Heat Pump Installation Ontario: Skills HVAC Apprentices Need in 2025

Published On

2025-07-09

Two heat pumps sit next to each other on a concrete surface.

The Ontario government wants to ensure that the rise in provincial energy consumption also means an increase in energy efficient practices. HVAC technicians who undertake heat pump installation training will play a role in ensuring energy efficiency by installing heat pumps to offset emissions. 

Heat pump installation is one of the key skills HVAC apprentices need in 2025 due to Ontario’s increasing energy demands. With provincial energy usage expected to rise 75% by 2050, Ontario’s infrastructure must be equipped to handle the load without it becoming a financial or environmental burden. 

Heat pumps are being installed across Ontario to help improve efficiency, a task which needs the hands of skilled HVAC professionals. For heat pump installation, Ontario technicians require training that will equip them with the knowledge to make Ontario’s climate goals a reality. 

Where Heat Pumps and Ontario’s Climate Goals Intersect

Hydro towers and power lines stretch into the horizon against a warm sunset and sky. 

Image Source: Unsplash

Heat pumps use electricity for both heating and cooling and significantly reduce natural gas consumption. On average, heat pump installation saves households around $1,337 a year on energy costs, and up to 2.78 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. 

Note that these savings are for those participating and eligible for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program.

This is important to help the Government of Ontario reduce emissions in the years to come. The current annual provincial energy use stands at 151 terawatt-hours (TWh) as of 2025, with it forecasted to reach 262 TWh by 2050. 

Heat pump installation in Ontario can greatly reduce emissions produced by this increase in energy, demonstrating necessary skills HVAC apprentices need in 2025 and beyond.

Certifications that Matter: 313D/313A + G2/G1 Pathways

To become qualified for heat pump installation in Ontario, you must acquire strong knowledge of provincial regulatory requirements. Additionally, you need to learn about the latest principles and technologies used for heat pump installation. 

313A (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic)

This course provides full-scope HVAC training for both commercial and residential systems. With the 313A course, apprentices can tackle any heat pump job, ranging from initial sizing to advanced diagnostic tasks. 

313D (Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic)

The course focuses on residential systems of medium size that provide cooling capacities of up to five tonnes. It applies to most Ontario housing retrofits, making the 313D valuable for apprentices who have a greater interest in residential units. 

G2/G1 (Gas Technician)

All HVAC technicians who work on hybrid systems or gas furnace applications need a G2/G1 certification. Apprentices usually begin with a G2 and then progress to a G1 to acquire greater expertise and earnings. 

Additional Skills HVAC Technicians Need to Master for Heat Pump Installation in Ontario

In addition to the certifications mentioned above, HVAC technicians need to understand three distinct skills for heat pump installation: correct sizing, advanced refrigerant handling, and cold-climate defrost controls. 

  • Correct sizing: Oversized units waste energy and increase costs, while undersized units fail to provide heat on cold nights. Effectively understanding and applying this concept helps HVAC technicians install the right heat pumps from the start.
  • Advanced refrigerant handling: HVAC technicians have to adapt to changing standards regarding the handling of refrigerants. This includes transitioning from R-410A to lower GWP A2L refrigerants such as R-32 or R-454B. 
  • Cold-climate defrost controls: HVAC technicians must also learn defrost protocols for winter weather and cold conditions, which are common throughout Ontario. Learning how to handle these controls ensures that HVAC technicians can properly install and maintain heat pumps when temperatures drop. 

Heat Pump Installation and Evolving Job Tasks

Heat pump installation goes beyond traditional HVAC jobs. It requires a blend of electronics, software, and mechanical know-how. Typical service calls for heat pumps may include the following:

  • Sizing and load calculations customized for new builds and retrofits to ensure whole-house comfort. 
  • Diagnostic troubleshooting to uncover issues, such as sensor faults, variable compressor errors, or freezing evaporators during winter months. 
  • Refrigerant management and leak detection to maintain systems, and monitoring of chemicals that can behave differently during charging and recovery. 

Hands-on diagnostics and rapid troubleshooting are essential tasks for HVAC technicians to undertake. These are among the skills HVAC apprentices need in 2025, especially for those looking to add heat pump installation to their service offerings. 

STC’s 80:20 Hands-On Model

An HVAC technician holds a wrench with one hand, while inspecting machine screws with the other.

Image Source: Unsplash

The best way to learn the craft of heat pump installation is through hands-on training. At the Skilled Trades College of Canada (STC), pre-apprentices spend 80% of their time handling heat pump jobs through a hands-on approach. The remaining 20% is theoretical learning taught in the classroom. 

For example, STC’s HVAC pre-apprenticeship program exposes students to scenarios that occur in the field. That could mean wiring live controls, troubleshooting a glitchy heat pump, or charging refrigerants. We provide training that heat pump installation Ontario talent need to excel in this growing field. 

Shaping Ontario’s Future One Heat Pump Installation at a Time

As Ontario ramps up its efforts toward energy efficiency, the need for skilled HVAC apprentices who provide heat pump installation is growing rapidly. The job calls for professionals with hands-on training, recognized certifications, and deep knowledge of HVAC principles. 

At the Skilled Trades Colleges of Canada, we equip you with these skills so you’re field-ready within months and can contribute to Ontario’s energy-efficient future. 

Heat Pump Installation FAQs

Heat pump installation in Ontario requires HVAC technicians to account for cold winters, provincial energy regulations, and incentive programs like the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program. Training in Ontario ensures apprentices understand regional requirements and can deliver efficient heating and cooling for local homes.

The most important skills HVAC apprentices need in 2025 include correct sizing of units, advanced refrigerant handling, and the ability to work with cold-climate defrost controls. These skills prepare technicians for modern heat pump installation in Ontario, where efficiency and sustainability are top priorities.

Yes, certifications are mandatory for heat pump installation in Ontario careers. Apprentices should pursue 313A or 313D for refrigeration and air conditioning training, plus G2 or G1 Gas Technician licensing. These pathways ensure compliance with provincial standards and prepare technicians for the growing demand for energy-efficient systems.

STC prepares students for heat pump installation Ontario careers through its HVAC pre-apprenticeship program. Using an 80:20 hands-on to classroom model, apprentices practice real-world skills like diagnostics, refrigerant charging, and troubleshooting. This ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills HVAC apprentices need in 2025.

Key Takeaways  

  1. Ontario's growing push for energy-efficient heat pumps hinges on a skilled HVAC system workforce trained in modern installation techniques.
  2. The 313D/313A and G2/G1 certifications are essential credentials for HVAC technicians aiming to install residential or commercial heat pumps.
  3. Mastery of correct sizing, refrigerant handling, and cold-climate defrost controls is critical for reliable, efficient heat pump performance in Ontario.
  4. Heat pump installation requires more than mechanical know-how. It blends diagnostics, electronics, and load calculations for advanced system performance.
  5. STC’s 80:20 hands-on training model gives HVAC apprentices the real-world skills and certifications needed to future-proof their careers and help Ontario reach its climate goals.

Are you looking to gain the skills needed to become an expert at heat pump installation? Contact us today to learn more about how our HVAC apprenticeship programs can prepare you for the field. 

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