Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

Select start date and campus

Menu
Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Apply now: Canadian applicant

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Apply now: international applicants
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - January 2026

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical I
ELEC1605

Description: This course will introduce the student to the basic theory of electricity and to the electrical test instruments used throughout the HRAC industry. Using Ohm’s and Watts Law the students will interpret electrical calculations and be exposed to troubleshooting electrical test boards and project. Where group work is involved, evaluations of group members will be included. Project work will enable students to practice the interpretation of electrical wiring, pictorial and schematic diagrams, and to apply safe practices, in typical HRAC industry work environments. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Basic Math
MATH1003

Description:

In this course students will strengthen their mathematical skills to improve their mathematical competency required for the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning trade.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Heating I
MECH1415

Description:

Students will be introduced to the characteristics, properties, basic fundamentals, and safety aspects associated with natural gas and propane. They will describe the combustion process, and the problems arising from incomplete combustion as well as 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 will be instructed on the general safety requirements for the job site and be introduced to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Refrigeration I
MECH1425

Description: in this course students will receive a basic introduction of the theory and practices relating to refrigeration systems. Topics include: the origin of refrigeration, basic hand tools, the refrigeration cycle, the four mechanical components and the safety aspects to be considered. The 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.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

HVAC Prints
DRWG1775

Description:

In this course students will learn the basics of blueprint reading as it relates to the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning trade.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical II
ELEC1615

Description: This is an intermediate course in electrical theory and practical application where students will build upon the theoretical and practical knowledge gained in Electrical I. The course focuses on service technician skills and provides students with the practical background required for operating and selecting power actuated tools and fasteners. 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 deal with the electrical construction and maintenance worker's safety manual along with the knowledge and use of the application of fastening devices and power actuated tools. In addition, students will learn to communicate with customers in order to evaluate and diagnose concerns. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Gas Code G-3
GAST1000

Description:

This course deals with the interpretation of the current B-149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, and B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling Code. The students will interpret the Ontario Amendments to the current codes, which include the following acts and regulations; the Technical Standards and Safety Act 2000, Ontario Regulation 212/01 Gaseous Fuels, Ontario Regulation 211/01 Propane Storage and Handling, Ontario Regulation 215/01 Fuel Industry Certificates, and Ontario Regulation 223/01 Codes and Standard Adopted By Reference. Students will identify the appropriate steps and procedures to follow when a hazardous situation arises and describe how to coordinate services to ensure safety and customer concerns are addressed.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Heating II
MECH1435

Description: In this course, students will continue to build upon Heating I skills and address types and classifications of gas and propane fired appliances, the ignition systems found on gas fired appliances, and the associated safe handling practices. Safe sizing and installation of venting, and combustion air requirements, will be completed using mathematical equations from the appropriate codes and standards. Students will interpret manufacturers’ specifications and drawings to place and install various classes of gas fired equipment and know how to convert appliances from natural gas to propane and propane to natural gas. Additional topics include combustion analyses on all types of appliances, identification of burner types, and the associated sequence of operations. Attention to the proper completion and maintenance of related documents will be addressed. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Refrigeration II
MECH1445

Description: In this course, students will explore the use of basic refrigeration accessories for the control and safe operation of cooling appliances based on knowledge obtained in Refrigeration I, the basic components of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The safe selection and operation of condensers, evaporators, compressors and metering devices will be discussed and practiced. Students will also explore the relation to service and operation found in the residential and commercial sector of the refrigeration industry. Refrigerant safety and handling, including leak testing and evacuation using current industry equipment will be covered. Students will attend to the organizational and regulated practices related to ozone depletion by maintaining log books, and tracking refrigerant contents according to organizational and regulated environmental requirements and legislation. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Electrical III
ELEC2005

Description:

The study of HRAC motor systems along with phase electrical motors and wiring configurations constitute the focus of this electrical course, a continuation of Electrical II. Students will explain the recommended sequence of operations for all aspects of the HRAC trade, and complete troubleshooting and safe diagnosis exercises in a lab environment, using appropriate customer service skills to communicate to customers and coworkers. Students will be expected to comply with related safety procedures and practices. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Heating III
MECH2205

Description: Using the knowledge and skills gained from Heating II, students advance to study types of natural gas and propane regulators, natural gas meters, and their associated applications and operations. High pressure piping systems will be introduced. Propane tank and cylinder placement will be discussed, along with the effect of location on safety and performance. Students will install venting and combustion air components requirements for gas fired appliances according to industry standards, as well as troubleshoot various service situations. Students will select equipment based on customers’ needs and available equipment. Project work will replicate a typical residential forced air gas heating system installation, along with all necessary documentation.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Refrigeration III
MECH2215

Description:

This course advances knowledge from previous Refrigeration courses by addressing residential and commercial air conditioning systems, and their applications. In meeting customer needs, students will consider factors such as load sizing, system and building design and layout, and piping and brazing requirements. Mathematical calculations and manufacturer’s data will be used to achieve systems that operate safely and meet requirements. This knowledge will then be applied to practical projects including residential split systems and rooftop package units. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Metal Joining and Cutting
WELD2545

Description:

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of Oxy-Fuel Welding (OFW), Braze Welding (OFB), Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). Online theory modules will cover the safe set up and working practices for these processes, as well as introduce the student to the basic concepts involved in each process operation. The shop component will see the student implement safe working practices along with skills development in OFW, OFB, OFC, SMAW and the GMAW process. Students will practice welding various joint types on mild steel and use the OFC process to make straight and bevel cuts, pierce holes and cut shapes out of mild steel plate. Students will learn about the required equipment, set up equipment safely, and use proper operational procedures.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Heating IV
MECH2246

Description:

Students will install and commission various types of gas fired appliances including vented and non-vented systems, based upon the knowledge and skills learned in previous Heating 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.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Refrigeration IV
MECH2255

Description: Integrating learning from previous refrigeration courses, students will perform many typical trade services to both refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Students will troubleshoot and repair systems based on their knowledge of order of operations, manufacturers’ literature and technical drawings, all according to recommended safe practices and procedures. All projects replicate actual scenarios that students will encounter once employed in the field.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Building Systems
MECH2320

Description:

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. Simple schematic diagrams will be completed, in addition to the application of drafting scales. By applying various mathematical methods, working on their own and in groups, students will learn to calculate problems involving units O.D. measurement and conversion factors. Students will be expected to explain the various aspects of drawing types and views, graphs and charts, as they relate to trade documentation.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Hydronics
MECH2360

Description: 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, taking into account proper selection and sizing to meet customer requirements
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
  2. Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
  3. Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
  4. Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
  5. Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
  6. Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
  7. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.