For full assistance/guidance with downloading and using Adobe Digital Editions, please click here. You can also watch our tutorial video for additional assistance.

What is Adobe Digital Editions?

AIRAH uses Adobe Digital Editions for access to the online AIRAH Technical Handbook and DA manuals. Hard copy orders of these technical resources are also available in AIRAH’s web store.

Can I access the online AIRAH Technical Handbook and DA manuals outside of my desktop? Am I able to use my tablet or laptop?

Yes, you can access online manuals on your iPad, Android tablet and/or laptop. In order to install it on your iPad, you will need to download Adobe Digital Editions from the App Store and then sign in with your Adobe login. On a tablet, ADE is available via the Google Play store.

Can I access my library on multiple devices?

At time of writing, no. We are looking to enable support for Adobe Digital Editions across multiple devices, but for now please install on one device only.

For more FAQs on the APER scheme, please click here.

What is the AIRAH Professional Engineer Register?

The AIRAH Professional Engineer Register (APER) is the professional accreditation designed for engineers operating in the HVAC&R building services industry.

Why should I apply to be on the APER?

Australia’s states are introducing professional registration schemes for engineers (see more). A successful application to become listed on the APER will display to the industry – and to the public at large – your qualifications and commitment to the discipline. An APER listing confirms that your skills, professional development, and training are up-to-date, and that you are a qualified professional.

Why was APER introduced?

The APER accreditation supports AIRAH's ongoing advocacy work for professional registration. It also support the Institute's mission of creating an Australian HVAC&R industry that is highly skilled and professional, safe, sustainable and environmentally effective.

Australia’s states are introducing professional registration schemes for engineers. The Queensland Professional Engineers Act has been in operation since 2002. Victoria has introduced the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 to align with the Queensland scheme, starting on July 1, 2021. And New South Wales has introduced the Design and Building Practitioners Act and Regulation, commencing on July 1, 2021.

As a result of these Acts, engineers will need to be registered if they provide “professional engineering services”.

The schemes have been founded on the principle that a minimum level of qualifications, experience, and continuing professional development are required to carry out professional engineering services. The APER accreditation scheme has been developed to meet these requirements.

What does the ARPEng post-nominal signify?

AIRAH members who have successfully achieved APER accreditation are able to use the AIRAH Registered Professional Engineer (ARPEng) post-nominal.

Should air conditioning and ventilation systems be modified to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

AIRAH has collected resources on COVID-19, including specific information about actions that can be taken with HVAC systems to mitigate the spread of the virus, as well as more general information. Click here for details.

Where can I find out information about specific HVAC equipment?

Please visit HVAC&R Search and FairAir for more information related to HVAC equipment.

What is FairAir?

FairAir is a website that aims to provide in-depth, unbiased technical information to consumers about home cooling options and products. It includes interactive guides and calculators, and is brought to you by AIRAH. We invite you to visit the website and find the best air conditioning options and products for your home at fairair.com.au

How do I use the FairAir calculators?

For assistance with using the FairAir calculators, please watch out short tutorial video.

How can I advertise on the site?

To advertise on the FairAir website please contact [email protected] to be sent further information about the advertising opportunities.

Note: FairAir invites the HVAC&R industry to advertise their products and services via the paid banner advertisements clearly marked on the FairAir website. This advertising support allows us to maintain and ensure that continuous improvements can be made to the FairAir website. AIRAH recommends consumers seek professional advice before making their final purchasing decisions.

What if my city is not listed in the location?

If your location is not listed, select an option that is comparable based on your climate zone. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has a listing of Australia’s different climate zones and a map, so you can find a comparable location. Once again, AIRAH recommends seeking professional advice.

What devices does the calculator work on (iPhones, iPads, PCs, etc.)?

The FairAir calculators work on mobile phones (Apple and Android), tablets, PCs and laptops.

Where can I find reputable installers?

AIRAH recommends that installation and maintenance of air conditioning equipment is always conducted by a fully qualified technician with an ARC licence. To find businesses in your area that are authorised by the ARC, or to check that your technician is licensed to perform air conditioning or refrigeration work before they begin go to lookforthetick.com.au

Can the FairAir calculators be used for multi-level buildings?

The FairAir calculators are based on a single split-system air conditioner installed for a single room.

What is HVAC&R?

HVAC&R stands for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. As an industry, it is an essential service that shapes our cities and towns and impacts daily life in a number of surprising ways.

Applicable to both residential and commercial buildings, HVAC&R refers to the systems used to move air. It includes, but not is limited to, technology that is used to warm/cool space.

For more information on HVAC&R, please download the What is HVAC&R? flyer and watch our video.

