Wallace State: Heating & Air Conditioning

Admission Requirements and Curriculum (catalog)

AWARD OFFERED Certificate (4 semesters)

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems consist of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. Technicians often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, although they are trained to do both.

Heating and air conditioning technicians follow blueprints or other specifications to install oil, gas, electric, solid-fuel, and multiple-fuel heating systems and air conditioning systems. Refrigeration mechanics install, service, and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems and a variety of refrigeration equipment, using care to conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants that, if released, can be harmful to the environment.

Obtaining certification through one of several organizations is increasingly recommended by employers and may increase advancement opportunities and higher wages. All technicians who purchase or work with refrigerants must be certified in their proper handling. Because of the increasing sophistication of heating, airconditioning, and refrigeration systems, employers prefer to hire those with technical school training. The Wallace State Heating and Air Conditioning Program prepares students for both the EPA refrigeration and the state A/C contractor’s license, as well as for the journeyman/master gas fitter’s license.

In fact, the program boasts excellent pass rate results, near 100 percent, from students who take the exams, and a near perfect employment rate.

Hourly earnings of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers may reach more than $27.11. Job prospects are excellent and expected to continue to grow at a faster than average rate due in part interest in improving indoor air quality and concern for the environment that have prompted the development of new energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems. Some technicians may advance to positions as supervisor or service manager or move into areas such as sales and marketing. Still others may become building superintendents, cost estimators, or, with the necessary certification, teachers. Those with sufficient money and managerial skill can open their own contracting business. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Randy Hughes, Department Head
256/352-8140
randy.hughes@wallacestate.edu