Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
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.
Very good
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
SK, NL, AB
Top Provinces
What They Do
- 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.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
- checkCompletion 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.
- checkTrade 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.
- checkTrade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick and Alberta.
- checkRed Seal endorsement is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Market Outlook by Province
Saskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Very good for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in Saskatchewan: Approximately 700 people work in this occupation. Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 76%Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 7%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations68% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.11% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 73% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Very good
Outlook
Newfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in Newfoundland and Labrador: Approximately 500 people work in this occupation. Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 89%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8% 63% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.5% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 64% compared to 17% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 27% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: n/a university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Good
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Good for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in Alberta: Approximately 6,650 people work in this occupation. Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 75% 62% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.9% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 56% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 72402 openings right now.
Righttime
5 active roles · Nanaimo, BC · Brampton, ON
CIMCO Refrigeration
4 active roles · Ville D'Anjou, QC · Burlington, ON
Wolseley Canada
4 active roles · Edmonton, AB · Trois-Rivieres, QC
Major Refrigeration
3 active roles · Hamilton, ON
CBRE
2 active roles · Barrie, ON · Brampton, ON
Boardwalkreit
2 active roles · Calgary, AB
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Search Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanicsarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Preventative Maintenance
to understand heating, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) machinery and its various mechanical or electrical components
Repairing and Troubleshooting
to identify the root cause of problems, such as faulty thermostats, compressor issues or refrigerant leaks in order to fix them
Spatial Visualization
to help mechanics understand and manipulate the arrangement of components within systems, such as ductwork or refrigeration lines
Hearing Sensitivity
to detect unusual noises that may indicate a problem, such as a worn-out bearing or a loose part
Attention to Detail
to ensure all components are aligned properly, connections are secure and systems are calibrated to meet performance specifications
Knowledge in Mechanics and Machinery
to understand mechanical components and basic machinery operations, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting and simple repairs of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems
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