10 Best HVAC Schools inIllinois

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If you want to start a rewarding career in an in-demand industry, the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is worth exploring.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois were remunerated $52,470 per year, on average.

Before being ready to start looking for your first HVAC job, you need to complete a training program and become certified.

This trade can be learned at a trade school or community college, or during high school.

Apprenticeship programs that allow students to earn a salary while preparing for a new career are also available.


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1HVAC Technical Institute

About the School

HVAC Technical Institute offers hands-on certification training for those who want to start a career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

The institute certifies 175 students per year, on average, and prepares them for success in the HVAC and electrical industries.

Classes are taught by instructors who have more than 65 years of experience in selling, installing, estimating, training, and managing HVAC industries.

Job placement assistance is available to help graduates.

HVAC Technical Institute is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools and accredited by the Commission on the Council on Occupational Education.

Courses Offered

The HVAC/R training program is structured into seven modules, covering the following topics:

  • Electricity
  • Heating
  • Hydronics
  • Air Conditioning
  • Introduction to Refrigeration
  • EPA Section 608 and R-410A Safety Certification
  • Ventilation and Installation

Day and night classes are available.

Day students can graduate in 33 weeks, while those enrolled in night classes need 48 weeks to complete the program.

A Spanish HVAC/R course is also available.

Contact Information


2West Chicago Professional Center

About the School

West Chicago Professional Center is offering HVAC and electrical approved courses in the Chicago area.

Students can get EPA-certified in as few as three months.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • HVAC- a course that equips students with skills and knowledge in all aspects of the HVAC industry
  • Combined- a course that qualifies students for two career options in the Electrical or HVAC fields
  • Electrical- a program that prepares students for electrician careers through hands-on training and a classroom instruction

The Combined program includes 300 hours of training and separate classes:

  • Beginner’s Classes- Electrical and HVAC
  • Intermediate Class- for those who have already completed the Beginner’s Class
  • Advanced Class- for those who have completed the other two classes.

Each class takes four weeks to complete.

After completing the course, students take EPA 608 Certificate test.

The 2011 NEC rules for obtaining an Unlimited Electrical License are also covered.

Contact Information


3Chicago Professional Center

About the School

Chicago Professional Center offers training programs that combine Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Basic Electricity, and the National Electrical Code.

Students have the option of adding PLC to the program.

Some of the certifications available include Suburban Electrician License, EPA Certificate, Power Engineer License, NATE Certification, and more.

Chicago Professional Center is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Residential and Commercial HVAC Tech/Electrician- a program that takes 4.5 months to complete and is forty percent dedicated to hands-on training
  • Maintenance- a 4.5 month program
  • HVAC Tech/Electrician/Maintenance PLC- students who complete this program have the opportunity of participating in a paid internship that includes 20 hours per week and takes four weeks to complete
  • HVAC Tech/Electrician/Maintenance Worker
  • ESL Program

Contact Information


4ETI School of Skilled Trades

About the School

ETI School of Skilled Trades offers an HVAC/R training program that prepares students for all the facets of this industry.

The school has a 15,085 square feet installation lab where students learn from instructors who have decades of field experience.

Students learn sheet metal fabrication, conduit bending, gas piping, electrical work, diagnostics, and all the other topics related to the installation, repair, and replacement of HVAC/R equipment.

The programs can be completed in only seven months.

Day and evening classes are available to fit the students’ busy schedules.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

ETI School of Skilled Trades is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and licensed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The HVAC/R program costs approximately $16,000 in total and includes tuition, books, tools, exam fees, and sales tax.

Courses Offered

The HVAC/R Technician program includes EPA Section 608 Universal Certification and R-410A testing.

Job placement assistance is available to help students get started.

Contact Information

  • Address: 500 Joliet Rd Suite #100, Willowbrook IL 60527
  • Phone: (888) 830-7678
  • Website: https://eticampus.edu

5Midwest Technical Institute

About the School

Midwest Technical Institute offers a variety of hands-on programs and courses at its Springfield and East Peoria campuses.

The courses prepare students for employment in HVAC, welding, medical assisting, dental assisting, phlebotomy, and many other professions.

To be eligible for admission, applicants need proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.

The enrollment process also requires applicants to:

  • Attend a personal interview with a representative of the school
  • Complete a Health Affidavit/Screening
  • Have a valid driver’s license or ID
  • Be at least 17 years old to enroll and at least 18 to graduate

Additional requirements apply to some programs.

Midwest Technical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

Midwest Technical Institute catalog includes an HVAC Technician program for students who want to start a career in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Contact Information

  • East Peoria Campus: 280 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611
  • Phone: 309-427-2750
  • Springfield Campus: 2731 Farmers Market Road, Springfield, IL 62707
  • Phone: (217) 527-8324
  • Website: https://www.midwesttech.edu

6Lincoln Tech

About the School

Lincoln Tech provides a variety of training programs in Melrose Park, located just outside of Chicago.

Educational expenses vary depending on the program and range from approximately $22,000 to more than $42,000.

The Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology Service Management program costs approximately $37,600 and includes tuition, tools, books, uniforms, student fees, registration, and technology fees.

