Best HVAC Training Schools in Kennewick Washington

Key Takeaways

• Kennewick and the Tri-Cities area offer several reputable HVAC training options, including technical colleges and private trade schools.
• Top programs combine hands-on lab training, EPA Section 608 preparation, and strong employer connections.
• Most HVAC certificate programs can be completed in 6 to 12 months; associate degrees take about 18 to 24 months.
• Washington State does not require a statewide HVAC license, but technicians must meet local requirements and hold EPA certification.
• Graduates in the Tri-Cities benefit from strong demand driven by residential growth, commercial construction, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Why Train for an HVAC Career in Kennewick, WA?

Kennewick, along with Pasco and Richland, forms the Tri-Cities region, one of the fastest-growing areas in Washington. With hot summers, cold winters, and expanding residential developments, HVAC technicians are in steady demand.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC employment is projected to grow nationally by 6 percent this decade, with strong regional demand in Eastern Washington. In the Tri-Cities, local contractors regularly seek entry-level technicians who hold industry certifications and hands-on training.

Choosing the right HVAC school is the first step toward entering this stable, high-paying trade.

Best HVAC Training Schools Near Kennewick, Washington

Clover Park Technical College – HVAC/Refrigeration (Through Regional Access)

Location: Lakewood, WA (some coursework and partnerships accessible to Eastern WA students)
Program Type: Certificate and Associate of Applied Technology
Length: 4 quarters to 2 years

Clover Park is one of Washington's most respected public technical colleges. Its HVAC and Refrigeration program is accredited and offers advanced training in residential and commercial systems, electrical controls, hydronics, and refrigeration cycles.

Why It Stands Out:

• Modern lab facilities with commercial-grade equipment
• Strong industry reputation statewide
• Prepares students for EPA Section 608 and other certifications

Students in the Tri-Cities often combine coursework with apprenticeships or local employment opportunities.

Charter College – Pasco Campus

Location: Pasco, WA
Program Type: HVAC/R Certificate
Length: Approximately 10 months

Charter College serves the Tri-Cities directly and offers an accelerated HVAC/R program designed for fast workforce entry. Students receive hands-on training in heating systems, air conditioning, heat pumps, electrical fundamentals, and troubleshooting.

Highlights:

• Blended classroom and lab instruction
• Career services and job placement assistance
• Preparation for EPA Section 608 certification

This program is ideal for students who want a structured, fast-track pathway into residential service technician roles.

CBC – Columbia Basin College (Pasco)

Location: Pasco, WA
Program Type: Associate Degree in related technical fields
Length: About 2 years

Columbia Basin College offers technical education pathways in electrical and industrial systems that support HVAC career entry. While not strictly limited to HVAC, these programs provide strong foundations in controls, motors, and building systems.

Why Consider CBC:

• Affordable in-district tuition
• Access to federal financial aid
• Strong employer partnerships in the Tri-Cities

This path is especially useful for students seeking broader mechanical or commercial systems careers.

Local Apprenticeship Programs – UA Local 598 (Plumbers & Pipefitters)

Location: Pasco, WA
Program Type: Registered Apprenticeship
Length: 5 years (paid)

For students interested in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, or pipefitting systems, UA Local 598 offers a highly respected apprenticeship. Apprentices earn while they learn and receive classroom instruction combined with on-the-job training.

Benefits:

• No traditional tuition debt
• Paid on-the-job training
• Industry-recognized credentials

Apprenticeship routes are competitive but can lead to some of the highest-paying HVAC careers in the region.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Top HVAC Options

SchoolLocationProgram TypeLengthBest ForCharter CollegePascoCertificate~10 MonthsFast workforce entryColumbia Basin CollegePascoAssociate Degree2 YearsBroader technical foundationUA Local 598PascoApprenticeship5 YearsCommercial and union careersClover Park TechWA StateCertificate/AAS1–2 YearsAdvanced technical training

What to Look for in an HVAC School

1. Accreditation and Certification Prep

At minimum, your school should prepare you for EPA Section 608 certification. Without EPA certification, you cannot legally handle refrigerants. Look for programs that also introduce NATE certification or HVAC Excellence testing.

