Connecticut HVAC Training Schools – Degrees & Certification

Introduction

Connecticut (CT) offers numerous opportunities for HVAC professionals, focusing on energy efficiency and innovative technologies. The state's emphasis on the "WELL Building Standard" highlights the importance of healthy indoor environments, with metrics including air quality and comfort.

The Connecticut Geothermal Association educates the public about ground source heat pump technologies, which use 40 to 60 percent less energy than traditional HVAC systems. The Connecticut Heating & Cooling Contractors Association, established in 1972, provides advocacy, education, and events for state-licensed HVAC contractors.

HVAC mechanics and installers in Connecticut inspect, diagnose, and repair HVAC systems, maintain records, and educate clients on energy efficiency. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, there are 5,040 HVAC workers in Connecticut with an average annual salary of $64,780, significantly higher than the national average of $57,460.

Demand for HVAC Technicians in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the demand for HVAC mechanics and installers is rapidly growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a significant increase in HVAC job openings. The steady need for HVAC system replacements every 10 to 15 years, coupled with seasonal spikes in demand during summer and winter, contributes to this growth.

Job opportunities for HVAC technicians in Connecticut are plentiful. As of May 2024, Indeed lists numerous HVAC job openings with employers such as Walmart and City and County of Denver

Schools in Connecticut

HVAC Worker Salaries in Connecticut

For HVAC technicians in Connecticut, the salaries are quite lucrative, especially for a career that typically requires only six months to two years of postsecondary education. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and CareerExplorer, as of May 2023, the average annual salary for HVAC workers in Connecticut is around $68,564, significantly higher than the national average of $57,460.

Here is a detailed comparison of salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the United States and Connecticut:

HVAC Certification and Licensing in Connecticut

HVAC professionals in Connecticut must obtain various certifications and licenses to work legally and effectively. The main certifications and licensing details are as follows:

National Certifications:

• EPA Section 608 Certification: Mandatory for anyone working with refrigerants. Four subtypes: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure appliances), Type III (low-pressure appliances), and Universal (Type IV).
• Other Certifications: Offered by organizations like North American Technician Excellence (NATE), HVAC Excellence, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES).

State Licensure:

HVAC professionals in Connecticut must obtain a state license through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Generally, HVAC workers begin as licensed journeypersons employed by licensed contractors. After two years, they may seek contractor-level licensure. The types of licenses available include:

• D-1: Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor (excludes oil burning; requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• D-2: Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Journeyperson (excludes oil burning; requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).
• D-3: Limited Cooling Contractor (applicable to all refrigeration systems; requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• D-4: Limited Cooling Journeyperson (applicable to all refrigeration systems; requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).
• S-1: Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor (requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• S-2: Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyperson (requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).
• S-3: Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor (excludes sheet metal work, A/C, and refrigeration systems; requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• S-4: Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyperson (excludes sheet metal work, A/C, and refrigeration systems; requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).
• S-5: Limited Heating, Hot Water and Steam Contractor (excludes oil burners; applicable to specific systems with limited capacities; requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• S-6: Limited Heating, Hot Water and Steam Journeyperson (similar to S-5, but for journeypersons; requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).
• S-7: Limited Contractor (for specific systems; requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• S-8: Limited Journeyperson (similar to S-7, but for journeypersons; requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).
• S-9: Limited Heating and Cooling Contractor (for specific systems with limited capacities; requires two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson or equivalent training).
• S-10: Limited Heating and Cooling Journeyperson (similar to S-9, but for journeypersons; requires completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent training).

Applications for journeyperson licenses cost $120, while for contractors, the cost is $150. Detailed information about prerequisites, testing, and renewal procedures is available in the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection HVAC License Handbook.