Checking an air conditioning installer's refrigerant licence
Check an air conditioning installer's ARC refrigerant licence, understand NSW and Victorian trade licensing, and compare installation quotes on scope.
Installing a split system or ducted air conditioner involves refrigerant handling, which is licensed nationally, and usually electrical and trade work, which is licensed by your state or territory. A quote can come from a business that holds one authorisation while the person who arrives holds another. This guide shows how to check the national refrigerant licence, what New South Wales and Victoria additionally require, and how to write a quote scope that leaves fewer surprises on installation day.
Check the refrigerant licence
ARC's licence check lets you enter a technician's licence number or first name and surname. It tells you whether the licence is current and, if it is, what type of licence the technician holds. Ask the business for the name and licence number of the person who will install your system, not only the company's authorisation, and check it before the day. Then match the licence type to the job. ARC explains that a technician who only installs split systems needs, at minimum, a restricted split system installation and decommissioning licence. ARC's licence table describes that restricted licence as covering single-head split system air conditioners under 18 kW (and certain two-part heat pumps), while a full refrigeration and air conditioning licence covers other work. ARC specifically includes wall-hung, cassette and ducted indoor units when the job is a single-head split system under 18 kW within the restricted installation scope. That restricted licence does not cover multi-head systems or refrigerant service, repair and maintenance. Ask the technician to match the exact system, capacity and task to the licence rather than deciding from the indoor unit shape alone. ARC notes that it does not guarantee the quality of work by a licensed person, and that some product warranties may depend on installation by a licensed technician.
Search by licence number or name to see whether a refrigerant handling licence is current and its type.
ARC: licence checkWhat each refrigerant handling licence covers, including the restricted split system licence.
ARC: licence typesThe restricted installation scope includes qualifying ducted indoor units, but excludes multi-head systems and refrigerant service or repair.
ARC: who can do what with split systemsNew South Wales: the air conditioning and refrigeration licence
NSW requires a licence or certificate for air conditioning and refrigeration work, including associated electrical wiring work that an electrician would otherwise do. The NSW Government says carrying out this work without a licence or certificate is a breach of the Home Building Act 1989. Its definition excludes self-contained single-phase plug-in units, such as portable air conditioners, and a licence is not required for duct work outside a dwelling. Check the installer's NSW licence alongside the ARC licence. If the job also involves new circuits or switchboard work beyond the associated wiring the licence allows, ask who will do that work and under which licence.
When a NSW licence is needed, the electrical wiring it includes and what the definition excludes.
NSW Government: air conditioning and refrigeration work licencesHow to find and check state trade licences, including Verify NSW.
Booking several trades for a small renovationVictoria: plumbing class and electrical certificate
In Victoria, the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) registers and licenses this work as plumbing. Its refrigerated air-conditioning work class covers installing and commissioning air conditioning equipment, including single-head split systems. A restricted class covers single-head split systems up to 18 kW cooling and add-on condenser units for ducted systems, and applicants for that class must hold a current ARCtick card. Electrical work is regulated by Energy Safe Victoria. It explains that a Certificate of Electrical Safety is a legal document recording electrical work, issued by a registered electrical contractor or licensed electrical worker, and that the customer must be given a copy. Its examples of electrical installation work include air conditioning. Ask the quote to state who will issue the certificate for the electrical part of the job.
What the restricted class allows and the ARCtick card requirement for applicants.
BPC: restricted single head split systems classThe full Victorian class for refrigerated air conditioning work.
BPC: refrigerated air-conditioning workWho issues a Certificate of Electrical Safety and the customer's right to a copy.
Energy Safe Victoria: Certificates of Electrical SafetyWrite a quote scope you can compare
Ask every installer to price the same brief and answer these rows in writing: System: brand, model and rated capacity, and the room or area it is meant to serve. Indoor unit: exact wall or ceiling position, and how pipes and cables reach the outside. Outdoor unit: position, mounting (ground pad or wall bracket) and clearance from neighbours. Pipe run: length included in the price and the rate for any extra. Drainage: where condensate water will go. Electrical: whether a new circuit is needed, who does it and which certificate you receive. Old unit: removal, refrigerant recovery by a licensed person and disposal. Paperwork: product warranty registration and any compliance certificates. Hypothetical example, for illustration only: Quote A says "standard back-to-back install, $2,400". Quote B says "$2,750 including 6 m pipe run, wall bracket, new circuit by named electrician with certificate, and removal of old unit". Before choosing A, ask what "standard" includes; once A adds a longer pipe run and the electrical work, the gap may close or reverse.
A related home energy check where the retailer and the accredited installer can be different parties.
Checking a solar installer's accreditation before you signTurn installation quotes into a like-for-like comparison.
How to compare quotes from service businessesYour quick checklist
Tick these off as you go. This checklist resets when you leave.
Useful starting points
General information to help you ask questions. Check requirements for the particular service and your state or territory.