10 Best HVAC Schools inKentucky

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This page compiles information about the top HVAC schools in Kentucky.

Our selection includes trade schools, community colleges, as well as apprenticeship programs.

Depending on the path you choose, the training period can last between less than one year and up to four years.

If you live in Kentucky and want to start a rewarding career as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning technician, we invite you to read further and find out more about the top schools in the region.


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1College for Technical Education

About the Schools

College for Technical Education helps students start rewarding careers through post-secondary training that lasts less than one year.

The programs are accredited and there is no application fee.

The college catalog includes a Building Trades Technician program that covers HVAC, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Electrical.

Students learn the skills needed for a career in construction through hands-on activities.

The fees include the clothing and tools needed during training.

Financial Aid is available for students who qualify.

This Building Trades Technician program prepares graduates for the following career paths:

  • Office Building Maintenance
  • 608 HVAC EPA Certified Positions
  • Residential and Commercial Repair
  • Construction Site Work

The College for Technical Education is a non-profit, private institution that offers training for some of the most in-demand careers for almost 40 years.

The College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education since 2006.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1165 Centre Pkwy. #120, Lexington, KY 40517
  • Phone: (859) 272-5225
  • Website: https://cte.edu

2Trade Tech

About the School

TradeTech helps students complete continuing education hours from the comfort of their homes.

The school was established in 2015 and is approved by the State of Kentucky.

Programs are available in the following fields:

  • HVAC- Master/Journeyman
  • Plumbing- Master/Journeyman

TradeTech catalog includes the following courses:

  • HVAC 101- a program that covers the basics of this profession, including information about Heat Transfer/Heat Generation, Heating and Cooling Loads, Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle, Energy Usage, HVAC Systems, and more.
  • Indoor Air Quality 201- a program that teaches students about air quality within and around buildings and how it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants
  • Building Science 200- a program that covers the basics of Building Science, Durability, and Energy Efficiency
  • HVAC Laws- a program that covers the current Kentucky Revised Statutes KRS 198B
  • Boiler Pressure Vessel & Pressure Piping
  • Accidents and Injury- a safety course that teaches workers and employers about the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the workplace
  • And many more

Each of the above courses costs $20 and includes 2 CEU hours.

Contact Information


3Interactive College of Technology

About the School

Interactive College of Technology offers Associate of Science Degrees and Diplomas in technical, trade, and business fields at its Georgia-Kentucky campus.

All their business, technical, and trade programs include externships that allow students to gain hands-on experience.

The schedules are flexible, giving students the possibility to train at their own pace.

Interactive College of Technology is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

Courses Offered

The college’s catalog includes the following HVAC-related programs:

  • HVAC- Residential- a program that covers training in all phases of repair and maintenance of residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
  • HVAC/R Technology- this program also includes Environmental Protection Agency Certification in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence
  • Commercial Refrigeration- a program that emphasizes controls, temperature programming, computer fundamentals, and other advanced HVAC concepts

After graduation students can find employment as Refrigeration Mechanics, Transportation Refrigeration Technicians, Evaporative-Cooler Installers, Commercial Refrigeration Technicians, HVAC Installers, and other related positions.

Contact Information

  • Address: 76 Carothers Road, Newport, KY 41071
  • Phone: (800) 375-1010
  • Website: https://www.ict.edu

4Louisville Electrical JATC

About the School

Louisville Electrical JATC offers apprenticeships and training programs in a variety of fields.

Its training center is a multi-building complex that covers more than 26,000 square feet of space- much of it being dedicated to hands-on training.

The program trains more than 200 apprentices annually and hundreds of journeymen electricians.

Its electrical apprenticeship program lasts five years and includes classroom-related training and a minimum of 8,000 on-the-job training hours.

Courses Offered

The school’s catalog includes a variety of classes, such as:

  • Basic HVAC & EPA Test Prep
  • CPR
  • First Aid
  • Basic Troubleshooting
  • Environmental Controls
  • Home Automation & Integration
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 4315 Preston Hwy, #100 Louisville, KY 40213
  • Phone: (877) 378-7492 (Toll-Free)
  • Website: http://www.loujatc.com

5Gateway Community College

About the School

Gateway Community College offers a variety of training programs at its three campuses.

The first facility built specifically for Gateway, Boone Campus opened its first classroom building in 2005.

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing opened in 2010.

Tuition is $179 per credit hour for in-state students.

Financial Aid programs are available for qualifying students, including a Work Ready Kentucky scholarship that makes it possible for students to earn credentials tuition-free.

Gateway Community College is accredited to award associate degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Courses Offered

An Air Conditioning Technology program is available at the Boone Campus:

This program is designed for students who enjoy mechanical systems and solving problems.

The following Degree in Certificate options are available:

  • Air Conditioning Technology Degree
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic- Diploma
  • Air Conditioning Technology Certificates are also available:
    • Domestic Air Conditioner and Furnace Installer- 35-36 credits in total
    • Environmental Control System Services- 24-25 credits needed
    • Environmental System Repair Helper- 9-10 credit hours required
    • Plumber’s Helper
    • And more

Contact Information


6Building Institute

About the School

Building Institute is a trade school designed for students who want to work during the day and go to school in the evening.

