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There’s certainly no shortage of HVAC books out there. Whether you’re wrenching your first vent cover or starting your own HVAC business, the right book can sharpen your skills, improve your confidence, and even transform your career trajectory. That might mean landing a promotion, stepping into a new role, or increasing your HVAC technician salary.
So, with thousands of options (literally) to choose from, how do you know which ones are actually worth your time?
Well, short of going through them one by one (hello, trial, error, and wasted time), it’s tough to determine the right fit on your own. That’s where this guide comes in.
Here, we round up the most valuable, practical, and business-smart HVAC books out there. From hands-on troubleshooting to exam prep, system design to scaling your HVAC company, every book here earns its spot.
These Are The Best HVAC Books for Beginners
1. HVAC Bible for Beginners 2025 by Samuel Corbyn
This is a beginner-friendly guide that covers the basics of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It includes step-by-step explanations, system component breakdowns, and tips on energy efficiency. It’s an outstanding resource for both homeowners and aspiring technicians who want to understand HVAC basics, especially with updates on smart home tech and renewable energy.
Price: $24.99
2. The Complete HVAC BIBLE for Beginners by Stanley Huber
This book is a practical pick for hands-on learners. It covers the nuts and bolts of HVAC installation, diagnostics, and maintenance. It balances theoretical knowledge with real-world examples from both residential and commercial settings, making it a versatile entry point for those entering the trade.
Price: $19.95
3. HVAC for Beginners: Empowering Your Career in Heating and Air Conditioning by Andrew McCreadie
McCreadie goes beyond the basic principles of technical training. He covers the soft skills, mindset, and career planning necessary to thrive in the HVAC field, too. So, if you’re just starting out, this book can be equal parts motivational and technical, especially if you’re working on building your in-demand HVAC skills for the field.
Price: $19.99
Top HVAC Certification & Exam Prep Books
4. HVAC Study Guide 2025 by Colton K. Falcon
Designed for aspiring techs preparing for certification exams, this book lives up to its “study guide” name. It covers essential HVAC components, including up-to-date standards, diagrams, and practice questions. It’s a valuable resource for exam confidence and mastery of HVAC fundamentals.
Price: $16.55
5. The Guide to the NATE-ICE Certification Exams by Robert Featherstone
Packed with more than 2,400 practice questions, this book offers a comprehensive deep dive into what you can expect during the NATE and ICE exams. It breaks down key topics and question types, helping you feel better prepared to earn your industry credentials.
Price: $80.70
6. ESCO Institute Section 608 Certification Exam Preparatory Manual
This book is an official prep guide tailored for EPA Section 608 certification, a must-have for anyone handling refrigerants. It explains safety protocols, refrigerant properties, and federal regulations, and includes practice tests to measure progress.
Price: $19.95
Best HVAC Troubleshooting & Diagnostics Books
7. HVAC Troubleshooting Guide by Rex Miller
This go-to manual addresses everyday problems techs encounter on the job. Think electric heating systems, mechanical breakdowns, and other similar mishaps. This book has you covered, using diagrams and real-world examples to walk you through fast and effective fixes.
Price: $14.17
8. System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures by John Tomczyk
Tomczyk’s book levels up the troubleshooting game, covering more advanced topics such as airflow diagnostics, refrigerant cycle malfunctions, and system efficiency issues. It’s full of case studies and hands-on techniques for the experienced tech.
Price: $42.95
Best Books for Learning HVAC Systems & Fundamentals
9. Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by Andrew D. Althouse
This textbook, a staple in HVAC education, offers clear instruction on everything from system components to EPA compliance. It’s set up for step-by-step learning, making it a valuable must-have for students and apprentices.
Price: $162.87
10. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology by John Tomczyk
With a whopping 1,600+ pages, this volume is remarkably detailed. It’s perfect for deep-diving into HVAC and refrigeration concepts. It combines theoretical learning with service and repair techniques, making it a valuable resource in formal training programs or as a reference when comparing the best HVAC systems available today.
