HVAC Schools & Certifications in Cary, NC

The City of Cary, North Carolina (NC), gets plenty of rain. It rains every month in Cary, with September getting the most at nearly six inches. The precipitation combined with the hot summers classifies the region as humid subtropical climate. Residents get a break during winter when temperatures cool and the rain changes to light snowfall.

But the heat and humidity haven’t slowed economic growth in Cary. From its early days as a railroad village, it’s grown into a populous and thriving city. Portions of three counties are encompassed with city limits and it’s part of the Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Its nearness to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) has contributed significantly to Cary’s prosperity, supplemented by the efforts of a policy of economic development incentives designed to attract new businesses “as well as expand existing businesses.” Although technology, such as SAS Institute Inc., is currently a mainstay of the economy, industries like healthcare, professional services, science, and manufacturing provide the diversity that keeps the economy strong.

The summer heat and humidity followed by the colder winters means that Caryites depend on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) for comfort in their homes and workplaces. Refrigeration (HVAC/R) is also usually added to the systems serving research centers, educational institutions, and healthcare complexes. Technology-based industries often require sophisticated climate-control systems in their facilities to keep electronic equipment operating efficiently.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reports that 2,240 HVAC and HVAC/R technicians were employed in Raleigh, which includes the Cary data. National, state, and local industry associations such as the following provide resources and support to the technicians and their employers:

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC)
NC Plumbing and Mechanical Association (NC-PMA)
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors North Carolina (PHCC NC)
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)

These organizations coordinate with others in the industry, regulatory agencies, and businesses to establish and maintain educational, licensing, and performance standards for the safety of technicians, the public, and the environment.

Occupational Demand for HVAC Techs in Cary, NC

The BLS (2024) reports that the nationwide demand for trained HVAC/R mechanics and technicians continues to grow. Their statistics predict an average of 37,700 new job opportunities each year between 2022 and 2032. That represents a six percent annual increase in the demand for technicians in the US, double the growth expected for all other occupations. The outlook for North Carolina technicians is even more optimistic. Projections Central (2024) predicts an annual 12.6 percent increase in the demand for trained technicians in North Carolina between 2020 and 2030. That’s an average of 1,760 new positions each year.

Growth in the HVAC industry results primarily from the construction of new commercial and residential buildings. Renovating and remodeling existing buildings is another factor in HVAC growth. The aging or obsolete climate-control equipment and systems frequently must be replaced, retrofitted, or updated. Sometimes systems and equipment in newer buildings must be replaced to meet changing business needs while complying with evolving regulations and building codes. The contemporary emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction also contributes to industry growth.

The Research Triangle Park draws high-tech companies to the area. Superior educational and healthcare facilities also attract workers and new businesses. Cary’s “future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 44.6 percent,” more than the 33.5 percent predicted nationwide. The increase in new business and workers necessitates ongoing construction to accommodate them.

Most expect “smart” buildings for their workplaces and homes. Accordingly, technicians must be trained and trained to install, service, and maintain contemporary high-tech and complex climate control systems. Cary technicians who are proficient with computers, understand electronics, and are expert troubleshooters will have the best job opportunities.

Technicians who choose to work only on new installations may occasionally experience unemployment if construction declines. That is unlikely in Cary in the foreseeable future as the software and technical industries are expected to continue expanding with no slowdown in job growth anticipated. Technicians specializing in maintenance and service can expect full employment as businesses and homeowners want to keep their climate-control systems in good operating condition year-round, regardless of the economy.

HVAC Salaries in Cary, NC

The BLS (May 2023) data reveals that HVAC technicians in the Raleigh area, which includes Cary, receive competitive salaries that average greater than the rest of North Carolina. The cost of living in North Carolina is less than other states, but as might be expected, living in the Raleigh metropolitan area is more expensive than the rest of the state.

The BLS details for national, state, and regional salaries of HVAC professionals are as follows:

	United States	North Carolina	Raleigh, North Carolina
Number of workers	397,450	13,320	2,240
Average annual salary	$59,620	$52,960	$55,390
10th percentile	$37,270	$36,990	$38,800
25th percentile	$46,550	$44,990	$47,600
50th percentile (median)	$57,300	$50,610	$54,830
75th percentile	$71,120	$59,990	$61,130
90th percentile	$84,250	$72,990	$75,930

The national figures can vary according to the source of the data. For example, PayScale (July 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries, reports different amounts. Based on 3,161 HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles:

10th percentile: $36,000
50th percentile (median): $55,000
90th percentile: $83,000

HVAC Apprenticeships in Cary, NC

Untrained workers have few job opportunities in today’s job market. Aspiring HVAC technicians usually attend classes or participate in an apprenticeship to obtain the needed training. Doing so significantly increases their employment opportunities and potentially increases their lifetime earnings. Most apprenticeships average 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom work annually for three to five years.

