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Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

Behind a workbench with vices attached, students work with manifolds.

The heating, refrigeration and air conditioning (HRAC) field offers diverse career opportunities for those skilled in system design, installation, maintenance, repair, and energy management. Learn the skills needed to control indoor spaces for comfort, safety and efficiency.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Tyendinaga
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

*Please note: Classes for this program are offered at both Loyalist’s Belleville and Tyendinaga locations, with free shuttle service provided.

Find your career

Prepare for an in-demand labour market as a: 

  • Gas technician. 
  • Air conditioning and refrigeration systems mechanic. 
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic. 
  • Hydronics technician. 
  • Central air conditioning installer. 
  • Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems installation, maintenance, and repair in residential and light commercial settings. 

Graduates may also pursue a career in parts or equipment sales with a variety of employers such as: 

  • Residential and commercial heating companies. 
  • Air conditioning or refrigeration contractors. 
  • Wholesalers. 
  • Public utilities. 
  • Oil distribution companies. 
  • Different levels of government.

Is it for you?

Successful students in this program are people who: 

  • Enjoy engaging with and servicing the public. 
  • Are comfortable working with hand tools and power equipment. 
  • Enjoy routine problem solving. 
  • Are familiar with and comfortable applying basic mathematics and physics fundamentals. 
  • Enjoy completing hands-on tasks, assembly and performing installations. 
  • Adhere to workplace and public safety protocols. 
  • Are interested in ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced. work performance and career opportunities and keep pace with industry changes.

How you'll learn

Experiential Learning 

Combining theory and practice, students will:  

  • Gain solid skills and knowledge in the design, operation and maintenance of energy-efficient, building environmental systems, in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R). 
  • Learn to size, install, repair and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sector. 
  • Develop practical skills through hands-on experience in Loyalist’s labs, working on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and other appliances, including the latest sustainable heating and cooling technology. 
  • Develop cross-disciplinary, industry-ready skills in soldering, wiring and electrical control circuitry and troubleshooting for HVAC and gas installations. 
  • Use computer-aided design software to assess building heating and cooling requirements, select appropriate equipment, review HVAC system drawings and specifications for the residential market and light commercial market and confirm building code requirements

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Learn in small classes with an experienced faculty team. 
  • Professors have specialized experience with heating, refrigeration and air conditioning. 
  • Teachers use their industry contacts to help connect students with jobs.

Courses

COMM1066 Communications-Common Core

This course prepares students to be successful in college communication and is foundational for workplace communications.

HRAC1000 Electrical Fundamentals

This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical concepts of basic electricity and electrical circuits related to heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems and applications. Students also learn to use and apply basic electrical test meters. Lab exercises reinforce both basic circuit design and meter usage.

HRAC1008 Gas Fundamentals

Students are introduced to the characteristics, properties, fundamentals, and safety aspects associated with natural gas and propane. They will describe the combustion process, and the problems arising from incomplete combustion, and identify the different testing methods for carbon monoxide and gas leaks. Students will identify and select the appropriate tools and documentation to properly, and safely, install a piping tubing system. Students also learn to reactivate a previously installed or converted appliance, clean and lubricate an appliance and clean, remove or replace a vent connector, venting or a draft control device. This course includes an introduction to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS and general safety requirements for a job site, as well as specifications by certified manufacturers for equipment installation.

HRAC1001 Refrigeration 1

Students are introduced to theory and practices related to refrigeration systems. Topics include: the origin of refrigeration, basic hand tools, the refrigeration cycle, the four mechanical components and safety aspects to be considered. Students participate in tubing connection projects on flaring, swaging and tube bending from data on mechanical drawings and will be expected to identify, care for, and safely use hand tools.

MATH1052 Technical Math 1-HRAC

In this course, students demonstrate basic analytical skills and are prepared for further studies in mathematics. Topics include basic number systems and operations, basic algebraic operations and equations, units and measurement, and solving word problems.

HRAC1005 Electrical Controls for HRAC

This course provides students with an overview of a building electrical service and basic circuits. Students learn the principles and applications of electromechanical and electronic controls and control circuits that are used in heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Skills in interpreting, designing, and applying different types of wiring diagrams are developed and practiced throughout the course. Electromagnetic theory will be introduced through practical applications. The electrical and operational characteristics of control components, such as relays, pressure switches, flow switches, timers, solenoids and ignitors will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on reading schematic wiring diagrams, wiring, and troubleshooting control circuits containing relays, timers, motor starters and controls. This course will also introduce the student to the Electrical Construction and Maintenance Worker's Safety Manual and the safe use of fastening devices and power actuated tools. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.

HRAC1009 Gaseous Fuels: Supply and Venting Requirements

This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical application of cylinders, tanks, relief devices, gas meters, regulators, and related code requirements. Students will learn how to choose and install the correct gas pressure regulator for a system, read and clock meters, and identify and plan for the correct use of propane cylinders and tanks. Students learn how to calculate venting and combustion air requirements for propane and natural gas-fired heating systems, as well as associated installation practices and procedures. Students will also learn to correctly measure, size, and install high-pressure gas piping and tubing systems, including interpretation of piping layout, drawings and symbols.

