• Reading Text
• Document Use
• Problem Solving

Below are Essential Skill categories and how they correspond to this occupation. This section will help you identify occupations where you have a good chance of succeeding. It can also help you see which Skills you may need to improve. Click on the Summary Analysis link above to view a complete analysis of how your Skills measure up to this occupation. This feature is only available for those Users that are logged in and have completed the self assessment component.

• Read work orders to ensure that the correct piece of equipment is being installed. (1)
• Read manufacturer's bulletins to learn about new equipment, modifications and solutions for repetitive equipment problems. (2)
• Review equipment manuals to check for any unusual installation requirements. (2)
• Review equipment specifications to ensure that customer's needs are being met and to determine the efficiencies of different equipment lines. (3)
• Interpret a range of codes relating to building, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration to comply with regulations. codes are typically written using technical and legal terminology and are updated regularly using addenda that are cross-referenced. the practical application of code requirements to a given situation may be ambiguous. (4)
• Read detailed diagnostic procedures in equipment manuals to determine the root causes of unit malfunctions. these procedures refer to new technologies that were not included in the trades training curriculum, requiring them to update their skills on-the-job. (4)

• Review equipment lists to find part numbers. (1)
• Read work orders to identify the names and addresses of customers. (1)
• Recognize hazard signs such as flammable and combustible materials, high voltage electricity and compressed gases posted at worksites. (1)
• Read warning labels that are part of the workplace hazardous materials information system (whmis) to prevent injury to themselves or others. (2)
• Read instructional labels on equipment or parts to ensure correct installation or operation. (2)
• Use tables such as refrigeration pressure and temperature charts to aid calculations which determine how much refrigerant to use. (2)
• Analyze temperature graphs of refrigerated unit sensors over a two-week period to diagnose equipment problems. this involves comparing temperature readings to equipment specifications and to the temperature readings of other units. (3)
• Interpret blueprints to determine sites for equipment installation, routing for ducting and pipes, locations of control boxes, venting, mechanical room, volume or air boxes. they compare blueprints with physical layouts to identify factors that may affect an installation, such as whether there are adequate space allowances for ductwork. (4)
• Interpret electrical schematics to install or repair equipment controls for systems involving one or more pieces of equipment. using these schematics requires specialized electrical knowledge. they may provide electricians with information on the electrical schematics of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment to assist with wiring a large commercial or industrial project. (4)
• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics:
• Sketch ground sources heat pump loops indicating layout and measurement to brief building inspectors and customers.
• Draw duct or piping work not on original blueprints to brief builing inspectors.
• Sketch as-build refrigeration piping to indicate its actual location versus the planned layout.
• Create schematic drawings to show electricians how a trade-specific piece of equipment is wired.

• Find their work becomes backed up when a job takes longer than anticipated. they call customers to inform them of delays and to provide an estimate of when they expect to arrive or to reschedule. this problem is most prevalent during peak work seasons. (1)
• May deal with a customer who is disputing a service bill. they review the bill with customer to explain each cost item. if the dispute cannot be resolved they refer the customer to their supervisor. (2)
• Discover that the physical work site does not match the layout shown in the blueprints and that the equipment that was to be used may not comply with code requirements. they advise their foreperson of the problem and collaborate in resolving the problem by discussing options. (2)
• Are assigned to troubleshoot a furnace that is not providing heat. they collect as much information as possible about the circumstances leading up to the problem by questioning people on site and by reviewing any applicable service records. they determine what diagnostic procedures to use under the circumstances and systematically eliminate possible causes for the malfunction. once the problem has been identified, they make the necessary repairs and verify that the furnace is running efficiently. (3)
• Troubleshoot equipment that has multiple problems affecting its ability to operate correctly. resolving one problem reveals that there is still another underlying problem. a logical diagnostic procedure is used and repairs or adjustments are made until the equipment functions properly. it may be necessary to consult equipment manuals and co-workers or to access manufacturer's technical support. often it is necessary to explain the need for more time and increased material and labour costs to the customer. (3)

• Complete work order forms to record the customer's name, work site location and problem in point form as stated by the customer. (1)
• Maintain logbooks, as per a pre-set format, to record information such as the amount of refrigerant used and the number of filters changed. this may be a legal requirement of regulatory agencies, such as environment canada, or a service contract requirement. (1)
• Maintain point-form service notes to track such information as belt sizes and part numbers that will be used by the next technician working on that particular equipment. (1)
• Complete start up sheets for new installations, detailing the make and model of equipment, the operating conditions and the start up settings. these sheets are provided to the customer for reference and used as background information for future service needs. (2)
• May prepare technical service reports up to three pages in length required by customers to record such information as a detailed description of the problem, diagnosis, options presented to the customer, how the problem was resolved and servicing recommendations. billing information related to parts and labour is also included in the report. (3)

