When it comes to air conditioners, there are usually two things people ask: ‘How do I get the most out of my system?’ and ‘how can I save money?’. At Air & Water we ensure both these questions are met with positive responses by employing ARC licensed technicians for installations and repairs of reverse cycle air conditioning.

What is an ARC licensed technician?

The Australian Refrigeration Council, commonly known as ARC, is an independent body that is responsible for granting Refrigerant Trading Authorisations and Refrigerant Handling Licenses to businesses and technicians who handle or dispose of ozone depleting substances or synthetic greenhouse gases – commonly known as fluorocarbon refrigerants.

Trades people with a Refrigerant Handling Licence (referred to as ARC licensed technicians is this article) are licensed to install, repair and service air conditioners, fridges and freezers under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995. This means they comply with laws relating to fluorocarbon refrigerants.

The aim of ARC is to minimise avoidable emissions of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases, so we can protect our environment for future generations. The regulations also mean that customers can get the most out of their system by receiving high quality service.

To make it easier for people to know if a company has a refrigerant trading license (RTL) and employs staff with a refrigerant handling license the ARC tick logo was devised. This has to be prominently displayed on any advertising material and must include the RTL number. For example, Air & Water’s RTL number is 20584 and the ARC tick we display looks like this (you can find it in the bottom right hand corner of our website):

Some air conditioning dealers do not employ licensed installers but still display the ARC tick. The way to spot this dubious tactic is to notice that they don’t include their license number under the tick symbol.

If air conditioning dealers subcontract their installation work (most do) then they will not display an ARC tick with a license number.

If you are unsure whether your installer is licensed, ask to see their current Refrigerant Handling License.

Getting the most out of your Air Conditioner

Why would you buy a quality air conditioner and then hire unlicensed technicians to install, repair or service it? It just makes sense to bring in the experts, so that you know your air conditioner is working to the best of it’s ability and being looked after by reliable and professional technicians.

ARC licensed technicians are trained in the correct installation of new air conditioners (so they don’t leak refrigerant) and reclaiming the refrigerant from old reverse cycle air conditioners to minimise refrigerant emissions – plus they are required by law to do this.

RAC01 licenses are available for Refrigeration Mechanics who have completed a 4 year apprenticeship. The less arduous and more common residential route is for air conditioning installers to be licensed to install single split systems up to 18kW (license code RSS03). This training takes 6 months to complete.

For both types of licensed technicians, they are audited on their proper handling and storage of fluorocarbons.

Looking after the environment

To show you how much difference using an ARC licensed technician makes to the environment, let me explain how much harm an unauthorised technician can cause.

The fluorocarbon refrigerants used in most refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in Australia can significantly contribute to global warming if they aren’t handled properly. R410a, for example, is the refrigerant currently usually used in split-system air conditioners. If released into the atmosphere, 1kg of R410a is equivalent to 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Hence the importance of authorised technicians to properly handle fluorocarbon refrigerants.

Whilst many air conditioning and refrigeration companies subcontract their installation and service work, we see the value and importance in utilising licensed installers for all our work. When we do subcontract work in peak periods, it goes to installers with a current and correct license for the work they complete.

The environment is precious and our clients deserve the best quality service when it comes to installations, maintenance and repair.

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