Best HVAC and Trades Business Courses in 2026 — Ranked & Reviewed

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If you have an HVAC certification, a plumbing license, or an electrical background you are sitting on one of the most valuable blue-collar skill sets available. Trades professionals are in short supply everywhere and homeowners pay premium rates for reliable licensed work. The problem most trades professionals have is not skill — it is knowing how to turn their certification into consistent side income without burning out or stepping on their day job.

We reviewed every major HVAC and trades business course available today so you know exactly which one is worth your money before you buy.


Quick comparison

CoursePriceBest for
HVAC Side Hustle Secrets$199HVAC techs ready to earn on nights and weekends
Residential HVAC Service Pro$249Techs who want to sharpen their diagnostic skills
Plumbing Side Hustle Bootcamp$197Licensed plumbers ready to monetize their off hours

Our top picks


🥇 HVAC Side Hustle Secrets — Best overall

Price: $199 | Creator: HVAC Know It All

HVAC Know It All has built one of the most trusted HVAC education brands online. This course is specifically designed for certified HVAC technicians who want to turn their off hours into serious side income without the complexity of running a full time business.

What’s inside:

  • How to find residential service call clients who pay premium rates for reliable weekend work
  • Pricing your services correctly so you’re making real money after tools and expenses
  • How to handle the most common residential HVAC calls quickly and profitably
  • Marketing your side hustle locally without spending money on advertising
  • Navigating licensing and insurance requirements for side work in your state
  • Building a base of repeat clients who call you first when something breaks

Who it’s for: A certified HVAC technician who wants to earn an extra $1,000–$3,000 per month doing weekend service calls without quitting their day job.

Who it’s NOT for: Someone without an HVAC certification. This course assumes you already have the technical skills and focuses entirely on the business and marketing side.

Our verdict: The best course available for HVAC techs who want to monetize their certification without the complexity of running a full time business. The pricing and client acquisition content alone is worth ten times the cost of the course.

→ Check out HVAC Side Hustle Secrets

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you.


🥈 Residential HVAC Service Pro — Best for sharpening skills

Price: $249 | Creator: AC Service Tech

AC Service Tech has built one of the most respected HVAC education channels online. This course focuses on hands on residential HVAC diagnostics and repair — the kind of real world technical skills that make you faster, more confident, and more profitable on every service call.

What’s inside:

  • Advanced residential HVAC diagnostics — how to find problems fast and fix them right the first time
  • Refrigerant handling and charging procedures
  • Electrical troubleshooting for common HVAC system failures
  • Heat pump diagnostics and repair
  • How to handle the most profitable residential service calls confidently
  • Documentation and record keeping for side work clients

Who it’s for: An HVAC technician who wants to sharpen their technical skills to handle a wider range of residential service calls more confidently and profitably.

Our verdict: The best technical skills course in this niche. AC Service Tech’s reputation for clear practical instruction is well earned and this course will make you a faster and more profitable technician on every job you take.

→ Check out Residential HVAC Service Pro

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you.


🥉 Plumbing Side Hustle Bootcamp — Best for licensed plumbers

Price: $197 | Creator: Plumbing & HVAC SEO

If you are a licensed plumber this course shows you exactly how to turn your off hours into $2,000–$5,000 per month doing weekend drain cleaning, fixture installation, and basic repair work for homeowners who need reliable licensed help fast.

What’s inside:

  • How to find weekend plumbing clients who pay premium rates for fast reliable service
  • The most profitable residential plumbing jobs to focus on as a side hustler
  • Pricing your services correctly for maximum profit on every job
  • Marketing your plumbing side hustle locally without spending money on ads
  • Handling licensing and insurance requirements for side work
  • Building a base of repeat clients who call you first for every plumbing issue

Who it’s for: A licensed plumber who wants to earn serious extra income on nights and weekends without the overhead of running a full time plumbing business.

Our verdict: Plumbing is one of the highest paying trades and weekend plumbing side work is one of the most lucrative opportunities on this entire site. This course gives licensed plumbers a clear system for monetizing their skills without burning out.

→ Check out Plumbing Side Hustle Bootcamp

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you.


What to look for in an HVAC or trades course

It assumes you already have your certification or license. The best side hustle courses in the trades are not technical training courses — they are business and marketing courses designed for people who already have the skills and want to monetize them.

It covers licensing and insurance for side work. Working outside your day job comes with legal and insurance considerations that vary by state. A good course addresses these so you stay protected.

It covers pricing. Most trades professionals dramatically undercharge when they start taking side work. A good course teaches you exactly what to charge so you’re making real money on every job.

It covers client acquisition. Finding reliable clients who pay on time is the hardest part of running any side hustle. A good course teaches you how to build a base of repeat clients who call you first.


Frequently asked questions

How much can you make doing HVAC side work?

Most HVAC technicians charge $75–$150 per hour for residential service calls plus parts. Someone doing 10–15 hours of side work per week can make $3,000–$6,000 per month in extra income. Emergency calls and after hours work command even higher rates.

Do I need my own license to do HVAC side work?

Requirements vary by state. In most states you need to be licensed or work under a licensed contractor to do HVAC work for pay. Check your state’s licensing requirements before you start taking side work clients.

How do I find HVAC side work clients?

The fastest methods are word of mouth from friends and family, posting on Nextdoor and Facebook, and setting up a Google Business Profile. Many HVAC techs also get referrals from real estate agents and property managers who need reliable technicians for their listings and rental properties.

Is HVAC side work legal while working a full time job?

In most cases yes but check your employment contract first. Some employers have non-compete clauses that restrict side work in the same trade. Always read your contract and consult a local attorney if you are unsure.