Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology
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, Building Automation Engineering Technology, or Residential Construction Technology & Management.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
This program has reached capacity and is waitlisted for Spring 2026. Seats are still available for Fall 2026. Prior to application deadlines, you can still apply for this program but will not begin technical coursework in your first semester.
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.
- ACR116Introduction to Refrigeration
- PLH113Mechanical Systems Design & Operation
- ACR152Fundamentals of HVAC Electrical Controls
- ACR236Air Conditioning Systems I
- ACR239Residential HVAC System Design
- ACR253Advanced Controls for HVAC
- PLH233Basic Heating Systems
- ACR103HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design
- ACR249Advanced HVAC System Service
- ACR251Warm-Air Heating & Duct Design
- PLH245Hydronic Heating Systems
- PLH220Mechanical Estimating
- ACR221Refrigeration Applications - Commercial Installation/Service
- PLH223Mechanical Systems
- PERELCElective Courses - 3 Credits Required
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.
- PHSSCISelect One Course: PHS103 or SCI100
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
Student
William Hugar
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Dual enrollment gave him a leg up on his learning.
Faculty
Jason Killinger
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
With 25+ years of industry experience, Jason's labs and lessons are real-world relevant.
Alumni
Jeff Comitz
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
His decision to change course led to a successful HVAC career.
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.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM
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.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
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
Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.
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
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Lester receives Pennsylvania Impact Award
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Johnson Controls continues support for Penn College students
Friday, November 14, 2025
Penn College and Thaddeus Stevens partner for HVACR industry
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.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
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.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
View the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Technology Tool List.
Tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i7 (12th generation) or AMD Ryzen 7 processor (recommended).
- 16+ GB RAM (required); 32+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- Wired Connection – Gigabit Ethernet (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
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. 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. Bradley Willis, '16, System Application Engineer, Johnson Controls