The Los Angeles Trade-Technical College is the only school that offers HVAC training in central Los Angeles. Additional programs in the metropolitan area can be found at El Camino Community College in Torrance; Long Beach City College and WyoTech in Long Beach; Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa; Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut; and Brownson Technical School in Anaheim.
The Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers both a certificate of accomplishment and an associate degree program in refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics that can be earned through full-time day study or part-time evening courses. Certificate and associate degree programs that range from 12 months to two years in duration are also available at metropolitan area schools.
HVAC training in Los Angeles and the surrounding area typically combines theoretical understanding of systems and components with practical laboratory applications. Course topics include refrigeration construction and maintenance; installation of residential, commercial and industrial systems; troubleshooting and service; mechanical and safety regulations; electrical systems and procedures; mechanical principles; and technical mathematics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor's Occupational Handbook, the demand for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers will increase by at least 28 percent through 2018. A well-trained HVAC technician can expect to earn between $14.94 and $24.84 an hour.