• Total the cost of parts when preparing orders for suppliers. (money math), (1)
• Schedule work to make the best use of time required for travel. (scheduling or budgeting & accounting math), (1)
• Measure lengths of ducting and piping using a tape measure to fit for installation. (measurement and calculation math), (1)
• Compare pressure readings and start up readings to determine if a refrigeration system is leaking refrigerant. (data analysis math), (1)
• Estimate the length of ducting or pipe required. (numerical estimation), (1)
• Prepare invoices for customers by calculating costs associated with service call fees, parts, labour at an hourly rate and gst. (money math), (2)
• Convert measurements expressed in feet and inches to metres when the measurement system used in the installation instructions differs from that used on-the-job. (measurement and calculation math), (2)
• Calculate areas and volumes of ducting and piping assemblies to meet operating specifications of heating and ventilation systems. (measurement and calculation math), (2)
• Compare equipment temperature and pressure trend graphs to equipment specifications and recommended operating parameters to monitor equipment and diagnose problems. adjustments or repairs might be required if the data is outside the recommended parameters. (data analysis math), (2)
• Estimate the time and material costs (e.g., brackets) to install an additional run of piping. (numerical estimation), (2)
• Calculate the operating costs of different heating and ventilation to assist customers in selecting the most appropriate option from among those that could potentially meet their needs. (scheduling or budgeting & accounting math), (3)
• Utilize air flow measurement tools, such as digital multi-meters, to diagnose equipment problems and to verify proper equipment operation. these diagnostic tools may be integrated with computers and require special training to operate. (measurement and calculation math), (3)
• Take a precise measurement using a micrometer to check shaft size for bearings when replacing parts. operation of a micrometer usually requires additional training. (measurement and calculation math), (3)
• Calculate averages across sets of readings on the energy consumption to compare different systems. (data analysis math), (3)
• Estimate factors such as volume, temperature and average load size to identify the type of refrigeration system required for a mobile unit. (numerical estimation), (3)
• Calculate the internal area of a closed piping system to determine the volume of refrigerant required in a system. this involves using a formula to calculate the volume of a cylinder. this figure is then applied to a table showing the mass for each unit of piping length and type of refrigerant being used. this mass per unit of piping length is then used to calculate the amount of refrigerant required. (measurement and calculation math), (4)

• Interact with dispatchers to receive work emergency assignments and to report work site delays and other problems. (1)
• Call suppliers to order parts or obtain information on equipment availability. (1)
• Instruct apprentices on how to complete a task or give directions to assist with a task. (1)
• Speak with manufacturers' representatives to obtain technical information on equipment, such as specifications and installation instructions. (2)
• Interact with drivers of refrigerated transportation units to obtain information that would help in diagnosing the equipment problem. (2)
• Speak to customers to discuss the operation of the heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment and the related maintenance programs. (2)
• Speak to engineers on large commercial work sites to discuss equipment issues. (2)
• Coach apprentices to build their technical competence by explaining trade-related theory and practice and providing feedback on their performance. this communication is an important part of apprenticeship training. (2)
• Communicate with other trades to ensure that work can meet scheduling and code requirements and to promote a safe working environment. miscommunication could result in inefficiencies and in injury or death to themselves or others. (2)

• Determine which equipment or part to use for a particular job based on the specifications and the building codes. (1)
• Decide what parts need to be replaced for general maintenance and schedule the work to minimize disruption of service. (2)
• Determine the most efficient, safe and economic equipment selection or repair options to offer customers. (2)
• Decide whether to refuse a job that is potentially dangerous. safety-related decision making is a top priority for the industry. (3)

• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may encounter a wide variety of tasks if they are involved in repair work or may be involved in repetitious tasks if their focus is long term maintenance contracts. the variety of work experience they encounter is dependent on the scope of the company they work for. they may be given their work orders for the day and be able to set them up according to efficient use of travel time or they may be given assignments with priorities already established. they may have to work on more than one project at a time and must reorder their schedules accordingly. they may be called away from a work site for an emergency job and then return to complete the first job later. they may have to integrate their work plans with others to meet deadlines, such as inspection dates and meet the needs of their customers. they may also have to coordinate their work with other trades, especially on large worksites. mechanics that service refrigerated transportation units may be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and travel to rural locations.
• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics plan and direct the work of apprentices when one is assigned to them.

