America’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) market has experienced significant growth in recent years. Revenues increased by 36% between 2018 and 2023 (from $90.3 billion to $123.2 billion), according to the Better Business Bureau.
Looking ahead, new construction projects will continue to drive demand for HVAC systems and technicians — along with climate-related factors. U.S. cities now experience more frequent and longer-lasting heat waves than ever before, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Demand is expected to be especially strong in Texas, which is enjoying a construction boom driven by new residents.
This means that the state is an attractive job market for HVAC professionals. Aspiring technicians should explore how long HVAC school takes in Texas and the benefits of pursuing HVAC training.
What Is HVAC School?
HVAC school teaches students the fundamentals of working with climate control systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair. Formal HVAC training is critical, particularly as these systems have become increasingly complex, emphasizing energy efficiency and often incorporating smart technology.
Over the duration of an HVAC program in Texas, students learn how to:
Install and repair indoor heating and cooling systems
Service HVAC systems in commercial, industrial, and residential settings using computerized diagnostics
Comply with industry protocols and regulations, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and EPA guidelines
HVAC programs balance classroom instruction and hands-on training, allowing students to work with the tools and technologies they’ll use in the field. This experience helps them develop technical expertise and essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Completion of an HVAC training program can prepare graduates for career opportunities such as the following:
Licensed general contractor
HVAC service technician
Facilities staff member for a large institution (universities, hospitals)
Graduates may even choose to start their own HVAC business, which typically entails earning licensure or certification. HVAC training programs can help aspiring business owners prepare for these credentials.
HVAC School: Program Length and Requirements
The length of an HVAC training program in Texas will vary depending on the institution. Students in the HVAC program at either of Fortis’ two Houston campus locations can earn their diploma in as little as 54 weeks, which is basically one academic year of education.
Compare that with the length of a typical associate or bachelor’s degree program, which typically takes between two to four years to complete. By providing a streamlined, career-focused education, Fortis helps students complete their education in less time so they can begin working and earning money sooner than traditional college.
Program Requirements
Enrolling in an HVAC training program can be much simpler than applying to typical college degree programs, which generally request SAT/ACT scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Although the admissions requirements can vary, some Fortis requirements are universal:
A high school or GED diploma
Completion of a personal information sheet
Interview with admissions staff to discuss career goals and to determine the best program to meet them
Achieve the minimum required score in the SLE/Wonderlic aptitude test to enroll in the program
Additionally, students need to be able to attend classes in person. The HVAC program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to develop the technical expertise and practical skills students will need to enter the profession.
Benefits of Attending HVAC School in Houston, Texas
Completion of an HVAC training program offers many benefits. In Texas, and particularly in the Houston area, various factors have created a promising job market for HVAC professionals. Below are some of the most notable benefits of pursuing an HVAC education in Texas.
Develop Valuable Skills
During their time in a Houston-area HVAC school, students have the chance to develop an array of marketable skills. Through classroom lessons and experience, they learn how to install, service, and repair heating and cooling systems. They work with computer diagnostics that support system maintenance and explore the growing use of energy-efficient and green technology in HVAC systems.
HVAC programs also focus on workplace safety, including teaching students how to properly dispose of refrigerants and comply with OSHA standards.
Promising Employment Outlook
The combination of new construction and demand for energy-efficient climate control systems is expected to drive growth in entry-level employment of HVAC technicians in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for HVAC technicians to increase by 6% nationally between 2022 and 2032, creating roughly 23,000 jobs.
In Texas — where the average annual temperature is approximately 10 degrees higher than the national average — the employment outlook for HVAC technicians in the local job market will likely be even stronger. Between 2022 and 2032, employment of HVAC technicians is expected to grow by 17% in the Lone Star State, adding more than 3,500 jobs, according to Projections Central, whose website is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Strong Regional Economy
The construction business is doing well in Texas, particularly in the Houston area. That’s good news for graduates of the HVAC program at Fortis who decide to remain in the state after completion of the program.
Houston issued more than 23,000 new residential home permits in 2023, the most in the nation according to Chamber of Commerce (a private sector organization not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce). Three other Texas metropolitan areas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio — landed in the top 20.
The state’s construction boom is largely attributable to its surging population growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, six of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. in 2022 were in Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth area experienced the largest population increase in the country, adding more than 170,000 residents between 2021 and 2022. Houston — already the fourth biggest city in the country — was second, with an influx of more than 124,000 people.
As more homebuilding and other construction projects commence, demand for HVAC technicians will likely rise.
Join the Growing HVAC Industry
New construction and extreme weather will lead to growing demand for HVAC technicians in the coming years. Formal training from an HVAC school can prepare you for an entry-level position that can lead to a fulfilling, long-lasting career in this important industry.
If you’re considering a career in HVAC, look into the heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) training programs offered at the Fortis College Houston South and Fortis Institute Houston North campuses. The combination of classroom learning and hands-on training can help you develop the skills to qualify for a range of entry-level roles. Our career services department will support you with job search assistance and interview coaching.
Learn more about how Fortis can start you on the path to a rewarding career.
Recommended Readings
How to Become an HVAC Contractor
HVAC Technician: Job Description, Requirements, and Outlook
The Importance of Soft Skills in an HVAC & Refrigeration Career