Course Overview
This course provides individuals with a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics trade qualification with avenue to demonstrate the applied knowledge required to successfully install and commission small residential air-source heat pump systems (<5 kW) in new construction or retrofits. Through a combination of Work Integrated Learning, faculty interview, and focused challenge exam, students demonstrate existing refrigeration competencies and applied knowledge of residential heat pump-specific skills not typically emphasized in RACM training or apprenticeship, but essential for heat pump installations. These include residential installation considerations, system integration, commissioning for performance, and installation best practices aligned with energy efficiency and long-term operation. The course allows Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics an alternate pathway to earn the Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist microcredential without having to repeat foundational refrigeration skills already mastered.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Recall the policy, regulatory, and industry practices for installing air source heat pump systems in residential buildings.
- Demonstrate applied knowledge of assessment methods for air distribution systems in existing residential buildings for effective retrofit with air source heat pump systems.
- Explain installation details and approaches to optimize ducting system performance in existing homes.
- Explain best practices to install heat pump equipment, refrigerant linesets, condensate drains, controls in various residential applications.
- Demonstrate applied knowledge of best practice system commissioning and startup standards including the use of modern tools and verification against design and manufacturer requirements
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2026
Related Programs
Residential Air Source Heat Pump Installation for Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics (MZEB 3120) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Construction and the Environment
- Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist
Microcredential Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.