Before you book

Hiring an air con technician: what to ask, what to avoid

Two air con quotes for the “same” job often aren't the same job at all — the gap is usually scope: what's included, what's billed as an extra, and what you confirmed before you booked. Here's how to tell a fair deal from an expensive one, grounded in real pricing data.

The one that catches most people out

Never servicing

Annual service prevents breakdowns.

Ask these before you book

Questions to ask an air con technician

Most overcharging hides in the scope, not the headline price. These pin it down before you commit.

  • 1

    Does your quote include regas, or is that extra?

  • 2

    Is mould treatment part of the price, or charged separately?

    If it's extra, expect around $50–100.

  • 3

    Will I be charged extra for parts?

  • 4

    Is ductwork inspection included, or an add-on?

  • 5

    Can you put the full scope and the final price in writing before any work starts?

    Scope disputes are the single most common complaint. A written list is what protects you.

  • 6

    Is GST included in the price you have quoted?

    A sole trader under $75k turnover can legally leave GST off, which makes a quote look about 10% cheaper than a registered business for the same work.

Vet before you sign

Three checks that take five minutes

Check the licence

For licensed trades, ask for the licence number and confirm it on your state's fair-trading or licensing site before you book. Unlicensed work can void your insurance.

Confirm they're insured

Public liability cover protects you if something gets damaged on the job. If an operator can't confirm it, that's a red flag.

Insist on a written quote

A fair quote itemises the scope, names what's excluded, and states whether GST is included. Verbal quotes are where disputes start.

Learn from others

Other mistakes worth avoiding

Ignoring mould smell

Circulates spores.

Know the scope

What's usually included, and what costs extra

Usually included

  • ✓Filter clean
  • ✓Coil inspection
  • ✓Performance check
  • ✓Drain check

Usually charged extra

  • +Regas
  • +Mould treatment · $50–100
  • +Parts
  • +Ductwork inspection

What pushes the price up: ducted > split, regas needed, mould remediation, multiple units, emergency summer.

FAQ

Air Conditioning questions, answered

How often?+
At least yearly. Before summer.
Musty smell?+
Mould. Needs professional deep clean.

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