# Arlite Energy: Support Centre

> Plain-language answers about electrical, solar, battery and air conditioning from Arlite Energy, grouped by category.

## Support Centre

- [Support Centre](https://arlite.co/support/): Plain-English answers about solar, air conditioning and electrical work at home, from the Arlite Energy team.

## Air conditioning

- [Air conditioning support articles](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/): Choosing, running and looking after air conditioning at home.
- [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/): Solar can power your air conditioner while the sun is up. After dark it runs on the grid or a home battery, and what a battery can carry varies.
- [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/): 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.
- [What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in summer?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-temperature-set-air-conditioner-queensland-summer/): Most people are comfortable at about 24 to 26 degrees in a Queensland summer. Adjust gradually, allow for humidity, and call an installer if the unit struggles.
- [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/): Weak cooling or heating usually comes from airflow, settings, sizing or refrigerant problems, and some of these need a licensed technician.
- [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/): Water dripping from an indoor unit usually means the condensation drain is blocked or the unit is icing up, and a technician should look at it.
- [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/): A musty or dirty-sock smell usually means moisture and mould or bacteria are building up inside the unit, which a technician can deal with.
- [Why is my air conditioner making a loud or strange noise?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-making-loud-strange-noise/): Rattling, buzzing, grinding or squealing can mean loose parts, a failing fan or compressor, or an electrical fault, so stop and get it checked.
- [Why is there ice or frost on my air conditioner?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/ice-frost-on-air-conditioner/): Some frost on an outdoor unit in heating mode is normal, but ice on an indoor unit or on a unit in cooling mode points to a fault.
- [What do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-flashing-lights-error-codes/): Flashing lights and error codes are the unit's way of reporting a fault, and the meaning depends on your model, so note the pattern and call.
- [Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-tripping-breaker-safety-switch/): An air conditioner that trips the breaker or safety switch has an overload or fault that a licensed electrician needs to find.
- [Why does my air conditioner keep turning on and off?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-turning-on-and-off/): An air conditioner that starts and stops repeatedly, called short cycling, often comes from sizing, airflow or a fault, and needs a technician.
- [Should I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-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.
- [What size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/): The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.
- [What affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/): Running costs depend on your electricity plan, how long and how hard the unit runs, its efficiency and size, and your home.
- [How often does an air conditioner need servicing?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/): Many manufacturers and installers advise servicing every one to two years, but follow your manual and warranty and use a licensed technician.
- [Can I use my air conditioner during a blackout or storm?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-blackout-storm/): An air conditioner cannot run without power, and storms and power returning can damage it, so ask a licensed electrician about protection.
- [Can I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/): No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician.
- [Can renters install an air conditioner in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/rental-body-corporate-air-conditioner-queensland/): Renters need the owner's written approval, and apartment owners usually need body corporate approval, before a fixed air conditioner is installed.

## Costs and finance

- [Costs and finance support articles](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/): How quotes are put together and the ways people pay for solar, air conditioning and electrical work.
- [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/): Interest-free finance lets you spread a payment over time, and each provider, not Arlite, decides who is approved and on what terms.
- [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/): Battery size, your existing solar, backup, location and switchboard work all shape a Brisbane quote. Learn what drives the price and what to ask installers before you decide.
- [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/): Some network providers run service-standard payment schemes for certain outages, but eligibility varies, so check your provider's official page.
- [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/): Electrician pricing in Brisbane depends on call-out, hourly or fixed quotes, timing and materials, so compare written quotes like for like.
- [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/): Switchboard upgrade cost depends on board size, access, the site and what else you are adding, so get a written quote after an inspection.
- [High electricity bill? Where the power is going](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/why-is-my-power-bill-so-high/): High bills usually come from cooling, hot water, older appliances, standby power or a plan that no longer suits your household.
- [Does unlicensed electrical work void your home insurance?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/diy-electrical-work-insurance/): It can affect a claim, but policies differ, so check your own policy wording and keep paperwork showing a licensed electrician did the work.

