What Does a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Do?

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install and service domestic, commercial, or industrial refrigeration and air conditioning units and systems. They connect equipment to ductwork, refrigerant lines and electrical power sources. They install air and water filters and electrical wiring to compressor and circulatory fans, and test lines to detect leaks and adjust controls for optimum performance. When equipment breaks down, they repair or replace the controls, electric wiring, or other parts.

Job-Related Skills, Values and Interests

  • reading and interpreting blueprints, design specifications and written instructions
  • using hand and power tools in order to install equipment in homes, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and anywhere where cooling systems are operating
  • measuring, marking and laying out an area where equipment is to be installed
  • detecting why equipment or systems are not working, and fixing it
  • adapting and applying knowledge of cooling systems to a variety of situations
  • working independently or as part of a team to get the job done within deadlines
  • communicating and interacting effectively with co-workers and customers

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic you should preferably complete your secondary school diploma, particularly with credits in mathematics and physics, as well as shop, drafting and computer studies, before entering an apprenticeship of 8,000 hours of a combination of in-school and on-the-job training. (The minimum entry requirement under the TQA is Grade 10). 

What’s Your Future as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic?

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics generally work full-time, mostly indoors, in specific work locations that largely depend on the location of the repair work. Most Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics find employment with :

  • plumbing, heating and air conditioning construction firms
  • mechanical construction firms
  • commercial refrigerator and air conditioner manufacturers
  • appliance, television, radio and stereo stores
  • may also become self-employed

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics must keep up to date with changes in their trade as new computer technology is often used to control heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems in buildings.

Wage Rate
  • apprentices usually start at a wage rate about half that of a journeyperson
  • this rate increases gradually until the final six months of your apprenticeship when you are earning from 85% to 90% of a journeyperson’s wage
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics can earn anywhere from $15.00/hr to $25.00/hr or more, often with employee benefits and opportunities to work overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic for You?

Can you look at a diagram or blueprint and visualize how things come together?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with your hands and using different types of tools?

Yes      No

Are you able to bend, stretch, reach and work in confined spaces if required?

Yes      No

Do you like figuring out what’s wrong with something and then fixing it?

Yes      No

Would you work on-call for occasional weekends or evenings?

Yes      No

Can you get the job done to deadline with minimal or no supervision?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic may be for you!

You may also want to explore other jobs that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Gasfitter
  • Sheet metal worker
  • Electrician
  • Appliance service repairer
  • Welder