Elevate Your Career with an HVAC Technology AAS Degree
As the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable climate control systems rises, skilled HVAC technicians are more essential than ever. The Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at Iowa Lakes offers comprehensive, hands-on training to prepare you for a high-demand career in the heating and cooling industry. Over five terms, you’ll gain practical experience with various HVAC equipment, learning to install, maintain, and repair systems using innovative methods and cutting-edge technology.
This in-depth program, located at our Estherville campus, emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart system technology. It ensures that you graduate with the technical expertise and industry knowledge that employers demand. The curriculum covers system diagnostics, electrical applications, blueprint reading, and HVAC automation, blending classroom learning with real-world applications.
Iowa Lakes’ strong industry partnerships provide students with on-the-job training, ensuring they gain real-world experience before graduation. Additionally, an internship/practicum component offers direct exposure to HVAC contractors, energy efficiency firms, and commercial service providers. With the HVAC industry projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, Iowa Lakes’ HVAC Technology AAS degree graduates will be well-positioned for high-paying and stable careers in this growing sector.
Explore career opportunities and salary projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics HVAC Technician Outlook.
Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in HVAC technology!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Career Pathways
Gain Industry-Ready HVAC Training
The HVAC Technology AAS program at Iowa Lakes provides students with expert instruction in:
- Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems – Learn how to design, install, and optimize heating and cooling systems for energy savings
- Advanced Diagnostics & Repair – Develop troubleshooting skills for modern residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems
- Electrical Applications & Blueprint Reading – Gain expertise in schematics, wiring, and automation technology
- Refrigeration & Airflow Dynamics – Understand how refrigeration cycles and air distribution systems work in climate control
Graduates of the HVAC Technology AAS program are prepared for various in-demand careers in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. Many enter the workforce as HVAC Technicians, installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Others specialize as Energy Efficiency Consultants, helping clients optimize HVAC systems for cost savings and sustainability. HVAC professionals are in high demand with competitive salaries and strong job security. Iowa Lakes provides the technical training, certifications, and real-world experience needed to help graduates succeed in the HVAC industry and build long-term, stable careers.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (68 credits)
Campus
Estherville
Training
Internship/Practicum
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC
An introduction to HVAC systems, with an emphasis on electrical and mechanical fundamentals skills, including AC and DC electricity; electrical power supplies and wiring materials; meter operations; mechanical math and measurement; fasteners; and PVC assembly.
Prerequisite: SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 112 – Heating Fundamentals
This course covers fundamental principles and skills for all common heating systems. This course is a combined lecture and lab course and includes discussions and demonstrations in heating fundamentals. Safety is greatly emphasized as students are working with actual voltages, and working equipment.
Corequisite: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC
HCR 305 – Fundamentals of Refrigeration
This course is a combined lecture and lab course covering the theory and laws governing refrigeration, the operation of refrigeration systems, heat transfer, components, and test equipment. It also covers the different soldering and brazing methods and materials used in refrigeration service. Emphasis is on the recovery, recycling and charging methods used.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
MAT 743 – Technical Math
Technical Math includes operations with real numbers, use of fractions, ratios, measurement conversion, algebraic equations, functions, geometry, and right angle trigonometry. Applications are designed around situations students may encounter in industrial settings
SER 116 – Career Seminar
A study of the careers available within the renewable energy sector, with an emphasis on analyzing renewable energy industries as related components of a dynamic system. Students will also learn about drafting cover letters, creating resumes, interviewing, and networking.
SER 124 – Industrial Safety
A study of principles and practices used to establish a safe and efficient environment for personnel in the renewable energy industry and various sectors thereof. The course focuses on general industrial safety, safety and health regulatory agencies and organizations, hazard recognition and correction, and first aid.
Term 2
COM 753 – Technical Communications†
This course is designed to prepare students for the oral and written communication situations in the working world. The major areas of study include technical communication principles, oral communications, composing technical documents, and using Standard English. Writing projects require the use of a word processing program; therefore, computer experience is recommended.
ELE 195 – Motor Control
This course discusses motor controls, components, operation, and service. Students will learn electric relay control of AC and DC motors along with troubleshooting motors in an industrial application.