## Electrical

- [Electrical support articles](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/): Switchboards, safety switches, smoke alarms and everyday electrical questions.
- [Can I install an oven or cooktop myself in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/install-oven-or-cooktop-myself-queensland/): Connecting an oven or cooktop to your home's wiring is electrical work for a licensed electrician, and gas work needs a licensed gas fitter.
- [Can I use a generator at home during a Queensland power outage?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/generator-home-power-outage-queensland/): Yes, a portable generator can run appliances outdoors during a Queensland outage. Never plug it into a power point. Anything connected to house wiring needs a licensed electrician.
- [Is it safe to use power after a storm or flood in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safe-to-use-power-after-storm-or-flood-queensland/): Do not switch power back on or use wet appliances after a storm or flood until a licensed electrician has checked. Here is what to note.
- [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/): A breaker keeps tripping when a circuit is overloaded, shorted or leaking, or the breaker is worn; a licensed electrician should find which.
- [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/): A safety switch keeps tripping when it detects current leaking to earth, such as from a faulty appliance or moisture; never bypass it.
- [What happens if I can’t reset the safety switch?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-wont-reset/): A safety switch that will not stay on means a fault on its circuit; do not force it, note what is affected and call a licensed electrician.
- [Why does my safety switch or breaker trip when it rains?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/breaker-trips-when-it-rains/): Trips in wet weather usually mean water is getting into something electrical; stay clear and have a licensed electrician check outdoor circuits.
- [Why does my fridge keep tripping the safety switch?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/appliance-tripping-safety-switch/): An appliance that keeps tripping the safety switch may have an earth leakage fault; stop using it and have it checked by a professional.
- [Circuit breaker vs safety switch: what’s the difference?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-vs-safety-switch/): A circuit breaker protects wiring from overload while a safety switch protects people from electric shock; having breakers does not mean you have one.
- [How often should a safety switch be tested?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/how-often-should-a-safety-switch-be-tested/): A safety switch should be checked regularly. Have a licensed electrician test it, so you are not working inside or on the switchboard.
- [Do rental properties need a safety switch in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-rental-property-queensland/): Queensland rental owners generally must have safety switches protecting power point circuits; check the RTA and ESO for current rules.
- [Lights work but power points don’t: what’s going on?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-points-not-working-lights-work/): Lights and power points sit on separate circuits, so one can fail alone; note what is affected and call a licensed electrician.
- [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/): For a burning smell, smoke, sparks or a hot power point, keep away; call 000 for fire or sparks and a licensed electrician urgently otherwise.
- [Are power boards and double adaptors safe?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-board-double-adaptor-safety/): Power boards and double adaptors are safe only within their rated load; heaters and kettles are the usual overload risk.
- [Do power points expire, and when should they be replaced?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-power-points-wear-out/): Power points have no fixed expiry date but they wear out; scorch marks, cracks, loose plugs or buzzing mean a licensed electrician should look at them.
- [Why is my house the only one without power?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/only-my-house-no-power/): If neighbours still have power, the fault may be in your home's own electrical installation; check the outage map and call a licensed electrician.
- [What do I do in a Brisbane power outage?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-outage-what-to-do-brisbane/): In a power outage, check whether it is street-wide, report it to your network provider and stay clear of fallen lines; call 000 if life is at risk.
- [I got a tingle or shock from a tap or appliance: what do I do?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/tingle-shock-from-tap-or-appliance/): Stop using it, keep everyone away, get medical advice and call your network provider's faults line, then a licensed electrician; 000 if anyone is hurt.
- [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/): No hot water from an electric system can be an electrical or plumbing fault; note what you see and call a licensed electrician or plumber.
- [Can you fix your own hot water system? What’s legal and safe](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-hot-water-system-repair/): No: wiring, element and thermostat work needs a licensed electrician in Queensland, and plumbing connections need a licensed plumber.
- [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/): Queensland needs photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in every home, with existing homes required to comply by 1 January 2027.
- [Smoke alarm chirping or expired: what now?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/smoke-alarm-chirping-replace-queensland/): A chirping smoke alarm usually means a low battery or end of life; alarms are generally replaced after 10 years and hardwired ones need an electrician.
- [Is it safe to run the clothes dryer when you’re not home?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/run-dryer-when-not-home/): Fire services advise against leaving a clothes dryer running when you are out or asleep, so run it while you are home and awake.
- [How do I know if my appliances are safe?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/are-my-appliances-safe/): Look for damage and warning signs, check recall notices and the RCM mark, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.
- [Why are my lights flickering? Causes and when it’s dangerous](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/why-are-my-lights-flickering/): Flickering lights can come from the bulb, a dimmer, a loose connection or a street fault; crackling or a burning smell is an emergency.
- [Why do my lights dim when the air conditioner starts?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/lights-dim-when-aircon-starts/): A brief dip when a big appliance starts can happen, but dimming that is getting worse, lasts or comes with other signs needs a licensed electrician.
- [Why do my LED downlights flicker or buzz?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/led-downlights-flickering/): LED downlights usually flicker or buzz because the lamp, transformer, driver or dimmer do not suit each other; a licensed electrician can sort it out.
- [Can I install a ceiling fan myself in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/install-ceiling-fan-yourself-queensland/): No: connecting a ceiling fan to mains wiring is electrical work that must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland.
- [Why is my ceiling fan wobbling or humming?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ceiling-fan-wobble-humming/): A wobbling fan may be unbalanced or loosely mounted and a humming one may have a control or capacitor issue; a loose fan can fall.
- [Do I need a switchboard upgrade?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/): Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade.
- [Does my house need rewiring? Signs and what to do](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/does-my-house-need-rewiring/): Age alone does not decide it; a licensed electrician's inspection does, and warning signs include frequent tripping, flickering and burning smells.
- [Do I need whole-house surge protection?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/whole-house-surge-protection/): Whole-house surge protection is not compulsory and cannot guarantee protection from a direct strike; a licensed electrician can advise if it suits you.
- [Can I do my own electrical work in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-electrical-work-legal-queensland/): No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.
- [What can a homeowner do without an electrician in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/what-can-i-do-myself-electrical-queensland/): Householders can do only a short list of minor tasks themselves; anything involving wiring or fittings needs a licensed electrician.
- [How do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-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.
- [What is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/): A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later.
- [Installing a home EV charger: what to ask an electrician](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ev-charger-home-installation-electrical/): A home EV charger needs its own circuit, spare space on the board and enough supply capacity, all assessed by a licensed electrician.
- [Test and tag in Queensland: what small businesses need to know](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/test-and-tag-queensland-small-business/): How often test and tag is needed depends on the equipment and where it is used, so check WorkSafe Queensland guidance for your business.
- [How to choose an electrician: 8 questions to ask](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/how-to-choose-an-electrician/): Check the licence, ask about insurance and paperwork, get a written quote, and be wary of cash-only offers and pressure to decide.
- [What do I do in an electrical emergency, fire or shock?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-emergency-what-to-do/): For fire, smoke, sparks, a shock or anyone hurt, get everyone out and call 000, and do not touch the equipment or the person.

