Refrigeration and Air conditioning

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics use essential skills to complete trade-related tasks. Use this fact sheet to:

• learn how essential skills are used on the job;
• find out the skills you need to succeed in your trade; and
• help prepare yourself for your career.

Reading

• Read work orders to ensure that the correct equipment is installed.
• Read manufacturers’ bulletins to learn about new equipment, modifications and solutions for repetitive equipment problems.
• Review equipment manuals to check for any unusual installation requirements.
• Review equipment specifications to ensure that customers’ needs are being met and to determine the efficiency of different manufacturers’ equipment.
• Interpret a range of codes relating to building, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration to comply with regulations.
• Read detailed diagnostic procedures in equipment manuals to determine the root causes of unit malfunctions.

Document use

• Find the names and addresses of customers in work orders.
• Review equipment lists to find part numbers.
• Recognize hazard signs for flammable and combustible materials, high voltage electricity and compressed gases posted at work sites
• Read instructional labels on equipment or parts to ensure correct installation or operation.
• Use tables such as refrigeration pressure and temperature charts to help make calculations which determine how much refrigerant to use.
• Analyze temperature readings of equipment sensors to diagnose equipment problems.
• Interpret blueprints to determine sites for equipment installation, routing for ducting and pipes, locations of control boxes, venting, mechanical room, volume or air boxes.
• Interpret electrical schematics to install or repair equipment controls for systems involving one or more pieces of equipment.

Numeracy

• Calculate the cost of parts when preparing orders for suppliers.
• Measure lengths of ducting and piping using a tape measure to fit for installation.
• Compare pressure readings and start up readings to determine if a refrigeration system is leaking refrigerant.
• Estimate the length of ducting or piping required.
• Prepare invoices for customers including taxes.
• Calculate areas and volumes of ducting and piping assemblies to meet operating specifications.
• Calculate averages across readings on the energy consumption to compare different systems.
• Estimate volume, temperature and average load size to identify the type of refrigeration system required for a mobile unit.
• Calculate the internal area of a closed piping system to determine the volume of refrigerant required.

Writing

• Complete work order forms to record the customer’s name, work site location and problem as stated by the customer.
• Maintain logbooks and service notes to track information such as the number of filters changed, belt sizes and part numbers for the next technician working on that particular equipment.
• Complete start up sheets for new installations, detailing the make and model of equipment, the operating conditions and start up settings.
• Prepare technical service reports to record a problem.

Oral communication

• Talk to suppliers to order parts.
• Interact with drivers of refrigerated transportation units to obtain information that would help diagnose equipment problems.
• Talk to manufacturers’ representatives to obtain technical information on equipment, such as specifications and installation instructions.
• Talk to customers to discuss the operation of their heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment and maintenance programs.
• Speak to engineers on large commercial work sites to discuss equipment issues.
• Communicate with other tradespeople to ensure that work can meet scheduling and code requirements and to promote a safe working environment.

Working with others

• Typically work independently when providing service and repair for refrigerated transportation units, long term service contracts, and residential service and repair.
• Coordinate work with other tradespeople and safety inspectors on larger jobs or commercial sites.

Thinking

• Determine which equipment or part to use for a particular job based on the specifications and codes.
• Decide what parts need to be replaced and which require general maintenance.
• Schedule service work to minimize disruption of service to the client.
• Determine which diagnostic procedures to use and eliminate possible causes for the malfunction.
• Troubleshoot equipment that has multiple problems.
• Decide whether to refuse a job that is potentially dangerous.
• Prioritize tasks and reschedule work as required.

Computer use

• Use word processing to prepare technical reports.
• Use a database to input customer contract information.
• Use email to communicate with clients.
• Use a computer to gather diagnostic data for troubleshooting.

Continuous learning

• Keep up-to-date with new types of equipment and technology.
• Keep up-to-date with codes and regulations.
• Attend safety training.
• Update certifications as required.
• Learn on the job by reading manuals, bulletins, manufacturers’ literature and trade journals.
• Learn through self-study, workshops and seminars.