How to become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics select components, assemble, install, test, fault-find, service and repair industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning systems in homes, shops, factories, office buildings, hospitals, supermarkets and cold stores.

Personal requirements for a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Able to work with hand and power tools
Enjoy and have an aptitude for technical work
Able to work patiently, systematically and thoroughly
Normal colour vision
Able to work as part of a team
Good communication skills

Education & Training for a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

To become a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics:

Follow plans and specifications to install, commission, service and maintain equipment
Drill holes, install mounting brackets and cut, bend and join piping
Install parts such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, air filters, switches, controls and gauges
Install and connect piping to refrigeration systems
Check that parts are installed, lined up and fit properly
Test systems for leaks and then fill them with refrigerant according to relevant standards and regulations
Test refrigeration and air handling units and make adjustments to ensure they work correctly
Use computers to monitor systems and remotely adjust the operation of all equipment in a given building.

Tasks

Recording causes of malfunctioning and action taken
Drilling holes, installing mounting brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping
Removing test gas and fluid using vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant
Filling systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks
Adjusting system controls and mechanisms and reassembling systems
Installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges, and copper lines for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air, oil and chilled water
Establishing job requirements from drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference points
Checking and overhauling refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing and replacing defective components
Test-operating refrigeration systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments
Bolting, soldering, riveting, welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment and accuracy of fit

Working conditions for a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

When carrying out installation work, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may work on large commercial and industrial units that have to be installed part by part, or pre-assembled units that simply require installation. Domestic units may come already assembled or in two sections between which refrigerant piping must be installed. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may need to be skilled in pipefitting, welding and electrical wiring. They may have to work extended hours to fix breakdowns and carry out emergency repairs. They may work alone or with associated tradespeople such as electricians, pipe fitters and carpenters.

Employment Opportunities for a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are employed mainly by installation, service maintenance and manufacturing firms that service shops, hotels, factories, offices and hospitals. Some refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work for firms that specialise in cold storage, food treatment plants and refrigeration on ships. With experience, and sometimes further training, promotion is possible to supervisory, sales, technician, associate, technologist or engineer positions. Some refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are self-employed. Opportunities for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are affected by the level of building and refurbishment activity, especially in the commercial and industrial sectors.

Specializations

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Average age
33 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
1% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,400
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
89% Full-Time
Employment Size
28,500 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 33.6%
NT: 2.0%
QLD: 22.6%
SA: 8.0%
TAS: 1.4%
VIC: 18.3%
WA: 12.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 6.7%
20-24: 15.7%
25-34: 30.3%
35-44: 19.9%
45-54: 16.1%
55-59: 6%
60-64: 3.6%
65 and Over: 1.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.9%
Bachelor degree: 2.3%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 71.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.4%
Year 10 and below: 5.4%
Year 11: 3.2%
Year 12: 11.9%
Years 11 & 10: 6.8%