Description
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 are employed by heating, 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. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Job Titles
- Air conditioning and heating mechanic
- Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic
- 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
- Hydronics technician
- Journeyman/woman refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic (non-construction)
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
- Refrigeration and mechanical technician
- Refrigeration mechanic
- Refrigeration mechanic apprentice
- Refrigeration system installer
- Refrigeration technician
- Transport refrigeration mechanic
- Transport refrigeration technician
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.
Workplaces
- Engineering firms
- Food wholesalers
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors
- Industrial establishments
- Retail and servicing establishments
Skills
- Preventative Maintenance
- Repairing
- Setting Up
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment and Tool Selection
Abilities
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Auditory Attention
- Body Flexibility
- Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
- Sound Localization
Personal Attributes
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Collaboration
- Independence
Similar Occupations
- Domestic window air conditioner repairer (in 72421.01 Small electrical appliance servicers and repairers)
- Domestic refrigerator repairer (in 72421.02 Major appliance repairers/technicians)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be good for Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (72402) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 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.
Continuous learning is important in this occupation due to technological changes, increasingly complex systems and changes in codes and regulations. There is a growing focus on energy efficiency and environmental protection. Job seekers are required to complete a mandatory apprenticeship and obtain a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Trade Certification and may be required to hold several certifications in addition to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Trade Certification, such as an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) Certificate and a Gas Fitter Certificate.
New federal measures including a strengthened Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program with increased funding and grants for households for the installation of heat pumps (and free heat pumps for lower income households) should create additional employment opportunities in this occupation over the forecast period.
Here are some key facts about Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:
- Construction (NAICS 23): more than 95%
- 63% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks 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: 18% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 35% compared to 11% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 35% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: n/a
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $20.00 | $30.00 | $41.50 |
| Canada | $18.00 | $33.00 | $49.52 |
Training
There are no known training programs for this occupation in PEI. If you are aware of a local training program, please contact us.
There are currently no job listings for this occupation on WorkPEI.