NC apprenticeships are coordinated by the North Carolina community college system with ApprenticeshipNC. Information and resources specific to HVAC apprenticeships can be found in the mechanical trades section.

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors North Carolina (PHCC NC) sponsors an HVAC apprenticeship program. Their program includes workforce readiness and pre-apprentice training. Apprentices who complete the training are awarded journey-level status. Call DAD, an HVAC service company, also offers in-house HVAC apprenticeship training in several locations, including Raleigh. Graduates are certified and offered employment with the company.

Additionally, HVAC and HVAC/R apprenticeship programs are available from industry associations such as the following:

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA)

Available courses, scheduling, and fees are detailed on each organization’s website.

Accredited HVAC Training Programs in Cary, NC

Students opting to attend school should ensure that they select an accredited institution. Accreditation is the process by which an independent agency evaluates the quality of the program curriculum and instructors. HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) evaluate HVAC programs.

HVAC Excellence has accredited Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown, NC, and Johnston Community College, Smithfield, NC. PAHRA has awarded accreditation to Pitt Community College, Winterville, NC. These three colleges are included in the profiles below. The remaining schools are accredited by other reputable agencies.

Guilford Technical Community College

Students may choose from three HVAC/R technology programs at GTCC:

Basic air conditioning certificate – 17 credits
HVAC/R technology diploma – 46 credits
HVAC/R technology AAS degree – 67 credits

Graduates of the programs are qualified to seek employment as technicians and work with residential and light commercial systems.

Students in the certificate program start with an introduction to refrigeration, and progress to HVAC/R electricity, comfort cooling, heat pump technology, and preparation for the Section 608 certification exam.

Students seeking a diploma complete the above coursework. They then add technical curricula that includes heating technology, building codes, HVAC/R electronics, customer relations, residential system design, and HVAC controls. Their general education curricula includes writing and inquiry, mathematics, and introduction to computers.

Enrollees in the degree program complete all of the certificate and diploma coursework. Their additional technical coursework includes indoor air quality, hydronic heating, commercial system design, refrigeration design, and two electives. They must also complete additional general education electives.

Location: Jamestown, NC
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Estimated Program Length: Certificate, six to 12 months; diploma, one year; degree, two years

Johnston Community College

Johnston offers students five certificate HVAC/R programs, a diploma HVAC/R program, and an HVAC/R AAS degree. Coursework for all programs is divided between classroom lectures and hands-on practice in the lab.

Students may earn the following certificates:

Commercial building automation – 13 credits
Basic heating and cooling – 15 credits
Essentials of HVAC/R – 16 credits
Building code and design – 14 credits
HVAC night program – 16 credits

The curriculum for each certificate program is based on the program title. Each provides the basic knowledge that prepares technicians for entry-level employment.

The diploma program includes all the basic coursework of the certificate programs. Students also complete additional technical coursework that includes heat pumps, HVAC controls, preparation for the Section 608 certification exam, customer relations, interpersonal communication, industrial safety, and math. They earn their diploma after 37 credits.

Degree-seeking students complete all the above curricula, with the addition of technical coursework, including residential system design, hydronic heating, HVAC diagnostics, and HVAC motors and drives. They also meet general education requirements with coursework that adds psychology, ethics, and introduction to business. Their degree is awarded after 67 credits. Graduates may transfer their degree credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University.

Location: Smithfield, NC
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Estimated Program Length: Certificates, six to 12 months; diploma, one year; degree, two years

Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte College has campuses in several states, including four in North Carolina. The HVAC/R diploma program is available at the Fayetteville and Raleigh campuses.

The curriculum includes air conditioning, electrical systems and controls, heating and heat pumps, and refrigeration. The program is recognized by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and students can earn credentials issued by NCCER throughout their program. Students also prepare for and take the Section 608 certification exam as part of their coursework. The program takes 50 credits and graduates are qualified to seek entry-level employment as HVAC technicians.

Location: Fayetteville, NC; Raleigh, NC
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College – Chattanooga, TN
Estimated Program Length: Ten months

Pitt Community College

Pitt offers students a selection of HVAC program options. These include the following:

Heating and refrigeration service certificate – 16 credits
Heating and refrigeration service diploma – 36 credits
Efficiency and performance diagnostics diploma – 44 credits
HVAC/R technology AAS degree – 68 credits

Students in all the programs learn through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on practice in the lab.

