Australia recorded its hottest summer on record in 2024, and air conditioning is now installed in more than 80% of Australian households. When your system breaks down in 42-degree heat, you need a licensed air conditioning technician who can fix it properly, not someone who will void your warranty and damage a unit worth thousands of dollars.
With over 4,700 licensed air conditioning technicians in Queensland alone listed on TradieVerify, finding a qualified professional is straightforward. This guide explains how to hire a licensed air conditioning technician in Australia, covering ARCtick licensing, split system versus ducted specialists, costs, energy efficiency ratings, and state-by-state regulations.
Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed Air Conditioning Technician
Air conditioning work in Australia involves two separate licensing requirements, making it one of the more tightly regulated trades.
Dual licensing required. Every air conditioning technician needs both a state-issued trade licence (from QBCC, VBA, or equivalent) AND a Refrigerant Handling Licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick). Working without either licence is a criminal offence.
Refrigerant is a controlled substance. Fluorocarbon refrigerants are regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. Handling refrigerant without an ARCtick licence carries penalties of up to $1,800.
Warranty protection. Most manufacturer warranties require installation by a qualified, licensed professional. If an unlicensed person installs your system, the manufacturer can refuse any warranty claim for the life of the unit.
Insurance implications. Home and contents insurance can be voided if work is performed by an unlicensed installer. Your insurer will check whether the installation was done by a licensed professional.
Accountability. Licensed technicians are registered with state regulators and the ARC. If something goes wrong, you have formal complaints pathways through the QBCC, VBA, or your state fair trading office.
Verify any technician’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page.
1. Understand the ARCtick Licence System
The ARCtick scheme is the national licensing system for anyone who works with refrigerants. It is administered by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) and sits on top of state trade licences.
Why ARCtick matters. If your technician does not hold a current ARCtick licence, they cannot legally purchase refrigerant, install a new system, or top up gas in an existing unit.
Licence types relevant to residential air conditioning:
| ARCtick Licence | Code | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | RAC01 | All non-automotive RAC work, including ducted, split, and multi-split systems |
| Restricted Split Systems | RSS03 | Installation and decommissioning of split systems under 18kW only |
RAC01 vs RSS03. A technician with RAC01 can work on any residential system. RSS03 holders can only install and decommission split systems under 18kW and cannot service, repair, or top up refrigerant. For anything beyond a basic split install, you need RAC01.
How to verify. Ask for their ARCtick licence number and check it on the ARC’s “Look For The Tick” website. Confirm the licence is current and covers the work you need.
2. Know the Difference Between Split System and Ducted Specialists
Not all air conditioning technicians do the same work. Understanding the two main system types helps you hire the right specialist.
Split systems have an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor head units, cooling individual rooms or zones. Multi-head (multi-split) systems connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor compressor.
Ducted systems use a central unit in the roof space connected to ductwork that distributes air through ceiling vents across the entire home. They require careful design for airflow balance and cost significantly more.
Why the distinction matters for hiring:
| Factor | Split System Specialist | Ducted System Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Typical licence | RSS03 or RAC01 | RAC01 required |
| Design skills needed | Minimal (room sizing) | Significant (duct layout, airflow, zoning) |
| Installation time | 3-6 hours | 2-5 days |
| Electrical work | Usually straightforward | Often requires dedicated circuits |
What to ask. Tell the technician what system you have (or want) and ask how many of that type they have installed in the past 12 months. A ducted system installed by a split system specialist is a recipe for poor airflow and hot spots.
Browse air conditioning technicians in Queensland to find verified professionals in your area.
3. Check Their Licence Before You Pay a Cent
Before signing a quote, verify the technician’s credentials on TradieVerify or the relevant state register.
What to check:
- State trade licence. Is it current and active? Check it covers air conditioning and refrigeration work specifically.
- ARCtick licence. Verify on the ARC database. Confirm whether they hold RAC01 (full) or RSS03 (restricted split systems only).
