Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics
(NOC 7313)
in All Trades and TransportationHeating, 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 work for heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing companies. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Outlook: good, a better than average chance of a qualified individual finding work.
Size of occupation: this is a medium sized occupation with opportunities occurring mainly through turnover.
Demand: strong growth between 2021 and 2023 will provide new opportunities. A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Unemployment: There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupations.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Jobs are typically term, contract, or casual positions.
Some of the workforce is self-employed. Having the option to “work for yourself” may appeal to some individuals.
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$30.00
Median$42.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,836
Minimum$51,037
Median$88,418
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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. They work for heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing companies. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this group.
Job duties
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics:
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, or other specifications.
- Measure and lay out reference points for installation.
- Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components like 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.
- Startup 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.
Sample job titles
- air conditioning and heating mechanic
- heating and cooling mechanic
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
- refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
- refrigeration and mechanical technician
- refrigeration mechanic
- refrigeration technician
- transport refrigeration technician
Skills
- Writing and oral communication.
- Problem solving.
- Eye for detail.
- Ability to be independent and self-directed.
- Coordination and manual dexterity.
- Mechanical and mathematical aptitude.
- Understanding of the principles of electricity.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Good physical condition and strength to lift heavy components.
- Ability to work at heights.
- Ability to work with others and deal with customers.
- Ability to drive a service truck to worksites.
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Setting: varies from one job to another. Mechanics may work in compressor rooms, on rooftops, refrigerated trucks, and in clean computer rooms. Their work can be indoors and outdoors and may require travel.
- Work hours: full-time, year-round usually.
- Risks: working at heights and in confined spaces, some risk of injury from lifting and moving heavy items or working with electricity, gases under high pressure, and hazardous gases.
- Mechanics must be aware of the physical demands and potential for personal injury when completing tasks.
- Much of the work is done independently.
- Changes in technology and materials require continuous learning to keep up with new repair and servicing techniques.
- Experienced mechanics may advance to supervisory positions or start their own business. They may act as mentors or trainers of apprentices in the trade.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$52,622 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$49,111 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$51,345 median annual incomeSouthern
$52,868 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Retail trade
Manufacturing
Public administration
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$58,030 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$52,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,291 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Apprenticeship - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system.
Institutions providing this program
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They include courses in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.