# What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed? **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/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) - [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/) Ask who is doing the work and what licences they hold, how the size and position were chosen, what the quote covers, and what happens after handover. By Casey Midgley, Arlite Energy 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. Who will do the work, and are they licensed? 2. How was the size chosen? 3. Where will the units go? 4. Is my electrical supply suitable? 5. What is in the quote? 6. How efficient is it? 7. What does the warranty cover, in writing? 8. What happens at handover and after? 9. How to prepare before the installer visits 10. Frequently asked questions The most useful questions are about who will do the work, how the system was chosen for your home, what the quote actually covers and what support you get afterwards. A good installer will answer all of them plainly and put the answers in writing. ## Who will do the work, and are they licensed? Installing an air conditioner involves two licensed trades. Handling refrigerant in Australia requires an Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) licence, and the electrical connection has to be done by a licensed electrician. Ask to see both licence numbers. Arlite’s public licences are Electrical Contractors Licence #89021 and ARC licence #L183741. Our article on [how to check an electrician is licensed in Queensland](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) shows how to confirm the electrical side. ## How was the size chosen? A bigger unit is not automatically better. The right size depends on the room or home, how it is used and how much sun it gets. Ask what the recommendation is based on. Our article on [what size air conditioner you need](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/) explains the factors, and the one on [split system versus ducted](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-ducted-air-conditioning/) can help if you are still deciding on the type. ## Where will the units go? Ask where the indoor unit will sit and where the air will be directed, so it does not blow directly on where people sit or sleep. Ask where the outdoor unit will go and whether you or your neighbours will notice the noise, and how the water the system produces will be drained away. These choices affect comfort and how tidy the finished job looks. ## Is my electrical supply suitable? Ask whether your switchboard and existing wiring suit the new system. If any electrical work is needed beyond the connection itself, the quote should say so, and say who does it. ## What is in the quote? Ask for the make and model of each unit, the number of units, what installation work is included and what could cost extra. A quote that is specific is easier to compare with another one. The [running costs article](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/) explains what affects the bill once the system is in. ## How efficient is it? Ask for the energy rating of the model. The Australian Government’s [Energy Rating website](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) explains the star rating label used on air conditioners. ## What does the warranty cover, in writing? Ask for the manufacturer’s warranty and the installer’s workmanship warranty in writing, and ask how a claim is made. Terms vary between products and installers, so read them before you sign. ## What happens at handover and after? Ask whether the system will be commissioned and tested, whether someone will show you how to use it, and what paperwork you will receive. Ask what maintenance, fault finding and cleaning support is available later. Arlite’s team offers maintenance, fault finding and deep cleaning for existing systems. Leave the installation to licensed people Installing an air conditioner involves refrigerant and an electrical connection, and both need a licence. Never attempt any part of it yourself, even to save a visit. Our article on [installing an air conditioner yourself](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/) explains why. If you see smoke, sparks or flames, or smell burning, leave the building and call 000. ## How to prepare before the installer visits 1. Note which rooms need cooling — Write down which rooms you want to cool or heat, and roughly when each one is used. 2. Photograph the spaces — Take photos of the rooms and the outside walls where you think units might go. Do not move anything electrical. 3. Check if you need permission — If you rent or live in a unit, ask your landlord, agent or body corporate before anything is agreed. Our article on [renters and air conditioners in Queensland](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/rental-body-corporate-air-conditioner-queensland/) explains the basics. 4. Write down your questions — Use the questions on this page as a checklist and note the answers you are given, so you can compare more than one quote fairly. Talk to the Arlite team Planning an air conditioner and want to talk it through? Call **(07) 3062 9299** or use the [Arlite contact page](https://arlite.co/contact/) and the team will get back to you. You can also book an in-home, no cost consult. ## Frequently asked questions - Yes, two licences are involved. Refrigerant work needs an ARC licence, and the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician. Some businesses hold both, so ask to see the licence numbers. - No. A unit that is too big for the space can be less comfortable and less efficient. Ask the installer what size they recommend and why. - Yes, if each one names the make, model, number of units and what is included. Ask each installer to fill in the gaps so you are comparing like with like. - If you own a freestanding house you usually decide for yourself, but renters and people in strata or body corporate properties generally need permission first. Ask your landlord, agent or body corporate. - Ask for the warranty details in writing, any paperwork for the electrical work, and a walk through of how to use the system. [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 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/) - [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 conditioningCan I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/) - [Air conditioningCan renters install an air conditioner in Queensland?Renters need the owner's written approval, and apartment owners usually need body corporate approval, before a fixed air conditioner is installed.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/rental-body-corporate-air-conditioner-queensland/) ## 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. Who will do the work, and are they licensed? 2. How was the size chosen? 3. Where will the units go? 4. Is my electrical supply suitable? 5. What is in the quote? 6. How efficient is it? 7. What does the warranty cover, in writing? 8. What happens at handover and after? 9. How to prepare before the installer visits 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/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).