Key Takeaways
The Air Conditioning & Refrigeration - Level 1 Certificate at Houston Community College is a in-person certificate program lasting 6 months with tuition of $2,800.
Short-term entry-level certificate for students seeking quick employment as AC and refrigeration helpers and assistants.
At $2,800 in total tuition, this program is below the Texas median of $8,050. Its 6 months timeline is shorter than the state norm of 1 year. It includes EPA Section 608 prep and financial aid.
HVAC technicians in Texas earn a median of $46,580 per year (BLS OEWS), ranging from about $31,130 early in a career to over $66,790 for seasoned techs — so a program at this price point typically pays for itself within the first year or two on the job.
Upon completion you will earn a certificate in HVAC/R. This in-person program takes 6 months to complete.