HVAC/R — Day

The New England Institute of HVAC is a hands-on training program that prepares students for careers in the HVAC industry, training specialists in all aspects of HVAC service, repair and installation. Its mission is to provide a concise, high-quality education for people who are interested in acquiring or increasing knowledge in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, or who wish to pursue careers in the industry.

The HVAC/R Program is an approved program of the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure and is 13 weeks long, with the majority of learning hands-on. Topics of study are basic electricity, oil heat, gas heat, domestic and commercial refrigeration (not over 10 tons), central A/C and heat pumps, plus EPA test preparation, component diagnosis, troubleshooting, installation, and component selection and sizing. Hands-on exercises include soldering and brazing, use of the digital multimeter, electrical circuit wiring, component removal and replacement, and troubleshooting exercises. The curriculum prepares students for the federally mandated Universal EPA Certification test.

Owner Dave Rousseau, together with retired co-founder Jack Burkhardt, started the New England Institute of HVAC more than 15 years ago. They recognized a better and faster way to teach the fundamentals of HVAC than the school they had attended, and built a hands-on curriculum on their combined 45 years of industry experience, so that students could prepare for their HVAC licenses in a condensed curriculum of just 13 weeks.

• Classes are hands-on and relaxed, taught by leading technicians in the field. Dave graduated HVAC school in 1986 and has run his own business; instructor Robert “Bobby” Fogg has 15 years in the field, and instructor Chris Marsala, a graduate of the program, has over 30 years as an electronics engineer and HVAC maintenance tech.
• Open door policy: graduates can retake the course or come back for a refresher at any time, and students may pause or resume enrollment if needed.
• Students who are struggling are offered extra help outside normal business hours and may retake the course at no charge.
• The school was recognized with the 2026 Business Rate “Best Of” Award, powered by Google and based solely on Google reviews.

Applicants to the HVAC/R program:

• Must be 18 years of age, or have parent/guardian approval.
• Must have a personal interview with school personnel, by phone or in person.
• Must be drug free.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license or proof of identification.

The school does not shorten the program or discount it for previous education; all students take the entire course. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or veteran status in admission. Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities are made on an individual basis after meeting with the directors to discuss the physical requirements of the program.

The Day program meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (7 hours per day), for 13 weeks — 273 clock hours, 150 classroom and 123 lab. The Day program includes the NEC (National Electrical Code).

The school operates on a non-traditional term rather than quarters or semesters. Weather plays a major role in the actual class schedule: classes cancelled due to weather are made up at the end of the program, and the school follows Lowell Public Schools closures (a delay means no day classes). Holidays observed are July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Upcoming Fitchburg classes. The Fitchburg class schedule lists these start and end dates:

A student may enroll at any time prior to the start of a new class.

If a class cannot begin on the published dates, or you cannot attend a revised schedule, the school refunds all monies paid.

Schedule of fees (Day). Total: $6,975. Tuition fee: $6,325.05, paid as $3,162.53 in week 1 before the first class and $3,162.52 in week 7 before the 17th class. Tools and supplies: $125. Test fee: $24.95. A $450 refundable deposit and a $50 non-refundable administrative cost are due at signup.

Financial aid. The school does not accept federal student aid or Pell grants, and there are currently no scholarships available. Payments can be made online through PayPal.

Refunds. Before the start date you receive 100% back, apart from the $50 administrative fee. Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K) you receive at least 75% of tuition if you withdraw in the first quarter of the program, 50% in the second quarter and 25% in the third quarter, less administrative costs; refunds are paid within 30 days.

The school’s HVAC curriculum prepares you for the federally mandated Universal EPA Certification test and future job placement, and the school helps graduates secure HVAC jobs in Lowell and beyond. The EPA test is taken in week 4 of the course.

HVAC technicians support a sophisticated suite of HVAC products, many of which require skilled on-site installation, and are well-positioned to support a growing number of energy-efficient technologies — the school notes that more advanced HVAC technology and greater consumer demand put HVAC techs in higher demand than ever.

Job assistance. No school can guarantee employment, expected wages or annual salaries. Assistance in job placement includes resume preparation, job postings, interviewing skills and lists of websites for career searches. Successful job placements of students from DTA, Mass Unemployment and ATR are documented and reported to the Department of Transitional Assistance annually.

The facility. The school facility is in a commercial office park, with a small office, a break area, a classroom and a laboratory within 2,300 sq ft. The laboratory contains appliances and training materials for hands-on learning, and desks are provided for theory.

Grading. The school grades on a pass/fail basis. Written assessments include weekly homework, a midterm exam, the EPA test, and a final exam with written and practical evaluation. Satisfactory progress requires 80% attendance and demonstrated proficiency in at least 80% of the skills and knowledge taught, and you will receive a written progress report at the 50% mark.

Attendance. Students are expected to be on time and attend all classes; missed classes are made up before graduation. The final week is dedicated to missed assignments, make-up, or optional topics presented at the students’ request.

Graduation. You must demonstrate proficiency in all key concepts, through practical and written work, to receive the certificate of completion. If you fail a test you get one refresher course in the area of deficiency and may re-demonstrate proficiency at no extra cost.