8 Facts About Refrigeration Mechanics

Last Updated on June 20, 2025

Fridges and freezers play a critical role in food processing. Without a reliable cooling method, beloved products such as ice cream and sauces would not be possible! However, it’s essential to understand that refrigeration goes beyond simply keeping items cold; it also guarantees the quality and safety of our food. Keeping food cold between 0°C and 8°C helps keep food fresh and slow down microbial growth. Alternatively, freezing slows bacteria growth, preventing food deterioration. 

Because refrigeration is such a cornerstone of food manufacturing, there’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople who can install, repair, and maintain these systems. That’s where refrigeration mechanics come in. These certified professionals keep cooling systems running safely and efficiently and in doing so, they keep our food supply chain moving. If you’re considering a refrigeration mechanics career, you might be surprised at how varied and essential this trade really is.

1. Refrigeration Mechanics Keep Food Processing Systems Running

Refrigeration mechanics are responsible for ensuring the functionality of refrigeration systems in food processing facilities. They leverage their strong understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and the underlying physical principles that govern them. This knowledge empowers them to perform electrical calculations, interpret electrical drawings, and troubleshoot control systems effectively.

One of their main responsibilities is preventive maintenance. This involves inspecting and cleaning system components like seals, coils, and fan blades. By staying ahead of potential problems, refrigeration mechanics help prevent equipment breakdowns that could lead to costly downtime and food spoilage.

Furthermore, refrigeration mechanics handle urgent repairs such as excessive build-up, power irregularities, or malfunctioning compressors. Refrigeration mechanics use a step-by-step troubleshooting process to get systems back online fast. Their work keeps operations running and helps food producers avoid major losses.

2. Refrigeration Mechanics install commercial cooling systems

As food facilities expand or upgrade, they often need new refrigeration systems. That’s where refrigeration mechanics come in. These tradespeople not only help fix systems they also help guide purchasing decisions. They contribute to space planning and layout for efficient placement when establishing new refrigeration setups. Additionally, they handle the setup and dismantling of equipment.

A big part of the refrigeration mechanics career is knowing how to size and position cooling equipment for maximum efficiency. Mechanics often advise on equipment selection, assist with layout planning, and make sure the new systems fit seamlessly into the building’s infrastructure.

Unlike the fridges you plug in at home, commercial refrigeration systems are large, complex, and built to handle high volumes. They transfer heat using refrigerants and require precise integration with electrical and ventilation systems. Therefore, these factors must be carefully considered when creating and planning the installation of new refrigeration systems.

Once installed, refrigeration mechanics also test the system to make sure it meets performance and safety standards.

3. Refrigeration Mechanic/Technician are certified

The education required to become a certified refrigeration mechanic depends on your province or state. In Canada, you must complete secondary school and obtain an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship typically lasts around five years and includes both on-the-job experience and in-class training. You’ll work alongside experienced refrigeration mechanics while learning how to install, maintain, and repair commercial systems. You’ll also study safety procedures, electrical theory, refrigeration cycles, and more.

For example, according to Skilled Trades Ontario, becoming a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic requires about 9,000 hours of training. That breaks down into 8,280 hours of hands-on work and 720 hours of classroom instruction. Once complete, you’ll be qualified to work independently and may even write the Red Seal exam if you want to work across Canada.

4. Refrigeration Mechanics perform preventative maintenance and repair

Food processing facilities need to have the peace of mind to know that their fridge and freezer systems are always working. The failure of these systems can result in costly expenses and extensive food wastage.

To prevent such scenarios, facilities implement regular maintenance programs known as preventative maintenance programs. During these scheduled maintenance sessions, refrigeration mechanics undertake various crucial tasks, including:

Common maintenance tasks include:

• Checking and replacing door seals
• Cleaning condenser coils and fan blades
• Flushing drain lines
• Lubricating hinges and moving parts
• Monitoring system performance for early warning signs
• Repairing or replacing worn-out parts
• Descaling water circuits and flushing acids if needed

5. Refrigeration Mechanics perform troubleshooting repairs

As previously mentioned, refrigeration mechanics often encounter maintenance issues, which can be critical in a food processing facility. Some of the most common problems experienced with industrial refrigeration systems include:

• Excessive build-up
• Power issues
• Mechanically locked compressors

When issues arise, refrigeration mechanics don’t just guess they follow a systematic troubleshooting process to find and fix the root cause. That process usually involves:

1. Identifying the problem – What’s not working as expected?
2. Gathering data – Mechanics check system readings, inspect components, and collect background details.
3. Analyzing the data – Using their training, they interpret what the numbers and symptoms mean.
4. Developing potential solutions – They consider possible fixes based on the evidence.
5. Implementing the solution – The best option is tested and applied.
6. Verifying the results – The system is monitored to confirm that the problem is fully resolved.

6. Refrigerator Mechanics follow safety precautions

Safety isn’t just important to refrigeration mechanics – it is critical! These professionals work with pressurized systems, electrical circuits, hazardous refrigerants, and heavy machinery daily. One mistake could mean serious injury or compromised food safety.

That’s why certified refrigeration mechanics follow strict safety protocols including proper refrigerant handling (ammonia, HFCs require special certification!), lockout/tagout procedures before any repairs, mandatory PPE like gloves and steel-toe boots, systematic leak detection, and detailed maintenance records for compliance.

Working in a food processing facility can be dangerous but if the proper precautions are taken then refrigeration mechanics can maintain safe, efficient operations while protecting both themselves and the food supply!

7. Refrigerator Mechanics understand power, electrical and PLC controls

Refrigeration system controls are specialized products designed to automatically optimize operating temperatures, fan speeds, and pressures within large-scale commercial refrigeration systems. Their primary goal is to minimize energy consumption while ensuring that the refrigerated spaces or equipment remain within predefined temperature limits.

Commercial refrigeration systems are significantly larger and more complex than household refrigerators, often featuring microprocessor-based electronics. These systems house various electrical components, including compressors, pressure switches, thermostats, fans, and control valves. Refrigeration mechanics know how to apply Ohm’s and Watt’s laws for interpreting electrical calculations and troubleshooting electrical boards. Additionally, they excel in troubleshooting control systems that incorporate electrical components such as relays, timers, motor starters, and controls.

8. Refrigeration Mechanics have a mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and interpersonal skills

Being a refrigeration mechanic requires a wide range of skills. However, there are a few which are more essential than others. These skills include:

• Mechanical Aptitude: Refrigeration mechanics must possess mechanical aptitude, which entails a deep understanding of fundamental mechanical principles, including sound, heat conduction, velocity, gravity, and force. This comprehensive knowledge is essential because refrigeration systems involve these concepts intricately, making it a fundamental requirement for mechanics.
• Manual Dexterity: Refrigeration mechanics require strong manual dexterity to handle small parts and make precise adjustments within refrigeration systems. Their ability to work in confined spaces further emphasizes the need for skillful and precise handwork. Ensuring the optimal functionality of these systems relies on their steady and careful manipulation of components
• Interpersonal Skills: While refrigeration mechanics may often work independently, their role also requires collaboration with various departments, including production and logistics staff. Furthermore, they need to coordinate closely with fellow members of their maintenance teams. Effective communication is crucial in this context, as they must convey information clearly and concisely. Building and maintaining positive working relationships is equally important to ensure the smooth and efficient progress of tasks and projects.