Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Air Conditioning Installer

Are you thinking of replacing your old air conditioning unit or installing a brand-new system? To get the best possible outcome, a professional air conditioning installer should carry out a site inspection (either in person or via video call) and provide you with a detailed quote.

This meeting is your chance to ask questions and clarify every part of the process. Don’t be shy, and don’t sign anything until you have answers to the following questions!

1. Are you a certified air conditioning installer and licensed electrician?

By choosing a dual-trade certified installer, you know that every step of the job is performed legally and to Australian standards.

It also helps if you need additional electrical work done on the day, such as installing a ceiling fan (a great way to complement your air conditioners efficiency), installing power points, upgrading a switchboard, or handling any other electrical tasks.

2. Which air conditioning brands are you certified to install?

There are many brands on the market — Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Daikin, and Fujitsu, to name a few. Some air conditioning installers prefer to sell certain brands, but the system should always be chosen to suit your property, not the installer’s preference.

Make sure your air conditioning installer is authorised to supply and install a range of leading brands so you get the best possible solution.

3. Where should the indoor unit be placed?

The location of the indoor unit depends on the type of system, and a good air con installer will consider:

• Room size and performance: does the unit adequately heat or cool the whole space?
• Aesthetics: what does the unit look like, and how visible are the brackets and ducting?
• Noise levels: if the unit is in a bedroom or quiet area, will the sound disturb you? Is there a sleep mode?
• Efficiency: is the unit placed to maximise airflow without restriction?

Your air conditioning installer should assess each room and recommend the most practical and discreet placement.

4. Where should the external unit be placed?

Again this will depend on the type of installation but regardless, the outdoor condensing unit of an air conditioning system should;

• Be placed in a well-ventilated area: away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat where possible.
• Comply with regulations: councils have strict rules about the placement of external air con units so ensure both you and the installed are aware of these requirements prior to work commencing
• Take noise into account: avoiding placement of the directly outside bedrooms or living areas.

5. What is the total cost and does it include GST?

Avoid nasty surprises by asking for a full breakdown. The quote from the air conditioning installer should clearly list:

• the cost of the unit
• installation and labour
• electrical work (if required)
• all materials
• GST

6. What are the terms of payment?

This can vary, so ask your air conditioning installer if they require a deposit (and if so how much) plus check when the balance is due.

7. What are the warranty details?

There are usually two warranties that come with an air conditioner installation. These are;

• A warranty provided by the manufacturer, covering the air conditioning unit itself
• A workmanship warranty which covers the installation process

Make sure you understand the difference between the two, and ask how the installer handles unexpected issues.

8. Do you take away the old air conditioning unit?

For replacement air con units, asking if the removal of the old system is included in the cost and how it is disposed of, will put your mind at rest when it comes to the environmental impact of installing a new unit over repairing the old air conditioning unit.

Many parts of an old air conditioning unit can be recycled including refrigerants like R-22 which release greenhouse gases. Other components such as electronics, plastic and metal can be recycled for reuse.

9. Do you remove and dispose of all rubbish?

You don’t want to be left with a pile of boxes, styrofoam, offcuts, the installer’s lunch wrappers etc, as the cost to you of disposing of these items can outweigh the perceived benefits of a cheaper quote.

Make sure there will be no trace left of the installation, except your brand new air conditioning unit!

10. Final Tip

A professional air conditioning installer will answer these questions openly, so if they are vague or dismissive with you, take it as a red flag!

By asking the right questions, you make sure your air con installation is smooth, cost-effective, and the final product is fit for purpose.

With Ready Electrical you get expert guidance and seamless installation – check out our hundred’s of 5 star reviews!

We are authorised to install and maintain the world’s leading brands:

Ready performs general maintenance and emergency breakdown air conditioning services to Northern Beaches and Sydney customers. Our team of air conditioning technicians are licensed, fully insured and qualified for servicing a Multi Head Split System from the worlds leading brands including Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu and Hisense.