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Build practical skills for a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration with Florida Academy’s HVAC/R Technology program in Fort Myers.
This 600-hour program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training in residential and commercial HVAC systems, electrical controls, refrigeration, troubleshooting, maintenance, air distribution, piping, soldering, brazing, and workplace safety.
Students can complete the program in approximately eight months and prepare for entry-level HVAC/R positions. The curriculum also includes preparation related to EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
| Program Length: Approximately 8 months |
| Program Location: Fort Myers, Florida |
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems help keep homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other buildings comfortable and operating properly.
HVAC technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment.
Florida Academy’s HVAC/R Technology program is designed for hands-on learners who want to develop the technical skills used in the field. Students learn through classroom instruction and practical lab experience using equipment and systems they may encounter on the job.
Florida Academy’s HVAC/R Technology curriculum provides training in the mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and safety concepts used in residential and commercial HVAC work.
The program combines technical theory with hands-on practice so students can learn how HVAC systems operate and how technicians identify and correct common problems.
Students begin by developing an understanding of the systems and principles used in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
Training includes topics such as:
These fundamentals provide the foundation for more advanced troubleshooting, installation, and service skills.
Modern HVAC equipment relies heavily on electrical components and control systems.
Students learn foundational electrical concepts related to HVAC equipment, including:
Hands-on practice helps students understand how electrical and mechanical systems work together within HVAC equipment.
Students learn the principles used to move heat through refrigeration systems.
Training may include:
Understanding refrigeration principles is important for technicians working with air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
Students receive instruction in heating systems and heat pumps used in residential and commercial environments.
Training may address:
Students learn how to evaluate system operation and identify potential mechanical or electrical problems.
Proper airflow plays an important role in HVAC system performance and occupant comfort.
Students learn concepts related to:
Students may also gain practical experience assembling and working with air distribution components.
HVAC technicians frequently work with copper tubing, piping, and mechanical connections.
Students develop practical skills that may include:
Florida Academy’s HVAC lab includes opportunities to practice piping, soldering, brazing, and black-pipe work.
Diagnosing system problems is an important part of HVAC service work.
Students learn a systematic approach to troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems.
Training may include:
Hands-on troubleshooting helps students connect classroom theory with the types of problems technicians encounter in the field.
Proper maintenance can help HVAC systems operate efficiently and reduce avoidable equipment problems.
Students learn routine maintenance procedures related to:
HVAC technicians work with electricity, refrigerants, tools, piping, heat, and mechanical equipment.
Florida Academy’s curriculum incorporates safety training, including construction-trade fundamentals and OSHA-related safety concepts. The current catalog identifies an HVAC/R Safety course and OSHA 10-hour safety training within the program.
Students learn the importance of:
HVAC is a hands-on trade, so Florida Academy places significant emphasis on practical lab training.
Students work with HVAC equipment and components while developing skills under instructor supervision.
The current training environment includes equipment and systems such as:
Hands-on practice can help students strengthen their:
Federal law requires technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of certain air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in ways that could release regulated refrigerants to obtain EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
Florida Academy’s HVAC/R Technology curriculum includes instruction in the principles and concepts associated with EPA Section 608 and provides students with the opportunity to prepare for the certification examination.
EPA Section 608 includes certification categories for different types of equipment:
HVAC technicians work with heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems.
Depending on the employer and position, HVAC technicians may:
HVAC technicians may work on both residential and commercial equipment depending on their training and employer.
HVAC technicians are needed anywhere heating, cooling, ventilation, or refrigeration systems must be installed and maintained.
Potential work environments include:
Florida Academy’s HVAC/R Technology program combines focused technical education with hands-on lab experience at its Fort Myers campus.
Florida Academy’s 600-hour HVAC/R Technology program can be completed in approximately eight months.
This focused format allows students to build practical trade skills without spending several years in school.
Students gain experience with equipment and systems such as air conditioners, heat pumps, commercial rooftop units, electrical boards, air distribution systems, piping, soldering, and brazing.
Working with physical equipment helps students better understand how HVAC systems operate and how individual components interact.
Florida Academy combines classroom theory with practical HVAC workshop experience.
Students spend time applying electrical, refrigeration, troubleshooting, piping, maintenance, and installation concepts in a supervised setting.
The HVAC/R Technology curriculum includes the principles and concepts associated with EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
Students have an opportunity to prepare for and take the applicable certification examination.
Florida Academy’s current catalog identifies opportunities for graduates to earn credentials or recognitions that include:
Students receive guidance from instructors while developing practical HVAC skills in the classroom and workshop.
Instructor feedback can help students strengthen troubleshooting techniques, proper tool use, safety practices, and their understanding of HVAC systems.
Florida Academy offers HVAC training in Fort Myers for students throughout Southwest Florida.
The campus is located at 4387 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida.
Students from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and surrounding communities can pursue HVAC training close to home.
Florida Academy provides career placement assistance to students and graduates preparing to enter the workforce.
Career support may include:
Career Services assistance does not guarantee employment.
Florida Academy offers more than one skilled-trades training pathway.
The HVAC/R Technology program is a focused 600-hour program for students primarily interested in heating, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, electrical controls, troubleshooting, and HVAC system maintenance.
Students who want broader training that combines HVAC and electrical skills may want to explore Florida Academy’s Mechanical Construction Professional program.
Students primarily interested in electrical installation, wiring, circuitry, electrical controls, and National Electrical Code concepts may want to explore the Electrical Technology program.
Florida Academy is proud to be recognized as:
Take the Florida Academy Trades Career Training Readiness Quiz.
The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.