HVAC Training Schools in Fayetteville, NC

For thousands of years, several groups of Native Americans occupied the area that eventually became Fayetteville, NC. Early settlers from Scotland formed two towns by the Cape Fear River, a navigable river. Those towns were incorporated as Fayetteville in the late 1700s. The name was chosen to honor the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero. Fayetteville is now part of the fifth-largest metropolitan area in North Carolina and the county seat of Cumberland County. It’s also the home of Fort Bragg, the U.S. Army’s Airborne and Special Operations forces installation.

Fort Bragg and related Department of Defense workers provide a buffer that shields Fayetteville from national economic ups and downs. The city, however, relies on its location halfway between New York and Miami to keep its economy strong and growing. Manufacturing companies are drawn to the area because of the access via Highway 95 to east coast markets “for moving the goods that companies make, but also the materials they need in the production process.”

Companies such as Goodyear Tire and Rubber and Walmart have facilities in Fayetteville, and Amazon is currently constructing a fulfillment center in the city. In addition to manufacturing, industries that include defense contractors, education, healthcare, retail trade, and tourism contribute significantly to the economy.

Summers in Fayetteville are hot and muggy, but the winters are cooler and a bit drier. June, July, and August are the hottest months, with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s F. Those three months also experience the most rainfall, with more than four inches each in June and July, and nearly five and a half inches in August. September still receives more than four inches of rainfall, but the temperature cools to the low 80s. Rainfall and temperatures continue to decrease from October through March. January is the coldest month, with highs averaging in the mid-fifties and lows dipping to slightly above freezing. Residents may occasionally experience snow. The warming trend begins in April, and May sees the beginning of 80-degree days. No month is without precipitation for an average annual total of almost 45 inches.

Fayetteville residents rely on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to keep them comfortable during the summer heat, humidity, and winter chill. The manufacturing, warehousing, and industrial facilities require refrigeration (HVAC/R) added to their systems.

Refrigeration is also usually added to the systems serving educational institutions and healthcare centers. The hospitality and entertainment venues also require refrigeration for the comfort of visitors. The historic sites require climate control to protect the buildings and artifacts. As more and more businesses turn to high-tech, specialized climate-control installations are necessary to keep their electronics operating correctly.

According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021) data, 450 HVAC and HVAC/R technicians were employed in Fayetteville. The technicians and their employers receive resources and support from national, state, and local industry associations such as the following:

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

These and similar organizations cooperate 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.

HVAC Occupational Demand in Fayetteville, NC

The BLS (2022) reports that HVAC openings will increase 5 percent between 2021 and 2031 in the nationwide demand for trained HVAC and HVAC/R technicians. That’s an expected average of 20,200 job openings.

The construction of new commercial and residential buildings is the main factor in the continued growth of the HVAC industry. The renovation and remodeling of existing structures, especially in historic cities like Fayetteville, is another factor in industry expansion. Aging equipment and systems must be replaced, retrofitted, or updated to meet growing or changing requirements. Climate-control systems in newer structures are sometimes replaced due to evolving regulations, technological advances, and the demands of new industries, particularly high-tech businesses that require specialized climate-control systems. The contemporary emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction is yet another factor driving industry growth.

People want new and modernized “smart” buildings” in which to live and work. They expect to have sophisticated climate-control systems incorporated within their buildings. The systems require technicians who are skilled troubleshooters, proficient with computers, and who understand electronics and high-tech. Their training and expertise give them the best job opportunities.

Technicians who specialize in new construction may occasionally experience unemployment if construction declines. A decline is not anticipated in Fayetteville in the foreseeable future, as the “business climate in the Fayetteville area is vibrant and growing.” There is a shortage of manufacturing facilities. New buildings are being constructed, and the city is actively trying to attract new workers “to fill the high demand for manufacturing jobs,” creating a need for new residential development as well.

Technicians who choose to maintain, service, and repair equipment and systems can expect continuous employment regardless of the economy, as businesses and homeowners depend on year-round climate control.