- Licence class. In Queensland, QBCC offers three levels: Occupational, Limited Design (up to 500kW), and Unlimited Design. For residential work, Occupational or Limited is fine.
- Business details. Does the licence match the business name and ABN on the quote?
- Electrical licence. Air conditioning installation involves electrical connections. If the technician does not hold an electrical licence, they must subcontract a licensed electrician.
Ask for the licence number upfront. Any legitimate technician will provide it without hesitation.
4. Understand Energy Efficiency Ratings Before You Buy
A good air conditioning technician will help you choose the right system, not just install whatever you hand them. Energy efficiency is where their advice saves you real money.
Star ratings. All air conditioners sold in Australia must display an Energy Rating Label with star ratings for cooling and heating. More stars means lower running costs. The Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) shows performance for three climate zones: hot, average, and cold.
What to ask your technician:
- What capacity (kW) does your room actually need? Oversized units short-cycle and waste energy. Undersized units run constantly.
- Is an inverter system worth the extra cost for your usage pattern?
- What is the estimated annual running cost?
Sizing matters more than brand. A 7kW unit in a room that needs 3.5kW will cool too quickly, creating temperature swings and wasting electricity. Your technician should perform a heat load calculation based on room dimensions, insulation, and window area.
Any technician who skips the sizing conversation and just recommends the biggest unit is not working in your interest.
5. Get Three Written Quotes and Compare Properly
Get at least three written quotes before committing.
What a proper quote should include:
- Make and model of the unit (if supply and install)
- Outdoor unit placement and pipe run length
- Electrical work (new circuit, switchboard upgrade)
- Whether old system removal is included
- Warranty details for the unit and installation
- Timeline and payment schedule
Compare like for like. One quote at $1,800 and another at $3,200 may be comparing a 2.5kW no-name unit with a 7kW Daikin. Ensure quotes specify the same brand, capacity, and energy rating before comparing.
Watch for exclusions. The cheapest quote often excludes electrical work, pipe covers, or the outdoor unit bracket. These add $300 to $800 to the final bill.
6. How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in Australia?
Air conditioning costs depend on the system type, capacity, installation complexity, and your location. Here are indicative costs as of 2025-2026:
Split system installation (supply and install):
| System Type | Cost Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Single split system (2.5-3.5kW) | $1,800 - $3,000 |
| Single split system (5-7kW) | $2,500 - $4,800 |
| Multi-split system (2 heads) | $4,200 - $6,500 |
| Multi-split system (3-4 heads) | $6,000 - $10,000 |
Ducted system installation (supply and install):
| System Type | Cost Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Small home (2-3 bedrooms) | $8,000 - $13,000 |
| Medium home (3-4 bedrooms) | $12,000 - $17,000 |
| Large home (5+ bedrooms, zoned) | $15,000 - $25,000 |
Service and repair:
| Service | Cost Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard service (split system) | $120 - $250 |
| Standard service (ducted system) | $180 - $350 |
| Refrigerant top-up (per kg) | $80 - $150 |
| Compressor replacement | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| PCB board replacement | $400 - $900 |
| Leak detection and repair | $300 - $800 |
Labour rates. Most air conditioning technicians charge between $90 and $180 per hour, with a call-out fee of $80 to $120. Emergency and after-hours rates are typically 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate.
Factors that increase cost: long pipe runs (standard is 3-5 metres, each extra metre costs $50-$80), multi-storey installations, restricted roof access for ducted work, and switchboard upgrades for older homes.
Location matters. Installation in Sydney and Melbourne costs 10-20% more than Brisbane or Perth. Regional areas may carry additional travel charges.
7. Verify Insurance and Warranty Coverage
Your air conditioning technician should carry proper insurance, and every installation should come with clear warranty coverage.
Public liability insurance. Covers damage to your property during installation. Standard cover ranges from $5 million to $20 million. Ask for a certificate of currency.
Workers compensation insurance. If the technician employs staff, workers compensation is mandatory in every state.