Price: $186.81
11. HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb by Arthur Bell & W. Larsen Angel
This field manual is full of updated formulas, data tables, and quick-reference charts for easy day-to-day use. It’s a handy resource for HVAC pros on the go, offering easily accessible information for on-the-job calculations and system design decisions.
Price: $73.48
Best HVAC Books for Engineers & Advanced Technicians
12. ASHRAE Handbook Series
This four-volume set is the gold standard in HVAC engineering. It’s updated every year with the latest research, codes, and practices. Covering control systems, applications, refrigeration, and fundamentals, it’s indispensable for HVAC design and consulting engineers.
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Price: $285
13. HVAC Design Sourcebook by W. Larsen Angel
This design-centric guide walks you through planning and specifying HVAC systems for commercial and residential buildings. It focuses on indoor air quality, sustainability, and mechanical layout documentation.
Price: $32.33
Best HVAC Business & Contractor Books
14. HVAC Spells Wealth by Ron Smith
In this book, Smith outlines proven strategies to grow a profitable HVAC company. It covers everything from flat-rate pricing to customer service systems to technician training, serving as a comprehensive resources look at what it takes to scale a residential HVAC business.
Price: $211.49
15. The E-Myth HVAC Contractor By Michael E. Gerber and Ken Goodrich
A must-read for business owners, this book adapts the E-Myth framework to the HVAC industry. It teaches contractors how to transition from working in their business to working on it, complete with actionable advice for creating well-performing systems and efficient teams.
Price: $33.57
16. Build and Grow Your HVAC Business by Greg McAfee
McAfee shares his personal journey of turning a one-man shop into a multimillion-dollar company in this read. It’s full of practical advice designed to help you scale your company, featuring valuable tidbits on marketing, leadership, customer service, and building a team with values.
Price: $18.30
Honorable Mentions: Niche & Specialty HVAC Books
17. The HVAC Troubleshooting Guide – Solving Common Problems
This manual takes a systematic approach to resolving HVAC issues. It’s full of practical flowcharts and maintenance checklists that help you iron out the problem. It’s great for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking for a quick reference.
Price: $14.17
18. Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians By Dick Wirz
Wirz bridges the gap between HVAC and refrigeration systems with this guide. It focuses on serving commercial units like walk-ins and display cases, featuring diagnostics tailored for food service applications.
Price: $120.40
19. ACCA Technical Manuals
Produced by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), these manuals are a must-have for code-compliant system design. They address load calculations, duct sizing, and equipment selection for both residential and commercial environments.
Price: Varies by manual
20. 2025 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator by Craftsman Book Company
This estimator includes cost breakdowns for materials and labor in plumbing in HVAC. It’s an excellent tool for contractors and estimates in project planning. As a bonus, it includes access to a digital estimating tool, making planning bids and managing project budgets even easier.
Price: $59.13-$118.25
Bonus: Ultimate Guide to Running a Profitable HVAC Company (Digital eBook) By Housecall Pro
This free digital guide is designed to help you build and scale your HVAC business with confidence. It’s full of handy information, covering things like business planning, marketing, insurance, and even choosing the right HVAC software to make operations easier. If you’re looking to future-proof and grow your business, it’s a worthwhile read.
Grab a copy: Download the Free eBook
Final Thoughts on Building Your HVAC Library
No matter where you are in your HVAC journey—fresh out of trade school, studying for your next certification, or building a business from scratch—the right book can sharpen your skills and open new doors. The titles on this list aren’t just paper and ink. They’re tools: tools for troubleshooting smarter, estimating faster, designing cleaner systems, and leading stronger teams.
And when you combine knowledge with the right tech, like HVAC software that automates your day-to-day and AI-powered solutions, you multiply your efficiency and deliver the kind of service that earns loyalty.
So keep building. Keep learning through on-the-job experiences, HVAC magazines, and books. And if you’re ready to grow smarter, not harder, Housecall Pro has your back, whether you’re estimating jobs, scheduling techs, or turning your first profit into your next milestone.