HVAC and HVAC/R Salaries in Fayetteville, NC

BLS (May 2021) statistics show that HVAC mechanics and installers nationally received an annual median salary of $48,630. Their records also indicate that Fayetteville technicians earned an annual median salary of $45,310. The lower local wage isn’t as significant as it might appear because the cost of living in North Carolina is lower than in other American states, and the cost of living in Fayetteville is even lower.

According to the BLS (May 2021), the wages of national, state, and regional HVAC professionals are as follows:

	United States	North Carolina	Fayetteville,NC
Number of HVAC professionals employed	356,960	15,150	450
Average annual salary	$54,690	$47,570	$44,230
10th percentile	$34,320	$30,290	$29,600
25th percentile	$38,450	$37,360	$35,920
50th percentile	$48,630	$47,330	$45,310
75th percentile	$62,000	$56,190	$48,390
90th percentile	$78,210	$63,740	$59,190

HVAC Apprenticeships in Fayetteville, NC

Few jobs exist for untrained workers. Most aspiring HVAC technicians attend classes or participate in an apprenticeship. Their training 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.

The North Carolina community college system coordinates state apprenticeships with ApprenticeshipNC. They maintain a list of apprenticeship opportunities classified by county and trade. 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.

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)

Each organization maintains a list of available courses, scheduling, and fees on its website.

Accredited HVAC and HVAC/R Schools in Fayetteville, NC

It’s essential to choose an accredited school to attend. Accreditation is a process by which an independent agency evaluates the quality of the program, including both the curriculum and the instructors.

HVAC programs are accredited by HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has accredited Guilford Technical Community College, Greensboro, and Johnston Community College, Smithfield. PAHRA has accredited Pitt Community College, Winterville. Other reputable agencies have accredited the remaining schools.

Note: The information in this article was compiled in September 2022, when some pandemic restrictions were still in effect. The profiled schools may have temporarily suspended classes or are offering online options. Please direct questions about timing and format to the school administration.

North Carolina Community College System

Fifty-eight campuses are included in the system. Most of them have an HVAC program, including Fayetteville Technical Community College. Other nearby campuses that offer the HVAC technology curricula are:

Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC
Johnston Community College, Smithfield, NC
Robeson Community College, Lumberton, NC
Sampson Community College, Clinton, NC

A degree program, a diploma program, and several certificate programs are generally available. The programs and curricula vary from school to school and are available as demand warrants. Not all programs are available at all colleges at all times. The curricula included in the profiles below are based on each school’s latest catalog and are subject to change.

Central Carolina Community College

Students enrolled at CCCC may choose to earn an HVAC/R degree, a diploma, or one or more of the following certificates:

HVAC/R Core I – 12 credits
HVAC Core II – 12 credits
HVAC Basic – 18 credits
HVAC/R Intermediate – 18 hours

The curriculum for the Core I certificate includes an intro to refrigeration, electricity, and comfort cooling. The Core I certificate is a prerequisite for the Core II certificate. The Core II curriculum adds heat pump technology, refrigeration systems, building codes, residential system designs, and work-based learning. The basic certificate includes all the Core I and Core II certificates and adds preparation for the EPA certification exam to the coursework. The intermediate certificate includes refrigeration systems, HVAC/R electronics, HVAC/R servicing, duct systems, controls, commercial system design, customer relations, and work-based learning.

The diploma program includes all the technical coursework for the certificate programs. Students additionally complete courses that include college transfer success, composition, writing and inquiry, and mathematics/physics, for a total of 39 credits.

Students seeking a degree complete all the technical coursework in the other programs and add technical courses that include heating technology, refrigeration systems, and residential system design. They also complete the non-technical coursework in the diploma program and general education courses that include communication, humanities/fine arts, and social/behavioral science. They receive their degree after 64 credits.

Coursework for all the programs combines classroom studies with hands-on training that prepares them for entry-level employment.

