Need to get a new air conditioner installed before summer hits? Or are you doing renovations or repairs and want to get an existing air conditioner repositioned? It’s important to hire a professional for these jobs, as DIY installations can be extremely dangerous with electricity a factor. Here’s what you should know about hiring an air conditioning installer.

What do air conditioning installers do?

Air conditioning installers work to ensure the efficient and effective operation of your air conditioning systems – whether it’s in a residential, commercial or industrial setting. Their main responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks related to the installation and repair of air conditioning equipment. Here's a detailed look at what these installers do:

Site assessment

Before installation begins, air conditioning installers will conduct a full site assessment. They will evaluate the space, consider the cooling requirements and identify which are the best locations for installing indoor and outdoor units. This assessment ensures that the system is optimally positioned for even cooling and energy efficiency.

System selection

Air conditioning installers help clients choose the most suitable air conditioning system for their needs. This involves considering factors such as the size of the area to be cooled, energy efficiency, budget constraints and specific cooling requirements.

Installation

The core of their work involves the physical installation of air conditioning systems. This includes mounting indoor and outdoor units, connecting refrigerant lines, electrical wiring and ductwork, and making sure the system is properly charged with refrigerant.

Ductwork

In many cases, installers are responsible for installing or modifying ductwork to distribute cool air throughout a building. This means looking at existing ducts, making necessary adjustments and ensuring proper airflow.

Electrical work

Air conditioning installers handle electrical connections to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the system. This includes wiring the thermostat, ensuring proper voltage and amperage, and connecting the unit to the electrical panel.

Testing and commissioning

After installation, installers thoroughly test the system to verify that it operates as intended. They check for any leaks, assess refrigerant levels, and make sure every component is functioning correctly.

Maintenance and repairs

Some installers also do ongoing maintenance and repair work. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your system and optimise its energy efficiency. They can also spot issues that prevent costly breakdowns in future.

Customer education

A significant part of their role involves educating clients how to properly use the system, keep it well-maintained and troubleshooting common issues.

Why hire a professional air conditioning installer?

When a qualified technician installs your unit, you clear yourself of any damage to your air conditioner that may arise from improper handling and wiring mistakes. An expert technician will also be adept at determining the best location and position of your air conditioner’s compressor for optimum cooling efficiency.

Correct installation also means your unit will stay protected under the manufacturer’s warranty. A new air conditioning unit usually comes with specific instructions for installation and a warranty against damage and hidden defects. In Australia, your installer should provide you with a compliance certificate, which is important for the manufacturer’s warranties to apply in case problems arise after installation.

What a licensed technician will do during installation

• Choose the best location for your air conditioning unit: Ideally, it should be kept away from constant direct sunlight. A professional installer will not only determine the best location for your unit but also fasten it securely to the wall or ground to prevent it from toppling over.

• Connect electrical power supply: Generally, most types of air conditioners must be connected to a special branch circuit breaker and receptacle to meet the capacity of the air conditioning unit. If you have a split-system air conditioner, the connection of the indoor and outdoor units involves a complicated set of wirings that demands the skills of a qualified technician.

• Handle pipe fittings and other parts: You need to make sure that connecting pipes fit well and the right wires are attached together. An experienced installer will have the skills needed to install all the parts of your air conditioning unit for it to operate safely and efficiently.

Air conditioning installation can vary depending on the type of system you have and, in most cases, it can prove to be a difficult process. Aside from choosing a licensed technician with previous experience in installing the kind of system that you have, you should also look for one who can return to your home for regular maintenance or future repairs.

Can air conditioning installers also handle repairs?

Yes, many air conditioning installers are equipped to handle repairs as part of their comprehensive service offerings. After the initial installation, they may be able to continue providing maintenance and repair services throughout your system's life. Their familiarity with the specific system they installed means they will be the best person to diagnose issues accurately.

Air conditioning installers are experienced in assessing the overall condition of air conditioning systems, which makes them well-qualified to identify and address any performance issues that may arise. Common repair tasks can include fixing refrigerant leaks, replacing faulty components like compressors or capacitors, addressing electrical problems and optimising the system’s airflow.

How much does air conditioning installation cost?

In most cases, everyday Australians will hire air conditioning installers to put new systems into their homes. For repair work, your professional will probably charge you their hourly rate, or give you a quote for the entire project that breaks down the individual costs.

According to Air Conditioning Guys, supply and installation of split-system air conditioning will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $1,999 depending on the brand, whereas fully ducted air conditioning systems will run you between $6,200 to $6,900.

How to hire a reputable air conditioning installer

Ready to find the right air conditioning technician for your needs? Here are some key questions to ask them when sourcing a quote:

1. Are you licensed and insured to do air conditioning installations and repair work?
2. What types of air conditioning systems would you recommend for my property and budget?
3. Do you do a site assessment before installation to determine the best location for the unit?
4. Do you offer ongoing maintenance services, and what is your policy around handling repairs or fixing issues that might arise with the system in the future?