i.e., geothermal energy), a heating method that is relatively environmentally friendly. By illustration, geothermal heating and cooling systems use 40-60 percent less energy than traditional HVAC equipment.

For HVAC installers and mechanics in CT interested in more traditional trade methods, there’s still a wealth of professional support in the field. The non-profit Connecticut Heating & Cooling Contractors Association was established in 1972 and is open to state-licensed HVAC contractors. This group provides member advocacy, education, and events such as the Annual HVAC Golf Classic.

Regardless of a HVAC technician’s methods and equipment of choice in CT, the job responsibilities are similar. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reported that HVAC mechanics and installers inspect HVAC systems; diagnose problems in complex electronic controls, ducts, motors, and other parts; repair a variety of system components (e.g., refrigerant controls, ductless splits, hermetic compressors, heat pumps, electric motors, intake & exhaust fans, humidifiers, etc.); keep detailed service records; provide preventative work; maintain professional certification(s) and CT state licensure; and educate clients on energy efficiency.

BLS (May 2023) data shows that there are currently 397,450 HVAC mechanics and installers nationwide, including 4,720 in CT. Most notably, the CT HVAC workers receive much higher average salaries than the national figure ($67,430 and $59,620 respectively, BLS May 2023).

Read on to discover the bright career outlook for HVAC technicians in Connecticut, as well as to learn about accredited HVAC programs and how to seek state licensure through the CT Department of Consumer Protection.

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Connecticut HVAC Services Demand

In the Land of Steady Habits and beyond, the demand for HVAC mechanics and installers is rapidly growing. As proof of point, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) projected a 6 percent explosion in openings nationally in this field between 2022 and 2032, double the average growth expected across all occupations in that time period (3 percent).

Several factors contribute to this unusually bright occupational outlook. First, HVAC systems typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Second, since a majority of HVAC workers in CT work for contracting companies, there’s a steady stream of inspections and maintenance work throughout the year, not to mention the spike in demand that typically occurs during the summer and winter seasons.

In CT, HVAC mechanics and installers work across various environments, such as schools, hospitals, convention centers, factories, retail shops, mobile refrigeration centers, residences, and more. It’s important to note that HVAC professionals incur one of the highest rates of injuries among all occupations due to the essentially hands-on, physical nature of the work (BLS May 2024). It’s crucial to follow appropriate procedures and use proper safety equipment to avoid burns, muscle strains and tears, electrical shocks, and other maladies.

Luckily, there are many employment opportunities for HVAC techs in Connecticut. In fact, Monster (August 2024) posted openings for HVAC workers at places such as Jobot, Legacy Service Partners, City Building Engineering Services, Johnson Controls International, Modern Heating and Air, F.F. Hitchcock Company, Yellowstone Local, and A/Z Corp. Adding to the prospects, Indeed (August 2024) posted 200+ openings around the state, including positions at Britt Air Services, Air-Mart Heating and Cooling, 20/20 Air Service Corp., Marec Heating and Air Conditioning, Reliable Heating, Service Relief LLC, Aiello Home Services, and HD Air, among others.

Connecticut HVAC Technician Salary Report

Salary salaries can be very lucrative for HVAC techs in CT and across the US, especially for a career that typically requires only six months to two years of postsecondary education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) found that the 397,450 HVAC workers nationwide had an annual average salary (annual mean wage) of $59,620, while the 4,720 HVAC workers in Connecticut had an annual average salary (annual mean wage) of $67,430.

In more detail, here are the salary percentiles of HVAC professionals across the US and in Connecticut specifically:

	United States	Connecticut
Number of HVAC professionals employed	397,450	4,720
Annual mean wage	$59,620	$67,430
10th percentile	$37,270	$41,020
25th percentile	$46,550	$50,300
50th percentile (median)	$57,300	$64,790
75th percentile	$71,120	$79,400
90th percentile	$84,250	$95,540

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (August 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles:

10th percentile: $36,000
50th percentile (median): $54,971
90th percentile: $84,000

As noted above, the average salary for HVAC workers in Connecticut is significantly higher than that of the rest of the nation. As with any salary projections, taking into account the cost of living is also important. As such, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024) found that CT was the fourteenth most expensive state. For HVAC technicians, this means relatively high salaries may still not go as far as lower salaries in other states, so that is something to keep in mind.