The certificate program includes an introduction to refrigeration, electricity, heating, and comfort cooling. The heating and refrigeration service diploma adds heat pumps, HVAC controls, servicing, preparation for the Section 608 certification exam, PC literacy, interpersonal communication, construction safety, math, and work-based learning I and II.

The efficiency and performance diagnostics program adds HVAC/R building code, system diagnostics, indoor air quality, sustainability, and energy use analysis. Students enrolled in the degree program complete much of the coursework of the other programs, along with duct systems, blueprint reading, residential system design, all-weather systems, and technical electives. They also fulfill general education requirements with electives from humanities/fine arts and social/behavioral science. Graduates can transfer their degree credits toward a Bachelor of Science in HVAC/R Engineering Technology at Ferris State University.

Location: Winterville, NC
Accreditation: PAHRA; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Estimated Program Length: Certificates six to 12 months; diplomas one year; degree two years

Wake Technical Community College

Wake offers students four certificate programs, a diploma, and three AAS degrees in HVAC/R technology, as follows:

Basic HVAC/R certificate – 15 credits
Building automation certificate – 15 credits
Commercial A/C certificate – 17 credits
Commercial refrigeration certificate – 14 credits
Residential advanced HVAC certificate -15 credits
HVAC/R diploma – 40 credits
Commercial refrigeration degree – 70 credits
Commercial A/C degree – 69 credits
Building automation technology degree – 70 credits

The curriculum for each program is based on the title. Students will complete coursework that includes introductory to advanced subjects such as electricity, refrigerants, heat pumps, diagnostics, comfort systems, motors and controls, system design, and customer relations. They will gain the skills to install and service residential and light commercial HVAC/R equipment.

Location: Raleigh, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Estimated Program Length: Certificates vary, diploma one year, degrees two years

HVAC Licensure & Certifications in Cary, NC

Section 608 certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a prerequisite for employment in any position that involves handling refrigerants. Technicians must pass exams based on the EPA safety standards. There are four types of certification according to the systems on which technicians work as follows:

For servicing small appliances (Type I)
For servicing or disposing of high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioning (Type II)
For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances (Type III)
For servicing all types of equipment (Universal)

The accredited HVAC schools profiled above prepare technicians for taking the exams.

Technicians may obtain training and certifications, including Section 608, from industry organizations. These include, but are not limited to:

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
HVAC Excellence

Each organization includes details of schedules, fees, and requirements on its website. Further information on the variety of credentials that increase a technician’s employability is also available on the HVAC certifications page.

The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors is the licensing agency for HVAC technicians and contractors. They define the three types of licenses as:

Heating Group 1 (water-based climate control systems)
Heating Group 2 (forced air heating and cooling systems with capacity in excess of 15 tons)
Heating Group 3 (forced air heating and cooling systems with capacity of less than 15 tons)

Technicians seeking a license must have 18 months (3,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience in installing, maintaining, service, or repairing systems in the category for which they seek licensing. They must also pass an exam, submit a background report, complete an application, and pay a fee.

Applicants seeking a contractor’s license must have 4,000 hours of full-time experience in the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of systems in the category for which they seek the license. Up to 2,000 hours may be in academic or technical training. In addition, contractors providing installations in excess of $30,000 must be licensed by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Applicants must complete an application form, be of good moral character, provide evidence of financial responsibility, pass an exam, and pay a fee.

The North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors also requires that anyone who installs, maintains, services, or repairs refrigeration equipment or systems obtain a refrigeration contractor license. Applicants must have at least 4,000 hours of relevant experience obtained while working under the supervision of a person who holds a valid refrigeration contractor’s license, is a registered professional engineer, or has equivalent industry experience. Up to one-half of the experience may be in academic or technical training directly related to the field. Applicants must also submit an application, pass an exam, and pay a fee.

The City of Cary requires all subcontractors, including HVAC, register for all projects. General contractors are required to register only if their projects are $40,000 or more.

HVAC professionals are encouraged to confirm that they comply with current state and local guidelines before starting a project, as requirements can change.

Sandra Smith

Sandra Smith was introduced to the HVAC industry when she worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for a small air-conditioning contractor. She eventually became a CPA and started her own practice specializing in small business taxes and accounting. After retiring from business, she began writing articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. She also authored four books. Sandra makes her home in the mountains with a rescue dog that naps on her lap as she writes.