Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Installer
When installing, repairing or maintaining an air conditioning system, choosing the right installer is more than just getting a good price. The right choice protects your safety, ensures legal compliance, improves performance, and helps you save money in the long run.
What Licences & Qualifications to Check
- Installers carrying out air conditioning and refrigeration work in NSW must hold a valid contractor’s licence in at least Air Conditioning and in some cases electrical as well under NSW Fair Trading rules. This covers almost all work beyond simple plug-in units, including systems that involve refrigerants, electrical wiring, split systems, ducted systems, and multi-split systems.
- A qualified supervisors license in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (or equivalent qualification) is considered the standard for work that involves diagnosing faults, carrying out repairs, installing larger or complex systems, and performing associated electrical work.
- Holding a current Refrigerant Handling Licence is required, and the level of licence issued is directly linked to the installer’s qualification. For example, Certificate III allows for a full licence; Certificate II is restricted to limited work.
What Certificate II Means & When It’s Suitable
Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems (or similar) is currently a recognised entry-level qualification. It allows certain types of simpler work within specific requirements.
However, Certificate II does not cover the full range of tasks you may need. It does not include:
- diagnosing or repairing system refrigerant faults
- carrying out complex or higher-capacity ducted installations
- full servicing and maintenance of systems
For any installation beyond a basic split system, you should choose an installer with a full Artic license plus the correct supervisors or contractors licences. This ensures the job can be completed safely, legally, and to industry standards.
Department Stores & DIY Risks to Be Aware Of
- Department or “big-box” stores often offer air conditioner packages and installation deals, but installation may be done by contractors who are not properly licensed, or who cut corners to fixed pricing and reduced costs.
- Sometimes “installation” is included in price, but the installer may use minimal labour, basic or lower-quality components, or may skip steps (e.g. proper electrical work, mounting, noise and ventilation considerations).
- DIY installation by unqualified people or under-qualified trades is risky. Mistakes in sizing, refrigerant leakage, electrical safety, warranty invalidation, or non-compliance with NSW regulations are common issues.
- Always check who the installer is, their licence and qualifications (as above), when buying through a department store. Ask for proof and whether the installer meets the same standards you’d expect from a standalone installer.
Legal & Regulatory Musts
- An installer must be legally licensed for the type of work they are carrying out. Unlicensed or under-qualified work can lead to poor performance, safety risks, and may void manufacturer warranties.
- Local council rules may apply, especially regarding placement of outdoor units, setbacks from property boundaries, visual or heritage restrictions, and noise levels. A professional installer should know and follow these requirements.
- If you want to access government incentives or rebates, the work must be done by a fully licensed installer using compliant equipment.
Incentives & Financial Support
- NSW offers discounts and incentives under schemes such as the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) for installing more energy-efficient air conditioners.
- Choosing a higher efficiency model often means a bigger upfront discount as well as long-term running cost savings.
- Your installer should explain any available incentives, help with required paperwork, and make sure your quote clearly shows the full cost, the incentive or discount, and what is included.
What to Ask & Look For
Here are key questions to ask any installer:
- What licence(s) do you hold?
- Do you hold the appropriate Refrigerant Handling Licence for the work?
- Can you show examples of similar work you have completed?
- What exactly is included in the quote (installation, electrical work, ducting, removal of old unit, noise management, warranty)?
- How will you handle outdoor unit placement, noise levels, and any council restrictions?
- Who will carry out any repairs, maintenance or warranty work and are they appropriately qualified?
Why It Pays to Be Selective
Taking the time to choose the right installer will help you avoid:
- Poor system performance and higher energy bills
- Frequent breakdowns or repairs
- Safety hazards or refrigerant leaks
- Warranties being voided due to non-compliant installation
- Possible penalties for unlicensed work
Summary Checklist
Before you commit, make sure you have:
- Proof of a valid NSW air conditioning and refrigeration and possible electrical licences
- A current Refrigerant Handling Licence appropriate to the work, supported by a qualification of Certificate III (or higher)
- A clear, itemised written quote that covers installation details, warranty, and compliance with any council or regulatory requirements
- Confirmation of eligibility for any available government discounts or incentives