HVAC Apprenticeships in Connecticut

Historically, HVAC professionals enrolled in apprenticeship programs under the guidance of experienced mentors to learn the skills of the trade. Today, these programs still exist and typically comprise at least 144 hours of formal instruction and 2,000 supervised experiential hours on the job. Apprenticeship programs last three to five years and are offered by local governments, professional trade associations, or unions such as the State of Connecticut Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 777.

Additionally, Entech offers six months of rigorous instruction in refrigeration, electrical systems, heating warm air, air conditioning, heating hydronics, metal trade, and comfort systems design. From there, students move seamlessly into the Connecticut Department of Labor Apprenticeship program, providing an incredible 8,000 hours (four years) of on-the-job training.

Accredited HVAC Schools in CT

To qualify for a state HVAC contractor or journeyperson licensure (and employment) in Connecticut, a person must receive the proper training and preparation. There are two main accreditation organizations for HVAC training in the US: HVAC Excellence and Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). Although either of these entities accredits no programs in CT, there are still training opportunities available.

Many aspiring HVAC professionals in CT choose to enroll in an educational program through a community college, educational company, trade school, or vocational college.

Lincoln Technical Institute

Lincoln Technical Institute offers a diploma program in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating technology with campuses in East Windsor, New Britain, and Shelton. The program, with its strong focus on the efficient use of energy, prepares students in the operation, designing, installation, troubleshooting and repairing of HVAC/R equipment. Students are introduced to green technology concepts and also provided training to obtain the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification.

The diploma offered at East Windsor is made up of 55 credit-hours. It includes courses such as HVAC/R basic and trade math, fundamentals of refrigeration, basic electricity and control circuits, air conditioning and heat pump systems, heating systems fundamentals, sheet metal theory, and heating hydronic and steam, among others.

The diploma program offered in New Britain consists of 55.5 credit-hours. The curriculum includes topics such as introduction to climate control systems, electricity, heating systems (controls and mechanical), basic refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, air conditioning design and layout, commercial refrigeration control, and adjusting and balancing verification, among others.

The Shelton campus also offers a diploma program. The 55-credit program includes refrigeration fundamentals, domestic and commercial refrigeration, special refrigeration systems, oil burner controls and servicing, blueprint reading, system design and layout, forced air heating and cooling, sheet metal theory, energy efficiency, and green technology systems, among others.

Upon successful completion, graduates of the program will be qualified to take up entry-level HVAC technician roles. With additional experience, they may pursue opportunities allowing them to work independently, without supervision, start their own business, or supervise teams or crews of other technicians.

Location: East Windsor, CT; New Britain, CT; Shelton, CT
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Expected Time to Completion: East Windsor (57 weeks); New Britain (day, 52 weeks; evening, 80 weeks); Shelton (day, 52 weeks; evening, 80 weeks)

Bristol Technical Education Center

The Bristol Technical Education Center offers a two-year HVAC-R program at its Bristol, CT campus with training in environmental systems control, safety procedures, residential & commercial applications, central air systems, boilers, burners, ventilation systems, and more. Along with technical know-how, students receive special training in ensuring safety and proper use of equipment. Students study refrigeration, air conditioning, sheet metal, and heating and ventilation.

Students in the refrigeration area learn about the typical commercial and residential uses of refrigeration systems. The air conditioning area instructs students on window air conditioning units and central air systems. Students in the heating and ventilation area will gain knowledge of burners, ventilation systems, boilers, and environmental control applications.

Through the program, students can assemble various types of ductwork, troubleshoot the various devices, learn about the uses of refrigerants and fuel heating oils, and familiarize themselves with electrical and mechanical components. They will also learn EPA rules and regulations related to refrigeration containment.

The program prepares students with the theoretical skills and knowledge required for entry-level employment in the residential, industrial, and commercial construction areas.

Location: Bristol, CT
Accreditation: The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Porter and Chester Institute

The Porter and Chester Institute has campuses across CT in Hamden, Rocky Hill, Stratford, and Waterbury. The Porter and Chester HVAC-R diploma program takes one year. It boasts concrete skills learning, extensive hands-on experience for students, qualified instructors, and education in essential soft skills such as customer service.

