We take a look at a Full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) license and why installing, repairing and servicing with or without this license is critical!

Installing, repairing, and servicing air conditioners can be a very technical process, which is why it is vital that you hire a licensed professional. You may have seen our post from a few months back titled, “Why it Pays to Hire fully licensed installers”. We covered the two license types that are required for sparkies to install A/C – the important one worth noting is a Full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) License, which is what the team at Star Air Conditioning use.

Issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd (ARC), an RAC license is required for installing and maintaining refrigeration or air conditioning, and needs to be re-issued every two years. To obtain this license, a tradesmen must be a high achieving apprentice who has completed their apprenticeship of 4 years as a refrigeration mechanic or holds a relevant recognised certificate. This is because the Australian Refrigeration Council take Fluorocarbon refrigerants very seriously.

Fluorocarbon refrigerants can prove to be very harmful to the environment if emitted to the atmosphere. In fact, the effect of 1 kg of fluorocarbon leaking into the environment has the same impact of 2 tons of carbon dioxide being released into the environment (which is the same as driving a sedan non-stop for six months!). Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, persons handling refrigerant must hold one of these licenses, which is issued on behalf of the Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd (ARC).

The Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd (ARC) administers refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations on behalf of the Australian Government, to professionals in the refrigeration, air conditioning and auto industry. Their vision is environmentally focused on reducing direct and indirect greenhouse gas and ozone depleting substance emissions through licensing, compliance and education.

Hiring the best is more than just doing a good job and adhering to policy and regulation – it has knock-on effects that are also good for the environment. If you’re looking to install, repair or service your air conditioner in the new year then contact Star today!