2. Hands-On Lab Training

HVAC is a hands-on career. The best programs dedicate significant time to:

• Live system diagnostics
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Refrigerant recovery and charging
• Heat pump installation and service

3. Employer Partnerships

Ask schools which local companies hire their graduates. Strong connections with Tri-Cities HVAC contractors often lead directly to job offers.

4. Total Cost and Financial Aid

Certificate programs typically range from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the institution. Public technical colleges generally offer lower tuition. Federal Pell Grants, workforce retraining funds, and veterans benefits may be available.

Washington State HVAC Licensing Requirements

Washington does not issue a statewide HVAC technician license. However, technicians must comply with:

• EPA Section 608 Certification for refrigerant handling
• Electrical licensing requirements if performing electrical work
• Local city or county contractor registration if opening a business

Many HVAC professionals also pursue electrical specialty licensing to expand earning potential.

Career Outlook and Salary in Kennewick

HVAC technicians in Washington earn a median wage above the national average. In the Tri-Cities region, entry-level technicians typically start between $20 and $28 per hour, depending on certifications and employer.

Experienced technicians, especially those with commercial or refrigeration expertise, frequently earn $35 per hour or more. Union HVAC mechanics can earn significantly higher wages with benefits.

Growth drivers in Kennewick include:

• New residential construction
• Commercial and healthcare facilities
• Energy-efficient retrofits
• Industrial and agricultural refrigeration systems

Online vs. In-Person HVAC Training

Some schools offer partial online coursework covering theory and electrical fundamentals. However, HVAC cannot be learned entirely online. Employers in Kennewick strongly prefer candidates with real lab and field experience.

If flexibility is important, consider hybrid programs that allow you to complete classroom theory online while attending scheduled in-person lab sessions.

How to Choose the Right HVAC Program for You

• Visit campus labs and inspect equipment quality.
• Ask about graduation and job placement rates.
• Talk to current students or local HVAC employers.
• Compare program length with your income goals.
• Confirm certification exam preparation is included.

The best HVAC training schools in Kennewick, Washington combine hands-on instruction, strong employer networks, affordable tuition, and clear pathways to certification. By focusing on accredited programs with proven job placement outcomes, you position yourself for long-term success in one of the Tri-Cities' most dependable skilled trades.

Frequently Asked Questions about HVAC Training in Kennewick, WA

How long does HVAC training take in the Tri-Cities area?

Most HVAC certificate programs near Kennewick take about 6 to 12 months, like the 10‑month program at Charter College. Associate degree paths at schools such as Columbia Basin College usually take 18 to 24 months, and union apprenticeships last about 5 years while you work and earn pay.

Do you need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Washington State?

Washington does not issue a single statewide HVAC license, but you must hold EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants and follow state electrical licensing rules for any electrical work. If you start your own HVAC business, you also need local contractor registration and bonding where required.

Which HVAC schools are near Kennewick and the Tri-Cities?

In the Tri-Cities, you can train at Charter College in Pasco for an HVAC/R certificate, Columbia Basin College for related technical associate degrees, and UA Local 598 in Pasco for a paid apprenticeship. Some students also access Clover Park Technical College’s HVAC/Refrigeration programs through regional options in Washington State.

What should you look for in an HVAC school in Kennewick?

You should look for accreditation, EPA Section 608 exam preparation, plenty of hands-on lab time, and clear employer connections in the Tri-Cities. Also compare total cost, financial aid options, graduation rates, and whether the program fits your schedule and career goals, such as residential service or commercial systems work.

How much can you earn as an HVAC technician in Kennewick, WA?

Entry-level HVAC technicians in the Tri-Cities often start around $20 to $28 per hour, depending on your training, certifications, and employer. With experience in commercial HVAC or refrigeration, hourly wages can reach $35 or more, and union mechanics may earn higher pay plus benefits.