Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Overview

The refrigeration and air conditioning field requires a variety of skills in mechanical systems, electrical/electronic systems and systems troubleshooting. In this program, you learn to repair and maintain commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. You also learn to install refrigerant vapour lines, liquid lines and other kinds of piping. Basic skills in oxy-fuel brazing are covered, as well as the design, installation and investigation of electrical circuits and controls.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• This program offers you an excellent way to become employable in many occupations in just one year.
• You benefit from expert faculty, who bring years of experience and strong industry connections to the classroom.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Industry growth has resulted in high demand for skilled technicians.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Career options

• Graduates design, install, troubleshoot and repair countless types of freezing, cooling, dehumidifying and heating systems with companies that specialize in heating, air conditioning and energy.
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• This program is a first step towards certification in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade.
• You're required to be registered as an apprentice through the NSAA to legally work in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade in Nova Scotia.
• To become certified in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade, you must register as an apprentice with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Once registered, you can transfer credit from this program towards your apprenticeship.
• Certification with a Red Seal – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a compulsory designated trade in Nova Scotia. Graduates who complete an apprenticeship program in this trade are eligible to write the inter-provincial certification exam, receive their certification and Red Seal. The Red Seal allows certified tradespersons to practise the trade in any province or territory in Canada – where the trade is designated – without having to write further examinations.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

RFAC 1000 - Introduction to Safety and Rigging
This course will help the learner practice safety and maintain a safe working environment. Learners will be taught about working safely around electricity. Learners will understand and practice safe procedures to comply with the Occupational Health & Safety handbook and WHMIS procedures. The School of Trades and Technology has specific requirements for health and safety practices and procedures for all shops and labs. Learners will learn to practice 5S+S quality system.

RFAC 1002 - Blueprint Reading
This course will focus on the basic skills necessary for the preparation, reading, and understanding of refrigeration and air conditioning related drawings, as well as the ability to prepare sketches, plans, and details.

RFAC 1004 - Mathematics for Trades
This course will provide the Learners with the necessary mathematical background to perform calculations used in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning.

RFAC 1006 - Basic Electricity I
This course will introduce the Learner to the fundamentals of electrical refrigeration and air conditioning. It will explain the different types of electrical functions used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

RFAC 1007 - Metering Devices
This course will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of several types of metering devices used to control the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator. It will explain the different types of pressure reducing devices used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

RFAC 1008 - Compressors
This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of compression refrigeration and air conditioning methods. It will explain the different types of compressors used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

RFAC 1011 - Evaporators and Condensers
This course will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of heat exchanger components as used for the transfer of heat in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It will explain the different types of condensers and evaporators used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. It will explore characteristics affecting efficiencies and innovation.

RFAC 1012 - Basic Electricity II
In order to function effectively in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, the technician must be able to recognize the functions and limitations of the various electrical devices. This course will enable the learner to troubleshoot electrical elements of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. This course will give learners a solid understanding of electrical principles and devices used in the industry. Learners will have the opportunity to test and troubleshoot electrical components.

RFAC 1015 - Refrigeration Concepts
In order to function effectively in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, the technician must be able to recognize the functions and limitations of the various theoretical principals of refrigeration. This course introduces the principles of refrigeration and their application to refrigeration systems.

RFAC 1016 - Refrigeration Cycle
This course builds on the concepts of refrigeration, applying these to the planning and installation of piping and components. Learners will have the opportunity to perform various methods of joinery, connect refrigeration components and test the system on completion.

RFAC 1017 - Basic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
This course introduces accessories and control devices for refrigeration systems. Material extends knowledge of refrigerants and their use and provides the opportunity for the learner to charge and commission the system. Heat pump technology will be introduced, with learners installing and commissioning heat pump units.

RFAC 1100 - Work Experience
This course involves spending time at a job site under industry supervision. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1025 - Certified Fall Arrest and Protection
This course provides participants with an understanding of the hazards associated with working from heights and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2013). Throughout the course, participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness, an overview and presentation of system components involved when working from heights and learn how to complete a fall calculation and emergency procedures.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.