Partly funded training in green buildings and retrofits available now!

Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Skills

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Sector

  • Construction

Format

  • In-Person

Price

  • Partial Funding

Skills

Energy Assessments
Energy Efficiency
Heat Pump Installation
Installation
Installation Practices

Training Description

This hands-on lab course prepares residential HVAC installers with a Trade Qualification or final-level apprentices to practice hands-on installation skills for small residential heat pumps (<5 kW) in single-family homes. Delivered in BCIT’s Residential Heat Pump Installation Lab, students gain practical experience with ducted, ductless, dual-fuel, central, and multi-zone systems using industry-standard residential equipment. Training covers ductwork modifications, refrigerant handling, controls, commissioning, troubleshooting, and safe system handovers using current industry practices and refrigerants. Designed for HVAC contractors who are predominantly qualified plumbers, gas fitters, sheet metal workers, the course builds on existing trade training and foundational knowledge of forced air systems and refrigeration theory to strengthen practical residential heat pump installation skills.

Government funding for workforce solutions

Language

  • EN

Learners will:

  • Understand the policies, regulations, and industry best practices involved in installing air-source heat pump systems in residential buildings.
  • Assess existing air distribution systems to determine their suitability for heat pump retrofits.
  • Explain certification requirements and safe work practices for decommissioning and removing gas-fired equipment.
  • Interpret key technical documents such as EnerGuide home assessment reports, F280-12 load calculations, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications.
  • Apply installation strategies that optimize duct system performance in retrofit applications.
  • Install heat pump equipment using code-compliant methods and best practices, including mounting, condensate management, and drainage.
  • Install refrigerant linesets, including sizing, brazing, pressure testing, leak detection, and proper sealing and insulation.
    Test, evacuate, charge, and recover refrigerant using approved methods, including charging based on superheat, subcooling, and system configuration.
  • Install and test system controls by interpreting wiring diagrams, setting up thermostats, and coordinating control requirements between system components.
  • Start up, commission, and troubleshoot heat pump systems to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications and achieve optimal performance.
  • Apply best practices for homeowner handover, including system orientation, documentation, and ongoing operation guidance.

Air-to-air heat pumps are highly relevant to a low-carbon economy because they provide efficient heating and cooling using
electricity instead of fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. By transferring heat rather than
generating it through combustion, they use far less energy than conventional systems and support the transition to cleaner,
electrified infrastructure powered by renewable energy. In regions like British Columbia, where electricity is largely hydro-based,
heat pumps can operate with very low emissions, making them a key technology for building decarbonization, energy efficiency,
climate targets, and the growth of green jobs in construction, HVAC, and clean energy sectors.

Residential Air to Air Heat Pump System Retrofit Design

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C2R2 is a pan-Canadian coalition of colleges, cégeps, and polytechnics dedicated to bridging the skills gap for a resilient recovery. Our members have the expertise and agility to deliver impactful training programs and applied research that support energy security and sustainability. Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, serves as the Coordinating Secretariat for C2R2, leading national projects and advocacy.