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.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, service and retrofit 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. They install, repair and maintain systems for climate control and air quality. 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 piping and tubing to functional components and utilities.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics maintain and service systems by inspecting and testing system and electrical components, and brazing, soldering and connecting mechanical fittings during installation or repairs. As part of service and commissioning, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics start up, test, charge, adjust, calibrate, balance, measure, verify, maintain and document systems. They retrofit equipment with new energy efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems using advanced electronic controls. They also retrofit HVAC/R systems with newer refrigerants and refrigerant oils.
In addition to their regular duties, some refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may also prepare work estimates, source and order parts and materials, and design systems for clients.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work with a range of tools and equipment including hand, power, measuring, hoisting and rigging, charging, recovery, electrical and diagnostic.
They may be employed by HVAC/R 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 housing, office buildings, restaurants, food and beverage, processing plants, ice rinks and arenas, supermarkets, hospitals, marine, aviation and mining sectors as well as bio-medical, scientific, research and development fields. They may also work on refrigerated transport trucks and trailers, automotive air conditioning systems, railcars 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 residential, industrial, commercial and institutional spaces, rooftops, mechanical rooms, computer rooms and laboratories. 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, working with compressed gases, flammable and hazardous materials, chemicals and electricity. 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.
People entering this trade should have key attributes such as strong client service, writing, communication and problem-solving skills, attention to 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 some similarities with the work of steamfitters/pipefitters, plumbers, gasfitters, oil heat system technicians, 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 trainers.