Except at the Rocky Hill campus, students may choose the hybrid option, with online classwork and lab work completed on campus. Students who prefer to complete all coursework on campus may choose to attend day or evening classes.

The program prepares students to become skilled HVAC workers and helps them acquire the skills needed to install, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC/R units in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.

Graduates of the program will have sufficient knowledge and skills for employment as apprentice HVAC technicians. The classrooms are equipped with the same gas and oil heating, cooling, and refrigeration units currently in use in residential and commercial buildings.

Location: Hamden, CT; Rocky Hill, CT; Stratford, CT; Waterbury, CT
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Finally, attending an on-campus program may be difficult for residents of more rural regions of CT. Luckily, there are several high-quality distance-based HVAC training programs. Applicants should reach out to program coordinators before enrollment to ensure eligibility since state laws governing online education vary.

To discover the variety of distance-based HVAC training schools, check out the online HVAC schools page.

Connecticut HVAC Licensing & Certification

Various types of certification and licensure are open to Connecticut’s HVAC technicians, mechanics and installers. Several organizations provide credentialing to HVAC workers based on various competencies or general preparedness for the field. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, show proof of qualifying education and experience in the field, and pass an exam.

The entities that provide these national certifications include North American Technician Excellence (NATE), HVAC Excellence, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). Additionally, the aforementioned EPA Section 608 certification is mandatory for anyone who works with refrigerants.

To learn more in-depth about these skills-based certifications, please check out the main HVAC certifications page.

To perform any heating, piping, or cooling work in CT, HVAC professionals must pursue a state license through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Generally, HVAC workers begin as licensed journeypersons employed by licensed contractors and after two years, they may seek contractor-level licensure. There are several types of licenses available depending on a person’s training, experience, and specialty:

D-1: Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor (excludes oil burning; open to people with two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training)
D-2: Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Journeyperson (excludes oil burning; open to people who completed a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training)
D-3: Limited Cooling Contractor (applicable to all refrigeration systems; open to people with two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training)
D-4: Limited Cooling Journeyperson (applicable to all refrigeration systems; open to people who completed a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training)
S-1: Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor (open to people with two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training)
S-2: Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyperson (open to people who completed a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training)
S-3: Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor (excludes sheet metal work, A/C, and refrigeration systems; open to people with two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training)
S-4: Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyperson (excludes sheet metal work, A/C, and refrigeration systems; open to people who completed a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training)
*S-5: Limited Heating, Hot Water and Steam Contractor (excludes oil burners; applicable to hot water or steam systems for buildings less than four stories with a total heat load <500,000 BTUs and steam pressure <15 lbs)
*S-6: Limited Heating, Hot Water and Steam Journeyperson (excludes oil burners; applicable to hot water or steam systems for buildings less than four stories with a total heat load <500,000 BTUs and steam pressure <15 lbs; allows work only under employment by a licensed contractor)
S-7: Limited Contractor (applicable to hot water or steam systems for buildings less than four stories with a total heat load <500,000 BTUs and steam pressure <15 lbs; open to people with two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training)
S-8: Limited Journeyperson (applicable to hot water or steam systems for buildings less than four stories with a total heat load <500,000 BTUs and steam pressure <15 lbs; open to people who completed a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training; allows work only under employment by a licensed contractor)
S-9: Limited Heating and Cooling Contractor (applicable to hot water or steam systems for buildings less than four stories with a total heat load <500,000 BTUs, steam pressure <15 lbs, and cooling installations up to 35 tons; open to people with two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training)
S-10: Limited Heating and Cooling Journeyperson (applicable to hot water or steam systems for buildings less than four stories with a total heat load <500,000 BTUs, steam pressure <15 lbs, and cooling installations up to 35 tons; open to people who completed a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training)

*Note that S-5 and S-6 for Limited Heating, Hot Water and Steam Contractor and Limited Heating, Hot Water and Steam Journeyperson have become part of S-7 and S-8, respectively, and are no longer separate categories.

Applications for journeyperson licenses require a fee. Licenses must be renewed annually. For details about the prerequisites, testing (i.e., relevant business, law, and trade examinations), and renewal procedures surrounding each of these state licenses, please check out the Department of Consumer Protection HVAC Licensure Handbook.

Farheen Gani

Farheen is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).