Question 1

What is the difference between HVAC and refrigeration?

Accepted Answer

HVAC focuses on comfort heating and cooling in buildings — furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps. Refrigeration is a separate specialty focused on commercial cooling systems that keep food and perishables cold: walk-in coolers and freezers, display cases, ice machines, and large industrial cold storage. Many employers treat refrigeration as a distinct trade, and some states license them separately.

Question 2

What certifications do refrigeration technicians need?

Accepted Answer

EPA 608 Universal certification is the baseline requirement for handling refrigerants in any commercial refrigeration system. Some employers and refrigerated warehouse operators require CARO (Certified Ammonia Refrigeration Operator) for facilities using ammonia as a refrigerant. Manufacturer-specific training from brands like Hussmann, Tyler, or Hill Phoenix is valued for grocery and food retail roles.

Question 3

Where do refrigeration technicians work?

Accepted Answer

Grocery stores and supermarkets are the largest employer of commercial refrigeration technicians, but the field spans cold storage warehouses, food processing and distribution facilities, restaurants and commercial kitchens, pharmaceutical storage, and ice arenas. Many roles involve on-call coverage since refrigeration failures are time-sensitive emergencies.

Question 4

How much do refrigeration technicians earn?

Accepted Answer

Refrigeration technicians typically earn $22–$38/hr, with experienced technicians in high-cost markets or ammonia systems regularly exceeding $40/hr. On-call premiums and emergency call-out pay can add significantly to base wages. Pay scales are often comparable to or higher than residential HVAC due to the specialized knowledge required.

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