Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Student working in lab

About this program

Dive into methods and procedures in the classroom and put your skills to the test in our large-scale HVAC lab. After extensive training, troubleshooting, and testing industry-standard equipment, you’ll be ready to take on anything that comes your way. From new installs to repairs of existing equipment, learn how to tackle all types of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning projects.

As a Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology student, you're eligible to pursue a dual degree in Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology or Building Automation Engineering Technology.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

7,500+

Square Feet of Lab Space

50%

Hired BEFORE Graduation

100%

Overall Placement

Careers

  • Equipment mechanic
  • Sales representative
  • Air conditioning lab technician
  • Industrial physical plant maintenance
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Introduction to Refrigeration (ACR116)
  • Mechanical Systems Design & Operation (PLH113)
  • Fundamentals of HVAC Electrical Controls (ACR152)
  • Air Conditioning Systems I (ACR236)
  • Residential HVAC System Design (ACR239)
  • Advanced Controls for HVAC (ACR253)
  • Basic Heating Systems (PLH233)
  • HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design (ACR103)
  • Advanced HVAC System Service (ACR249)
  • Warm-Air Heating & Duct Design (ACR251)
  • Hydronic Heating Systems (PLH245)
  • Mechanical Estimating (PLH220)
  • Refrigeration Applications - Commercial Installation/Service (ACR221)
  • Mechanical Systems (PLH223)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Physics Survey (PHS103) or
  • Environmental Science (SCI100)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Fully Equipped Learning Labs
Facilities

Fully Equipped Learning Labs

Test your skills in 7,500+ square feet of lab space that houses more than 100 pieces of equipment including gas and oil units, water heaters, heat pumps, gas and oil burners for steam or hot water heat, compressors, and more.

Featured Videos

Wildcat Spotlight: CJ Trimber

He was passionate about wrestling in high school, but coming to Penn College took that excitement to a whole new level. Meet Wildcat wrestler and HVAC major CJ Trimber. In this video, you’ll learn why he chose Penn College, what it’s like to be a part of this dynamic team, and how he balances student and athlete responsibilities.

Makerspace: dream, create and innovate

The makerspace is an open workshop for all students. Take hands-on learning to the next level. Explore your creativity. Bring your ideas to light. Collaborate with other students, faculty and staff, or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career. 

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

ACCA Logo
NORA logo
Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Take part in community service projects, College service projects, field trips, and national ASHRAE meetings and activities including design competitions.

Skills USA

Skills USA

Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.01.2024

Construction management firm visits architecture, HVAC classes

Two Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. employees visited classes recently in architecture and heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology to introduce students to career paths with the company’s virtual design & construction operations group. That team constructs buildings virtually before they are built physically, explained 2011 construction management alumnus Sean Scully, who is a project manager for Whiting-Turner, and Brandon Hurlburt, a VDC manager for the company.

01.05.2024

Industry blog again benefits from HVAC faculty member's know-how

An associate professor of HVAC technology at Penn College has again contributed to the HVAC Classes blog, this time considering "What Are the HVAC Industry's Priorities in 2024?" “The HVAC industry’s top priorities for 2024 will bring interesting challenges,” department head Jason W. Killinger says. "As always, the HVAC industry will embrace, adapt and overcome these challenges."

10.28.2023

HVAC department head lends insight to industry blog

An associate professor of HVAC technology at Penn College has contributed to the HVAC Classes blog, sharing his expertise on meeting the demand for a well-educated workforce. “The HVAC industry will continue to advance in response to environmental concerns, technological advancements and changing customer expectations, providing opportunities for those who are prepared to change and grow with it,” department head Jason W. Killinger says in "How to Expand & Support the HVAC Workforce."

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Weis Markets service team hosts HVAC students

Weis Markets service team hosts HVAC students

The Penn College HVAC technology program’s historically strong partnership with Weis Markets continued, as students in the commercial refrigeration classes toured a Weis store with members of the chain’s service team – including a number of graduates. The experience gave the students an opportunity to see operation of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment they covered over the semester.

More Information

Students planning to continue in a bachelor-degree majors (HEV or BMS) should take MTH 181. New students planning to continue into a bachelor degree option should discuss their math placement with an adviser. Current students who have completed MTH123 and later determine to pursue a bachelor degree should speak to an adviser to discuss bachelor-degree math requirements. 

Endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Approved National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Bronze Certification training site.

View general transfer information

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. S. Curtis Bierly, Jr., President, The Bierly Group, Inc.
  • Mr. Jason Bowes, '16, Manufacture Sales Rep, M&H Sales
  • Mr. Darin Bressler, '92, Facilities Supervisor, Bldg. Services, HVAC/Refrigeration, PSU
  • Mr. Eric Horvat, President, AJC Professional Services
  • Mr. Jerry Mahonski, '87, Williamsport Branch Manager, Enginuity
  • Mr. John C Makdad, CEO, Makdad Industrial Supply Co., Inc.
  • Mr. Brandon M Marshall, '15, North America Marketing Manager - Refrigerants/Fluorochemicals, The Chemours Company LLC (Formerly Dupont)
  • Mr. Christopher McNally, '87, Service Branch Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.
  • Mr. Gregory J Miller, '12, Project Manager, MMC Contractors Northeast Inc.
  • Mr. Scott Scheesley, Corporate Manager of Refrigeration, Weis Markets
  • Mr. Jason Urich, General Manager of Service & Special Projects, HB McClure
  • Mr. Aaron A Weaver, '99, East Coast Regional Sales Manager, Raypak
  • Mr. Bradley Willis, '16, System Application Engineer, Johnson Controls
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair