7313 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group.
Profile
Index of titles
Example titles
Air conditioning and heating mechanic
Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic
Apprentice refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
Central air conditioner installer
Central air conditioner repairer
Central air conditioning installer
Central air conditioning mechanic
Central air conditioning repairer
Central air conditioning servicer
Commercial air conditioning mechanic
Commercial refrigeration mechanic
Heating and air conditioning mechanic
Heating and cooling mechanic
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
Hydronics technician
Journeyman/woman refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic (non-construction)
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
Refrigeration and mechanical technician
Refrigeration mechanic
Refrigeration mechanic apprentice
Refrigeration system installer
Refrigeration technician
Transport refrigeration mechanic
Transport refrigeration technician
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications
Measure and lay out reference points for installation
Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools
Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices
Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies
May prepare work estimates for clients.
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick and Alberta.
Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Exclusions
Domestic refrigerator or window air conditioner servicers and repairers (in 7332 Appliance servicers and repairers)
Supervisors of refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (in 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)