What does a refrigeration mechanic do?
The job of a refrigeration mechanic basically involves the installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration systems. Refrigeration mechanics usually work with commercial, domestic, and industrial heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. They perform the inspection and testing of HVACR systems and their components. It is their job to discuss system malfunctions with their customers. They also work on the repair or replacement of defective or worn parts of the systems.
Refrigeration mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real refrigeration mechanic resumes:
- Assist with and, on occasion, manage installation and modification of building HVAC/R systems.
- Perform daily checks of ammonia compressors, condensers, evaporators, troubleshoot ammonia systems, replace electrical motors and devices.
- Install operated, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- Complete daily checklists of water chillers, evaporators, pumps, and condensers to insure proper running order.
- Install and replace motors, pumps, switches, safety controls, solenoids, and fuses in all refrigeration areas.
- Fix electrical switches and replace wires.
- Operate in compliance with OSHA to uphold site safety and regulations.
- Repair or replace heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and appliances.
- Perform monthly shop safety inspections and ensure that shop are maintained at OSHA standards.
- Create work orders and explain to customers how to maintain and operate their HVAC/R equipment.
- Replace and repair tubes, fittings and elbows by brazing, soldering or welding as required.
- Assemble, install or repair wiring, electrical and electronic components, pipe systems, plumbing, machinery, and equipment.
- Perform swaging, flaring, and brazing of refrigerant tubing in order to make necessary repairs to refrigeration and HVAC equipment.
- Repair the pressure steam, hot boilers, pumping units, vacuum pumps, boiler feed pumps and other auxiliary equipment.
- Repair electrical and plumbing problems.
Refrigeration mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Refrigeration Mechanics are proficient in Preventative Maintenance, Hand Tools, and Ventilation. They’re also known for soft skills such as Time-management skills, Customer-service skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Refrigeration Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Provided many preventative maintenance assessments with recommendations for energy conservation and improved performance.
- Hand Tools, 6%
Use all hand tools, test equipment and instruments.
- Ventilation, 5%
Installed operated, maintained, and repaired heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- Condensers, 5%
Performed daily checks of ammonia compressors, condensers, evaporators, troubleshoot ammonia systems, replaced electrical motors and devices.
- Ammonia, 5%
Maintained ammonia refrigeration system, boiler operations, logical controls, machine repair.
- Freon, 5%
Utilized tools (socket wrenches, cutters, screwdrivers, welding torches), dollies, and Freon to perform installation.
Common skills that a refrigeration mechanic uses to do their job include "preventative maintenance," "hand tools," and "ventilation." You can find details on the most important refrigeration mechanic responsibilities below.
Time-management skills. One of the key soft skills for a refrigeration mechanic to have is time-management skills. You can see how this relates to what refrigeration mechanics do because "hvacr technicians frequently have a set number of daily maintenance calls." Additionally, a refrigeration mechanic resume shows how refrigeration mechanics use time-management skills: "perform maintenance on aircraft to maintain faa airworthiness standards in a timely manner to ensure a safe and on time departure. "
Customer-service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling refrigeration mechanic duties is customer-service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "hvacr technicians often work in customers’ homes or business offices, so it is important that they be friendly, polite, and punctual." According to a refrigeration mechanic resume, here's how refrigeration mechanics can utilize customer-service skills in their job responsibilities: "perform and maintain kitchen equipment to customers. "
Detail oriented. This is an important skill for refrigeration mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how refrigeration mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "hvacr technicians must carefully maintain records of all work performed." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a refrigeration mechanic: "changed 2 condenser fans.repaired and cleaned in detail 5 commercial ice machines. ".
Mechanical skills. refrigeration mechanic responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "hvacr technicians install and work on complicated climate-control systems, so they must understand the hvac components and be able to properly assemble, disassemble, and, if needed, program them." This resume example shows what refrigeration mechanics do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "perform ship board maintenance on refrigeration, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems. "
Physical strength. A commonly-found skill in refrigeration mechanic job descriptions, "physical strength" is essential to what refrigeration mechanics do. Refrigeration mechanic responsibilities rely on this skill because "hvacr technicians may have to lift and support heavy equipment and components, often without help." You can also see how refrigeration mechanic duties rely on physical strength in this resume example: "provided physical and technical assistance for hvac technicians. "
Troubleshooting skills. Another skill commonly found on refrigeration mechanic job descriptions is "troubleshooting skills." It can come up quite often in refrigeration mechanic duties, since "hvacr technicians must be able to identify problems on malfunctioning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and then determine the best way to repair them." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day refrigeration mechanic responsibilities: "performed routine maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs on refrigeration and tractors. "
The three companies that hire the most refrigeration mechanics are:
- Schwan's21 refrigeration mechanics jobs
- My Florida Regional Mls16 refrigeration mechanics jobs
- Florida Department of Transportation12 refrigeration mechanics jobs
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Compare different refrigeration mechanics
Refrigeration mechanic vs. Repair servicer
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, refrigeration mechanic responsibilities require skills like "preventative maintenance," "hand tools," "ventilation," and "condensers." Meanwhile a typical repair servicer has skills in areas such as "repair service," "safety protocol," "customer complaints," and "windows." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that repair servicers earn slightly differ from refrigeration mechanics. In particular, repair servicers are 5.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a refrigeration mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Refrigeration mechanic vs. Mechanic
An HVAC mechanic specializes in installing and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities revolve around communicating with clients to identify their needs, troubleshooting, identifying the root of issues, and performing corrective measures. They may also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that the devices are functioning efficiently and safely. Furthermore, as an HVAC mechanic, it is essential to explain the extent of repairs to the clients and recommend ways to maintain systems in good condition.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, refrigeration mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "preventative maintenance," "ventilation," "ammonia," and "freon." Meanwhile, a mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "preventive maintenance," "customer service," "customer vehicles," and "diagnosis." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Mechanics may earn a lower salary than refrigeration mechanics, but mechanics earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $51,758. On the other hand, refrigeration mechanics receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $57,423.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mechanics tend to reach similar levels of education than refrigeration mechanics. In fact, they're 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Refrigeration mechanic vs. Hvac mechanic
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from refrigeration mechanic resumes include skills like "preventative maintenance," "ammonia," "hazmat," and "psm," whereas a hvac mechanic is more likely to list skills in "hvac," "epa," "preventive maintenance," and "chillers. "
Hvac mechanics earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $57,885. Refrigeration mechanics earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $57,423.Most hvac mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to refrigeration mechanics. For example, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Refrigeration mechanic vs. Transportation refrigeration technician
Types of refrigeration mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
