# Can I install an air conditioner myself in Australia? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. Can I install an air conditioner myself in Australia? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Can I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician. By Casey Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why can’t I do it myself? 2. What about plug-in or portable units? 3. What are the risks of DIY? 4. How do I check a licence? 5. What should I ask an installer? 6. Who is responsible if something goes wrong? 7. What to note before you ask for quotes 8. What does the installation visit involve? 9. What if a friend offers to help? 10. Frequently asked questions No. In Australia, working with the refrigerant in an air conditioner requires a licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), and the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician. DIY installation is unsafe, can be unlawful. Use licensed professionals and check their licences. ## Why can’t I do it myself? Installing a split system or ducted system is not like hanging a shelf. It combines three regulated or high-risk tasks: - **Refrigerant handling.** Refrigerants are pressurised and can harm people and the environment if released. Australian rules require a licence to handle them. - **Electrical work.** Air conditioners connect to the home’s wiring, usually on their own circuit. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, and the Electrical Safety Office Queensland regulates electrical work in the state. - **Mounting and working at height.** Outdoor units are heavy and are often mounted on walls, brackets or roofs, which is a fall risk. Some licensed technicians hold a restricted licence that covers certain installations, and the exact scope varies, so it is worth asking what your installer is licensed to do. ## What about plug-in or portable units? Portable and window units that plug in without a refrigerant connection are a different product. Even then, read the manual and use the unit only as intended. Fixed split and ducted systems are not DIY products. ## What are the risks of DIY? Risks include electric shock, fire, refrigerant leaks, poor performance and early failure. A poorly installed system can also cause problems later. You may also have trouble selling or renting a home with unlicensed work. Get licensed professionals Use an ARC-licensed technician for the refrigerant work and a licensed electrician for the electrical connection. If an existing installation shows a burning smell, smoke or sparks, or someone gets a shock, leave the building and call 000. ## How do I check a licence? Ask to see the licence card, then check it online. The ARC offers a licence check at [arctick.org](https://www.arctick.org/). For electricians, check the licence with the state regulator. Our guides on checking an electrician’s licence and choosing an electrician explain how. ## What should I ask an installer? Ask for their ARC licence and electrical licence details, a written quote that lists what is included, who does the electrical connection, and what warranty applies. Ask them to explain how they chose the size and the position of the units. ## Who is responsible if something goes wrong? With licensed installers, there is a clear party to contact. With DIY work, you carry all the risk, and insurers and manufacturers may decline claims. ## What to note before you ask for quotes 1. Decide what you want — List the rooms and how you use them, and whether you want cooling only or cooling and heating. 2. Photograph the sites — Take photos of the room, the outside wall or area where units might go, and the switchboard from a distance, without opening anything. 3. Check licences — Ask each installer for licence details and look them up online. What you can safely check Check an installer’s and an electrician’s licence online, read reviews and ask for written quotes. Do not buy a unit planning to install it yourself. ### What does the installation visit involve? Licensed people mount the units, connect the refrigerant pipes, make the electrical connection, commission the system and explain how to use it. Ask for the paperwork and keep it with your records. ### What if a friend offers to help? Even a friend with a trade background must hold the right licences for the work they do on your home. Ask to see the licence details, check them online, and get a written quote. If they cannot show current licences for both refrigerant and electrical work, do not proceed. ## Frequently asked questions - Handling refrigerant requires an ARC licence and the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician, so DIY installation is not appropriate. - Yes, but check the installer's licences and warranty terms first, as some retailers and manufacturers have conditions. - Ask for their licence and check it on the ARC website, or ask the retailer or manufacturer for authorised installers. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningShould I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?Split systems suit one or a few rooms, while ducted systems suit whole-home comfort if the roof or floor space allows, so get an on-site assessment.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-ducted-air-conditioning/) - [Air conditioningWhat size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow to choose an electrician: 8 questions to askCheck the licence, ask about insurance and paperwork, get a written quote, and be wary of cash-only offers and pressure to decide.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/how-to-choose-an-electrician/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why can’t I do it myself? 2. What about plug-in or portable units? 3. What are the risks of DIY? 4. How do I check a licence? 5. What should I ask an installer? 6. Who is responsible if something goes wrong? 7. What to note before you ask for quotes 8. What does the installation visit involve? 9. What if a friend offers to help? 10. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).