Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician Program (T160)
Program Description
Program Overview
This two-year program is eligible for a $40,000 scholarship.*
In the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician diploma program, you’ll develop the ability to size, install and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sectors. You’ll 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 two-year diploma program, you 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 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 must 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
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BLDG 1086 | Building Science and Green Technologies |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| HVAC 1001 | Refrigeration Theory I |
| HVAC 1006 | Electrical Fundamentals for HVAC |
| HVAC 1018 | Gas Technician III |
| MATH 1145 | Math for HVAC 1 |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HVAC 1003 | Refrigeration Laboratory Applications |
| HVAC 1008 | Electrical Circuit Analysis for HVAC |
| HVAC 1016 | Gas Technician II (Part A) |
| HVAC 2003 | Refrigeration Theory II |
| HVAC 2013 | HVAC Computer Applications |
| MATH 1155 | Math for HVAC 2 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HVAC 1017 | Gas Technician II (Part B) |
| HVAC 1022 | Understanding Construction Drawings |
| HVAC 2012 | Air Conditioning Theory |
| HVAC 2014 | Building Code for HVAC |
| PORT 1001 | Portfolio |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM 113 | Professional Communications for Building Technologies |
| HVAC 1021 | Gas Technician II (Part C) |
| HVAC 2001 | Residential HVAC System Design |
| HVAC 2006 | Air Conditioning Laboratory Applications |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers and customers.
- Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
- Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
- Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
- Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical and piping drawings.
- Install, service and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems and associated components.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 6711
Email: skilledtrades@georgebrown.ca
Office: Casa Loma Campus, Room E308
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page.
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it's like to be in a George Brown College classroom.
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician Program (T160)
Program Description
Program Overview
This 2-year program is eligible for a $40,000 scholarship.*
In the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician diploma program, you'll develop the ability to size, install, and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sectors. You'll 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 two-year diploma program, you 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 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 must 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
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BLDG 1086 | Building Science and Green Technologies |
| HVAC 1001 | Refrigeration Theory I |
| HVAC 1006 | Electrical Fundamentals for HVAC |
| HVAC 1018 | Gas Technician III |
| MATH 1145 | Math for HVAC 1 |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HVAC 1003 | Refrigeration Laboratory Applications |
| HVAC 1008 | Electrical Circuit Analysis for HVAC |
| HVAC 1016 | Gas Technician II (Part A) |
| HVAC 2003 | Refrigeration Theory II |
| HVAC 2013 | HVAC Computer Applications |
| MATH 1155 | Math for HVAC 2 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HVAC 1017 | Gas Technician II (Part B) |
| HVAC 1022 | Understanding Construction Drawings |
| HVAC 2012 | Air Conditioning Theory |
| HVAC 2014 | Building Code for HVAC |
| PORT 1001 | Portfolio |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HVAC 1021 | Gas Technician II (Part C) |
| HVAC 2001 | Residential HVAC System Design |
| HVAC 2006 | Air Conditioning Laboratory Applications |
| COMM 1113 | Professional Communications for Building Technologies |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers and customers.
- Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
- Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
- Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
- Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical and piping drawings.
- Install, service and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems and associated components.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 6711
Email: skilledtrades@georgebrown.ca
Office: Casa Loma Campus, Room E308
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page.
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it's like to be in a George Brown College classroom.