HRAC1004 Refrigeration 2

This course applies the fundamentals learned in Refrigeration 1 to more complex systems. Students will advance their understanding of refrigerants and their applications and characteristics. Through the use of pressure-enthalpy, pressure-temperature and psychrometric charts, students will perform various system calculations to determine component selection, sizing and system balancing. Students will study equipment and component parts, including pipe sizing and the application of refrigeration components. Students will also be introduced to the operation and characteristics of air to air and air to water heat pumps.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

HRAC2000 Air Conditioning 1

This course introduces the fundamentals of the mechanical cooling cycle including, operating principles and function, operating temperatures and pressures, procedures for plotting a mechanical cooling cycle on a mollier diagram, the application of various refrigerants and safety considerations. Students describe the operating principles and function of compressors, metering devices, condensers, evaporators and accessories used in a mechanical cooling cycle. They learn to install, troubleshoot and maintain mechanical cooling systems including fans, heat pumps, air handling system and air cleaners.

HRAC2001 Building Code and Engineering Practices

This course introduces students to the code requirements, materials, sizing and joining methods for piping/tubing systems used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration (R) systems. Emphasis will be placed on the code requirements for natural gas and propane piping/tubing systems. Students will learn the fundamentals of print reading and scaling drawings to examine and interpret working drawings, including identifying industry recognized symbols, abbreviations and building code requirements. Labs will be used to reinforce the methods of joining steel, copper and plastic materials.

HRAC2008 Gas Appliances: Installation, Service and Management

Students in this course are introduced to gas and propane-fired water heaters, forced warm air heating systems, domestic gas-fired refrigerators, and other gas appliances in both classroom and lab environments. Students will determine the guidelines for conversion burners, conduct flue gas analysis, and decipher the results. Students learn to interpret manufacturers’ specifications and drawings to place and install various classes of gas-fired equipment and learn how to convert appliances from natural gas to propane and propane to natural gas.

HRAC2002 Residential HVAC System Design

Students will learn the requirements and procedures for calculating the heat loss and heat gain for residential dwellings and become familiar with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment selection method necessary to meet the building's heating and cooling requirements. Students will also learn the requirements for designing and sizing an air distribution system based on the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) standards pertaining to residential buildings.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

HRAC2004 Air Conditioning 2

Students build on the knowledge and skills they acquired in Air Conditioning 1, and Refrigeration 1 and 2, to learn to the fundamentals of installing, operating, and maintaining air conditioning systems for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) buildings. Students learn to interpret thermodynamic tables; plot or determine cooling cycles from pressure enthalpy information; and describe the application of fluorocarbons, ammonia, and other refrigerants used in air conditioning systems in ICI applications. Students also learn to interpret design documentation, plan and prepare for an installation, describe installation procedures, and describe charging and commissioning of refrigeration and air conditioning for an ICI application.

HRAC2005 Building Systems and the Environment

Students will learn how to operate test equipment and identify systems using manufacturers' data, customer needs and building system requirements. They will research, and document future green heating and cooling systems that will become viable to the customer. Students study and communicate the principles of heat, moisture, air flow, the building envelope, and the effects on indoor air quality as well as the basic functions of ventilation systems. Students examine the alternatives to fossil fuels and refrigerants, as well as historical, contemporary and future technologies.

HRAC2003 Decorative Appliances and Home Comfort

In this course, students will install and commission various types of gas fired appliances, including vented and non-vented systems, using the knowledge and skills learned in their previous Gas Technician courses. Topics include organization of materials and tools, piping systems layout and sizing, and interpretation and application of associated tables and codes needed for appliance installation. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.

HRAC2006 Hydronic Systems

Students will study types, components and methods of installation for hydronic heating systems while ensuring installation is in accordance with codes and manufacturer's guidelines. Water heaters and hot water combination systems will also be addressed, including proper selection and sizing to meet customer requirements.

HRAC2007 Professional Communications for HRAC Technicians

Communicating effectively in the workplace is a key component of career advancement and essential skills development. This course builds on the skills students learned in Communications. The ability to read, understand, reframe and deliver technical information to varied audiences is critical in a competitive marketplace. Students are exposed to a variety of common communication challenges related to working in their field of study. To meet these challenges, students are required to do basic research and data gathering, to summarize and reframe written, oral and visual information and to present their findings to a defined audience in an appropriate medium or media. Students will learn to communicate with customers to evaluate and diagnose concerns. Prerequisite: COMM 1066

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

Two students stand shoulder-to-shoulder, with safety glasses on, looking at a manifold. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status  
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)  
  • Grade 11 Math (M, C or U) or Grade 12 (C or U) 

OR 

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 
  • Additional Program Costs: $600 (year one) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Schulich Builders 

Students enrolling in this program may be eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship program. 

Schulich Builders covers tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Loyalist College will award ten scholarships per year: 

  • Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and 
  • Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs

Learn more and apply today!

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026
  • Additional Program Costs: $600 (year one) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Two students wearing safety glasses are seated at a workbench containing a vice, and one student is holding a manifold. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

  • Seek employment in the heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning field by writing the Gas Technician 3 certification exam 

Pursue an apprenticeship 

  • Start your journey as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Mechanic apprentice. Learn how.  
  • Information about qualification requirements leading to certification is available on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website. You can also contact an Employment Ontario apprenticeship office near you. 

Pathways and university transfer 

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year. Explore pathway opportunities. 

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