Train To Be an HVAC/R Technician in Pennsylvania

HVAC Technicians are vital in modern day homes and buildings. Heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in homes, businesses, and other buildings. They are typically responsible for not only the installation of HVAC systems but also their repair and maintenance.

The average day of a HVAC Tech consists of traveling to worksites, following design specifications to install and repair HVAC systems, connect systems to fuel and water supply lines and air ducts, and install electrical wiring and test for proper operation.

Develop your skills in an (HVAC/R) Technology career training program at EIT. Our four-term program provides hands-on training and instruction that helps you stand out from other candidates. Upon completion, you’ll know how to install, maintain, and repair the electronic and mechanical components that keep HVAC/R systems running.

You will gain skills in installing HVAC units, including electronic and mechanical components; ductwork installation, including flexible tubing and sheet metal; installation and repair of fuel and water supply lines; installation and recycling of refrigerants; installation and repair of electrical connections to HVAC/R components; and the installation and repair of HVAC/R system automation components.

Are you interested in starting a career as an HVAC/R technician? Contact us to learn more about the program, or enroll today.

What Is HVAC?

The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, but you may also say HVAC/R, with the R standing for refrigeration. HVAC is also another way to talk about the heating and cooling systems that help provide a comfortable environment in our homes and businesses. Only qualified HVAC/R technicians can work on these systems, making it an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities. Will you choose this path? Read on to explore more about the HVAC/R Technology Program.

What You’ll Learn

How Long is the HVAC/R Program?

Get the training and skills you need to start a career as an HVAC/R technician in as little as one year. Don’t wait for tomorrow—start your journey to success today.

Where You Can Work

As an HVAC/R technician, you’ll have a versatile skill set. You can choose to join a private company or even work for yourself. In either case, you’ll likely work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, and just about any facility that uses heating, ventilation, AC, and refrigeration systems.

Who Hires Our Graduates?

EIT HVAC/R Technology Program graduates have recently been employed by the following employers:

• National Fuel, Erie, PA
• Modern Industries, Erie, PA
• Keep Heating and Cooling, Erie, PA
• Chuck Ollinger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Erie, PA
• 21st Street Market, Erie, PA
• Warren Sheet Metal, Warren, PA
• West End Hardware, Erie, PA
• TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, Erie, PA
• Szewczyk Plumbing, Heating and AC, Erie, PA
• Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
• Country Fair, Inc., Erie, PA
• Gugino Plumbing and Heating, Fredonia, NY
• JTM Foods, Erie, PA
• Deets Mechanical, Inc., Seneca, PA
• Iten Industries, Ashtabula, OH

Video: EIT HVAC/R Technology Program

HVAC/R Technician Program in Erie, PA – Train for a Skilled, In-Demand Trade

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems maintain comfortable temperatures in homes, keep businesses running smoothly, and ensure the safety of critical facilities like hospitals and data centers. As technology advances, the demand for skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and repair these systems continues to grow. That’s why many people are turning to HVAC technician training as a fast pathway into a high-demand trade.

Erie Institute of Technology’s (EIT)HVAC/R Technician Program gives students hands-on training with real-world equipment, preparing them for immediate career opportunities. On this page, you’ll learn what HVAC/R technicians do, the benefits of this career, what you’ll study in our program, and how to get started.

What Is an HVAC/R Technician?

An HVAC/R technician is a skilled tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. These systems are essential in nearly every setting — from homes and office buildings to manufacturing plants, hospitals, and data centers.

Systems that HVAC/R technicians work on:

• Heating systems: Furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps that keep indoor spaces warm.
• Air conditioning units: Systems that cool and dehumidify homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
• Refrigeration equipment: Essential for grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and industrial operations.
• Ventilation systems: Ductwork and air-handling equipment that ensure air quality and circulation.

At EIT, students learn in hands-on labs designed to simulate real-world environments. You’ll practice system installation, troubleshooting, and repair under the guidance of instructors with years of field experience. Safety instruction is emphasized at every step to prepare you for professional standards.

HVAC/R School vs. Traditional College

For many students, one of the biggest questions is whether to attend a four-year college or to choose a skilled-trade program, such as HVAC technician training. Here’s how the two compare:

• Time Commitment: A traditional degree often takes four years, while most HVAC training programs can be completed in months.
• Cost & ROI: Tuition for HVAC school is typically a fraction of a four-year college degree. Since graduates can start earning sooner, the return on investment is strong.
• Learning Style: Traditional college often emphasizes lectures and theory. HVAC training focuses on hands-on labs, where you’ll work directly with the systems you’ll encounter in the field later on.
• Career Outcomes: College graduates may spend years searching for the right role. HVAC/R graduates leave with a direct-to-career path, industry-recognized certifications, and specialized skills employers need immediately.

