10 Best HVAC Schools inWashington

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The State of Washington is home to many trade schools and community colleges that prepare students for careers in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Program duration, curriculum, and costs vary from school to school, but options are available for different types of schedules and learning styles.

To help you make an informed decision, on this page we have compiled information about the top HVAC schools in the region.

We invite you to read further to find out more.


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1Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center

About the School

Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center offer training programs that prepare students for careers in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration industry.

Continuing education classes are also available.

Northwest HVAC/R is a fully accredited vocational college.

Courses Offered

The full-time training program available at Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center includes 900 clock hours of instruction and an HVAC/R internship.

The program costs $11,405 in total which includes tuition, estimated tool kit fee, estimated book cost, school fees, and registration fee.

The curriculum covers topics on:

  • Gas Codes and Installation
  • HVAC/R Mathematics
  • Electricity Series
  • HVAC/R Service Related
  • Gas Service and Troubleshooting
  • Boilers (Residential)
  • Cooling & Heat Pump Series
  • And more

A valid driver’s license, a high school diploma/GED, and a completed application are required for admission.

Applicants should pass a criminal background check.

Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center are accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

The following classes are also available for employees:

  • Gas Codes & Installation I
  • Gas Mechanics II Prep Course
  • EPA 608 Universal Certification & Study-At-Home Course
  • EPA 608 Universal Certification & Course

Contact Information


2Renton Technical College

About the School

Renton Technical College offers educational programs in advanced manufacturing, business management, health, culinary arts, and a variety of other college and career pathways.

In total, more than 60 programs are available at the college.

Renton Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Courses Offered

The College’s Advanced Manufacturing pathway prepares students for careers in precision manufacturing, technical design, and skilled trades.

The catalog includes a Commercial Refrigeration Technology program.

This program teaches students how to install, fix, and maintain HVAC systems.

Students participate in classroom instruction and work on real appliances.

The program meets the Electrical Standards set by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

This course is designed to be completed in nine months by full-time students.

Students pay approximately $7,670 if they complete the program within normal time.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3000 NE 4th St. Renton, WA 98056
  • Phone: (425) 235-2352
  • Website: https://rtc.edu

3Clover Park Technical College

About the School

Clover Park Technical College offers a wide range of programs of study at its campuses in Lakewood and South Hill.

The approximate tuition for three quarters (nine months) is $5,040

Clover Park Technical College is a member of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Courses Offered

A Heating & Air Conditioning/ Refrigeration Service Technician program is available through the college’s School of Automotive and Trades.

This program prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to handle emergency circumstances and diagnose and repair HVAC systems.

Students enrolled in this program take classes such as:

  • Basic Electricity
  • Electrical Circuits
  • Basic Refrigeration
  • Advanced Controls and Troubleshooting
  • EPA Refrigerant Certification
  • And more, depending on the credential

The following credentials are available:

  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Degree- a four-quarter credential
  • Basic HVAC Refrigeration Service Technician Certificate- three quarters
  • Refrigeration Specialist Certificate- a credential that can be earned after two quarters

Contact Information

  • Lakewood Campus: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Lakewood WA 98499-4004
  • Phone: 253-589-5800
  • South Hill Campus: 17214 110th Ave E Puyallup WA 98374-9509
  • Phone: 253-583-8904
  • Website: https://www.cptc.edu

4Bates Technical College

About the School

Bates Technical College offers technical education, college and career preparation programs, apprenticeships, and continuing education in a wide range of educational paths.

Total tuition and fees sum up to $134.62 per credit for resident students.

The College has three campuses in Tacoma, Washington.

Bates Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Courses Offered

The Bates Technical College catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician pathway that teaches students how to install, maintain, and repair residential and large-size systems.

Graduates have a state electrical trainee license with 1,127 hours of field training credit, OSHA 30, and Universal refrigerant certifications.

The following credentials are available:

  • Associate of Applied Science: HVAC/R
  • Certificate of Competency: HVAC/R Support Technician

The credentials require six quarters.

Contact Information


5Perry Technical Institute

About the School

Perry Technical Institute offers a variety of educational programs that help students start new careers in in-demand fields.

The institute collaborates with industry leaders to keep its curriculum up to date.

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

Courses Offered

Perry Technical Institute provides a two-year Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology program.

The program covers topics on electrical/refrigeration fundamentals, direct digital controls, residential/light commercial systems, commercial/industrial refrigeration, motor controls, and more.

Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to participate in hands-on externships that help them earn work experience.

Graduates may earn up to one year or 2,000 hours credited towards the certification exam for the 06A HVAC/R Specialty Electrical License offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Students are also ready for the following certification exams:

  • Universal R-410A Safety
  • OSHA Safety
  • EPA 608, 609
  • Green Mechanical Systems
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Indoor Air Quality

Contact Information


6Construction Industry Training Council of Washington

About the School

The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington is a vocational trade school that offers construction industry training programs at several locations throughout Washington state.

The school has offices or campuses in Bellevue, Maryville, Pasco, Spokane, and Vancouver.

The school is state-licensed and has helped students start rewarding careers in the construction industry since 1985.

Continuing education programs are also available to help workers keep up with the latest advancements in the field.

Courses Offered

The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington offers an HVAC program that helps students start careers in the field of electrical, gas, oil, heating, and air-conditioning systems.

The curriculum is competency-centered and available at multiple locations in Washington state.

Classes typically take place once per week for four hours.

Students who meet the requirements of 201 hours per year for a total of four years receive a Certificate of Completion to Journey-Level.

