Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Program Overview

There is steady demand for refrigeration and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) specialists—in commercial, industrial and institutional settings. It is an apprenticeship trade, so you’ll find a clear path to a journeyperson’s ticket and excellent earning potential.

The job itself has a mechanical focus. You install, maintain and repair refrigeration and cooling systems. But it also involves problem-solving skills, basic math skills, the ability to read and interpret specifications, and the ability to work with power tools and sophisticated technology.

The one-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning certificate program is offered in Saskatoon. Experienced instructors help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to install, operate and service commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC equipment. Your training includes:

basic refrigeration systems, cycles and components
system installation
electrical control systems
graphics, math, hand tools
mechanical and electrical skills
refrigerants and refrigeration load calculation
safety
system design, installation, operation
test and repair system components

Hands-on Training

You’ll spend as much time getting “hands-on” experience in the shop as you do in the classroom. You’ll also participate in a work experience.

The Day-to-Day Job

Having a natural aptitude for mechanical and electrical equipment or systems is an asset; good problem-solving and customer service skills are a must.

Apprenticeship Credit

With this Saskatchewan Polytechnic credential, you may be eligible for credit towards apprenticeship training. To learn more, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Our graduates are working in installation, service and sales. You could get a job with a refrigeration or air conditioning installation contractor, mine or mill site, manufacturing facility, food wholesaler, engineering firm, retail firm or service company.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic	Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (7313)	$37,500 - $77,000

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 34 weeks

Locations

Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with any 30 level mathematics*
Minimum overall average of 60%
English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

a 30-level math (no change for this program)

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

65 Arithmetic
55 Elementary Algebra
70 Reading
65 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$6,900

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COMM 127

Fundamental Communication Skills

You will use fundamental employability skills related to obtaining and keeping a job. You will apply skills to work effectively with others and produce job-related documents. You will identify employability and practical skills to prepare effective job search materials and discuss the effect of attitudes and behaviours on a successful job search.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127A, COMM 127CE, COMM 187, COMM 191, COMM 193, JOBS 190, PROF 100, TCOM 102, TCOM 105, TCOM 120, TCOM 140
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery

ELEC 138

Basic Electricity 1

You will study the fundamentals of electricity. The course content includes an introduction to basic electrical quantities, basic electric circuits and circuit analysis. You will receive hands-on instruction regarding the use of multimeters. You will perform experiments to reinforce the fundamentals of electricity and use multimeters to evaluate the characteristics of basic DC & AC circuits.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 48.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ELEC 139

Basic Electricity 2

You will learn the operating principles of transformers, relays, generators, single and three-phase AC motors. You will construct and analyze rectifier and relay control circuits. You will analyze the operation of transformers and test the performance of a variety of AC motors. You will construct and troubleshoot common motor control circuits.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 51.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GRPH 181

Graphics

You will develop suitable drafting and blueprint interpreting skills. You will learn how to read blueprints and produce shop drawings as needed in the trade. You will also learn how to take estimates from these drawings.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 66.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MATH 199

Mathematics

You will review basic mathematics and the metric system of measurement. The course content includes percent, ratio, proportion, area, volume and equations. You will then focus on the applications of mathematics in the trade that include electrical, pressure, pneumatics and elementary thermodynamics calculations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 66.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

METL 181

Soldering

You will learn soldering and brazing techniques as well as proper use of acetylene equipment. You will also learn how to work with the metals used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PIPE 182

Basic Piping Techniques

You will learn basic hand skills and the techniques used for piping and pipe joining. Your training will focus on cutting, reaming, swaging, flaring and bending techniques.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 150

Refrigerants

You will learn about the different types of refrigerants and environmental regulations, and receive chlorofluorocarbon training.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 24.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 151

Accessories

You will learn about system flow controls, basic cycling controls, piping and evacuation.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 24.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 180

Fundamentals of Refrigeration

You will study temperature and temperature measurement, pressure and pressure measurement, and heat and heat transfer.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 26.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 181

Basic Refrigeration Cycle

You will study heat transfer in the basic cycle, pressure-temperature relationships, the refrigerant condition in the refrigeration system components and the basic cycle components.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 26.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 184

Basic Refrigeration System Components

You will study the operation and design of compressors, condensers, evaporators and metering devices.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 55.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 186

Hermetic Compressor Motors

You will receive training on single-phase motors, motor starting equipment, motor protection and motor troubleshooting.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 31.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 187

Defrost Systems and Piping

You will learn about defrost methods, defrost control systems and defrost wiring.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 25.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 188

Refrigeration Load Calculation

You will learn how to calculate refrigeration heat loads and to select refrigeration equipment.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 25.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 189

Enthalpy and Psychrometrics

You will learn how to use pressure enthalpy diagrams and psychrometric charts.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 25.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 190

Capacity and Head Pressure Control

You will locate and describe the different types and operations of a refrigeration unit capacity control. You will also analyze and describe the different systems of head pressure control used for refrigeration systems.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 19.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 191

Basic System Installation

You will complete a bench project involving the installation of a small refrigeration system. Once you have completed the installation you will install the gauge manifold, check for leaks then evacuate and charge the system.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 61.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 192

System Design and Operation

You will set up a system using a refrigerated fixture. You will also set the controls, install a pump-down system, shut-down defrost and the control wiring. You will have to set the expansion valve and solve common service problems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 193

System Design and Installation

You will design and install a low temperature unit using an air cooled unit and refrigerated fixture. You will also design and install the control system including defrost timer, defrost termination, fan delay, defrost heaters, evaporator fans and the condensing unit.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RFRG 197

Electrical Control Systems

You will learn how to use electrical test meters, wiring diagram symbols and schematic diagrams. You will also design basic electrical circuits.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SFTY 116

Safety

You will learn about the hazards associated with the refrigeration and air conditioning trade. You will also learn safe working practices and receive Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 18.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SHOP 184

Mechanical and Electrical Skills

You will learn how to disassemble and reassemble a compressor, set controls and learn troubleshooting skills using simulators. Your training will also include troubleshooting and repair of domestic refrigerators.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 42.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TOOL 188

Basic Hand Tools

You will study theory and practice of bench work operations applicable to the trade.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 20.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WELD 289

Welding

You will learn how to safely operate, assemble and maintain an oxy-fuel system while torch brazing (TB) and oxy-fuel cutting (OFC).
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 19.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WORK 114

Work Experience

You will participate in a work placement to further your understanding of industry requirements. Your training will be provided by a journeyperson.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience - Group

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.