What You’ll Learn in EIT’s HVAC/R Technician Program

The HVAC/R program at EIT is designed to prepare you for the demands of today’s workforce. You’ll cover theory, technical training, and safety best practices, building a foundation that supports lifelong career growth.

Key areas of study include:

• HVAC/R fundamentals and workplace safety
• Installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems
• Electrical basics and programmable controls for HVAC/R equipment
• Refrigerant handling and EPA certification preparation
• Diagnostics, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance strategies

Below are some course examples and the skills you’ll gain in each:

Benefits of an HVAC/R Career

Choosing a skilled trade like HVAC/R comes with advantages that many traditional careers can’t match.

• Quick Entry Into the Workforce: HVAC school takes months, not years, meaning you can start earning sooner.

• Job Security: Heating, cooling, and refrigeration are essential in every season and industry, creating consistent demand for technicians.

• Opportunities for Specialization: From commercial refrigeration to energy-efficient green systems, you can continue training to specialize in high-paying niches.

• Hands-On Engagement: Every day brings new challenges — perfect for those who thrive on problem-solving.

• Mobility: HVAC/R skills are needed nationwide, making it easy to relocate or travel for work.

• Union & Field Positions: Many technicians enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and advancement opportunities through unionized roles.

With a strong career outlook and practical coursework, training for an HVAC technician career offers a balance of stability and growth potential.

Is HVAC/R the Right Fit for You?

Successful HVAC technicians share these common traits:

• You enjoy hands-on, technical work more than sitting at a desk.
• You have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• You’re interested in how machines operate.
• You’re adaptable, working both indoors and outdoors in different environments.

Ideal candidates include:

• High school graduates ready to start a trade career
• Adults changing careers who want a stable, in-demand field
• Military veterans seeking civilian trades training
• Anyone mechanically inclined who thrives on practical problem-solving

If these descriptions sound like you, HVAC training at Erie Institute of Technology could help you achieve your goals.

HVAC/R Job Outlook and Salary Potential

The need for HVAC/R technicians continues to climb as residential, commercial, and industrial systems become more advanced.

Common job titles include:

• HVAC/R Technician
• Service Technician
• Installer
• Maintenance Technician
• Refrigeration Specialist

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow faster than average through 2034. Growth is driven by the need to replace aging systems, increased focus on energy efficiency, and expanding commercial construction.

Factors that influence earning potential include:

• Earning EPA Section 608 or NATE certifications
• Geographic location (urban vs. rural demand)
• Specializations, such as commercial refrigeration or green HVAC technologies
• Years of experience and proven diagnostic skills

Industries hiring HVAC/R technicians include:

• Residential and commercial contractors
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Manufacturing plants
• Government facilities
• Data centers and tech companies

With strong wages and room for advancement, HVAC/R is an appealing career for those seeking stability and growth.

Why Choose EIT for HVAC/R Training?

At Erie Institute of Technology, our vocational training programs emphasize real-world skills and career readiness:

• State-of-the-Art Labs: Students train on the same types of systems they’ll encounter in the field.
• Experienced Instructors: Learn directly from professionals who have years of industry knowledge.
• Industry Certifications: Preparation for recognized credentials like EPA certification.
• Career Placement Assistance: Dedicated support to help graduates connect with employers.
• Flexible Scheduling: Options designed to fit busy lives, with financial aid opportunities available.
• Small Class Sizes: Personalized instruction and mentorship.

Unique Program Features at EIT:

• Externships with local employers
• Hands-on workshops with advanced troubleshooting scenarios
• Graduate success stories that show how EIT training leads to rewarding careers

Enroll in EIT’s HVAC/R Technician Program

Getting started is simple:

1. Apply Online: Contact us online and submit your application.

2. Meet with Admissions: Connect with our team to review program details, scheduling, and financial aid options.

3. Tour the Campus: Explore our labs, meet instructors, and see hands-on training in action.

4. Explore Financial Aid Resources: Work with our financial services team to identify grants, loans, or scholarships.

5. Start Training: Join your first class and begin building real-world HVAC/R skills.

New classes start throughout the year, so you don’t have to wait long to begin your career path. Explore our complete catalog of vocational and technical training programs.

Ready to Start Your HVAC/R Career?

A career as an HVAC/R technician offers stability and opportunities to grow in specialized, well-paying niches—and it starts with HVAC training at Erie Institute of Technology. Our courses provide aspiring workers with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to succeed in this essential trade.

Take the next step — contact EIT today to learn more or apply for our HVAC/R Technician Program.