Iowa HVAC Training Schools – Degrees & Certification

Introduction

The climate in Iowa (IA) features hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and cold, snowy winters, making heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems essential for residents. Given these extreme weather conditions, Iowans heavily depend on HVAC/R systems for comfort and safety throughout the year.

In Iowa, two significant national trade organizations have local chapters: the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Iowa Association (PHCC-IA) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Iowa (MCAI). These and other industry associations play a crucial role in supporting and training HVAC/R technicians across the state.

HVAC/R technicians are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining systems that control air quality and temperature in both commercial and residential settings. They use a variety of tools to perform their tasks, troubleshoot issues, and repair or replace defective components.

Technicians also test electrical circuits, calibrate controls, and ensure systems operate efficiently. They advise customers on energy conservation practices and maintain comprehensive service records for all maintenance and repairs.

HVAC/R technicians frequently travel to job sites and must ensure their certifications and licenses are up-to-date to comply with industry standards.

Demand for HVAC Technicians in Iowa

The demand for HVAC technicians is on the rise across the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2023), employment for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. In Iowa, the demand is increasing even more rapidly. Projections Central (2023) indicates a 20 percent growth in HVAC positions in Iowa from 2020 to 2030.

Several factors drive the expansion of the HVAC/R industry in Iowa:

• The construction of new commercial buildings and residential homes
• Advances in climate control technologies
• A growing emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction
• The need to replace, retrofit, or upgrade older systems

Technicians with skills in computers, electronics, and troubleshooting are likely to have the best job prospects. According to the BLS (2023), 65 percent of HVAC/R technicians work for contractors, while 8 percent are self-employed. The remaining technicians are employed by schools, retail, and wholesale organizations. Most technicians work full-time, with overtime hours during peak heating and cooling seasons.

Schools in Iowa

HVAC Worker Salaries in Iowa

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), HVAC professionals earn competitive salaries, especially considering that many positions require only two years of post-secondary training. As of May 2023, the annual mean wage for HVAC workers nationwide was $54,690, while the annual mean wage for HVAC technicians in Iowa was $52,300. Below are the salary percentiles for HVAC professionals across the United States and in Iowa:

The national figures are slightly different according to Payscale (2023), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found the following percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $33,000
• 50th percentile (median): $51,000
• 90th percentile: $80,000

HVAC Certification and Licensing in Iowa

Federal law mandates that all technicians working with refrigerants must obtain the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Certification. This certification involves passing exams that cover the safe handling of refrigerants. There are four levels of certification, each corresponding to the size and type of equipment. The Universal certification permits technicians to work on all types of equipment.

Technicians can pursue additional training and certifications from various industry organizations, such as:

• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
• HVAC Excellence

In Iowa, technicians in the plumbing and mechanical trades (including hydronic, HVAC, refrigeration, and sheet metal) or those contracting for services in these trades must be licensed by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board. Contractors must also be registered with the Iowa Workforce Development Division of Labor.

The Service Technician HVAC specialty license is a sublicense under an HVAC-refrigeration or mechanical license. This license "allows licensees to perform work from the appliance shutoff valve to the appliance and any part and component of the appliance, including the disconnection and reconnection of the existing appliance to the gas piping and the installation of a shutoff valve no more than three feet away from the appliance." Fees and requirements for obtaining licenses are detailed on each department's website.