Study Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technique at FITI
HVAC Technician
Learn how to become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R) Technician through hands-on training in refrigeration systems, air conditioning installation, HVAC maintenance, system troubleshooting, and EPA Section 608 certification preparation. Develop the technical skills, industry knowledge, and practical experience needed to install, service, and repair residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems while preparing for rewarding, high-demand careers in the HVAC/R industry.
Study Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technique at FITI
HVAC Technician
Discover the essentials of becoming a refrigeration and air conditioning technician, including skills, tools, and industry insights for a successful career.
Accreditations & Partnerships
Program Description
Comprehensive HVAC & Refrigeration Technician Course In Miami
This course is a skill-oriented program where the student will learn the fundamental of refrigeration, principles and application of electricity, electrical motors, operation and function of air conditioning systems, automobile air conditioning, ice machine repair and general appliances repair. For hand-on training (lab hours and externship) students will have access to safety equipment such as protective goggles, welder’s heat resistant gloves, dust masks and a headgear as needed.
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Program at Florida International Training Institute (FITI) provides hands-on, career-focused technical education tailored for high-demand trades. Students acquire deep technical skill sets in diagnosing, servicing, and maintaining split systems, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration units, and environmental controls. The curriculum blends foundational thermodynamics with advanced field practices, including EPA Section 608 compliance, refrigerant recovery, system evacuation, brazing, and automated diagnostic testing.
Advanced Field Responsibilities & Practical Skills
Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the certified technical competency to directly assist mechanical contractors, HVAC enterprise operations, and facility management teams. Students will be fully trained to execute critical HVAC workflows, including:
- Refrigeration & Thermodynamic Cycles: Testing pressures, managing superheat and subcooling, charging refrigerants, and performing system evacuations.
- Electrical & Motor Controls: Wiring control circuits, testing capacitors, troubleshooting electric motors, relays, thermostats, and compressor diagnostics.
- System Installation & Pipe Joining: Executing copper tubing manipulation, torch brazing, flaring, soldering, and ductwork connections.
- Commercial & Automotive Systems: Servicing ice machines, commercial reach-in freezers, residential heat pumps, and automotive air conditioning units.
This program gives you
Program Objective
The Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician program has been designed to train students for an entry-level position in the air conditioning/refrigeration field. This program provides theoretical and hands-on course in the installation, basic, design, maintenance, and repair of residential/commercial refrigeration, air conditioning and heating equipment.
Practical Classes
Classes available mornings, evenings and weekends
Hybrid and online options available
Employment Focused Training
Meet Your Instructors
Octavio Suarez
HVAC Technician Professor
"Transforming complex HVAC concepts into practical skills through expert guidance, technical precision, and real-world system training."
Brian Bennett
HVAC Technician Professor
"Sharing real-world HVAC expertise through hands-on training, precision techniques, and a commitment to building skilled professionals."
FITI HVAC/R Program
If you are interested in a hands-on career where you can solve problems
This Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R) Technician Program provides the technical knowledge and hands-on training needed to build a successful career in the growing HVAC/R industry. Students develop essential skills in refrigeration systems, air conditioning installation, heating systems, electrical fundamentals, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, repairs, safety procedures, EPA Section 608 certification preparation, and industry best practices to confidently service residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems.
Our comprehensive curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical lab training using industry-standard HVAC tools and equipment, providing real-world experience in system installation, preventive maintenance, and equipment troubleshooting. Flexible class schedules make it easier to balance your education with personal and professional commitments while preparing for a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level employment in the HVAC/R industry with the technical skills employers value and the knowledge needed to pursue EPA Section 608 certification. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, making it easier to begin a stable, high-demand career in refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, and climate control.
Build Your Future in the HVAC Industry
The demand for skilled HVAC technicians in Miami, South Florida, and across the United States continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 40,100 job openings each year nationwide.
HVAC Salary & Career Opportunities
HVAC professionals can build careers in residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical controls, system diagnostics, installation, maintenance, and building automation.
The national average wage for HVAC technicians is approximately $64,780 per year, with earning potential increasing based on experience, certifications, specialization, location, and professional advancement.
