Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Geothermal

Overview

As a clean energy source with immense potential for development, geothermal energy represents a strong area of growth. There's high demand for skilled professionals who have knowledge and experience related to geothermal use and best practices.

Working in this field requires a variety of skills in mechanical refrigeration systems, electrical controls, basic soldering and brazing. You learn to repair and maintain residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. You also learn to install copper refrigerant lines and other kinds of piping. Basic skills in oxy-acetylene brazing and welding are covered as well as the installation of electrical circuits and controls.

Learning in a geothermal environment, you build on your refrigeration and air conditioning training with hands-on experience. You learn how to install three types of geothermal systems: vertical ground source, horizontal closed loop, and vertical closed loop.

This program is the first step to becoming a Red Seal refrigeration mechanic and a trained geothermal installer.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • There are two sessions which are completed at the end or throughout the duration of your program.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• NSCC's Cumberland Campus provides an ideal setting to learn about this technology. With access to some of the world's deepest abandoned coal mines, companies located in Springhill have been some of the early pioneers, tapping into the benefits of geothermal technology since the late 1980s. This local resource, along with the on-site geothermal well installations and ground loop systems, provides you with the ultimate learning lab.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Cumberland Campus Springhill	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Geothermal

Career options

• Graduates work with companies that specialize in heating, air conditioning and energy. You are employable in many occupations, including maintenance and sales of heating/cooling systems and the installation of geothermal systems.
• Learn more about Refrigeration and Air Conditioning labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a compulsory trade in Nova Scotia. Once employed you will be required to register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency as per the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act.
• Red Seal Endorsement - Individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal allows certified tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.
  • Find out more about the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COMM 1227 - Communications I
This course provides the student with an overview of the communication skills required by business and industry. Students will learn to apply these communication skills to be successful in their selected workplace setting.

COMM 1228 - Communications II
This course further develops essential communications skills with a focus on basic writing. This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop written work typical of the industry related to their program of study.

ENVI 3200 - Geothermal - Energy Exchange Installation
Geo Energy Exchange - Installation reviews the application of geothermal energy systems. In addition this course introduces the ongoing developments of energy exchange beyond the typical ground source applications. Learners examine energy exchange principles, geothermal heat pump systems, the economic and marketing factors of the energy exchange industry, and the geological factors related to geo-applications. The installation process, maintenance issues, and basic controls are detailed.

ENVI 3400 - Geothermal - Energy Exchange Residential Design
Geothermal - Energy Exchange Residential Design reviews the basis behind the critical design aspects of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Learners will examine the economics of systems, efficiency measurements, soil characteristics, building loads, and distribution considerations. Open versus closed loop systems and CSA 448 issues are also covered.

RFAC 1000 - Introduction to Safety and Rigging
This course will help the learner practice safety and maintain a safe working environment. Learners will be taught about working safely around electricity. Learners will understand and practice safe procedures to comply with the Occupational Health & Safety handbook and WHMIS procedures. The School of Trades and Technology has specific requirements for health and safety practices and procedures for all shops and labs. Learners will learn to practice 5S+S quality system.

RFAC 1002 - Blueprint Reading
This course will focus on the basic skills necessary for the preparation, reading, and understanding of refrigeration and air conditioning related drawings, as well as the ability to prepare sketches, plans, and details.

RFAC 1004 - Mathematics for Trades
This course will provide the Learners with the necessary mathematical background to perform calculations used in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning.

RFAC 1006 - Basic Electricity I
This course will introduce the Learner to the fundamentals of electrical refrigeration and air conditioning. It will explain the different types of electrical functions used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

RFAC 1007 - Metering Devices
This course will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of several types of metering devices used to control the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator. It will explain the different types of pressure reducing devices used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

RFAC 1008 - Compressors
This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of compression refrigeration and air conditioning methods. It will explain the different types of compressors used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

RFAC 1011 - Evaporators and Condensers
This course will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of heat exchanger components as used for the transfer of heat in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It will explain the different types of condensers and evaporators used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. It will explore characteristics affecting efficiencies and innovation.

RFAC 1012 - Basic Electricity II
In order to function effectively in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, the technician must be able to recognize the functions and limitations of the various electrical devices. This course will enable the learner to troubleshoot electrical elements of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. This course will give learners a solid understanding of electrical principles and devices used in the industry. Learners will have the opportunity to test and troubleshoot electrical components.

RFAC 1015 - Refrigeration Concepts
In order to function effectively in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, the technician must be able to recognize the functions and limitations of the various theoretical principals of refrigeration. This course introduces the principles of refrigeration and their application to refrigeration systems.

RFAC 1016 - Refrigeration Cycle
This course builds on the concepts of refrigeration, applying these to the planning and installation of piping and components. Learners will have the opportunity to perform various methods of joinery, connect refrigeration components and test the system on completion.

RFAC 1017 - Basic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
This course introduces accessories and control devices for refrigeration systems. Material extends knowledge of refrigerants and their use and provides the opportunity for the learner to charge and commission the system. Heat pump technology will be introduced, with learners installing and commissioning heat pump units.

RFAC 1101 - Work Experience I
This course involves spending time at a jobsite under industry supervision. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

RFAC 1102 - Work Experience II
This course involves spending time at a jobsite under industry supervision. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1025 - Certified Fall Arrest and Protection
This course provides participants with an understanding of the hazards associated with working from heights and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2013). Throughout the course, participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness, an overview and presentation of system components involved when working from heights and learn how to complete a fall calculation and emergency procedures.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.