Dallas College

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)


10 Certificates 1 Associate Degree

Train for in‑demand HVAC careers with Dallas College’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program, gaining hands‑on skills in heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

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Heating and air-conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity and total air quality in all types of buildings — and, in Texas, there’s always a need for technicians who can keep it all running smoothly. Get trained in our Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program today!

Cedar Valley and Eastfield are members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the largest air-conditioning organization in the U.S. This membership gives students access to contractors in the North Texas region and provides an opportunity for direct contact with successful businesses in our area.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) at a Glance

Dallas College offers many different ways to reach your career goals. Whether you want to jump into the workforce quickly or spend more time building advanced skills, we have the programs that fit your needs and timeline.

Certificate Programs

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$1,089-$8,640

Estimated time to complete1:

4 months-2 years

  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • North Lake3

Associate Degrees

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$5,940

Estimated time to complete1:

2 years

  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • North Lake3

Which Degrees and Certificates are Right for Me?

Workforce Training

Dallas College offers fast, flexible credentials designed with local employers to help you quickly start or advance your career.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Credit Certificates

Dallas College offers credit certificates that provide focused, career-ready skills recognized by employers.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Associate Degrees

Dallas College's associate degrees provide a strong academic foundation for career entry or transfer to a four-year institution.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Questions About Degrees and Certificates?

We know applying to college can be confusing. If you are not yet a Dallas College student, you have a whole team of recruitment coaches to help guide you through programs and the enrollment process.

Current students, contact your success coach (advisor) who can answer any questions you have about Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) programs and your degree and certificate options.

Contact a Recruitment Coach

What Can I Earn? Will There Be Plenty of Jobs?

If you know how to install and repair heating and air conditioning systems, your skills will always be in need. Check out a few of the incredible career opportunities you’ll be ready for. Your future starts here!

Home Appliance Repairersat work

Home Appliance Repairers

$22/hr

Median Salary

121

Job Openings

+4%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Repairing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Reading Comprehension
HVAC Mechanics and Installersat work

HVAC Mechanics and Installers

$27/hr

Median Salary

1256

Job Openings

+19%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Installation
  • Repairing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Maintenance and Repair Workersat work

Maintenance and Repair Workers

$22/hr

Median Salary

4579

Job Openings

+14%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Repairing
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Complex Problem Solving
Sheet Metal Workersat work

Sheet Metal Workers

$27/hr

Median Salary

395

Job Openings

+10%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Time Management
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Troubleshooting

All jobs data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence and Lightcast4.

“The program was excellent, and I learned a lot. For instance, I had absolutely no knowledge of electrical systems, and now I feel pretty comfortable with them. My instructors really pushed me. It’s a program I’ve already recommended to several people.” Read Leonardo Figueroa's story.
Leonardo Figueroa
Pipefitter Refrigeration Design Technology

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1Length of time is based on catalog degree plans. Prerequisites may be required, which are not included in this estimate. For most programs, full-time student status is assumed, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

2Cost for credit courses is based on tuition rates for program hours for Dallas County residents. The price of most required learning materials (books, software, supplies, etc.) is included with the price of tuition. Certain programs may have additional costs above the standard tuition. Continuing Education and Ed2Go courses may vary by program. Please review the Area of Study Overview and/or the Health Information Packets for additional costs and details. Visit our Paying for College site to learn more about cost, financial aid, scholarships and more.

3Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options. Not all degree and certificate offerings are available for admission/start at all campuses every semester.

4A portion of Lightcast’s data comes from O*NET Online by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Lightcast has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

HB1508 Notice

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible.

For more information, please visit DallasCollege.edu/HB1508.

Updated June 25, 2026