Online HVAC Schools – Best Technician Training Programs (2024)

If your goal is to have a career as an HVAC technician, then you’ll love the certification training offered through Preppy.

This innovative learning platform has partnered with the very reputable Auburn University to offer students top-notch certification preparation.

What’s perhaps even more remarkable is that these programs can be completed in as little as 3-6 months.

Think about how much money you can save when you don’t have to spend four years earning a degree!

What do we love specifically about Preppy?

There is a lot to love about this program.

In addition to being faster, it’s also the most affordable option out there.

Yet despite being the most affordable certification program in the entire market, they still offer students an excellent payment plan.

Preppy’s program is also offered completely online, which means busy, working adults can learn when is most convenient for them.

Many other programs require some classroom time. That can be hard for single parents and working folks!

In fact, you can complete the HVAC Technician program in as little as 3-6 months and be ready for the major certifications for HVAC technicians such as the Section 608 Technician Certification

Offered through the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition, it could potentially prepare you for many others as well including HVAC Master Specialist from the ESCO Group, Heating Profession Certification from the Building Performance Institute, and Air Conditioning Service Certification from North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

Here is something else incredibly important to know when looking for a good school: many certification programs available these days are from unaccredited institutions and generally lack any real reputation.

When you get your training through Preppy, your instruction will be provided by Auburn University, a world-class institution known for offering top-notch programs.

This will look fantastic on your resume and help you gain attention from prospective employers!

Are we biased? You bet we are.

Over the years, we have seen far too many subpar certification programs come and go. We are very relieved to see a program that ticks all of the boxes!

Preppy’s program is 100% online and self-paced. This is great for adult students who have work and family responsibilities.

As a bonus, all textbooks and learning materials are included, which means you’ll never have to worry about hidden tuition costs.

Having been in the industry for many years now, we can say that this is practically unheard of! Most other programs advertise low costs, then slip in hidden fees down the road.  That’s just not acceptable in our opinion.

In summary: Preppy is affordable, flexible, and from a trusted, accredited institution.

More Details on Preppy’s HVAC Program >>

InterCoast Colleges is a for-profit private company that offers occupational degrees and certificate programs.

They have six locations across California, but also offer students online training programs.

ICC’s HVAC technician training program is designed to prepare students to install and maintain heating and air-conditioning units in residential homes, retail stores, and other buildings.

The course is comprehensive and students’ EPA and OSHA 10 are included in the training, so they may continue to work or begin work while still attending school.

We do have some concerns, though. The course is hybrid, so you will be required to take physical classes. Since they only have locations in the state of California, this program simply won’t be feasible for those outside a driving radius of their locations.

It’s also not an accredited university, like other options on the list.  Finally, completion of the course can take up to 9 months, which is potentially 3 times as long as other schools on this list.

Lincoln Tech is a for-profit private technical school that has been in business since 1946.

The school offers hands-on career training programs for a variety of fields, including Automotive, Health Sciences, Skilled Trades, and more.

Lincoln has an HVAC program that prepares students to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, as well as introduces them to Green Technology.

The training is thorough and we appreciate that they prepare students for several certifications, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification testing.  We also like their industry partnerships.

The classes are only in-person though, so that could be an issue for adults with work or family schedules who may not be able to attend weekly classes.

Also, the time to finish training is significantly longer than other programs on this list. In some cases, it could take close to two years to complete.

Finally, the school is not an accredited university which may be a problem for some students.

Ferris State University was founded in 1884 as a private industrial school. In 1950, the school became a state institution and in 1987, a state university.

The four-year public university prepares students for a career in a variety of fields.

Ferris actually offers a Bachelor of Science in HVACR (the R is for Refrigeration), not just certification training.

This means students receive not only applicable training but also theory. Ferris also offers an Associate in Applied Science in HVACR Technology, which takes two years as opposed to the 4 years required to obtain the bachelor’s degree.

There is no denying that a student would receive comprehensive training at Ferris. And the school is accredited, which is incredibly important.

Having said that, the program does require one to spend 4 years, or even 2 years, receiving training to enter the workforce.

While the merits of that program could be argued, other options on this list can get you trained far quicker.

In addition, the course is hybrid, meaning you’ll need to spend some time in a classroom, and the price tag is much higher than others on this list.

Cuesta College offers students open enrollment programs that have been designed to give them the skills needed to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand careers.

We appreciate that their HVAC program is completely web-based and led by instructors who are in the field.

Students will be prepared to take the HVAC Excellence ESCO Group: 17 Employment Ready Certificates, NATE: Ready to Work Certificate, and the EPA 608: Section 608 Universal Technician Certification exams.

Our concerns are that this is not an accredited university but a for-profit business, many of which have come under scrutiny in recent years.

It’s also a mid-high-priced option, with tuition well above some other programs on this list.

This is a private school that offers an entire range of courses, programs, and exam preps focused on HVACR technology.

The courses have been designed to prepare an HVAC technician to enter the field by giving them the most important foundation instruction.

We like the fact that the training is comprehensive and offered 100% online. The school has also been recognized as a NATE Training Provider.

Having said that, the school is not an accredited university, and training takes longer to complete than some other options on this list.

This is also a higher-priced school. While they do have a payment plan, you’re still going to spend quite a bit more than you would at other schools on this list.

Altierus College, founded in 1890, is a for-profit school for health care studies and skilled trade training. Its HVAC program is among some of the best and there are several reasons for it.

The program comes with hands-on experience and one-on-one assistance, helping students achieve professional standards, as per the market demand for HVAC technicians.

It focuses on full-time maintenance of HVAC equipment and fixtures which ensures entry into the industry upon program completion.

The all-in-one course structure combines theory and practice to ensure that students are well-versed in all HVAC terminologies and systems (accredited by regulatory authorities and ESCO Group).

This helps prepare students for all the fieldwork in advance. At Altierus College, students also have a comfortable place to practice, work, and live during the program.

But there are still a few things that count against it. The program takes a hybrid approach; having on-campus classes means that it is not suitable for those students or adults who are looking for flexibility.

Moreover, with its 54 credits, the program takes longer to complete and again that can make it difficult to manage for those who are working alongside studies. It is also expensive and cost can be an important factor when making a choice.