Choosing a study book for the HVAC and electrical trades comes down to more than just the subject. You also have to weigh the condition of the copy, the format, and the price you want to pay. The four titles here span that range: two lower-price books focused on electrical fundamentals, one revised electronics course, and one brand-new HVAC training course. Here's how they compare at their listed prices and how to match each one to your study goals.
Quick take
The Audel Electrical Course for Apprentices and Journeymen is the lowest-priced option at USD 14.99, with the Basic Electricity Complete Course close behind at USD 15.80. Basic Solid-State Electronics is listed in very good condition at USD 24.24. The only brand-new title in the group is the HVAC Training Course with Certification by Charles Nehme at USD 50.13. In short, you can spend less for a used electrical fundamentals book or pay more for a new HVAC-specific course.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Electricity (5 Vols. in 1) | USD 15.80 | |
| Basic Solid-State Electronics (5 Vols. in 1) | USD 24.24 | |
| HVAC Training Course with Certification | USD 50.13 | |
| Audel Electrical Course for Apprentices and Journeymen | USD 14.99 |
Decision matrix at a glance
| Product | Consider this if | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Electricity (5 Vols. in 1) | You want a broad single-volume electrical fundamentals course at a lower listed price. | The condition is acceptable, and the description notes possible signs of use or missing accessories. |
| Basic Solid-State Electronics (5 Vols. in 1) | You want a revised, very good condition introduction to solid-state electronics. | It covers solid-state electronics rather than general electrical or HVAC topics. |
| HVAC Training Course with Certification | You want a brand-new HVAC-specific training book with certification in the title. | It carries the highest listed price in this set. |
| Audel Electrical Course for Apprentices and Journeymen | You want an affordable, good-condition electrical course aimed at apprentices and journeymen. | It is a used good copy, so it may not include supplemental items. |
Product notes
Basic Electricity: Complete Course, Volumes 1-5 in 1 - Paperback - ACCEPTABLE
At USD 15.80, this is one of the two most affordable choices in the group. The trade paperback by Van Valkenburg bundles all five volumes of the Complete Course into one book, so you get a wide electrical fundamentals curriculum without buying multiple books. The catch is the condition: the description says acceptable, which can mean liquid damage, filled-in answers, or missing CDs, DVDs, access codes, or other components. If you can work with that, the price is hard to argue with for a single-volume basics course. If you prefer a cleaner copy, it may not be the right one.
Basic Solid-State Electronics, Complete Course (5 Vols. in 1) - paperback Va
This revised trade paperback is listed in very good condition at USD 24.24. The author credit includes Van Valkenburgh and Nooger and Neville Staff, and the title says it's a complete five-volume course in one book. It's a practical next step after a basic electricity course if your focus is solid-state electronics. The trade-off is that the material is specific to solid-state electronics rather than covering the full electrical trades or HVAC service topics. Also, the very good condition note allows for minimal underlining or highlighting, so it may not be a pristine copy.
HVAC Training Course with Certification by Charles Nehme Paperback Book
Priced at USD 50.13, this is the highest listed price in the comparison, and it's the only copy listed as brand new. The author is Charles Nehme, and the title directly says "with Certification," so it presents itself as a certification-oriented HVAC course. The description describes a structured path that starts with fundamental principles and moves through practical applications, making it a reasonable choice if you want a single new book devoted to HVAC rather than electrical fundamentals. The main limitation is the price: at USD 50.13, you're paying the highest listed price for the new condition and HVAC-specific scope.
Audel Electrical Course for Apprentices and Journeymen - Paperback - GOOD
This is the most affordable listed option at USD 14.99. The 4th edition is part of the Audel Technical Trades Series, with author Paul Rosenberg, and the title targets both apprentices and journeymen. That makes it a sensible low-cost first book if you're preparing for a structured electrical course. The condition is listed as good, and the description notes that textbooks may not include supplemental items such as CDs or access codes. So while the price is attractive, you should be comfortable with a used good copy that may not have all extras.
Final recommendation by use case
Choose the Audel Electrical Course for Apprentices and Journeymen if you want the lowest listed price and your goal is an electrical trades foundation. Choose Basic Electricity if you want a low-cost single-volume fundamentals course and can accept an acceptable-condition copy. Choose Basic Solid-State Electronics if your study plan moves toward electronics and you want a revised, very good condition book. Choose the HVAC Training Course with Certification if you need a brand-new HVAC-specific text and the higher listed price fits your budget.