## Solar

- [Solar support articles](https://arlite.co/support/solar/): How solar systems work, what the parts do and what to check when something looks off.
- [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/): Often, yes, but it depends on your existing inverter, your switchboard and where a battery can go, so a licensed installer needs to assess your home first.
- [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/): Stay on the ground, photograph the damage from a safe distance, note what your app shows, tell your insurer, then have a licensed installer inspect the system.
- [How can I tell if my solar system is underperforming?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-to-tell-if-solar-is-underperforming/): Compare your app or inverter display on similar sunny days, look for error messages and bill changes, and call a licensed installer if something looks wrong.
- [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/): A plain-English walk through the panels, inverter, meter, grid and optional battery, and why your output rises and falls through the day.
- [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/): Panels make power whenever light hits them, so shutdown should be done by your installer or a licensed electrician, not by guesswork.
- [How do I restart my solar system after a shutdown?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/restart-solar-system/): Restart your solar system only to your installer's or manufacturer's instructions, and expect a waiting period before it exports power again.
- [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/): Most grid-connected solar shuts down in a blackout to protect line workers, so backup power needs a battery set up for it.
- [Why is my solar inverter showing a red light or error?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-inverter-red-light-fault/): A red light or error means the inverter has detected a condition; note the code and call a licensed installer, and do not open the unit.
- [Should I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/shut-down-solar-before-storm/): Energex has published shutdown guidance for cyclones; follow it with your installer's advice, never go on the roof, and get storm damage inspected.
- [Why is my solar export limited?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-export-limit-energex/): Your network provider sets how much solar power your home can send to the grid, so limited export is usually a rule, not a fault.
- [Are home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/home-battery-safety-garage/): Home batteries installed to the standard by an accredited installer are designed to be safe, but where one can go depends on its type and the rules.
- [Is my rooftop DC isolator a fire risk?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-dc-isolator-recall-check/): Some solar DC isolators have been subject to safety notices; do not touch yours, and check the make against the regulator's list.

## Optional

- [Arlite Energy site index](https://arlite.co/llms.txt): the main llms.txt for the whole site
- [Full text of this site](https://arlite.co/llms-full.txt): the index followed by the content of every service page and support article