Location: Sanford, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificate six to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville enrollees may choose to earn an HVAC/R technology degree, a diploma, or a certificate. The diploma and certificate programs are taught during the evenings. All three programs include hands-on training in addition to classroom work. Each prepares students for entry-level employment.

The curriculum for the HVAC/R basic certificate includes an intro to refrigeration, heating, comfort cooling, and heat pump technology, for a total of 17 credits. The diploma program includes the certificate coursework, as well as electricity, preparation for the EPA certification exam, controls, hydronics, HVAC servicing, chiller systems, composition, writing and inquiry, and psychology. The coursework requires 38 credits to complete.

Students in the degree program complete all the technical curricula in the certificate and diploma programs, as well as refrigeration systems, building codes, duct systems, residential system design, basic welding, HVAC system diagnostics, and customer relations. They also complete additional general education coursework that includes mathematics/physics, humanities/fine arts, and communication/public speaking, for a total of 67 credits.

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificate six to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Guilford Technical Community College

Guilford offers three HVAC/R technology programs:

Basic air conditioning certificate – 17 credits
Diploma – 46 credits
Degree – 67 credits

The certificate program curriculum includes an introduction to refrigeration, electricity, comfort cooling, heat pumps, and preparation for the EPA refrigerant certification exam. The diploma program includes the certificate curriculum, including heating, building codes, HVAC/R electronics, residential system design, HVAC controls, advanced comfort systems, introduction to computers, writing and inquiry, customer relations, and a mathematics elective.

Students enrolled in the degree program complete all of the above curricula. In addition, they complete coursework in hydronic heating, indoor air quality, commercial system design, refrigeration design, a technical elective, and electives from social/behavioral science, communications, humanities/fine arts, and mathematics general education classes. Graduates will gain an understanding of system selection and balance and advanced systems.

Location: Jamestown, NC
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificate 6 to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Johnston Community College

Johnston offers an HVAC degree program, an HVAC diploma program, and the following certificate programs:

All year systems – 12 credits
Comfort cooling – 13 credits
Commercial building automation – 13 credits
Controls – 13 credits – 13 credits
Heat pumps – 13 credits
Servicing – 17 credits

The curriculum for each certificate depends on the title of the program.

The HVAC diploma program includes curricula from the certificate programs, including preparation for the EPA refrigerant certification exam. Students also complete coursework in customer relations, industrial safety, interpersonal communication, and mathematical measurement and literacy. They are awarded their diploma at the completion of 37 credits.

The curriculum for the students enrolled in the HVAC degree program includes all the above coursework. In addition, the curriculum includes building code, residential system design, hydronic heating, HVAC diagnostics, advanced comfort systems, motors and drives, introduction to computers, writing and inquiry, critical thinking, introduction to ethics, introduction to business, and psychology. Students earn their degrees after 70 credits. They may transfer their credits to the East Carolina University for a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.

Coursework in all the programs combines classroom learning with hands-on practice. All the programs offer day/evening/online/full-time attendance options. Graduates of each program are qualified to seek entry-level employment.

Location: Smithfield, NC
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificates six to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Pitt Community College

Pitt offers heating and refrigeration service certificate and diploma programs, an efficiency and performance diagnostics diploma program, and an HVAC technology degree. Coursework in all programs is divided between classroom lectures and hands-on practice in the lab.

The certificate program curriculum includes an introduction to refrigeration, electricity, heating, and comfort cooling. Students complete 16 credits to earn their certificate. The related diploma program adds heat pumps, HVAC controls, servicing, EPA refrigerant certification preparation, construction safety, basic PC literacy, interpersonal communication, mathematical measurement and literacy, and work-based learning. The coursework may be completed in 41 credits.

The efficiency and performance diagnostics diploma includes the same coursework as the refrigeration service diploma program, including system diagnostics, indoor air quality, introduction to sustainability, and energy use analysis, for a total of 52 credits.

