Description of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade

“Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Occupational titles
Title NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark     Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic           Check Mark              
Refrigeration Mechanic         Check Mark         Check Mark      
Refrigeration System         Check Mark                
Refrigeration System - Class 1         Check Mark                

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, service, and decommission residential, commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems. They also connect to and service air delivery systems, install and service hydronic and secondary refrigerant systems and associated controls. Their duties include laying out reference points for installation, assembling and installing components, installing wiring and cabling, to connect components and equipment to an electric power supply and calibrating related controls. They also measure, cut, bend, thread and connect pipe to functional components and utilities.

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics maintain and service systems by inspecting and testing components, brazing or soldering parts to repair defective joints, adjusting and replacing worn or defective components and reassembling repaired components and systems. As part of service and commissioning, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics start up, test, charge, adjust, calibrate, balance, measure, verify maintain and document systems.

In addition to their regular duties, some mechanics may also prepare work estimates and design systems for clients.

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work with a range of tools and equipment including hand, power, charging, diagnostic and measuring, hoisting and rigging, and recovery and recycling tools and equipment.

They may be employed by heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors and manufacturers, property owners, retail establishments, and institutional and public sector employers. They also may be self-employed. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may work on systems and units in office buildings, restaurants, food and beverage processing plants, ice arenas, supermarkets, hospitals, the  marine and   mining sectors as well as bio-medical, scientific and research and development fields. They may also work on refrigerated trucks, automotive air conditioning systems, box cars and appliances.

In some jurisdictions, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may be required to work on fuel-fired equipment and therefore may require additional licencing.

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work in various locations such as rooftops, mechanical rooms and computer rooms. The work may be performed indoors or outdoors year round and may require extensive travelling. Much of the work is performed independently.

Inherent risks in this trade include working at heights and in confined spaces, and working with compressed gases, flammable and toxic materials, and utilities such as electrical and hazardous chemicals. Hazardous work environments and weather conditions are also factors. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics must be aware of the physical demands and potential for personal injury when performing tasks.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are strong client service, writing, oral communication and problem solving skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to be independent and self-directed. Coordination and manual dexterity are also important, as are mechanical and mathematical abilities. Good physical condition and the strength to lift heavy components are also valuable.

This standard recognizes similarities and overlaps with the work of steamfitters/pipefitters, plumbers, gasfitters, sheet metal workers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), electricians, instrumentation and control technicians, riggers and stationary engineers.

With experience, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may act as mentors and trainers of apprentices in the trade. They may also become specialized in one area of the trade, advance to supervisory positions or become instructors.