In Houston, air conditioning isn't a luxury — it's survival. The Gulf Coast's long, humid summers make the metro one of the most HVAC-dependent regions in America, with millions of residential systems and vast commercial cooling infrastructure running near year-round.
The commercial and industrial side runs even deeper: petrochemical plants, refineries, hospitals, data centers, and the food distribution networks serving America's fourth-largest city all depend on industrial climate control and commercial refrigeration.
Texas HVAC/R employment is projected to grow from roughly 33,000 to more than 38,000 jobs through 2032 — steady opportunity for trained technicians entering the field.
Imagine America has partnered with Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center (TWSTC) in Houston, TX. Serving the Gulf Coast since 2014 from its North Houston campus, TWSTC offers a Refrigeration Technologies program that prepares students for HVAC/R careers in as little as seven months — including the only Saturday HVAC schedule in the TWS system.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your HVAC Technology Career with Tulsa Welding School
The Refrigeration Technologies program at TWSTC Houston trains students on residential and commercial HVAC/R systems across seven courses and 700 contact hours. Students earn key EPA certifications during the program and graduate ready for entry-level technician roles.
- 7-month program with weekday and Saturday schedule options
- EPA Section 608 certification prep built into the curriculum
- EPA Section 609 and R-410A certifications earned during commercial coursework
- Commercial refrigeration training: walk-ins, freezers, and chillers
What You'll Learn
Coursework covers electrical fundamentals, the refrigeration cycle, residential comfort systems, commercial comfort systems, walk-in refrigeration and freezers, chillers, and advanced troubleshooting — plus brazing with oxy-acetylene equipment and E-STAR simulator training.
Certifications You Can Earn
Students qualify for EPA Section 608 certification during advanced troubleshooting coursework and can earn EPA Section 609 and R-410A safety certifications in the commercial systems course — the refrigerant-handling credentials Texas employers require.
Texas Licensing Path
In Texas, new technicians register with the state and work under a licensed HVAC contractor. Completing an approved training program plus documented work hours also opens the path to certified technician status — TWS training starts that clock with real skills.
Career Outlook in Houston
Houston's combination of extreme cooling demand, industrial infrastructure, and metro growth keeps HVAC/R technicians busy. Graduates can pursue residential service, commercial refrigeration, and industrial maintenance roles, with advancement toward service management and contractor licensing.
Training Services
- Electrical Fundamentals for HVAC
- Refrigeration Cycle & System Theory
- Residential Comfort Systems
- Commercial Comfort Systems
- Walk-In Refrigeration & Freezer Systems
- Chiller Systems
- Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
- Brazing with Oxy-Acetylene
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your HVAC Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the HVAC program at TWS Houston?
The Refrigeration Technologies program can be completed in as little as seven months. Houston is the only TWS campus offering a Saturday weekend schedule for HVAC, alongside weekday options.
What certifications will I earn?
Students qualify for EPA Section 608 certification and can earn EPA Section 609 and R-410A safety certifications during the program — the core refrigerant credentials employers expect.
How do I become a licensed HVAC technician in Texas?
New technicians register with the state and work under a licensed HVAC contractor. With an approved program plus documented experience hours, you can pursue certified technician status. TWS training provides the approved foundation.
Are scholarships available for TWS Houston HVAC students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending Tulsa Welding School. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