At FITI Schools in Miami, Florida, we believe HVAC training should be the beginning of your career—not the end of your education.
Our hands-on HVAC programs are designed to help students develop real-world technical skills while creating pathways for continued growth:
HVAC Student → Technician → Certified Professional → Experienced Tradesperson → Contractor → Business Owner
Hands-On HVAC Training in Miami
FITI Schools combines classroom education, hands-on HVAC labs, troubleshooting, electrical training, refrigeration, system diagnostics, controls, and industry-focused technical training to prepare students for today’s HVAC workforce.
Whether you are starting a new career, expanding your technical skills, pursuing additional certifications, or working toward professional advancement, FITI Schools provides HVAC training designed for every stage of your career.
Train for a Career South Florida Needs.
FITI Schools | HVAC Training in Miami, Florida
HVAC School Miami • HVAC Training Miami • HVAC Technician Program • HVAC Certification Florida • Air Conditioning School Miami • HVAC Classes South Florida • Skilled Trades School Miami • HVAC Career Training Miami-Dade
View HVAC/R Program Information Close HVAC/R Program Information
Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician – IDL
790 Clock Hours | 39.5 Weeks | Diploma
Program Overview
Objective: The Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry by providing comprehensive theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training in refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, electrical applications, motors and controls, commercial HVAC systems, energy-efficient technologies, troubleshooting, diagnostics, customer service, and field operations. Graduates will develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, safety awareness, and professional competencies necessary to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair residential, commercial, and refrigeration equipment in accordance with industry standards and applicable regulations.
Credential Awarded Upon Graduation: Diploma
Program Description: The Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician Program is a 790-clock-hour vocational training program that combines classroom instruction, laboratory exercises, simulations, and practical applications to prepare students for careers in the HVAC/R industry. The curriculum provides training in refrigeration fundamentals, blueprint reading, electrical theory and applications, motors and controls, residential and commercial air conditioning systems, refrigeration and ice machines, air distribution and balancing, appliances, advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics, green HVAC technologies, energy efficiency, building automation systems, customer service, and field operations. Emphasis is placed on safety, environmental responsibility, EPA regulations, critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on technical competency to prepare graduates for employment in residential, commercial, industrial, and service-related HVAC/R occupations.
Duration: 39.5 Weeks
Program Curriculum
| Course # | Course Title | Synchronous Lecture Hours (via Zoom) | In-Person Laboratory Hours | Asynchronous Instructional Hours (via LMS) | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC 101 | Theory of Heat/Fundamentals of Refrigeration | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 102 | Blueprints Reading and Safety | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 103 | Principles of Electricity | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 104 | Application of Electricity | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 105 | Electric Motors | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 201 | Air Conditioning I | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 202 | Air Conditioning II | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 203 | Auto Air Conditioning System | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 204 | Refrigeration/ Ice Machines | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 205 | Air Distribution and Balance | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 206 | Appliances | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 207 | Green HVAC Technologies and Energy Efficiency | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 208 | Commercial HVAC Systems and Building Automation | 24 | 24 | 12 | 60 |
| AC 209 | Comprehensive Laboratory Hours | 10 | 10 | ||
| Total | 312 | 312 | 166 | 790 | |
The courses shown above may not be offered in the same order in which they are listed.
Course Descriptions
AC 101 Theory of Heat/Fundamentals of Refrigeration
This introduces the student to temperature, conversions between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales, molecular motion and absolute zero, thermal unit, heat flow between substances of different temperatures, heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation, sensible, latent, and specific heat, atmospheric pressure, barometers and gages. This course also offers an introduction to the basic refrigeration cycle: types and functions of compressors, condensers, evaporator, metered devices, types and use of refrigerants, review rules of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the importance of obtaining EPA certification. Also, students will work on soldering copper tubes, evacuation and charge system using the vacuum pump and recover machine.
AC 102 Blueprints Reading and Safety
This course integrates essential knowledge and skills from safety protocols to blueprint reading. Through a combination of theoretical lessons and practical labs, students will learn to interpret technical drawings and apply safety standards effectively in their professional practice.
