Oakton's Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology (HVACR) program helps you develop the skills and knowledge to work in this important field. You will learn to evaluate the performance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, to assess energy consumption, to apply principles and methods of energy conservation and more.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature in homes, businesses and other gathering places is an essential quality-of-life service. In fact, in cases of extreme cold or extreme heat, it can even save lives. Ensuring proper ventilation can make a life-changing difference as well.
Having the skill to install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems - also known as HVAC - is invaluable and can lead to consistent employment. Oakton’s small class sizes ensure you benefit from the expertise of Oakton’s experienced professors.
We offer an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology, as well as several specialized certificates if you're only looking to develop the technical skills to work in this field.
When you graduate from this program, you'll be able to work as a heating and cooling system mechanic, installing and repairing refrigeration and heating equipment. Your duties in this job will include diagnosing problems, setting up components such as motors and pumps, connecting parts such as air ducts and fuel pumps, and hooking up equipment to power sources.
We offer multiple curriculum paths if you are interested in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology. You can choose to pursue your Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology A.A.S. degree, or if you are not interested in the general education courses, you can focus your studies on just the HVACR courses that interest you and get one of these certificates.
You will learn key HVACR skills while also taking a series of important and useful general education courses.
Each of these certificates prepares you to evaluate performance and perform any required HVACR services, as well as complete energy analysis for residential heating and air conditioning equipment. Upon completion, you can seek employment with HVACR contractors or in the maintenance department of a larger facility.
This certificate prepares you to install HVACR systems, as well as evaluate performance and perform any required services. Upon completion, you can seek employment with HVACR contractors or in the maintenance department of a larger facility.
You will learn how low-pressure and high-pressure steam boilers work and the procedures for proper boiler operation. You will also learn feed water and water treatment. The skills you develop while earning this certificate will help you as you continue your studies toward a Stationary Engineer’s License.
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
Larry Penar, Chair
Professor of Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
MBA Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
BSE Chicago Technical College
lpenar@oakton.edu
847.635.1955
Room 1847, Des Plaines
Meet our part time faculty
James Coates
Lecturer
A.A.S. Triton College
Certificate in Stationary Engineering
jcoates@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Room B206, Skokie
John F. Devaney
Lecturer
A.A.S. Oakton College
Residential Comfort Control Certificate
Proper Refrigerant Usage Certificate
Certificate in Aquatic Facilities Operations
jdevaney@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Room B206, Skokie
Dave Arvans
Chief Facilities Engineer
Elgin Hospital
Robert Axelrod, PE
President
Cooling Equipment Service
Jim Coates
Director of Training
International Union of Operating Engineers
Mike Kaplan
Service Manager
Kaplan’s Heating and Cooling
Jack O’Rourke
V.P. Engineering Manager
Able Engineering
Allen Schwartz, PE
Director of Engineering
Ferguson Heating and Cooling Supply
John Smith
President
Effective Air
Licensure Requirements: Each state and territory has different licensure and certification requirements. Oakton has researched and/or contacted state licensing authorities to confirm that the program meets the educational requirements leading to professional licensure or certification.
Licensure information is reviewed and updated on this site in June of each year. As of June 1, 2023, we have determined that after successful completion of the Stationary Engineer Certificate course curriculum:
Does not meet the education requirements leading to licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
This licensure is at the municipal level within each state.
If you intend to practice in any state other than Illinois, you should contact the appropriate licensing agency to independently verify whether Oakton’s program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in a particular state before beginning Oakton’s program. Be aware that state licensure requirements may change from time to time and that states may have conditions for licensure in addition to educational requirements.
This information is provided to meet the Disclosure Requirements for Academic Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification.
Licensure Requirements: Each state and territory has different licensure and certification requirements. Oakton has researched and/or contacted state licensing authorities to confirm that the program meets the educational requirements leading to professional licensure or certification.
Licensure information is reviewed and updated on this site in June of each year. As of June 1, 2023, we have determined that individuals that after successful completion of the EPA Section 608 Certification course curriculum:
Meets the education requirements leading to licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
If you intend to practice in any state other than Illinois, you should contact the appropriate licensing agency to independently verify whether Oakton’s program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in a particular state before beginning Oakton’s program. Be aware that state licensure requirements may change from time to time and that states may have conditions for licensure in addition to educational requirements.
This information is provided to meet the Disclosure Requirements for Academic Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification.