Manufacturer warranty. Most residential units come with a 5-year parts warranty, with some brands offering up to 7 years. This warranty requires installation by a properly licensed technician. Keep the warranty certificate and your technician’s licence details together.
Installation warranty. Your technician should warranty their workmanship for at least 12 months, covering refrigerant leaks from poor brazing, drainage problems, and electrical faults. Get this in writing.
Warranty red flag. If a technician says “the manufacturer warranty covers everything,” they are wrong. Manufacturer warranty covers the unit. Installation warranty covers the work. You need both.
8. Know What You Cannot Do Yourself
Air conditioning work has strict DIY restrictions in Australia. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to:
- Install, repair, or service any refrigeration circuit (this is the sealed system containing refrigerant)
- Purchase or handle fluorocarbon refrigerant
- Connect an air conditioning unit to electrical supply (requires licensed electrician)
- Install ductwork connected to a refrigerated system
What homeowners CAN legally do: clean or replace air filters, clear debris from around the outdoor unit, and install a portable air conditioner that plugs into a standard power point.
Consequences of unlicensed work: fines of up to $1,800 for handling refrigerant without an ARCtick licence, voided manufacturer warranty, voided home insurance, and environmental penalties under the Ozone Protection Act.
A common mistake is hiring a handyman to install a split system. Even if the unit is mounted correctly, they cannot legally connect the refrigerant lines or commission the system, and you will still need a qualified technician to finish the job.
9. State-by-State Licensed Air Conditioning Technician Guide
Each state and territory has its own licensing system on top of the national ARCtick requirement. Here is a summary with real licence counts from the TradieVerify database:
| State | Regulator | Licence Type | Active Licences on TradieVerify | Verify Licences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | QBCC | Mechanical Services: Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (Occupational / Limited / Unlimited) | 4,731 | Browse QLD technicians |
| VIC | VBA | Plumbing Registration: Refrigerated Air Conditioning | Coming soon | Browse VIC technicians |
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading | Contractor Licence: Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | Coming soon | Browse NSW technicians |
| WA | DEMIRS (Building and Energy) | Electrical Contractor Licence (Restricted) | Coming soon | Browse WA technicians |
| ACT | Access Canberra | HVAC&R Mechanic Licence | Coming soon | Browse ACT technicians |
| SA | CBS (Consumer and Business Services) | Plumbing and Gas Fitting Licence | Coming soon | Browse SA technicians |
| TAS | CBOS | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | Coming soon | Browse TAS technicians |
| NT | NT Building Advisory Services | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Work Licence | Coming soon | Browse NT technicians |
Key differences between states:
- Queensland has three licence tiers: Occupational (trade work), Limited Design (systems up to 500kW), and Unlimited Design (any size). All require ARCtick.
- Victoria regulates air conditioning under plumbing registration through the VBA. Electrical connections require a separate Registered Electrical Contractor.
- New South Wales issues contractor licences under Fair Trading. From 2026, compliance documentation must go through the BCNSW eCert portal.
- Western Australia classifies air conditioning installation as restricted electrical work, requiring an electrical contractor licence from DEMIRS.
- All states require the national ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence in addition to state licensing.
10. Red Flags When Hiring an Air Conditioning Technician
Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs:
- No ARCtick licence number. Every legitimate technician can provide both their state and ARCtick licence numbers. If they cannot, walk away.
- “Mate rates” for cash. This usually means no ABN, no insurance, and no warranty. The savings disappear when the warranty claim is rejected.
- Refuses to do a heat load calculation. A technician who recommends a unit size without measuring the room or checking insulation is guessing. You will pay for that guess in energy bills.
- Oversizing the system. Some technicians push larger units because the sale price is higher. An oversized system short-cycles and costs more to run.
- No written quote. Verbal quotes have no legal standing. Always get it in writing with the full scope, inclusions, and exclusions.
- Cannot explain the difference between RAC01 and RSS03. If they do not know their own licence type, question their competence.
- Wants to enclose the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit needs airflow for heat rejection. Enclosing it reduces efficiency by up to 30% and shortens compressor life.
