HVAC books

The best NATE textbooks

How to pick the best HVAC books for your NATE course

Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay

The best NATE textbooks

How to pick the best HVAC books for your NATE course

Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay

Text Stephen Peters January 21 2020, updated February 4 2020

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification program is intended to produce the best technicians possible for the HVAC industry. Choosing the best books for the basic and core tests as well as the service speciality tests can be a challenge, so we present a recommended reading list tailored to the NATE tests.

Disclosure: This and other pages on this site contain affiliate links which may pay us a commission should you make a purchase after following a link. This is partly how this site is funded and does not cost you anything extra on the items you buy.

Ready to work certificate

The ready to work test is intended to give complete beginners a rudimentary introduction HVAC to topics. Technicians with some experience will want to skip this test and go straight to the HVAC support technician certificate. The ready to work study guide is available as a print book, however a PDF of this is included in the test pack which you will need to purchase anyway to take the test. We recommend just purchasing the test pack itself and not buying the book separately.

Disclosure: This and other pages on this site contain affiliate links which may pay us a commission should you make a purchase after following a link. This is partly how this site is funded and does not cost you anything extra on the items you buy.

Ready to Work Study Guide, 1st edition

The NATE Ready to Work Study Guide is part of the entry level online certification that is the first part of the NATE HVACR technicians course. The guide is available as a free download with the purchase of the online exam, but is offered in a print version as well. The guide introduces the HVACR novice to some fundamental concepts so that they can then begin the NATE training course. A Spanish version of this guide is also available.

Responsive image
Publisher NATEX
Published December 30 2015
Format Paperback

NATE HVAC support technician

Fundamental Refrigeration, 1st edition

Author George Gunter

Fundamental refrigeration is intended to be an initial introduction to students who are not familiar with HVAC systems. The text keeps theory and mathematics to a minimum for easy access to the basic refrigeration concepts but covers much of the information EPA section 608 students must learn. Although the book does not cover the full scope of the EPA tests it is useful as an introduction to HVAC topics. In the book R-22 refrigerant in high pressure systems is used for the examples which should be useful for all of the tests. As the book is now over a decade old the price for a new copy on Amazon is now reasonable which is why we are recommending it.

Responsive image
Publisher ESCO institute
Published March 01 2007
ISBN 9781930044234
Pages 170
Format Paperback
Read sample chapters:
Chapter 1

HVAC Support Technician Study Guide, 1st edition

The NATE HVAC Technician Study Guide is part of the intermediate level certification that is the first part of the NATE HVACR technicians course. The guide introduces some of the topics of the main NATE course at a more fundamental level so that technicians can then begin the full NATE training course. A Spanish version of this guide is also available.

Responsive image
Publisher NATEX
Published December 30 2015
Format Paperback

NATE core certification

HVAC Support Technician Study Guide, 1st edition

The NATE HVAC Technician Study Guide is part of the intermediate level certification that is the first part of the NATE HVACR technicians course. The guide introduces some of the topics of the main NATE course at a more fundamental level so that technicians can then begin the full NATE training course. A Spanish version of this guide is also available.

Responsive image
Publisher NATEX
Published December 30 2015
Format Paperback

Preparing For The NATE Exam: Core Essentials, 1st edition

First in a series of books aimed at HVAC technicians studying for the NATE exams this title covers the core exam. Published by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) the book covers some of the basic knowledge technicians need before moving onto more in depth topics. As this is an introductory text students will need to supplement this book with further reading.

Responsive image
Publisher RSES
Published September 01 2010
ISBN 9781616071165
Pages 218
Format Paperback

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 21st edition

Author Andrew D. Althouse, Carl H. Turnquist, A.F. Bracciano, D.C. Bracciano, and G.M. Bracciano

Intended to be the standard textbook for HVAC students Modern Refrigeration and Air conditioning covers all topics in an easy to understand way. The 20th edition was updated to include a new careers chapter as well as a safety chapter. It also has many technical updates including 300 new illustrations.

Responsive image
Publisher Goodheart-Willcox
Published August 29 2019
ISBN 9781635638776
Pages 1604
Format Paperback
Read sample chapters:
Chapter 17 Chapter 32

Fundamentals of HVACR, 3rd edition

Author Carter Stanfield, David Skaves

This is one of the few HVACR textbooks that should be considered a standard work for HVAC students and technicians. Almost everyone starting in the field should have a copy. The publisher claims it is comprehensive enough to be used as the basis for a full HVACR course. This third updated edition now includes chapters on electrical troubleshooting, mini-split, multi-split and variable refrigerant flow systems, and motor controls. Sections on digital gauges, nitrogen brazing, and confined space safety have been expanded.