HCR 115 – Residential Heating Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the various types of residential heating systems. Areas and concepts covered include combustion theory, basic air distribution, furnace construction, filters, humidifiers, installation techniques, and maintenance procedures.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and HCR 112 – Heating Fundamentals
HCR 125 – Oil & Hydronic Heating
This course is a combined lecture and lab course studying the theory and applications in electrical resistance and oil and hydronic heating systems as they relate to residential and commercial heat loss requirements. Studies include installation, troubleshooting wiring and control circuits.
Prerequisite: HCR 112 – Heating Fundamentals
HCR 205 – Air Conditioning Principles
This course is a combined lecture and lab course which deals with the fundamentals of residential air conditioning systems. Emphasizes system components, types of refrigerants, principles of heat transfer, and diagnosis and repair of various systems used in the air conditioning industry. Studies relationship to temperature and pressure variance including psychrometric comparison as applied to commercial and residential air conditioning.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
Term 3
HCR 932 – Internship
On the job training for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation program.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC
Term 4
ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
Electrical Theory I is an introduction to basic electrical theory and components that make up electrical circuits. Direct Current and Alternating Current will be introduced and basic laws for voltage, current and power relationships will be presented in lecture and laboratory format. Course content will include, but not be limited to basic circuits, electrical components and their applications. Hands-on reinforcement of theory covered during lecture is practiced in lab.
ELT 732 – Introduction to Industrial Instrumentation
Comprehensive introduction to components, circuits, instruments and control techniques used in industrial systems.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
HCR 444 – HVACR Systems I
This course presents alternative application of energy sources and equipment as they apply to heating, ventilation, air cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 505 – Air Distribution
A study of the construction and design of duct work and related duct fittings. Includes correct layout and sizing of ducts, return and supply grills, and use of airflow measuring instruments.
MGT 101 – Principles of Management†
Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
Term 5
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
ELE 136 – Basic Electricity II
Electric Theory II consists of instruction that will build upon experience gained in Electric Theory I. Students will be introduced to advanced concepts of electrical theory.
HCR 155 – Troubleshooting Heating Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of troubleshooting by utilizing a practical and systematic approach to locate and repair heating system malfunctions. The student will also have the opportunity to study, in detail, the motors and controls used in today’s heating systems. Topics to be covered include basic electric circuits, electrical test meters, motors and controls, diagnosis of electrical and mechanical malfunctions, and special emphasis on wiring diagrams.
Prerequisites: HCR 102 – Intro to HVAC and SER 124 – Industrial Safety
HCR 240 – Troubleshooting Air Conditioning Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of troubleshooting by utilizing a practical and systematic approach to locate and repair air-conditioning and heat pump system malfunctions. The student will also have the opportunity to study, in detail, the motors and controls used in today’s air-conditioning and heat pump systems. Topics to be covered include basic electric circuits, electrical test meters, motors and controls, diagnosis of electrical and mechanical malfunctions, and special emphasis on wiring diagrams.
Prerequisites: HCR 444 – HVACR Systems I
SER 114 – Blueprint Reading
Fundamentals, principles, and practices involved in producing and reading blueprints utilized in the different sectors of the renewable energy industry with a focus on basic blueprint reading.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Apply industrial safety practices for the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) field
- Interpret electro-mechanical system schematic diagrams
- Install HVAC electro-mechanical systems
- Fabricate properly sized HVAC piping systems
- Fabricate properly sized HVAC ducting systems
- Maintain HVAC electro-mechanical systems
- Troubleshoot HVAC electro-mechanical systems
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Industry Certifications & Workforce Readiness
Employers seek highly trained and certified HVAC technicians, and Iowa Lakes ensures that students earn industry-recognized credentials, such as:
- EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification
- OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 Safety Certifications
- HVAC Industry Standards and Code Compliance Training
Through strong industry partnerships, students gain on-the-job experience and have the opportunity to work with HVAC contractors and service providers, ensuring they graduate with real-world experience and job-ready skills.
The HVAC Technology program at Iowa Lakes allows students to work on real climate control systems, gaining hands-on experience with energy-efficient and smart HVAC technologies—preparing them for careers in the future of climate control and sustainability!
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.4%
Potential Careers
Energy Auditor, Residential Appliance Repairer, Refrigeration Mechanic/ Installer, Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic/Installer, First-Line Supervisor of Mechanics/Installers/Repairers, Pipe Fitter & Steamfitter, Cooling & Freezing Equipment Operator/Tender
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$57,928
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$59,620
Average Salary
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Questions? Let's Talk
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Troy Brandt Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology Interim Instructor/Coordinator 712-362-8390 | tbrandt@iowalakes.edu |