HVAC Schools in Indiana: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Indiana HVAC Training Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with post-secondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.” Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. 

Indiana does not license HVAC apprentices, technicians, or contractors at the state level as it does plumbers. Therefore, formal education is not required by law by the state. However, some municipalities do require licensing for all levels of HVAC workers, and formal education can be part of that. For instance, Evansville and Vanderburgh County require apprentices to be in an approved apprentice training program, and those usually require classroom instruction. Also, technical education can help you land that first job in the field. In general, there’s a direct correlation between a degree and higher long-term earnings. So, though it’s not required to go to HVAC school to get started, it could pay off in the long run. 

Indiana has quite a few programs accredited by one of the two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). These organizations evaluate the programs based on the facilities, the faculty, and whether the curriculum meets or exceeds industry standards.

HVAC Excellence has accredited 10 programs in Indiana. PAHRA has not accredited any currently. 

HVAC Excellence Accredited Programs

• Ivy Tech Community College — Kokomo

• Ivy Tech Community College — South Bend

• Ivy Tech Community College — Evansville

• Ivy Tech Community College — Bloomington

• Ivy Tech Community College — Muncie

• Ivy Tech Community College — Terre Haute

• Ivy Tech Community College — Sellersburg

• Ivy Tech Community College — Valparaiso

• Ivy Tech Community College — Fort Wayne

• Ivy Tech Community College — Lafayette 

The Elkhart and Indianapolis campuses also offer HVAC programs, but they are not accredited yet by HVAC Excellence.

HVACR Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education to perform work on any heating systems. Other states, like Indiana, favor local licensing, so you’ll need to follow the requirements of the municipalities where you plan to work — usually a combination of a minimum amount of hands-on training and classroom education. If the return on investment for formal education is not there in your state or jurisdiction, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training with these control systems. 

Regardless of the educational requirements by state, anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere needs Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. More on that later.

In terms of college education for HVACR techs, typically there is a range of degree and certificate programs. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common HVAC programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Diploma Program – one year

• Associate’s degree – two years

• Bachelor’s Degree – four years

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Most HVAC professionals have some post-secondary training because the systems used to regulate our homes and businesses are becoming increasingly complex and technical. However, very few HVACR professionals choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking an engineering degree to design and develop those complex heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.  If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degrees at one of the four-year universities in Indiana such as:

• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology University

• Purdue University

• University of Notre Dame

• Indiana University

• Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

• University of Indianapolis

• Indiana State University

• University of Southern Indiana

• Indiana Tech

• Marian University

As stated earlier, in many cases, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages. 

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

HVAC programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heating industries. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school if pursuing a longer degree, and many are designed with that in mind. One-semester programs typically prepare students to find entry-level work upon completion. 

For the certificate programs, the coursework is specialized. Broader programs of study for lengthier diploma programs would incorporate classes on blueprint reading, gas heat, heat pumps and related systems, refrigeration fundamentals, principles and practices and system components. Air Conditioning certificates or diploma programs would also include classes on air conditioning systems application and installation and troubleshooting air conditioning systems.

Students pursuing an associate’s degree in applied science will need to fulfill general education coursework in addition to the specialized HVACR classes to meet the more rigorous requirements for that degree. 

School Selection Criteria  

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Indiana community colleges on average is $3,797 per year for in-state students and $8,083 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited HVACR programs listed here cost $3,000 to $8,000. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can require as few as 21 credit hours and take two to three semesters to complete. Others may consist of as many as 45 credits and take three semesters but can be done within a year if students continue through the summer sessions. Associate degree programs typically take two years.

Benefits

There are many benefits to getting some kind of formal education if you want to join the HVACR profession. Though in Indiana there is no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get HVAC training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online HVAC classes.

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level HVAC jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. HVACClasses.org gives a detailed description of some of the top online programs nationwide. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are very accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

HVACR programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. 

HVAC technicians have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVAC systems, connect systems to fuel and water supply lines and air ducts, install electrical wiring and controls, proper techniques of refrigerant recovery, reclaiming and recycling, run diagnostics, and so much more. And, of course, especially in residential HVAC work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

The HVAC Excellence accredited training schools listed above are public community colleges in the state of Indiana. They have a 100% acceptance rate, and 73 % of students are awarded financial aid in the form of grants and loans.

Ivy Tech Community College — Kokomo

Ivy Tech Community College — South Bend

Ivy Tech Community College — Evansville

Ivy Tech Community College — Bloomington

Ivy Tech Community College — Muncie

Ivy Tech Community College — Terre Haute

Ivy Tech Community College — Sellersburg

Ivy Tech Community College — Valparaiso

Ivy Tech Community College — Fort Wayne

Ivy Tech Community College — Lafayette 

Each of the Ivy Tech Campuses above offer the following programs:

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology

Associate of Applied Science | 60 credits/4 semesters | $8,973

Long-Term Certificate | 31-32 credits/2-3 semesters | $4,786

Short-Term Certificate | 21 credits/2-3 semesters | $3,141

OSHA 10-Hour Certification | 3 credits/.5 semester | $474

The Elkhart and Indianapolis campuses also offer these HVAC programs, but are not currently accredited by HVAC Excellence.

There are many other training programs available in Indiana. If you know as a high school student that this is a path you want to pursue, you can receive Career and Technical Education (CTE) in school districts throughout the state. There are 23 area technical centers throughout Indiana that serve high school students, and under the architecture & construction cluster there is an HVAC CTE pathway. Some of those district CTE schools are:

• Central Nine offers programs to its nine partner schools in Johnson and Marion Counties.

• Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center (SICTC) serves the entire southwest Indiana region.

• Area 31 serves students from Avon, Ben Davis, Brownsburg, Cascade, Danville, Decatur Central, Monrovia, Mooresville, Plainfield, Speedway, and Tri-West.

• Pike Career and STEM Center operates out of Pike High School.

• West Central Indiana Career & Technical Education Center operates out of Crawfordsville High School.

• Porter County Career & Technical Center is in Valparaiso.

Monroe County Community Schools Adult Education offers a 5-week intensive HVAC training program that is a hybrid of in-person and online learning.

Vincennes University partners with the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Indiana/Kentucky to train apprentices employed by ABC member companies or anyone interested in the commercial and industrial construction industries. The program is designed to achieve Journeyman Level in the Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC, Pipefitting, Plumbing, Sheet Metal, Lineman, or EST Trade through a US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship approved program. More on apprenticeships in a moment.

Steps for Enrollment in Indiana

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

HVAC Career Requirements in Indiana

As mentioned earlier, Indiana does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level HVACR work at the state level, but some jurisdictions within the state do mandate education. For instance, the Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners of Indianapolis, which governs the requirements for all of Marion County, issues five types of HVACR licenses.

• Air Conditioning “A” – Unrestricted

• Air Conditioning “B” – 25 tons cooling/500,000 BTUs heating, boiler pressures not exceeding 15 psig steam and 30 psig water

• Air Conditioning “D” – 5 tons cooling/ 300,000 BTUs heating

• Refrigeration

• High Pressure Steam

All require verification of employment documenting at least five years of experience in the HVACR trade, some of which can be industry-related education. For a detailed explanation of Indiana’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Indiana HVAC License. 

No matter what state you live in, there are Environmental Protection Agency requirements at the federal level for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. According to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this applies to any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems. The EPA certification test is often part of HVAC degree programs. If you choose a shorter HVAC certificate program, you may need to get EPA certification separately. For instance, AC/C Tech in Indianapolis offers EPA Technician Certification. Your employer should be able to guide you to resources, or you can find them in our Indiana HVAC License guide.

Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Indiana

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the HVAC field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Indiana? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC salary in Indiana for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $49,900

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $58,200

• Senior 4-6 years: $64,000

• Supervisor > 7 years: $85,100

For more information about HVAC salaries,visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

Another way to get the training you need to become an HVAC mechanic or installer is through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are three to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license, and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better. 

Union HVAC apprenticeships are also offered in Indiana through the United Association local union chapters — LU 136 in Evansville, LU 166 in Fort Wayne, LU 440 in Indianapolis, LU 172 in South Bend, and LU 157 in Terre Haute. They are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding, and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

The Indiana Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) has apprentice programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Most of the Indiana chapters only offer plumbing apprenticeships, but the Southwestern Chapter serving Evansville and the surrounding area also has a 4-year HVAC apprenticeship.

Some HVAC companies will hire applicants with no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. This typically includes getting EPA Certification and other HVAC certification such as North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification to demonstrate your proficiency.

There are many companies in Indiana that have in-house apprentice programs:

• Peterman Brothers Heating Cooling Plumbing — trains apprentices at the Peterman Top Tech Academy on Commerce Road in Indianapolis near Greenwood

• Plumbing Heating Paramedics of Greater Indianapolis based in Noblesville

• Blue Fox Heating & Cooling in Delphi, West Lafayette & Lebanon

• Nardco Heating and Air Conditioning in Anderson

The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers. 

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted accredited colleges above and though accreditation can give you confidence in your technical or community college, accredited programs are far from your only option in Indiana for HVAC courses.

There are so many other programs throughout the state to choose from that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but each of the schools below has HVAC programs.

• Fortis College in Indianapolis

• Impact Institute in Kendallville

• Prosser Career Education Center in New Albany

Indiana has hundreds of college campuses and trade schools across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in HVACR in Indiana. The opportunities are all around you.