Responsive image
Publisher Pearson
Published January 17 2016
ISBN 9780134016160
Pages 1552
Format Paperback

Guide to NATE/ICE Certification Exams, 3rd edition

Author Robert Featherstone, Jesse Riojas

Aimed at people studying for the NATE/ICE exams this book contains in depth material covering these qualifications as well as over 2500 questions and answers. Divided into two sections, the first is a study guide for HVAC topics covered under the ICE exam. The second part contains the 2500 questions about the material in the first part.

Responsive image
Publisher Pearson
Published January 07 2018
ISBN 9780132319706
Pages 416
Format Paperback

HVAC Licensing Study Guide, 3rd edition

Author Rex Miller, Mark R. Miller

Covering ARI, NATE, ICE and RSES qualifications this book provides a large amount of information and over 800 practice questions with answers provided. The authors are both Industrial Technology professors teaching technical curriculums. The third edition was well overdue as the previous edition was showing its age. Unfortunately the material in the book does not seem to have been updated for this new edition. All of the photographs and illustrations in the book are black and white with many being poorly reproduced compared with other HVAC textbooks. Students referring to this book will not find any content covering the many industry developments during the last decade.

Responsive image
Publisher McGraw Hill
Published January 03 2018
ISBN 9781260116007
Pages 496
Format Paperback

Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning, 2nd edition

Author Russell E. Smith

First published in 1978 this classic HVAC textbook has been continuously updated by Russell E. Smith and the tenth edition is now available. HVAC technicians must be extremely familiar with all aspects of electrical systems used in the field as they form such a large part of real world work. Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning expands on previous editions by adding new material on digital meters, brushless DC motors, WiFi thermostats, control systems, and more practice problems.

Responsive image
Publisher Cengage
Published January 01 2018
ISBN 9781337399128
Pages 720
Format Hardback

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 9th edition

Author Eugene Silberstein, Jason Obrzut, John Tomczyk, Bill Whitman, Bill Johnson

In every technical field there are a few textbooks that become all time classics that everyone in the field either does or should own. This is one of those books for people working with HVAC equipment. This is a book to keep once you have gained your certification as it will be a useful reference when you are working.

Responsive image
Publisher Cengage
Published January 01 2020
ISBN 9780357122273
Pages 1728
Format Hardback

The Complete HVAC Lab Manual, 10th edition

Author Eugene Silberstein, Jason Obrzut

Written to help instructors teach students the material in a technician certification course. The book contains over 250 lab exercises so you can practice your knowledge of the course material before the tests. Now in a new tenth edition this book is worth buying to make sure you are really familiar with the HVAC subjects you have studied. Please note this book is a lab workbook and not a textbook. It contains tests and lab exercises and is intended to be used alongside a textbook in a classroom setting.

Responsive image
Publisher Cengage
Published August 10 2018
ISBN 9781337399388
Pages 832
Format Paperback

Heat Pump Operation, Installation, Service, 1st edition

Author Randy F. Petit, Sr., Turner L. Collins

Heat pumps are clearly an area of HVACR that all technicians will need a very strong understanding of to pass tests and then work in the field. This book is an introductory text for students beginning their training and contains a good overview in each chapter with question pages which can be torn from the spiral bound book for grading by a tutor. Technicians will need to supplement their study with other works as this book does not provide enough detail for a full understanding of each topic.

Responsive image
Publisher ESCO institute
Published November 01 2011
ISBN 9781930044296
Pages 124
Format Paperback
Read sample chapters:
10 sections

Electrical Theory and Application for HVACR, 1st edition

Author Turner L. Collins, Earl Delatte, Randy F. Petit, Sr.

When you consider that the majority of HVACR service work has an electrical problem as the root cause it is perhaps unsurprising that most major HVAC publishers have an electrical textbook. ESCO are one of the largest EPA testing organizations in the country and Electrical Theory and Application for HVACR is their version of the HVAC electrical textbook. Aimed at the beginner rather than the advanced student this book contains chapters with test questions covering the basic electrical knowledge you will need.

Responsive image
Publisher ESCO institute
Published January 01 2013
ISBN 9781930044326
Pages 143
Format Spiralbound
Read sample chapters:
Chapter 1
post_fold_ad

NATE installation specialities

Preparing for the NATE Exam: Gas and Oil Heating, 1st edition

Part of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society NATE preparation series this training manual is aimed at technicians studying for both the installation and service exams. This book is an introductory test and should be supplemented with further reading to pass the text. A good staring point for the novice technician.

