Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technology Program (T162)

Program Description

Program Overview

This three-year Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technology advanced diploma program provides you with an understanding of the factors involved in designing, building, controlling, and maintaining energy-efficient building environmental systems. The first two years of the program will give you practical skills through hands-on projects in the shops. You'll work on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, and other appliances in our labs. In the third year, you'll focus more on commercial systems, giving you a well-rounded knowledge-base to succeed in the HVAC industry.

Full Description

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

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technology three-year advanced diploma program addresses the current and future needs of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. In the first two years, you'll learn about residential and some light commercial systems. In the third year, we'll hone in on your understanding of commercial systems.

This program covers the basics of air system and hydronic (water) system theory needed to design distribution systems, select suitable fans, pumps, heating and cooling systems, and controls for larger buildings.

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.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

On successful completion of this program, you will 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, in the Building Code for HVAC (HVAC 2014) course 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 towards 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.

As a graduate of this advanced diploma program, you may find employment opportunities in a broad range of disciplines within the industry, including:

  • consulting engineering and architectural firms
  • design/build contractors
  • school boards
  • commercial refrigeration installation and maintenance companies
  • building automation and control companies
  • building maintenance
  • HVAC/R manufacturing, sales and distribution companies

You may also pursue management careers in the mechanical sector of the construction industry or opt to become a self-employed specialty contractor.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest Alumni Stories

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