AC 103 Principles of Electricity
This course is an introduction to electricity and magnetism, electric energy, electrical circuits, electric energy distribution, Ohm’s law ampere and applications.
AC 104 Application of Electricity
This course provides a general introduction to electricity and its applications, including the basics of circuits and alternating current power, its components and how it works.
AC 105 Electric Motors
This course offers an introduction to basic concepts of electrical motors, its applications, electrical diagrams, automatic controls, and troubleshooting. It also explains variable speed motors. The student will learn how to troubleshoot typical mechanical and electrical problems.
AC 201 Air Conditioning I
A detailed air conditioning system and its components, including electrical systems; for monitoring and controlling as well as the diagnosis of problems in installation and unit repair.
AC 202 Air Conditioning II
This course covers installation and operation of the different types of air conditioning systems. Topics include: basic mechanical components, types of A/C systems: split, package window units, heat pump units, rooftop units, gas unit, the installation, cleaning of compressors, evaporators and condensers.
AC 203 Auto Air Conditioning Systems
This course introduces the student to different systems of auto air conditioning, components, refrigerants, basic electrical systems, tests and troubleshooting.
AC 204 Commercial Refrigeration/ Ice Machines
An introduction to refrigeration components, including their function in construction. Topics include: compressors, evaporators, condensers, refrigerant flow control used in the system, heat exchange, accumulators, filters, sight glass, thermostat, pressure control, heat load system, design, superheat calculations, receivers, refrigerant leak, refrigerant removal with a recovery system, evacuation vacuum pump and refrigerant recharging after the system has been repaired. In the shop students will learn to use manifold gauges and practice on diagnostic troubleshooting.
AC 205 Air Distribution and Balance
Students will learn air distribution and balance, indoor air quality, pollution control, air distribution and ventilation and duct cleaning methods for clean air. In addition, students will be able to identify the different high efficiency air conditioning systems, duct system design, the fundamentals of air flow, DOAS systems, duct and insulation measurement and important mechanical and safety codes.
AC 206 Appliances
This course introduces students to the principles, operation, and maintenance of key appliances in refrigeration and air conditioning, focusing on domestic refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, and wall and window air conditioners. Through theoretical understanding and practical application, students will gain the skills necessary to install, troubleshoot, and maintain these essential systems.
AC 207 Green HVAC Technologies and Energy Efficiency
This course introduces students to environmentally sustainable HVAC technologies and energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Topics include green refrigerants, energy auditing, high-efficiency systems, inverter technology, variable-speed equipment, indoor air quality, ventilation standards, and environmentally responsible HVAC practices. Students will gain practical knowledge regarding modern energy-saving technologies and EPA environmental requirements.
AC 208 Commercial HVAC Systems and Building Automation
This course introduces commercial HVAC systems and building automation technologies commonly used in commercial facilities. Students will learn the operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of rooftop units, VAV systems, economizers, building automation systems (BAS), commercial controls, and commercial HVAC electrical systems. Laboratory exercises focus on practical applications and diagnostics of commercial HVAC equipment.
AC 209 Comprehensive Laboratory Hours
This laboratory course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate competency in the practical skills acquired throughout the Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician program. The course is delivered entirely through the institution's Learning Management System (LMS) and consists of a series of comprehensive laboratory assignments covering refrigeration fundamentals, electrical diagnostics, motor controls, residential and commercial HVAC systems, refrigeration equipment, air distribution, building automation, energy efficiency, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and professional documentation. Students will complete and submit laboratory reports, troubleshooting exercises, equipment inspections, wiring analyses, maintenance checklists, service documentation, and case-study assignments using the LMS. The course is fully asynchronous, allowing students to complete assignments independently while receiving instructor support through scheduled consultations as needed. Successful completion demonstrates readiness for entry-level employment in the HVAC/R industry.
Professional Certifications
FITI encourages students enrolled in the Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician program to obtain industry-recognized certifications that enhance employment opportunities and demonstrate professional competency. While certification may be preferred or required by certain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) employers, it is not required for graduation from FITI.
