Heating and Air Conditioning

HVAC Employees

Launch Your Career in HVAC with Hands-On Training
The HVAC industry is rapidly evolving with energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, and advanced climate control solutions. As aging infrastructure and sustainability regulations increase demand, trained technicians are essential for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems. This growth creates stable career opportunities, competitive wages, and room for specialization in high-efficiency systems, commercial refrigeration, and automation controls.

The Heating and Cooling program at Triton College equips students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to employment in HVAC. With strong industry partnerships, an advanced HVAC lab, and stackable certificates, our program provides affordable, career-focused education aligned with workforce needs. Whether you're looking for a fast entry into the field or long-term career growth in a high-demand industry, Triton College offers a structured, industry-driven pathway to success.

Why Choose Triton’s HVAC Program?

  • Growing Job Market – HVAC jobs in the Chicago metro area are projected to grow 3.9% by 2028, with over 1,370 annual job openings
  • Hands-On Learning – Work with industry-standard HVAC systems in a 5,500-square-foot state-of-the-art lab
  • Stackable Certificates – Start with the HVAC Installation Assistant Certificate, then advance to the HVAC Installation Technician Certificate for more career opportunities
  • Industry Certifications – Earn EPA Section 608 Certification and OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training to boost employability
  • Fast-Track Completion – Courses are designed in 8-week accelerated formats to help students finish quickly
  • High-Paying Careers – HVAC mechanics and installers in Cook County earn a median wage of $29.45/hour, with experienced technicians making $39+/hour

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Our Programs

HVAC Installation Assistant Certificate

Credits: 12
Time to Complete: 1 semester (full-time)
Focus: Entry-level training for HVAC installation, safety, and maintenance

What You’ll Learn:

  • OSHA safety training and EPA refrigerant certification
  • Basic electrical circuits and control systems
  • Residential HVAC installation techniques
  • Cooling and heating system fundamentals

HVAC Installation Technician Certificate

Credits: 24
Time to Complete: 2 semesters (full-time)
Focus: Advanced HVAC service, troubleshooting, and system optimization

What You’ll Learn:

  • Advanced electrical systems and programmable controls
  • High-efficiency HVAC systems and smart thermostat integration
  • Performance testing, balancing, and system optimization
  • Residential and light commercial applications

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Course Sequence

HVAC Installation Assistant Certificate (12 Credits)

Semester One (8-Week Format)

HVAC Installation Technician Certificate (24 Credits)

Semester One (same as HVAC Installation Assistant Certificate)
Semester Two (8-Week Format)

  • HAC 145 – Electricity and Controls II (4 credits)
  • HAC 155 – Cooling II (3 credits)
  • HAC 165 – Heating II (3 credits)
  • HAC 175 – HVAC Certifications (2 credits)

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Career Opportunities in HVAC

Graduates of Triton’s Heating & Cooling program can pursue careers as:

  • HVAC Installation Assistants
  • HVAC Service Technicians
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Refrigeration Mechanics
  • Residential and Light Commercial Installers

With additional experience and certifications, graduates can advance into lead technician, system designer, or business owner roles.

Average Pay: HVAC Technicians in the Chicago metro area earn a median wage of $29.45 per hour, with top earners making $39+ per hour.

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Get Started Today

  • Apply Now – No prior experience required
  • Meet with an Academic Advisor to explore your options
  • Learn about Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

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Contact Us

Dr. Panos Hadjimitsos
Dean, School of Business and Technology
Room: T-100
Email: panoshadjimitsos@record-room.com
Phone: 708-456-0300, X-3395

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