Any work that involves opening a fridge’s sealed refrigeration system, including regassing, fixing refrigerant leaks and replacing a compressor, must legally be carried out by a licensed technician in Australia. Checking that licence takes a minute and protects you, your fridge and the environment.
Does a Fridge Technician Need a Licence? The Short Answer
Yes, for refrigerant work. In Australia, anyone who handles refrigerant must hold a refrigerant handling licence issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), and businesses that buy and store refrigerant need a refrigerant trading authorisation. You can ask the technician for their licence number and check it on the ARC public register. Electrical work must also be carried out safely by appropriately qualified people.
Why ARC Licensing Matters
- Safety. Refrigerants are under pressure, and some modern refrigerants are flammable. Incorrect handling can be dangerous.
- Environment. Refrigerants can harm the ozone layer and contribute to climate change if released. Licensing requires proper recovery and handling.
- Quality. Licensed technicians are trained to find leaks, recover, evacuate and recharge systems correctly, so the repair lasts.
- Legal compliance. Unlicensed refrigerant work breaches Australian law.
Which Fridge Repairs Need an ARC Licence?
- regassing or topping up refrigerant
- finding and repairing refrigerant leaks
- replacing a compressor, condenser, evaporator or filter drier
- clearing blockages in the sealed system
Repairs that do not involve the sealed system, such as door seals, fans, thermostats, defrost parts and control boards, do not need an ARC licence, but they do involve electrical work and should be done by a qualified technician.
How to Check a Technician’s Licence
- Ask for their ARC licence number when you book or when they arrive.
- Search the number on the Australian Refrigeration Council public register.
- Check the name matches and the licence is current.
- For businesses, ask about the company’s refrigerant trading authorisation.
Questions about licensing? Call Ace Fridge Repairs on 0452 462 556.
Other Warning Signs Worth Knowing
Beyond licensing, watch for repairers who will not explain pricing, refuse to quote before starting, pressure you, or offer no written warranty. Our article on fridge repair red flags covers these in detail, and our list of questions to ask before hiring helps you compare.
Fridge Repairs Across Sydney
Ace Fridge Repairs carries out household and commercial refrigeration repairs across Greater Sydney, including the Sydney CBD, Strathfield and Auburn, from 93B Pagoda Crescent, Quakers Hill NSW 2763. We carry $10 million public liability insurance and back repairs with a 12-month warranty on parts and labour. We also repair Westinghouse fridges and most other major brands.
For residential or commercial fridge repairs, call 0452 462 556, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fridge repairer need a licence in Australia?
Anyone handling refrigerant must hold an ARC refrigerant handling licence. This covers regassing, leak repairs and compressor replacement.
How do I check an ARC licence?
Ask for the licence number and search it on the Australian Refrigeration Council public register.
Do all fridge repairs need an ARC licence?
No. Repairs that do not open the sealed system, such as seals, fans and thermostats, do not need an ARC licence, but they should still be done by a qualified technician.