Houston Career Institute
HVAC/R DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN SOUTHWEST HOUSTON

Start Your HVAC/R Career With 840 Clock Hours of Classroom and Lab Training

Learn to install, maintain, and service commercial refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning systems at HCI's Bissonnet Street campus. Prepare to sit for EPA Section 608 Certification and finish in as few as 10 months. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Diploma in as Few as 10 Months
Morning or Evening Classes, Monday Through Thursday
EPA Section 608 Certification Prep
Pell Grants and Student Loans for Those Who Qualify

Request HVAC/R Program Details

Ask an admissions advisor about class schedules, financial aid, and the next start date.

Do you have a high school diploma or GED? *

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840 Clock Hours504 lecture hours and 336 lab hours
ACCSC AccreditedAccredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Small ClassesPersonal attention in lecture and lab
Career ServicesResume help, interview prep, and placement assistance
WHY HVAC/R STUDENTS CHOOSE HCI

Train for heating, cooling, and refrigeration work in as few as 10 months.

HCI's Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning program covers installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of modern HVAC/R equipment. Coursework moves from basic electricity and refrigeration theory into heat pumps, heating systems, commercial and residential air conditioning, and advanced troubleshooting, all in an ACCSC-accredited setting with small classes.

Classes That Fit Your Day

Choose morning or evening classes, 5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday. The program runs as seven 6-week modules totaling 840 clock hours.

336 Hours in the Lab

Alongside 504 lecture hours, you spend 336 lab hours working with HVAC/R equipment, practicing installation, service, and troubleshooting.

Refrigerant Handling Prep

The program is structured to prepare you to sit for EPA Section 608 Certification, the federally required credential for technicians who handle refrigerants.

A Toolkit That Goes Home With You

Every graduate receives their own toolkit from HCI as a graduation gift, so you finish the program with tools to keep.

INSIDE THE CURRICULUM

Seven Modules From Electricity Basics to Equipment Installation

CREDENTIAL
Diploma
SCHEDULE
Mornings or evenings, Mon to Thu
MODULES
Seven 6-week modules
CAMPUS
Bissonnet Street, Houston

Build HVAC/R skills step by step, starting with electricity and refrigeration basics and finishing with advanced troubleshooting.

  • Basic electricity theory and the electrical components used in HVAC/R equipment
  • Basic refrigeration theory, refrigeration cycles, and commercial refrigeration systems
  • Heat pump systems and heating systems
  • Commercial and residential air conditioning
  • Advanced troubleshooting, equipment installation, and preventive maintenance
  • Refrigerant handling and EPA 608 certification prep
  • OSHA safety training and hands-on equipment training
Inside the Work of an HVAC/R Service TechHVAC/R service techs install, maintain, and repair the heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems that homes and businesses depend on. On the Gulf Coast, commercial and residential cooling systems are a significant part of the regional building infrastructure, and EPA certification is required to handle refrigerants legally. HCI's program covers residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, and refrigeration, so graduates may pursue entry-level titles such as HVAC installer, refrigeration installer, field service technician, or maintenance technician. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, drug screenings, or state licensure not provided by HCI, and HCI does not guarantee employment.
Program training

WHAT YOU LEAVE WITH

Exam Prep, Tools, and Career Support

EPA Section 608 Exam ReadinessGraduates are prepared to sit for the EPA Section 608 certification exam, the federally required certification for technicians who service equipment containing refrigerants.
A Diploma From an ACCSC-Accredited SchoolComplete the program and earn a diploma from Houston Career Institute, accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Ongoing Help From Career ServicesHCI's career services team offers resume help, interview prep, and connections to Houston-area skilled trades employers. HCI does not promise or guarantee employment.
HOW TO ENROLL

Three Steps to Your First HVAC/R Class

Send Your Request

Fill out the form and an HCI admissions advisor will follow up about the program, tuition, and start dates.

Plan Your Schedule and Funding

Pick morning or evening classes and review financial aid options for those who qualify. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

Train and Prepare for EPA 608

Work through seven modules in the classroom and lab, prepare to sit for EPA Section 608 Certification, and graduate with your own HCI toolkit.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Find Out When the Next HVAC/R Class Starts

Request information to hear about tuition, financial aid for those who qualify, class times, and what each module covers. An admissions advisor will contact you with answers.

No obligation to enroll.