What is HVAC&R’s role in Australia?

In Australia, the industry is worth over $38 billion, uses more than 24% of the country’s electricity, and accounts for 11.5 per cent of our carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite playing a major role in global emissions, HVAC&R isn’t often a phrase associated with climate change. But the refrigeration and HVAC industry intersects with it in a number of ways. Click here to learn more about HVAC&R and climate change.

What are my career prospects in the industry?

In Australia alone, HVAC&R employs more than 298,000 people – and it’s still growing.

Jobs in the built environment include mechanical engineers; building scientists; controls and automation specialists; manufacturers; sustainable developers; and more. Work can include, but is not limited to, the design of systems; the installation, repairing or maintenance of systems; selling the latest technologies; and research and development.

To explore training and career pathways, as well as our job portal, please visit airah.org.au/careers

My organisation is hiring. Can AIRAH help?

Yes, we frequently share job vacancy postings for available positions in the Australian HVAC&R industry. Please click here to view our career portal and information on how to submit a listing.

Where can I find out more about the industry?

Ecolibrium, AIRAH’s journal, offers in-depth stories and news from across the industry to our members. We also publish the HVAC&R News Journal, a free magazine for tradespeople and end users, and the HVAC&R News website featuring the latest built environment news.

I work in the HVAC&R industry in another country and am looking to move to Australia. Where can I get assistance?

HVAC&R is a growing industry in Australia, and demand is strong for both engineers and technicians.

For more information on working in Australia, please see the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs’ website for immigration and citizenship, including visa information and the skilled occupation list.

For HVAC&R technicians, refer also to Trades Recognition Australia.

I am not from Australia. Will enrolling in an AIRAH education program or course grant me a student visa?

No, AIRAH is not CRICOS registered. Enrolment in any of our programs or courses is not applicable for international student visas.

AIRAH is not able to make arbitration calls on equipment and installations issues. Contact your provider in the first instance. If this does not work, please contact the Office of Fair Trade in your state/territory for further information and support.

Can AIRAH provide me with information on products I have installed?

AIRAH cannot offer specific information on your installed products. Please visit HVAC&R Search to seek a provider or directly contact the installer or manufacturer for more information.

My air conditioner wasn't installed properly. Can AIRAH help me?

AIRAH is not able to make arbitration calls on equipment and installations issues. Contact your provider in the first instance. If this does not work, please contact the Office of Fair Trade in your state/territory for further information and support.

Where can I get information about refrigerant handling licensing?

An ARCTick licence is required across all jurisdictions when undertaking refrigeration and air conditioning work involving ozone-depleting refrigerants. Refrigerant handling licences are issued and controlled by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). Click here for details.

Where can I get information on contractor/business-based licensing for refrigeration and air conditioning?

While the ARCTick licence system is a national Commonwealth requirement (i.e., an ARCTick licence is required in all jurisdictions), not all states and territories have occupational or business licensing for refrigeration and air conditioning contractors. A Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (MRA) entitles people holding an occupational licence or registration in one state or territory to an equivalent licence in another state or territory provided the work is licensed in both. See this website.

The following is a jurisdictional summary of licensing requirements in all jurisdictions.

• Australian Capital Territory – The ACT does not license refrigeration and air conditioning work.
• New South Wales – NSW issues air conditioning and/or refrigeration licences at both the contractor and qualified supervisor certificate levels.
• Northern Territory – The NT does not license refrigeration and air conditioning work, but technicians must obtain a restricted electrical licence.
• Queensland – Qld licenses refrigeration and air conditioning work through the Queensland Building Services Authority (regulated as part of the building occupations).
• South Australia – In SA, regulation of refrigeration and air conditioning occurs through the building occupations where the primary focus of licensing surrounds the structural integrity of the installation of a refrigeration and air-conditioning unit in a building (that is the mounting of the unit and strengthening of trusses where required).
• Tasmania – Tas licenses refrigeration air conditioning work under its plumbing regulations.
• Victoria – Vic regulates refrigerated air conditioning as a specialised plumbing class, and this is issued as an ‘endorsement’ at the registration and licence levels.
• Western Australia – WA does not license refrigeration and air conditioning work, but technicians must obtain a restricted electrical licence.

Why should I become an AIRAH member?

AIRAH is the only dedicated body for people actively engaged in the Australian HVAC&R industry.

Becoming an AIRAH member will benefit your work and can assist in your career progression in HVAC&R. It is a way of interacting with the best minds and practitioners in HVAC&R, while also accessing a wide variety of personal and business development opportunities. For more information, please visit this page.

Can I join immediately as an AIRAH Member of Associate Member?

