HVAC Tech Classes in Michigan (Top Schools)

If you’re interested in working in trades, then a career in the HVAC field may be for you.

This career will heighten your hand skills and challenge your abilities, such as problem-solving and customer service.

So on this page, you’ll learn everything you need to work as an HVAC professional in Michigan.

HVAC Programs in Michigan

HVAC technicians are mainly responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems.

In order for you to perform these and others, you’ll need to enroll in an approved HVAC program.

Doing so will enable you to acquire the technical skills and knowledge necessary to work in the trade.

In addition, you’ll have practical training and field experience that will make you attractive to employers.

The table below lists some of the HVAC schools in Michigan that you can attend.

How to Get Licensed in Michigan

In Michigan, HVAC technicians don’t need state-level licenses provided they work under a licensed contractor.

Instead, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) – Mechanical Division will issue licenses for HVAC contractors.

Per BCC, a Mechanical Contractor (MC) can perform installations, alterations, servicing, and secure permits for any of these classifications:

• Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping
• HVAC equipment
• Ductwork
• Refrigeration
• Limited heating service
• Unlimited heating service
• Limited refrigeration and air conditioning service
• Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service
• Fire suppression
• Specialty License
  • Solar heating and cooling
  • Solid fuel and vented decorative gas appliances
  • LP distribution piping
  • Fuel gas piping
  • Fuel gas piping and venting

Application Requirements for Licensing

To obtain a license, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Proof of at least 3 years or 6,000 hours of experience in the chosen MC classification or equivalent
  • Can credit 1 year or 2,000 hours if you completed one of the following:
    • 2-year HVAC program from an accredited school
    • 2-year training program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor
• Submit completed Application for Mechanical Contractor Examination and Licensing form to BCC
• Payment of the initial license application fee – $300 per classification, payable to BCC
• Successfully pass the licensure exam

Taking the Mechanical Contractor Licensure Exam

LARA has contracted with PSI to administer the BCC exams.

Do note of the following:

• You can only take the exam after getting the approval to test from LARA/BCC
• You have a 1-year eligibility period to successfully pass the exam

Here are the exam details:

• It will be a computer-based test
• Exam can be an open book or closed book
  • Open-book exams
    • Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • HVAC equipment – 150 questions in 3 hours
    • Ductwork – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Refrigeration – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Fire Suppression – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Solar heating and cooling – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Solid fuel and vented decorative gas appliances – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • LP distribution piping – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Fuel gas piping – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Fuel gas piping and venting – 55 questions in 1 hour
  • Closed-book exams
    • Limited heating service – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Unlimited heating service – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Limited refrigeration and air conditioning service – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service – 55 questions in 1 hour
    • You can only use approved reference materials in the open-book exam
• Exam fee
  • All but HVAC equipment – $50
  • HVAC equipment – $100
• Passing score is 70%
• You have unlimited attempts within the eligibility period to successfully pass the exam

Renewal Requirements

Your license is only valid for 3 years.

To renew, you must complete the following:

• Submit and complete the online renewal application
• Pay the required renewal fee

EPA Certification

Refrigerants are vital components of HVAC systems.

However, these are harmful chemicals that bring severe effects to the environment.

That’s why the federal government requires all technicians to get certified to ensure they can properly handle and dispose of these.

The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification has 4 types:

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• Universal

You can choose to certify for any one of them depending on the type of equipment you’ll work with.

To learn which one to certify for, read our guide to the EPA certification.

Potential Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC industry will project a 5% employment growth from 2020 to 2030.

As a result, it will make potential salaries more and more competitive.

In fact, as of May 2021, HVAC technicians in Michigan can earn an average of $54,570 annually.

However, do note that experience matters when it comes to determining your salary.

New technicians can receive up to $36,780 in a year, while their seniors can receive more than $77,770.

The table below shows the salaries in 10 of the state’s cities for your reference.

HVAC Schools by City

• Ann Arbor
• Detroit
• Grand Rapids