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

99%

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 (ACR111)
  • Mechanical Systems Design & Operation (PLH113)
  • HVAC/R Electricity (ELT250)
  • Air Conditioning Systems I (ACR236)
  • Residential HVAC System Design (ACR239)
  • HVAC Controls I-Residential (ELT252)
  • Basic Heating Systems (Installation) (PLH236)
  • HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design (ACR103)
  • Advanced HVAC System Service (ACR249)
  • Warm-Air Heating & Duct Design (ACR251)
  • HVAC Controls II-Commercial (ELT253)
  • Hydronic Heating Systems (PLH244)
  • Commercial Refrigeration Elective (ACR) or
  • Commercial Mechanical Elective (CME)

​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.

Oct 7

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, October 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

Nov 5

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, November 5 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.

PAHRA Logo
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
08.31.2023

Penn College shares in Johnson Controls’ generosity

Johnson Controls, among Pennsylvania College of Technology’s cherished Corporate Tomorrow Makers, has granted a total of $100,000 to support the institution’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning program. Penn College is one of 10 grantees in the 2023-24 cohort of Johnson Controls’ $15 million Community College Partnership Program, now in its third year of inspiring the next generation of workforce leaders.

06.15.2023

Authenticity assures HVAC grad's happiness, success

Jeffrey C. Comitz, who holds two HVAC degrees from Penn College, was recently spotlighted by his Greater Nanticoke Area High School alma mater through its "GNA Success Stories" feature on social media.

04.24.2023

Female building automation student adds to diverse skill set

Emily K. Cummins says she relishes the challenge of mastering new skills. Her effort at Pennsylvania College of Technology proves that she’s telling the truth.

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

Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).

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. Joseph D Jennings, Store Service Refrigeration Service Manager, Weis Markets
  • 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. 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