With a simple Google search, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of HVAC schools in Houston. That being said, how can you tell the good from the not so good? Never sign up for classes online, and avoid schools that don’t allow visits, and always ask questions! Here are 5 questions you should ask prospective HVAC schools before you register.

Choosing an HVAC School

Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential schools, you need to consider the questions you’ll ask. Think about what’s important to you and use that to guide your queries.

1. What is the main teaching method?
2. What’s the average class size?
3. Why is HVAC a good career choice?
4. What makes your school unique?
5. What other jobs can I use this training for?

1) What is the main teaching method?

It should be clear what makes your teacher qualified. A few years of experience does not make someone an expert! Try to find a school with an expert instructor (at least 20 years of experience) who will teach you the tools you’ll need to use and the unit’s you’ll be working on.

Chris Walters has over 30 years of HVAC experience, making him a very qualified and experienced HVAC teacher. Click To Tweet

2) What’s the average class size?

Many HVAC schools simply try to fill seats. This inhibits students from gaining that hands-on experience they need to really understand the concepts in real life situations. Schools with a smaller teacher to student ratios are preferable to get your money’s worth.

3) Why is HVAC a good career choice?

HVAC techs are not only in extremely high demand, but it’s a challenging and rewarding career path. They pay is extremely competitive and it’s easy to get a job anywhere in the country. The opportunity to open your own HVAC business after several years of experience is open to technicians who dedicate themselves to the craft.

Pro Tip: HVAC training can be the first step in eventually opening your own heating and cooling business.

4) What makes your school different?

There’s no shortage of HVAC school in Houston, but you’ll find that many of them are mirror images of each other. Asking what sets a school apart can give you insight into their values, experience, and motives. The right answer should be things like:

• Students all start together and graduate together. Some schools throw in new students every week. This throws off the dynamic of the class and adds in a lot of redundancy.
• Your time is valued. It’s not about seats filled, it’s about the quality of teaching time the students who attend receive.
• You are welcome to visit anytime and can watch a class in session to ensure it’s the caliber of training you need.

5) What other jobs can I use this training for?

You don’t necessarily have to go work for an HVAC company after graduation. Many corporations that have their own in-house maintenance and mechanical departments. High rise buildings use an in-house maintenance staff, and many employ engineers. The air conditioning trade is one of the few that overlap with other specialized trades, such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and welding.

The Training Center: Delivering Results

Chris Walters, the Director of The Training Center of Heating and Air Conditioning, has seen many technicians over his 30-year career. His teaching method is famous throughout Houston, and he has frequently been selected as a subject matter expert for the state technician certification exam and prep test.

Contact Us to learn more about an HVAC school that will get you hired, or to schedule a school visit.