Let’s Talk About Your Future

Contact Us Now For More Info!

Get Started Now on Your HVAC - R Technician Certificate and a Better Career Future

  • Learn ductless split systems and commercial refrigeration systems
  • Design and install duct systems
  • Learn how to conduct Load calculations to size an AC unit for a house
  • Service and troubleshoot AC systems
Find out more
Become a HVAC-R Technician at Austin Career Institute
Comience su nueva carrera en HVAC-R

Find out if you are eligible for Financial Aid


Los,Angeles,,California,,Usa,-,19,December,2019:,Federalstudentaid,Website

The United States government offers more than $100 billion dollars in federal student aid funding to cover tuition, books, materials, and other coursework necessities.

Read more

Get Certified at Our HVAC-R Technician Trade School

With HVAC - R certification from ACI you may obtain an entry level position as a Residential and Commercial HVAC Technician, Commercial Refrigeration Technician or Maintenance Technician.

Read more

HVAC-R Technician Salary and Future Job Outlook

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. HVAC R technicians work mostly in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Learn more about HVAC R Technician salary potential and future job outlook.

Read more

Launch your Career with our HVAC-R Program

After completing the Austin Career Institute HVAC-R program you will be able to:

  • Use American National Standards Institute (ANSI) hand signals to identify components of residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Describe the safety equipment used when installing or maintaining residential and commercial HVAC systems
  • Solve problems using basic algebra and geometry related to the measurement of lines, area, volume, weights, angles, pressure, vacuum, and temperature
  • Explain concepts of heat transfer and air flow measurement
  • Interpret wiring diagrams, blueprints, and other industry-related schematics
  • Identify types of tubing and fittings used in the HVAC industry and how they are mechanically joined
  • Discuss principles of condensation, evaporation and compression as they relate to refrigeration
  • Demonstrate use of equipment used to install or maintain residential HVAC systems
  • Demonstrate the troubleshooting, maintenance and installation of residential HVAC systems
  • Use industry paperwork and recordkeeping methods
  • Define customer service and identify work habits that contribute to success on the job
  • Understand interworking of evaporator, its behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of refrigerant metering device, its behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of condenser, its behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of compressor, its behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of electrical system for residential HVAC systems, its behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of gas heat and heat pump systems, their behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of commercial and industrial HVAC systems, their behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component
  • Understand interworking of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems, their behavior during normal operation of a HVAC system, diagnosis of abnormal operation and repairing of this component

HVAC-R Program Course Description

The program is comprised of six courses. All courses are independent of each other and can be taken without prerequisite.

  • CRT101 - Core
  • CRT102 - Refrigeration
  • CRT103 - Electrical & Heating
  • CRT104 - Systems & Components
  • CRT105 - Commercial Air Systems
  • CRT106 - Commercial & Industrial

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC Technician is someone who works on Heating and Air Conditioning units and systems. They can troubleshoot, install, replace and repair parts.They work with small portions of welding, electrical wiring, and heating and air conditioning duties.

How long does it take to become a HVAC Technician?

A good HVAC program is about 8 months long. Seek out a robust program that will allow you to have hands-on training, real world experience in the classroom and out in the field on field trips. This school offers flexible schedules in both Spanish and English.

What will I learn as a HVAC-R Technician student?

You will learn all about residential and commercial Heating and Air along with commercial refrigeration systems. You will learn how to work on heating, ventilation systems for places such as apartment buildings, factories, hospitals and even government offices.

Am I qualified for financial aid?

Financial Aid is available for those that qualify. This school has options to fit everyone! You can apply for State funding, scholarships, Pell Grant, Student loans and even payment plans. We walk prospective HVAC-R students through the options to see what they qualify for and create a customized plan just for you!

How much do HVAC-R Techs make?

We direct you to visit this link for the most current wage earnings for HVAC. The Median annual wage for HVAC in May of 2021 was $48,630.

What do HVAC Techs do?

HVAC Techs work directly with Installations, cleaning and maintenance of HVAC systems, electrical components, repair and replacements. You would be tasked with repairing duct work, cleaning them and checking refrigerant levels. Strong customer service skills are also important in this field. Successful HVAC-R Techs are punctual and polite and know how to handle customer service situations.

How to become an HVAC Technician?

Attend an accredited program and graduate in about 8 months. This puts you in a position that is more skilled than those who enter the field through a job that may turn into apprenticeship to work with experienced technicians. During our program, you can sit for your EPA exam. You can also qualify and apply for Certification through TDLR.

What skills does a HVAC tech need?

Customer Service Skills, Detail Oriented, Math Skills, Mechanical Skills, Physical Strength. Good work ethics. Strong communication skills, attention to detail in terms of knowing the difference when you should replace an item, versus repair an item.

What HVAC job pays the most?

There are many areas from Boilermakers, sheet metal workers, solar installers, Maintenance and repair workers. NOTE: There are more than 100 areas of air conditioning and refrigeration jobs. It depends on the skills you develop, and your motivation. What you would like to specialize in and the geographic area you choose to work.

What is the difference between HVAC and HVAC-R technician?

The difference between HVAC and HVAC-R: HVAC is qualified to work on residential units and light commercial air conditioning equipment. HVAC-R is qualified for both residential and commercial air conditioning as well as refrigeration equipment.

See what students say

Get Certified in HVAC-R at Austin Career Institute
Jumpstart your HVAC-R Career at Austin Career Institute

Read more information about our HVAC-R School