Failures, Complaints and Official Sources
ARCtick licence check: who can legally install a split system or heat pump in Australia
How refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations work, which other licences an air conditioning or heat pump installer needs, and how to check them.
Anyone who installs, services or decommissions a split system or other refrigerant-based air conditioner in Australia must hold a refrigerant handling licence issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), and a business that buys, stores or uses refrigerant needs a refrigerant trading authorisation. Together these are known as the ARCtick scheme, established by the Australian Government in 2003 and operating under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management legislation. On top of that, the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician, and hot water work by a licensed plumber, under state rules. You can check an ARCtick licence on the ARC website before you sign. This guide is part of where to get help.
The two ARC licences
| Licence | Who needs it | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant handling licence (RHL) | Individual technicians | Handling fluorocarbon refrigerants, including installing, servicing and decommissioning equipment, at the level of their licence |
| Refrigerant trading authorisation (RTA) | Businesses | Acquiring, possessing and disposing of refrigerant; required for businesses employing licensed technicians |
There are full and restricted licences. One restricted licence ARC describes is a Restricted Heat Pump (Split System) installation and decommissioning licence, which is aimed at trades such as electricians who install and decommission split systems, without the broader servicing scope of a full licence. Check the ARC website for the exact scope of each licence class.
Other licences the job needs
| Work | Licence | Regulated by |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant pipework, evacuation, charging | ARC refrigerant handling licence | Australian Refrigeration Council on behalf of the Australian Government |
| Electrical connection, new circuits, switchboard | Electrical licence | State or territory electrical safety regulator |
| Hot water plumbing, tempering valves, relief lines | Plumbing licence (water) | State or territory plumbing regulator |
| Capping or removing gas appliances | Gasfitting licence | State or territory gas or plumbing regulator |
| Larger building work (for example structural changes for ducted systems) | Builder registration where thresholds apply | State building regulator |
Some installers hold several licences; others subcontract. Either is fine, as long as each part is done by the right licence holder.
Why it matters to you
- Safety and environment. Refrigerants are under pressure, some are flammable (for example R32 is mildly flammable and R290 is flammable), and many synthetic refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases. Licensed technicians must handle them to avoid leaks and dangerous situations.
- Warranty. Manufacturers commonly require installation by appropriately licensed installers; unlicensed installation can put the warranty at risk.
- Incentives. Incentive programs require compliant installation by licensed tradespeople.
- Law. Handling refrigerant without the required licence is an offence, and penalties can apply to individuals and businesses.
How to check a licence
- Ask for the technician's ARC licence number and the business's RTA number. They should be on the quote or provided on request.
- Use the "find authorised businesses and check licence status" tool on the ARCtick website.
- Licensed technicians carry an ARC licence card; ask to see it on installation day.
- Check the electrical licence on your state regulator's or licensing body's public register (for example NSW Fair Trading's licence check, or Energy Safe Victoria for Victorian electrical licences).
- For hot water, check the plumbing licence with your state regulator.
You can also contact ARC on 1300 88 44 83 (as published on its website) or by email.
Red flags
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| "We don't need a licence for a back-to-back install" | All split system refrigerant work needs a licence |
| Licence number refused or "in the van" | You cannot verify it |
| Cash-only price well below others | May mean no licences, no compliance certificate, no warranty support |
| Buying a unit online and a "mate" installing it | Warranty and safety risks; refrigerant must still be handled by a licensed person |
| Venting refrigerant when removing an old unit | Must be recovered, not released |
Old units and refrigerant recovery
When an old split or ducted unit is removed, the refrigerant should be recovered by a licensed technician, not vented. Ask the installer whether removal and refrigerant recovery are included. Australia's national product stewardship arrangement for refrigerants, Refrigerant Reclaim Australia, accepts recovered refrigerant through wholesalers.
Reporting a problem
If you suspect unlicensed work or refrigerant venting, report it to ARC. For electrical safety concerns, report to your state electrical safety regulator. For unfair conduct by the business, contact your state consumer agency.
Before you sign, run through the before-you-sign checklist. If something already went wrong, see common installation mistakes and warranties and consumer guarantees.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heat pump water heater installer need an ARCtick licence?
For factory-sealed integrated units, the refrigerant circuit is not opened during installation, so the job is mainly plumbing and electrical. Split heat pump water heaters that need refrigerant connections on site require a licensed refrigerant technician. Ask the installer which applies to your model.
Can an electrician install a split system?
Only if they also hold the appropriate ARC licence, such as the restricted split system licence, and the business holds a refrigerant trading authorisation.
Can I install a split system myself and pay someone to connect it?
No. The refrigerant work must be done by a licensed technician, and electrical connection by a licensed electrician. DIY installation risks safety, warranty and incentives.
What law sets these requirements?
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, administered by the Australian Government, with ARC appointed to run the licensing scheme.
Official sources
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) — licence checks, licence types and complaints
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water — ozone and synthetic greenhouse gas policy
- Federal Register of Legislation — Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
- Refrigerant Reclaim Australia — refrigerant recovery
- Energy Safe Victoria and NSW Fair Trading — state electrical licensing