The degree program includes all the above technical curricula. It adds residential system design, refrigeration systems, building codes, all-weather systems, duct systems, commercial HVAC controls, schematics and diagrams, and two electives for a total of 52 technical credits. Students also complete an additional 16 credits of general education, for a total of 68 credits to earn their degree. They may transfer their credits to Ferris State University toward a bachelor’s degree in HVACR Engineering Technology.

Location: Winterville, NC
Accreditation: PAHRA; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificate 6 to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Robeson Community College

Robeson students may enroll in an HVAC/R technology degree program, a diploma program, or certificate programs that currently include the following:

HVAC/R introduction – 12 credits
HVAC/R installation and maintenance – 13 credits
HVAC/R control systems – 14 credits

The introduction certificate program includes an intro to refrigeration, electricity, and heating. The installation and maintenance certificate program includes an intro to refrigeration, electricity, print reading, and duct systems. The control systems certificate program includes electricity, comfort cooling, HVAC servicing, and HVAC controls.

Students in the diploma program complete all the technical curricula included in the certificate programs with the addition of heat pump technology and all-weather systems. They also complete non-technical coursework that includes college student success, composition, math measurement and literacy, interpersonal psychology, and PC literacy, for a total of 46 credits.

The degree program requires 71 credits to complete. The curriculum includes all the diploma coursework and adds refrigeration systems, residential system design, building codes, preparation for the EPA refrigerant certification exam, system diagnostics, and customer relations. They also add general education coursework in social/behavioral science, communication, and humanities/fine arts.

Except for the introduction certificate program, all programs include hands-on practice in the lab as part of the technical curriculum.

Location: Lumberton, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificates six to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Sampson Community College

Sampson offers students three HVAC/R technology programs. Students may choose to obtain a certificate, a diploma, or a degree. All provide students with the knowledge and skills to seek employment as entry-level residential and light commercial technicians.

The certificate curriculum includes an intro to refrigeration, heating, comfort cooling, and heat pumps for a total of 17 credits. The diploma coursework includes the certificate curriculum and adds electricity, preparation for the EPA refrigerant certification exam, HVAC servicing, controls, one technical elective, college transfer success, and humanities/fine arts. Students complete 37 credits to earn their diplomas.

The degree program includes all the diploma curricula and adds building code, residential system design, motors and controls, two more technical electives, communication, natural science/math, and social/behavioral science. Students earn their degrees after 67 to 68 credits.

Location: Clinton, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $76 per credit
Program length: Certificate six to 12 months; diploma one year; degree two years

Fayetteville students who cannot attend one of the above schools may find that online institutions can better meet their needs. More information on accredited programs is available at online HVAC training.

Fayetteville HVAC and HVAC/R Certification and Licensing

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires All HVAC and HVAC/R technicians who handle refrigerants to obtain Section 608 certification. EPA lists four certification levels based on the type and size of equipment on which a technician works. Each level described below requires technicians to pass a specific exam on refrigerant safety:

Type I – for servicing small appliances
Type II – for servicing or disposing of high-pressure appliances, small appliances and automotive air conditioning
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances
Universal – for servicing all types of equipment

The EPA maintains details of the criteria for each certification on its website.

Technicians may obtain Section 608 certification and other certifications that improve their employability from industry organizations that include, but are not limited to:

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

Each organization includes availability, scheduling, and fees on its website. There is also more information on the HVAC certifications page.

HVAC technicians and contractors are licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. The three types of licenses are:

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 a capacity of fewer than 15 tons)

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

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 are seeking the license. Up to 2,000 hours may be in academic or technical training. 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.

Additionally, anyone who installs, maintains, services, or repairs refrigeration equipment or systems must have a Refrigeration Contractor License from the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors. 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 Fayetteville does not require a business license for HVAC technicians or contractors.

Licensing regulations are always subject to change. Accordingly, HVAC professionals are encouraged to confirm that they comply with current state and local guidelines before starting a project.

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.