Apprenticeship programs are also available and allow students to combine on-the-job training with classroom education.

The HVAC Apprenticeship requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in total and 800 hours of classroom training.

In total, the apprenticeship can be completed in four years.

To qualify for admission to the HVAC program, students must provide:

  • Proof that they are 18 years of age or older
  • Proof of high school graduation or GED
  • Official transcripts that show courses taken and grades

Contact Information

  • Address: 1930 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004-3044
  • Phone: 877.707.2482
  • Website: https://citcwa.org

7Charter College

About the School

Charter College offers educational programs that prepare students for new careers.

Certificate programs are available in trades and healthcare fields.

The programs are provided in a blended format.

Charter College has campuses in Pasco, East Wenatchee, Fife, Lacey, Vancouver, and Yakima.

Many of their programs require a high school diploma or GED, but students who pass an ability to benefit test may enroll in select programs at Charter College.

Charter College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Courses Offered

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program is available at the following Washington Campuses: Lacey, Pasco, and Vancouver.

This program can be completed in only ten months and prepares students for careers as HVAC technicians.

Classes start every five weeks and are available in a flexible format to help students balance family, work, and other commitments with their studies.

The curriculum covers topics on:

  • HVAC Science and Electrical Work
  • Basic Refrigeration and Air Properties
  • Refrigeration, Pipe, Duct, and Flue Systems
  • Commercial Refrigeration Systems
  • Residential and Commercial Controls
  • Gas and Oil Heating Systems
  • Boiler, Chiller, and Cooling Tower Systems
  • Energy Conservation, Heat Recovery, and Air Quality
  • And more

Contact Information


8Cascadia Tech Academy

About the School

Cascadia Tech Academy provides educational programs that prepare students for careers and apprenticeships in a variety of industries.

Students can earn high school credits and competency certificates while learning entry-level job skills.

Courses Offered

Cascadia Tech Academy offers a Construction Technology pathway that helps students prepare for apprenticeships in a variety of trades, including Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and many more.

The program consists of theory about 20 percent of the time and 80 percent of lab work.

The following industry certifications are available: WA State Precision Exams in 21st Century Skills Certification, Carpentry, and Construction Technology as well as OSHA 10.

First-year students learn about safety, hand and power tool usage, construction mathematics, building codes, and more.

They participate in hands-on projects, such as building a carpenter’s toolbox, designing building plans, building a shed and scale model house, and working on an off-campus house project.

During the second year, students get to apply their knowledge and skills by constructing a residential home.

Students also have the opportunity of working with subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.

Contact Information


9Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship

About the School

Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship offers a training system that prepares apprentices for new careers.

There is no tuition or fees for apprenticeships.

All members of United Association Local 32 contribute to the training center.

Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship is managed by the Seattle Area Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Training Trust.

Courses Offered

The following apprenticeship programs are available:

  • HVAC Refrigeration
  • Steamfitter
  • Plumber

The HVAC program prepares students for careers in HVAC Service Controls Technician/Refrigeration.

The apprenticeship can be completed in five years and includes a minimum of 10,000 work hours and 1,080 hours of school work in total.

The following credentials are required for graduation:

  • 06A Washington Electrical License
  • UA Star Exam
  • Seattle Gas Piping Mechanic License
  • Seattle Refrigeration License
  • EPA 608 Certificate

Apprentices typically begin as tradesmen or helpers.

They need an Electrical trainee card and a clean driving record.

Trainees learn how to install, maintain, and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration units.

Apprentices earn a wage that starts at 50 percent of the journeyman’s wage and receive raises as they advance in their training.

Contact Information


10Spokane Community College

About the School

Spokane Community College offers programs that help students become ready for careers in high-paying industries in less than one year.

Programs are available in more than 90 areas of study.

Spokane Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Tuition is $116.05 per credit for 1-10 credits for Washington residents in Associate Degree and Certificate (Lower Division) classes.

For 11-18 credits, tuition is $57.46 per credit.

Tuition is $104.12 for programs with more than 19 credits.

Courses Offered

An Associate Degree program in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration is available.

This program teaches students how to install, service, and maintain furnaces, air conditioners, and refrigeration systems.

Students learn the basics of HVAC/R systems, electricity, heating, gas and oil codes, load calculations, refrigerations, and a variety of other topics through classes, hands-on projects, and Jobsite experiences.

This program includes courses such as:

  • Fundamentals of Electricity
  • Electrical Applications
  • Fundamentals of Heating Systems
  • Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication
  • HVAC/R Safety
  • System Servicing and Troubleshooting of Heat Pumps
  • Fundamentals of Direct Digital Control
  • And more

Contact Information


Regional Salary in Washington

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bellingham, WA310$63,000$30.29$92,360$37,920
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA230$61,050$29.35$80,870$45,300
Kennewick-Richland, WA550$63,960$30.75$93,350$39,210
Longview, WA100$60,170$28.93$78,300$40,450
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA110$57,940$27.86$79,800$39,300
Olympia-Tumwater, WA240$63,370$30.47$94,180$39,740
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA3,800$70,410$33.85$101,660$47,090
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA570$58,780$28.26$78,710$39,350
Walla Walla, WA80$57,080$27.44$74,850$40,820
Wenatchee, WA130$55,910$26.88$75,280$38,990
Yakima, WA200$56,750$27.29$74,790$37,820
* 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

If you’re passionate about mechanics and you enjoy fixing things, a career in the HVAC field can be the right fit for you.

There are plenty of educational alternatives available for students in Washington.

Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue with your research and choose the program that best meets your needs.