When your heating or cooling system needs attention, it's tempting to go with whoever is cheapest or available fastest. But choosing an unlicensed or underqualified technician can cost you significantly more in the long run — through voided warranties, incorrect installations, and in some cases, serious safety risks.
At Alby Cool, we believe homeowners and property managers deserve to know exactly what qualifications their HVAC technician holds. Here's what to look for — and what Andrew brings to every job.
Why licences matter in HVAC
Air conditioning and heating systems involve refrigerants, high-voltage electrical components, and gas connections. Handling these incorrectly isn't just costly — it can be dangerous. Australian law requires HVAC technicians to hold specific licences before they can legally work on these systems, and for good reason.
An unlicensed technician may offer a cheaper quote, but if something goes wrong — a gas leak, an electrical fault, or a refrigerant handling issue — the consequences can be severe. And if it's discovered the work was done without the proper licences, your home insurance may not cover the damage.
What licences should your HVAC technician hold?
1. Victorian Building Authority (VBA) Certification
The VBA is the regulatory body for building and plumbing work in Victoria. An HVAC technician with VBA certification has met the state's professional standards for installing, servicing, and repairing heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Andrew Albert holds full VBA certification — meaning every installation Alby Cool completes meets Victoria's building code requirements.
2. RAC Licence (Refrigerant Handling Licence — Type I or above)
Refrigerants are the gases that make your air conditioner cool. They are regulated substances in Australia, and handling them without the correct licence is illegal under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act.
A full RAC (Refrigerant Handling) Licence means the technician is legally authorised to purchase, handle, and recover refrigerants. Andrew holds a full RAC Licence — not a restricted or limited version.
3. Refrigerant Trading Authorisation
Separate from the handling licence, this authorisation allows a technician to legally trade (purchase and supply) refrigerants. Without this, a technician cannot legally source refrigerants for your system. Andrew holds full Refrigerant Handling and Trading authorisations.
4. Electrical Licence
Air conditioning systems involve high-voltage electrical connections. In Victoria, connecting an air conditioner to the mains power supply must be done by a licensed electrician or a technician who also holds an electrical licence. Always confirm this is covered before booking.
Beyond the basics — what sets Alby Cool apart
In addition to holding all required licences, Andrew brings:
• Over 25 years of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC
• Authorised Braemar Dominator dealer status — one of the few local technicians qualified to supply and install this premium unit
• Full insurance coverage — public liability and professional indemnity
• Working with Children's Check and relevant industry cards
• A commitment to clean, professional workmanship on every job — no shortcuts
Questions to ask before you book any HVAC technician
Whether you book with Alby Cool or anyone else, these are the questions worth asking:
• Do you hold a current VBA licence for HVAC work in Victoria?
• Do you hold a full RAC Licence for refrigerant handling?
• Are you fully insured — public liability and professional indemnity?
• Will the electrical connection be handled by a licensed electrician?
• Can you provide a written quote before starting work?
A qualified, reputable technician will answer all of these questions without hesitation.
What about manufacturer warranties?
Most air conditioning manufacturers require installation to be carried out by a licensed technician as a condition of the warranty. If your system is installed or serviced by someone without the correct qualifications, you may find your warranty is void when you need it most.
At Alby Cool, every installation is completed to manufacturer specifications, ensuring your warranty remains fully intact.
Book with confidence
Alby Cool services Frankston, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Langwarrin, Seaford, Carrum Downs, Cranbourne, and all surrounding suburbs. Every job is carried out by Andrew personally — fully licensed, insured, and with over 25 years of experience behind him.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Email: andrew@albycool.com.au
Web: www.albycool.com.au
— Andrew Albert, Director, Alby Cool Pty Ltd