- Pressure to buy today. Legitimate technicians do not use high-pressure sales tactics.
Report suspected unlicensed work to your state regulator or the ARC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if an air conditioning technician is licensed?
Search for any technician’s state licence on TradieVerify’s search page, which pulls data from state regulators. For the ARCtick licence, check the ARC’s “Look For The Tick” online database by entering their licence number and surname. A fully licensed technician will hold both a state trade licence and a current ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence.
How much does it cost to install a split system air conditioner?
A single-head split system costs $1,800 to $4,800 supply and installed, depending on capacity, brand, and pipe run length. Labour alone (if you supply the unit) ranges from $600 to $1,200. Extra costs apply for electrical work and long pipe runs beyond 3 metres.
What is an ARCtick licence and why does it matter?
An ARCtick licence (officially a Refrigerant Handling Licence) is administered by the Australian Refrigeration Council. It is legally required for anyone who handles fluorocarbon refrigerants. Without it, a technician cannot purchase refrigerant, install a new system, or service the refrigeration circuit. Penalties of up to $1,800 apply.
Should I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?
Split systems suit individual rooms and cost $1,800 to $4,800 per unit installed. Ducted systems cool the entire home and cost $8,000 to $25,000 depending on home size. For 3 or fewer rooms, split systems are more cost-effective. For 4+ bedroom homes, ducted systems with zoning offer better value long term.
How often should I service my air conditioner?
Most manufacturers recommend professional servicing every 12 months. Regular servicing maintains efficiency, extends the unit’s lifespan, and catches refrigerant leaks early. Clean filters every 2-4 weeks during heavy use and clear debris from around the outdoor unit regularly.
Can I install a split system air conditioner myself?
No. You can physically mount the units, but you cannot legally connect refrigerant lines, charge the system, or perform the electrical connection. All of this requires a licensed air conditioning technician with an ARCtick licence, plus a licensed electrician for the wiring. DIY refrigerant handling carries fines of up to $1,800.
Summary
Hiring a licensed air conditioning technician in Australia comes down to these key steps:
- Verify both licences on TradieVerify for state credentials and the ARC “Look For The Tick” database for ARCtick
- Confirm the right licence type: RAC01 (full) or RSS03 (restricted to split system installation only)
- Match specialist to system by hiring a ducted specialist for ducted work and confirming experience
- Check insurance by requesting current public liability and workers compensation certificates
- Get three written quotes with unit specs, pipe run length, electrical work, and warranty terms
- Ask about energy efficiency including heat load calculation and correct unit sizing
- Never attempt DIY refrigerant work as fines apply and warranties will be voided
With over 4,700 licensed air conditioning technicians in Queensland listed on TradieVerify, and more states being added regularly, finding a qualified professional starts with a simple licence check. Search for a licensed air conditioning technician in your area on TradieVerify and get your system installed, serviced, or repaired by someone who holds the right credentials.
Related Guides
- How Much Does Split System AC Installation Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our AC installation costs
- Summer-Ready Home: Essential Trade Jobs to Book Before December — Our summer preparation guide
- How to Hire a Licensed Electrician — Our electrician hiring guide
Sources
- Australian Refrigeration Council: Refrigerant Handling Licence Types, https://arctick.org/refrigerant-handling-licence/licence-types/
- QBCC: Mechanical Services Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Licence, https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/mechanical-services/air-conditioning-refrigeration-occupational
- Victorian Building Authority: Refrigerated Air Conditioning Registration, https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/registration-and-licensing/plumbing-registration-and-licensing/refrigerated-air-conditioning
- ARC Look For The Tick: Licence Verification, https://www.lookforthetick.com.au/
- Australian Government: Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989, https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00125
- Energy Rating Australia: Zoned Energy Rating Label, https://www.energyrating.gov.au/products/air-conditioners
- NSW Fair Trading: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Licence, https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/compliance-and-regulation/licence-classes
- ABLIS: Refrigerant Handling Licence, https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/ag/refrigerant-handling-licence/279