Its HVAC program is one year long and teaches students how heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems work through classroom instruction and lab projects.

The program includes 312 instruction hours.

Graduates are ready to take a job as fully certified and licensed HVAC technicians.

Students are in the classroom and laboratory from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

Courses Offered

The curriculum covers safety standards, EPA requirements, and core foundation work in residential and commercial heating and cooling.

The Building Institute is approved by the State of Kentucky.

Tuition is $8,000 for the entire program and includes a money-back guarantee.

The above tuition covers classroom instruction, as well as textbooks, personal safety equipment, school supplies, field trips, pre-graduation certificates (OSHA10, EPA 608, CPR), tools, and lab fees.

Contact Information


7UA Local 502

About the School

If you want to earn a salary while preparing for a new career, consider applying for an apprenticeship.

Located in Louisville, the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Service Technicians of Local 502, has over 90 percent of its active members in the construction industry.

Apprentices can earn an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Ivy Tech Community College during their five-year training program.

Courses Offered

The apprenticeship is divided into five one-year segments, each including between 1,800 and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and at least 246 hours of related classroom instruction.

Certification programs are also available in medical gas installation, refrigerant handling, welding, industrial rigging, green awareness, and other fields.

To qualify for admission, applicants need a high school diploma and they have to take at least one year of algebra.

Taking Science courses and English classes is also important.

After completing the five-year program, UA Local 502 members become journeymen workers.

Lifelong learning programs are also available to help students keep up with the latest advancements in the field.

Contact Information

  • Address: 4330 Crittenden Drive, Suite A, Louisville, KY 40209
  • Phone: 502.361.8492
  • Website: https://www.lu502.com

8Maysville Community & Technical College

About the School

Maysville Community & Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates that help students reach their professional goals.

Courses Offered

Maysville Community & Technical College catalog includes an Air Technology program that focuses on teaching students how to install and service heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.

The curriculum includes academic courses, theory courses, and laboratory training.

Some of the courses included in this program include Basic Refrigeration, Commercial Refrigeration, Heating and Humidification, Cooling and Dehumidification, HVAC Electricity, and Electrical Components.

Students need between 47-56 credit hours to earn a Diploma as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic.

The program also includes the following certificates:

  • Environmental Control System Servicer: this certificate requires 24-25 credit hours
  • Refrigeration Mechanic- 19 credit hours
  • Environmental System Repair Helper- students need 9-10 credit hours
  • Domestic Air Conditioning and Furnace Installer- a 35-36 credit hour program
  • Chiller Maintenance- a 19-credit hour program
  • Boiler Mechanic- 20 credit hours are needed for this certificate

Contact Information


9Campbellsville University

About the School

Campbellsville University offers a variety of professional and certificate programs.

The University has off-campus centers in Harrodsburg, Hodgenville, Liberty, Louisville, and Somerset.

Instructional sites are also located in Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Costa Mesa, Summersville, and a complement of online programs.

Founded in 1906, the University is a non-profit corporation.

The center partners with local businesses and organizations to help provide the best applications of technology.

Courses Offered

Campbellsville University’s catalog includes an HVAC Technology program.

This 12-month program focuses on fundamentals and a broad spectrum of skills needed for a career in this industry.

Students learn about the refrigeration cycle, psychometrics, national and local codes, and many other topics.

This curriculum also includes skills such as brazing and soldering, equipment installation, high and low-voltage wiring, troubleshooting, repair, blueprint reading, and more.

Students have the opportunity to earn the Universal EPA 608 Certification and a Kentucky HVAC Journeyman Mechanic License.

Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition at the main campus for undergraduate programs that include 12-18 hours is $12,800.

Contact Information


10Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College

About the School

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College provides associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates designed to help students reach their goals.

Tuition for in-state students is $182 per credit hour.

As part of the admissions process, applicants need to submit high school or GED transcripts as well as transcripts for all previously attended colleges.

They also have to submit ACT scores or AP scores or take placement testing.

After completing the first admission steps, applicants who are accepted receive an email with the steps for meeting their advisor and registering for class.

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

Courses Offered

The Air Conditioning Technology program available at Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College teaches students how to design, build, and maintain climate control systems.

The instruction focuses on hands-on applications.

The following credentials are available:

  • Environmental System Repair Helper Certificate- students need 9-10 credit hours in total
  • Environmental Control System Repair Certificate- a credential that requires students to earn 24-25 total credit hours
  • Domestic Air Conditioner and Furnace Installer Certificate- 35-36 credit hours are required for this certificate
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Diploma- between 47-56 credit hours are required for this credential
  • Air Conditioning Technology Associate Degree- a degree that includes 60-66 total credit hours

This program is accredited by HVAC Excellence.

Contact Information


Regional Salary in Kentucky

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bowling Green, KY210$48,720$23.42$65,830$30,530
Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY160$48,910$23.52$62,600$30,420
Lexington-Fayette, KY880$54,190$26.05$74,480$33,040
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN1,960$52,930$25.45$75,400$33,800
Owensboro, KY170$54,400$26.16$72,160$34,510
* 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

There are plenty of educational opportunities for Kentucky residents who want to pursue a career in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Choosing the right one can be a difficult task, but we encourage you to take your time and gather information about all the relevant factors.