Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician Program (T160)

Program Description

Program Overview

This 2-year program is eligible for a $40,000 scholarship.*

Students in George Brown College's Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program develop the ability to size, install and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sectors. You will gain solid skills and knowledge in the design, operation and maintenance of environmental systems in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R).

*Domestic students only - see page for details.

Full Description

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all contributing factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy. There is a great need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

In the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program students will:

  • Develop the ability to size, install and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sectors.
  • Gain solid skills and knowledge in the design, operation and maintenance of environmental systems, in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R).
  • Develop practical skills through hands-on experience, working on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and other appliances in our labs.
  • Gain competency with industry-ready skills in soldering, wiring and electric control circuitry and troubleshooting for HVAC and gas installations.
  • Use computer-aided design software to assess building heating and cooling requirements, select appropriate equipment and develop HVAC system drawings and specifications for the residential market.

The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Note: When you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Successful graduates of this diploma program are prepared for a range of positions in the HVAC field. Technicians install, maintain and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems for commercial and residential buildings.

Students will also have sufficient training to challenge the Gas Fitter 2 provincial qualification exam** and if successful (75 per cent passing grade) obtain the Gas Fitter 2 certification.

As well, for the course Building Code for HVAC (HVAC 2014) delivered in semester 3, we assist students in preparing to challenge the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Housing, HVAC House exam.* Individuals who are successful (75 per cent passing grade) can use this qualification toward obtaining their "Building Code Identification Number" (BCIN).**

*Please note that in addition to passing the HVAC House exam, there are further requirements to qualify for a Building Code Identification Number. For more information on the Building Code Identification Number, please visit the Ontario Building Code website.

**The above-mentioned qualification exams are administered by the Province of Ontario. George Brown College is not responsible for the administration and/or marking of these exams.

 

Successful graduates of this diploma program are prepared for a range of positions in the HVAC field. Technicians install, maintain and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems for commercial and residential buildings.

Other employment opportunities for technicians include sales, system balancing and cost-estimating for projects. Experienced technicians may also explore self-employment in the gas heating industry after obtaining a Gas Fitter 2 certification.

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