• Remember where streets and work sites are located when planning routes to minimize travel time.
• Recall phone numbers of office and suppliers. this contributes to efficiency.
• Remember names of customers, especially those on service contracts, to personalize customer service.
• Remember where to find technical information (e.g., codes, product information) when it is needed.

• Use manuals and manufacturer's bulletins to check schematics and installation requirements or to determine diagnostic procedures. (1)
• Use parts books to look up prices when working out costs for billings and quotations. (1)
• Contact manufacturers' technical support staff to obtain assistance with specialized computer programs and refrigerated transportation units' on-board microprocessors. (2)
• Obtain information from supervisors and fellow journeypersons to take advantage of their past experience. (2)
• Locate information in code regulations to comply with requirements. (2)

The extent to which refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work with others varies depending on the type of work they are involved in. mechanics providing service and repair for refrigerated transportation units, long term service contracts, and residential service and repair, typically work alone.

Mechanics involved in larger commercial installation projects may work with a team or with sub-contractors at the work site. as a member of a team they ensure the installation takes place as required by their contract with the customer. they will also coordinate their work with other trades and safety inspectors. refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may work with apprentices to build their skills and knowledge. some large residential installation jobs may require that they work with a partner.

• May use word processing. for example, they prepare technical reports. (1)
• May use a database. for example, they input customer contract information and the model number of heating and ventilation systems installed. (1)
• May use communications software. for example, they may use e-mail to communicate with clients and use the internet to access web sites. (2)
• May use hand-held computers for real-time billing. (2)

Continuous learning is important for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics due to changes in technology and an increased emphasis on the environment and energy savings. in order to work on the new generations of equipment, mechanics need to keep informed about new types of equipment, the use of different energy sources, new materials, automated computer controls, the use of diagnostic sensors and built in microprocessors. the more knowledgeable the mechanic is, the more customers can be offered in terms of options and service.

They must also keep up-to-date on any changes made to the codes and regulations that govern their work. this may entail keeping government-required certifications relating to dangerous goods, work place hazardous materials system (whmis) and chlorofluorocarbon (cfc) handling current (requirements will vary for each jurisdiction). refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may be selected by their company to take training, for example they may be selected to be the certified first aid provider for their work crew or they may be sent to a manufacturer's training course.refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics carry out most of their continuous learning through self study and workshops and seminars. they take advantage of seminars and information sessions put on by equipment manufacturers and suppliers to find out about new equipment and to ask questions about existing products. they acquire and read manuals, bulletins, manufacturer's literature and trade journals. they may visit manufacturer's websites and do on-line searches about new technological developments and new types of equipment. trade unions and companies will also provide training sessions on new technologies and changes to codes and regulations.

The refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics interviewed felt that refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics should be patient and positive to deal with problems in a logical and sequential manner. they need to be flexible with work hours and conduct themselves in a professional manner. they have to be friendly and approachable and have good people skills, because in addition to their trade skills they are also providing customer service.

Although the basic mechanics of refrigeration and heating have not changed that much, equipment is becoming more integrated with computerization, especially in the area of controls. the use of microelectronics has allowed controls to become more complex and more accurate. computerized monitoring, on-board diagnostics and sensor equipment will require familiarity with new types of diagnostic devices and specialized computer programs. the essential skill area of computer use will expand not only in the area equipment, but also in the delivery of services. use of hand-held computer equipment for billing, the use of laptop computers and palm pilots is increasing. there is an industry focus on providing customer service which is not part of the refrigeration and air conditioning trade, but is increasingly becoming an expectation of employers. this focus will impact the essential skill areas of oral communication, finding information and continuous learning. customers are much more informed and expect a higher level of service and knowledge from mechanics. the industry is becoming more conscious of the demands for energy efficiency and environmental safety. there is an increase in the number of codes and regulations that are being applied, for example; regulation requires monitoring and documentation of the use and handling of refrigerant, the disposal of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (hcfc) and the use of propane and other fuels. the use of new materials in the manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and parts is ongoing as technology in the areas of plastics and fibres continues to expand. these trends will impact the essential skill areas of finding information and continuous learning as there will be in increased need for mechanics to keep on top of new codes and regulations and technological and environmental changes in their industry.