Responsive image
Publisher RSES
Published September 01 2010
ISBN 9781616071646
Pages 134
Format Paperback

Preparing For The NATE Exam: Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps, 1st edition

Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps is one of a series of training manuals by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society designed to help HVAC technicians pass the NATE exams. This book covers the air conditioning installation exam and may be of use with the service specialities exam. This is an introductory test and should be supplemented with further reading material.

Responsive image
Publisher RSES
Published September 01 2010
ISBN 9781616071172
Pages 200
Format Paperback

Residential Construction Academy HVAC, 2nd edition

Author Eugene Silberstein

Written by the prolific HVAC author Eugene Silberstein this book is a detailed look at installing HVAC systems in a residential setting. Each of the very detailed chapters is well written and illustrated and ends with a series of review questions at the chapter end. This is an extremely useful book which many technicians choose to keep after they have become certified. While the book does not cover any of the newer refrigerants as it was published in 2011 the information inside is fundamental to HVAC installation practice and still useful today. Recommended.

Responsive image
Publisher Cengage
Published May 12 2011
ISBN 9781439056349
Pages 608
Format Hardback

HVAC and Refrigeration Systems, 1st edition

Author Ronnie J. Auvil

A solid technical reference for technicians working on residential and light commercial systems. The main focus of the textbook is to provide an understanding of the procedures for installing, servicing, and troubleshooting all residential and light commercial HVAC systems. The Author Ron Auvil also writes for HVAC News and is a technical contributor for Fluke Corporation, having worked for the Pentagon, The University of South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Gulfstream Aircraft, Boeing, and NASA.

Responsive image
Publisher American technical publishers
Published September 27 2013
ISBN 9780826907851
Pages 1289
Format Hardback
Read sample chapters:
Unit 40

HVAC Control Systems, 1st edition

Author Ronnie J. Auvil

Clearly written with many great diagrams and pictures this book should be on the shelf of any HVAC trainee technician. Intended to be an introductory text for students the author adds in clearly explained new concepts as the reader progresses through the book. Each chapter ends with a series of review questions to ensure you have fully understood the material.

Responsive image
Publisher American technical publishers
Published June 30 2017
ISBN 9780826907790
Pages 576
Format Hardback

NATE service specialities

Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians, 3rd edition

Author Dick Wirz

This 3rd edition of Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians is perfect for the experienced technician starting work in the food service industry. It helps you use your existing knowledge to work on medium and low temperature food service refrigeration equipment. New in this edition is a much expanded chapter on Supermarket Refrigeration as well as additions to the chapters on Compressors, Controls and Accessories, and Troubleshooting. Highly recommended.

Responsive image
Publisher Cengage
Published January 15 2017
ISBN 9781305506435
Pages 432
Format Hardback
Read sample chapters:
Chapter 6

Heat pumps, 2nd edition

Author Eugene Silberstein

Covering air source, water source, and geothermal heating pump technology Heat Pumps is written by one of the authors of the popular Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology. The second edition contains information on green building code as well as fifteen chapters on troubleshooting.

Responsive image
Publisher Cengage
Published July 20 2015
ISBN 9781305081635
Pages 662
Format Hardback
Read sample chapters:
Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 18

Preparing for the NATE Exam: Hydronics, 1st edition

Covering both the oil and gas fired NATE hydronics exams this book in the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society NATE preparation series is for technicians studying for the service specialities exam.

Responsive image
Publisher RSES
Published September 01 2009
ISBN 9781616071820
Pages 146
Format Paperback

Preparing For The NATE Exam: Air Distribution, 1st edition

One of a series of training manuals by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society for the NATE Air Distribution exam in the service specialities section. This book introduces technicians to air distribution systems for oil & gas furnaces as well as air conditioning and heat pumps. Duct system fabrication and installation are covered as well as design considerations and testing.

Responsive image
Publisher RSES
Published September 01 2010
ISBN 9781616071370
Pages 152
Format Paperback

Preparing for the NATE Exam: Commercial Refrigeration, 1st edition

Published by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) this book covers the Commercial Refrigeration exam in the NATE Service Specialities test. This book is an introductory text for students starting their studies for this exam. Technicians will need to supplement this book with the additional materials specified in the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATE) for the exam.

Responsive image
Publisher RSES
Published April 20 2015
ISBN 9781616072025
Pages 264
Format Paperback