Lincoln College of Technology- Melrose Park is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology
  • Medical Assistant
  • Welding Technology

The Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program teaches students how to work with low-voltage systems and install, troubleshoot, and service home automation systems, close circuit monitoring systems, fire alarms, and more.

The school offers a fully-wired smart house where students study systems such as wiring security, integrated thermostats, and more in a setting that looks just like a real home.

Contact Information


7Elgin Community College

About the School

Elgin Community College offers a variety of career and technical programs that prepare students for employment in high-demand industries.

The college has its main campus in Elgin and satellite campuses in Hanover Park, Burlington, and Streamwood.

Elgin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The College’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.

The following certificates are available:

  • Light Commercial Service Tech- Vocational Specialist- this certificate requires 38.5 credits in total.
  • Residential HVAC Service Technician- Basic Vocational Specialist- a 26.5 credit program
  • Residential HVAC Systems- Basic Vocational Specialist- this program requires 12.5 credits
  • HVAC Facilities Maintenance Tech- Vocational Specialist- a 46.5-credit program
  • Refrigeration Service Technician- an 18.5 credit program

Students enrolled in these programs take classes in:

  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
  • Basic Electricity and HVACR Controls
  • Basic Heating Gas/Oil
  • Basic Sheet Metal
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: Spartan Drive Campus: 1700 Spartan Dr. Elgin, IL 60123-7193
  • Phone: 847-697-1000
  • Website: https://elgin.edu

8Black Hawk College

About the School

Black Hawk College offers a variety of trade and technical career programs that teaches students how to create, repair, and troubleshoot.

The College has two main campuses: one in Quad Cities and one near Galva.

Additional instructional centers are located throughout the District.

Tuition is $164 per credit hour for students within District 503 and $265 for Illinois students outside District 503.

Black Hawk College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

Black Hawk College’s catalog includes an Air Conditioning Specialist Certificate program that provides students with skills and knowledge regarding the equipment components as well as diagnostic and repair procedures required to become a specialist in air conditioning.

Graduates are ready for employment as entry-level air conditioning technicians in specialty shops, automotive repair businesses, or automotive dealerships.

The following courses are offered:

  • Engine Performance
  • ASE Review
  • Fuel Control Systems
  • Air Conditioning
  • Work Experience Intern Seminar

Students have to bring their own set of tools.

A minimum of 12 credits is required to complete this program and earn a certificate.

Contact Information


9College of Lake County

About the School

College of Lake County offers degree programs and certificates in a wide range of fields.

In-district tuition at the College of Lake County is $125 for Summer 2022 and $128 for Fall 2022.

Out-of-district students pay $322 per credit hour for the summer semester and $329.50 for Fall 2022.

Courses Offered

The College of Lake County offers an HVAC Engineering Technology program.

The curriculum includes introductory classes in electricity, electric motors, and the theory of refrigeration.

Students also learn about air conditioning, temperature and humidity control, air circulation, cleaning, installation, and troubleshooting of HVAC equipment.

The following certificates are available:

  • HVAC/R Installation Technician Certificate
  • Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate
  • Electrical Troubleshooting Technician Certificate
  • Residential Energy Auditing Certificate
  • Residential Heating Technician Certificate
  • And more

Contact Information


10John A. Logan College

About the School

John A. Logan College offers a variety of courses and training programs.

According to their website, the Center is dedicated to training unemployed people, underemployed workers as well employees who want to improve their skills.

Tuition is $133 per credit hour for in-district students and $188 per credit hour for out-of-district Illinois students.

Courses Offered

The college offers workforce training, short-therm courses, special programs, as well as customized training tailored to the needs of a specific industry.

John A. Logan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The College can customize a variety of industrial topics to help students improve their maintenance skills.

A Heating and Air Conditioning class is available for those who want to work in the field.

Classes in Industrial Electricity, Welding, Quality Control, Blueprint Reading, Geometric Dimensioning, and other related topics are also offered.

The College also provides Occupational Health and Safety courses that cover accident prevention, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, hazardous waste operations, OSHA Compliance Audits, and many other related topics.

Contact Information

  • Address: 700 Logan College Drive – Carterville, IL 62918-2500
  • Phone: (618) 985-3741
  • Website: https://www.jalc.edu

Regional Salary in Illinois

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bloomington, IL150$55,840$26.85$81,310$31,020
Carbondale-Marion, IL140$54,090$26.01$83,170$29,960
Champaign-Urbana, IL240$59,430$28.57$94,390$37,940
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI7,960$65,460$31.47$105,440$35,520
Danville, IL60$53,970$25.95$78,710$30,620
Decatur, IL100$61,230$29.44$94,960$35,720
Kankakee, IL60$57,250$27.53$92,050$30,840
Peoria, IL340$61,830$29.73$94,990$36,240
Rockford, IL250$63,660$30.61$98,010$35,390
Springfield, IL160$60,540$29.11$96,570$35,380
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Illinois is home to many HVAC training programs that can prepare you for a new career through hands-on training.

Now that you have read our list is time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.