School of Construction

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Certificate

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 TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning MechanicHeating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (7313)$41,600 - $83,200

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 34 weeks

Locations

  • Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

 

*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©

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 245 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 247 Reading
  • 241 Writing

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 approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2019/20 Academic Year

$7,180

Courses

Expand All +
Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
COMM 127
Fundamental Communication Skills
2
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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, Online - Individual, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery
ELEC 138
Basic Electricity 1
3
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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
3
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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
4
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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
4
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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
3
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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
3
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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
2
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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
2
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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
2
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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
2
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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
4
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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
2
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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
2
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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
2
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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
2
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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
1
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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
4
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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
4
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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
4
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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
3
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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
1
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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
3
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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
1
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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
1
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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
0
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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

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for the Arts and Sciences courses in this program. To discuss PLAR for other courses in this program, contact us at 1-866-467-4278 and ask for the Program Head of this program.


Transfer Credit

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

Additional Information

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