Join the California Heat Pump Revolution
With California pushing to install 6 million heat pumps by 2030 – and already falling behind – contractors and HVAC professionals have a massive opportunity.
005 Heat Pump Water Heating – Provided by AO Smith and HVACRedu.net
Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient type of electric water heater and are required under NAECA III for some applications. Heat pump water heaters are easy to install, but do require management of the condensation produced. Heat pump water heaters have built-in diagnostics to make troubleshooting easier. Most problems can be diagnosed with the built-in diagnostics and a multi-meter.
This comprehensive workshop is provided free of charge. It includes video modules that we recommend watching in order. At the end of this course, there is a certification test. Upon passing with a 70% on the test, you will be able to download your certificate in PDF form.
135 Heat Pumps (21 hours/365 days to complete) Advanced
An introduction to reverse-cycle heat pumps used in residential and light commercial applications. The course covers components and operational differences of a heat pump vs. a straight air conditioning system, troubleshooting, and solutions. Instruction aligns with ACCA Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards.
Recommended Prerequisites: You will want to have a strong working knowledge of basic HVACR fundamentals prior to enrollment into this advanced course. This course includes e-textbook reading assignments from Cengage’s “Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technology” 7th edition.
137 HVACR Geothermal Heat Pump Systems (18 Instructional hours/365 days to complete) Advanced
You will gain an introduction to geothermal heat pumps as one of the most efficient heating and cooling technologies available today.The course focuses on geothermal (water source) heat pumps utilized for residential and light commercial applications.
Recommended Prerequisites: You will want to have a strong working knowledge of basic HVACR fundamentals and a good understanding of the refrigeration cycle prior to enrollment into this advanced course. This course includes e-textbook reading assignments from Cengage’s “Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technology” 7th edition.
195 Residential Heat Pump Water Heating (12 Instructional hours / 365 days to complete)
This course will explore the policy drivers that are pushing the integration of residential heat pump water heating (RHPWH) systems and highlights the economic, energy, and environmental advantages of heat pump water heater systems for residential projects.
We will discuss how each component of a RHPWH operates, including essential design and code considerations for installation. Best practices for maintaining each component to ensure the efficiency and longevity of a RHPWH system will be covered.
235 High Performance Heat Pumps (30 Instructional hours. 365 days to complete)
This advanced level, ten-module series is designed for experienced HVACR technicians, or those who have completed an educational program in HVACR. The 235 course focuses upon introducing the HVACR technician to high performance heat pumps, and equips you with the knowledge to master modern heat pump systems, from initial cost analysis to advanced diagnostics.
Completion of this course prepares you for a “DOE Energy Skilled” exam.
295 Commercial Heat Pump Water Heating (24 Instructional hours. 365 days to complete)
This course will explore the policy drivers that are pushing the integration of commercial heat pump water heating (CHPWH) systems and highlights the economic, energy, and environmental advantages of heat pump water heater systems for commercial and multifamily projects.
We will discuss how each component of a CHPWH operates, including essential design and code considerations for installation. Best practices for maintaining each component to ensure the efficiency and longevity of a CHPWH system will be covered. Heat pump installation and operation specifics for various CHPWH manufacturers are presented.
423 Commercial Water Source Heat Pumps (18 Instructional hours / 365 days to complete)
Many commercial buildings today use Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP) to meet their heating and cooling needs. These unique systems can be all electric energy and meet emissions regulations by not using fossil fuel systems for heating.
The operation and designs of these Water Source Heat Pumps are unique. Any technician working in commercial buildings must have a basic understanding of these systems. This course is designed to equip commercial HVAC technicians in maintaining and troubleshooting these systems.
Installers and Techs Are In High Demand
With California pushing to install 6 million heat pumps by 2030 – and already falling behind – contractors and HVAC professionals have a massive opportunity.
California has made a bold commitment: 6 million heat pump installations by 2030.
It’s one of the largest clean energy goals in the nation—and it’s already behind schedule.
As of late 2024, the state had just 1.9 million heat pumps installed. At the current pace, projections show only 4 million will be in place by 2030—a shortfall of 2 million units. That’s not just a climate concern—it’s a workforce opportunity.
Why Heat Pumps Are Booming
Driven by statewide decarbonization goals and supported by federal and local funding, California is pushing to replace fossil-fuel heating systems with high-efficiency, all-electric heat pumps for both space and water heating. Unlike traditional gas systems, heat pumps use electricity to move heat, making them cleaner and more efficient.
State programs are offering millions in incentives, especially to low-income and disadvantaged communities. New building codes are prioritizing heat pump installations in new construction and commercial retrofits. And now, the industry needs a trained workforce to install and maintain this new generation of HVAC technology.
But There’s a Problem: Not Enough Skilled Workers
The California Heat Pump Partnership (CAHPP) has identified major workforce gaps that threaten progress:
That’s why CAHPP launched a statewide Workforce Advisory Council to guide training initiatives, and it’s why training providers like us are stepping up.
The Opportunity: Get Trained, Get Ahead
California’s HVAC industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. Technicians and contractors who understand heat pump technology will be in high demand for years to come.
Our Heat Pump Training Programs Cover:
Whether you’re a contractor, a technician looking to upskill, or a workforce program looking to expand your offerings—we have targeted solutions that align with California’s decarbonization goals and CAHPP’s workforce strategies.
Be a Part of the Solution
The heat pump market is growing fast—and so is the need for skilled professionals.
Explore our selection of industry-aligned heat pump courses and become part of California’s clean energy future. From residential retrofits to large-scale commercial systems, there’s no shortage of work ahead.