Recommended certification includes:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Technician Certification
Students should also be aware that many HVAC/R employers may require applicants to successfully complete one or more of the following as a condition of employment:
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Physical examination
- Valid driver's license (when required by the employer)
- Other employer-specific pre-employment requirements
The institution provides guidance and assistance to students seeking professional certification; however, obtaining certification and meeting employer-specific hiring requirements remain the responsibility of the student.
Career Opportunities
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Repair Technician industry offers a variety of job positions, each with specific responsibilities and skill requirements. Here's a list of job positions related to this industry:
- Refrigeration and AC Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Commercial Refrigeration Technician
- Residential HVAC Installer Assistant
- HVAC Sales Representative
- Refrigeration Mechanic Assistant
- HVAC Controls Technician
- Ductwork Installer
- Maintenance Technician (Facility or Building)
- Field Service Technician
- Indoor Air Quality Specialist
- HVAC Technical Support Specialist
- Auto AC Repair Technician
- Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur
Admission Requirements
Florida International Training Institute (FITI) is an equal opportunity institution welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
To enroll, applicants must:
- Be at least 17 years old (parental consent required if under 18).
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Provide valid identification, proof of legal status, and other required documentation.
- Complete the admissions process.
No prior experience is required unless specified by the program. Additional documentation may be needed for financial aid eligibility.
For complete details, please refer to FITI's School Catalog or contact our Admissions Office.
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $150.00 |
| Tuition | $11,583.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $648.00 |
| Total Program Cost | $12,381.00 |
Financial Aid Available
The Refrigeration and A/C Repair Technician program qualifies for federal financial aid. Eligible students may receive financial assistance to help cover tuition and educational expenses.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Contact our Financial Aid Office to explore your options and learn how to apply.
Student Reviews
Questions and Answers
After completing the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R) Technician Program, graduates can pursue careers with HVAC companies or take the first steps toward starting their own HVAC/R business. Success begins with earning EPA Section 608 certification, gaining hands-on experience, investing in professional HVAC tools and equipment, and developing a solid business plan. Students who combine their HVAC/R training with our Business Administration Program gain valuable knowledge in business management, marketing, finance, and operations—providing the skills needed to confidently launch, manage, and grow a successful residential and commercial HVAC business.
FITI Schools provides graduates with valuable career and business support through professional development resources, business guidance, networking opportunities, and connections with HVAC/R industry professionals and alumni. Students interested in entrepreneurship can also benefit from our Business Administration Program, which develops essential skills in business management, marketing, finance, customer service, and operations. Together, these resources help aspiring HVAC/R professionals build the knowledge, confidence, and industry relationships needed to launch and grow a successful refrigeration and air conditioning business.
Yes, combining the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R) Technician Program with other career training programs is an excellent way to expand your skills and increase your career opportunities. Pairing HVAC/R training with our Business Administration Program, Electricity Technician Program, or other skilled trades courses helps you develop both the technical expertise and business knowledge needed to manage operations, grow a successful company, and deliver professional residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC/R services. This well-rounded education prepares you for leadership roles, higher earning potential, and long-term success in the growing HVAC industry.
Starting a business as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R) Technician can be highly rewarding due to the growing demand for skilled HVAC professionals in residential, commercial, and industrial markets. Our hands-on HVAC/R training provides the technical skills, industry knowledge, and real-world experience needed to succeed in the field. Combined with a strong business plan, effective marketing strategy, and a commitment to quality workmanship and customer service, graduates can build a profitable and long-lasting HVAC/R business. Staying current with EPA regulations, emerging technologies, and industry best practices will help ensure continued growth and long-term success.
To build a successful Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R) business, it is essential to comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and applicable licensing requirements while earning certifications such as EPA Section 608 during your training. FITI Schools prepares students with hands-on HVAC/R training, up-to-date instruction on industry codes, energy-efficient technologies, and best practices for residential, commercial, and industrial systems. We also encourage graduates to pursue continuing education, technical seminars, and professional development opportunities to stay current with evolving HVAC regulations, emerging technologies, and industry standards, supporting long-term career and business success.
