HVAC Tech Classes in Louisiana (Top Schools)

HVAC professionals are highly valued because of their services in maintaining climate control systems in residences and commercial buildings.

This is one of the reasons why there has been a growing demand, increasing salaries to competitive rates.

So if you want to work in the HVAC industry, here’s how you can become an HVAC professional in Louisiana.

HVAC Programs in Louisiana

To get started on your HVAC career, you need to receive proper education, practical training, and field experience.

That’s why, to be able to learn the trade, you need to enroll in an approved HVAC program.

Here, you can learn HVAC knowledge and technical skills, such as:

• Installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems
• Blueprint reading
• Inspection and troubleshooting issues
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes

The table below lists some of the accredited HVAC schools in Louisiana that you can check out.

How to Get Licensed in Louisiana

Louisiana doesn’t have licenses for HVAC technicians, provided that they work under a licensed mechanical contractor.

Instead, those who want to be HVAC contractors will need one.

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) will issue a Commercial Mechanical Contractor License.

You will only need to apply for this license if you have a commercial project that either…

• Exceeds $50,000 in total value (includes labor and materials)
• $1 or more for hazardous materials
• HVAC projects with a total value of $10,000 or more

This license has one HVAC-related major classification with 4 sub-classifications:

• Mechanical Work (Statewide)
  • Heat, air conditioning, ventilation, ductwork, and refrigeration
  • Industrial pipework and insulation
  • Plumbing
  • Controls for mechanical work

Application Requirements for Licensure

To obtain your license, you must meet the following:

• Must at least be 18 years old
• Complete and submit the notarized license application with the applicable fees
• Notarized financial statement affidavit showing a net worth of at least $10,000
• Designate a Qualifying Party who’ll take the exam
• Successfully pass the exam

Taking the Licensure Exam

After LSLBC approves your application, you can proceed with taking the exam.

You’ll take 2 exam portions:

• Louisiana business and law – an online course that takes less than an hour to complete
• Trade-specific – mechanical work and HVAC/R
  • 100 questions to be completed in 4 hours for each trade exam
  • Requires a 70% score to pass

Renewal Requirements

Your initial license will expire after 1 year.

Before then, you’ll receive a renewal notice via email with instructions on the renewal process.

After the initial license expires, you have the option to renew every 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year period.

EPA Certification

Under the Clean Air Act, technicians who work with refrigerant-containing equipment must be certified.

The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification has 4 types that you can apply for:

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• Universal

To know which type you need to certify for, check out our guide to the EPA certification.

Potential Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana has the following salary information for its HVAC technicians:

• Annual mean wage – $51,100
• 10th percentile – $29,810
• 90th percentile – $75,410

Do note that your salary will still depend on your employer based on factors like:

• Education and training
• Skills and experience
• Certification and licenses
• Workplace location
• Nature of work

For your reference, the table below shows the salaries in 10 of the state’s cities.

HVAC Schools by City

• Baton Rouge
• Lafayette
• New Orleans