Get the Skills for an In-Demand Career

Westmoreland offers an associate degree and diploma in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR).

Why choose a career in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration?

Those interested in the field of HVACR must enjoy working with their hands, have mechanical ability, enjoy the challenge of solving a problem, enjoy utilizing technology, and be able to deliver the finest in customer service.

Graduates in this field exhibit the ability to communicate verbal and written orders, read and interpret charts, diagrams, installation and service manuals.

What Will I Learn?

Westmoreland’s HVACR program provides students with an in-depth background of the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. By combining theory and practical shop experiences, students will develop the skills needed for design, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting HVACR systems for residential and light commercial applications.

Students will learn the refrigerants used in the industry, the basic refrigeration cycle, calculate design load and duct sizing to ACCA standards, fabricate ductwork, and control circuitry. The skills to install and service gas and oil furnaces are stressed. Students will install and service water based heating and cooling systems, air conditioners and heat pumps, basic wiring, and learn refrigerant recovery techniques.

This program also offers students the opportunity to become certified in EPA Refrigerant Handling by passing the EPA Refrigeration Exam.

What Will I Earn?

If you plan to stay in the region, there are many occupations related to this program degree and diploma. In the 10-county region* surrounding Westmoreland County Community College, the earnings for occupations in this field range from $21.60 - $45.82 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $30.81.

It is important to remember that wages vary based on level of education, experience, job location and other factors.

Source: Data provided by Lightcast™ (https://lightcast.io/) 2026.1

* 10-county region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.

Career Opportunities

This in-demand career offers students an opportunity to enter the work force immediately upon graduation. Our graduates have obtained jobs with the following titles: HVAC instructor, service technician, installer, inside salesperson, maintenance technician, contractor and troubleshooter.

Program Fees

First Year

Tuition

$143 per credit (Westmoreland County Residents) - $4,433 for 31 credits
$280 per credit (Out-of-County Residents) - $8,680 for 31 credits
$420 per credit (Out-of-State Residents) - $13,020 for 31 credits

Fees

General Fee $72 per credit (Westmoreland County Resident) - $2,232 for 31 credits
General Fee $70 per credit (Out-of-County and Out-of-State Residents) - $2,170 for 31 credits
- HVACR Courses First Semester - 15 credits
- General Education Courses First Semester - 1 credit
- HVACR Courses Second Semester - 15 credits
- General Education Courses Second Semester - 0 credits
Capital Fee $6 per credit (Out-of-County/Out-of-State Residents) - $186 for 31 credits
Lab Fee HVACR Courses $70-$80 per course
- First Semester 5 courses @ $70 = $350
- Second Semester 4 courses @ $70 = $280
Lab Fee Non-HVACR Courses $70-$80 per course
- First Semester 0 courses
- Second Semester 0 courses
*Software Fees - None

Textbooks

*Estimated textbooks - $250
*Estimated textbooks, general education - $1,000

Materials (Estimated)

High School & College Back to School Bundle - $50
MILWAUKEE Plumbers Tool Kit: 22 Total Pcs, Rolling Modular Tool Box - $921
YELLOW JACKET Alloy Ratchet Hand Bender Kit - $307
Klein Tools 80028 Hand Tools Kit, 28-Piece - $430
STARWORK TRUE MECHANIC 312-Piece Mechanics Tool Set - $270
12PCS Swage Tool HVAC Repairing Set - $15
2pcs HVAC Service Wrench Set, 3/16" to 3/8" & 5/16" x 1/4" - $14
UEi DL579COMBO - 600A Dual Display TRSM-Clamp with Temp/Capacitance - $245
MALCO HVAC Tool Kit: 16 Total Pcs, Tool Bag - $663

*Fees, excluding college established Tuition Fees, are estimates and subject to change without notice.

Second Year