72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

Lead statement

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. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main 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 ora 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.

Example job titles

air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic · commercial air conditioning mechanic · refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice · apprentice refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic · central air conditioning mechanic · central air conditioning servicer · commercial refrigeration mechanic · heating and cooling mechanic · heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic · journeyman/woman refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic · refrigeration mechanic · heating and air conditioning mechanic · refrigeration technician · refrigeration and mechanical technician · refrigeration mechanic apprentice · refrigeration system installer · central air conditioning repairer · air conditioning and heating mechanic · central air conditioner installer · central air conditioning installer · central air conditioner repairer · refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic (non-construction) · transport refrigeration mechanic · transport refrigeration technician · refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic · hydronics technician

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.