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Version:
NOC 2006 Version 1.0

7313 – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics

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 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 job titles

  • Air conditioning and heating mechanic
  • Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic
  • Apprentice mechanic, refrigeration
  • 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
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mechanic
  • Journeyman/woman refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
  • Mechanic, central air conditioning
  • Mechanic, commercial air conditioning
  • Mechanic, heating and air conditioning
  • Mechanic, heating and cooling
  • Mechanic, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
  • Mechanic, refrigeration
  • Mechanic, refrigeration and air conditioning
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic (non-construction)
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
  • Refrigeration and mechanical technician
  • Refrigeration and mechanical technician - military
  • Refrigeration mechanic
  • Refrigeration mechanic apprentice
  • Refrigeration system installer
  • Refrigeration technician
  • Refrigeration technician - military
  • Repairer, central air conditioning
  • Servicer, central air conditioning
  • Transport refrigeration mechanic
  • Transport refrigeration technician
  • Central air conditioning mechanic
  • Commercial air conditioning mechanic
  • Heating and cooling mechanic
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
  • Refrigeration mechanic
  • Transport refrigeration mechanic

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics perform 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 is usually required.
  • Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or 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, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
  • Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Alberta and British Columbia.
  • Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • Red Seal trade certification allows for interprovincial mobility.

Exclusions

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
7 – Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education or apprenticeship training.
Major group
73 – Trades and Skilled Transport and Equipment Operators
Minor group
731 – Machinery and Transportation Equipment Mechanics (Except Motor Vehicle)
Version
NOC 2006 Version 1.0