No – all new members are assigned the Affiliate member grade. Upgrading to the grade of Member or Associate Member is pending submission of your grading application. We invite you to find out more about AIRAH member grades and upgrading your membership.

Does AIRAH offer any student memberships?

Yes! AIRAH offers free membership to anyone studying full-time for an Australian qualification, or as an apprentice or trainee.

We also offer an Under 30 Affiliate membership at a low-cost for those working in the industry who are 30 years of age or under. This is to support new entrants to the industry as they enter the workforce.

For more information on our memberships, please click here.

I’ve just become a new member; when does my membership start?

Your new AIRAH membership will be effective within 24 hours of your joining. Please note that until your membership has been processed by our system, you will be unable to digitally access our technical resources.

How long does my AIRAH membership last for?

An AIRAH membership is valid for one year from your join date. In order to avoid repaying the new member join fee again, please keep an eye out for our email reminders to renew your existing membership.

What is the AIRAH Employer/Education Partner program?

Our Employer and Education Partner program is the preferential package for businesses and the education sector. It offers tiered pricing and allows your staff to access our range of member benefits. For more information, please see our Employer Partner and Education Partner pages.

What is the cost to become an AIRAH member?

You can visit the membership fees page on our website for information on current AIRAH membership types and fees.

How do I renew my AIRAH membership?

A month prior to your AIRAH membership expiry, look out for your renewal reminder in your email inbox. You can pay via EFT using details on your invoice or log in to your AIRAH account and access your renewal invoice and pay quickly and securely using credit card.

Our membership team can also assist – please email [email protected]

Does AIRAH offer a membership upgrade?

Yes. Member and Associate Member grades are assigned according to a mix of qualifications, experience, and job responsibility.

You can apply to have your AIRAH membership upgraded if you meet the requirements. For more information and to apply online, click here. There is no fee for grading, however you do need to be an Affiliate Member first before you can be upgraded.

I forgot my username and password. How do I find them?

If you have forgotten your log in details for your AIRAH account, click the "Forgot password?" or "Forgot username?" to reset on this page.

Alternatively, email [email protected]

My contact details have changed, how do I update them?

You can log in to your AIRAH account and update your profile information with a simple click of a button. This will update our database instantly to ensure you don’t miss out on any communications from us.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Can I cancel or transfer my membership?

Yes. AIRAH memberships can be cancelled, but no refunds will be provided.

Memberships are valid after payment until date of expiry. Memberships that are not included in an Employer Partner or Education Partner membership are unable to be transferred to another name.

What happens to my membership if I change jobs?

If your AIRAH membership is an individual membership, it will stay with you. You will just need to update your personal contact information by logging in to your AIRAH account to make sure all your member benefits keep coming your way.

If your membership is an Employer Partner or Education Partner membership, you will be removed from this membership and you will need to re-join as an individual AIRAH member.

I am an AIRAH member and I am not receiving emails from AIRAH.

Please log in to your AIRAH account and confirm the email address in your profile is correct.

We also recommend checking your spam folder. Occasionally our communications might get lost in transit! It is important you mark AIRAH emails as accepted.

Our membership team can assist – please email [email protected]

I am not an AIRAH member, but my colleague is. Can I access their member-only benefits and discounts for our company?

No, AIRAH memberships are individual.

You can access AIRAH member benefits by joining as an AIRAH member, or your company or institution can join AIRAH as an Employer Partner or Education Partner to offer all employees access to our member benefits and discounts.

When can I access my membership tax receipt?

You can access your AIRAH membership tax receipt by logging in to your AIRAH account. Following payment, please allow 24 hours for it to process.

Our membership team can also assist – please email [email protected]

Are my membership fees tax-deductable?

Yes. You can claim your AIRAH membership on your annual tax return. You can access your membership tax receipt from your AIRAH account.

I thought I was an AIRAH member, but I am not getting any benefits.

An easy way to check if you're an AIRAH member is to log in to your AIRAH account. If you are not an AIRAH member, you can join online to start enjoying membership benefits and discounts.

For assistance, please email [email protected]

My membership question hasn't been answered here. How do I get in touch?

We would be happy to help – please email our membership team at [email protected]

Where can I get information about noise issues?

Each state and many local government areas (local councils) have rules and regulations dealing with noise from air conditioning systems and other sources of environmental noise. Typically, councils have the power to stop people using air conditioning or to relocate systems if they are deemed too noisy, so it is important to get it right when initially installed.

AIRAH produced a Residential Air Conditioning Best Practice Design Guide focused on noise issues associated with this application. This guide is a voluntary document to help owners and installers mitigate any noise issues. It is available to download for each state, free from the AIRAH website.

You should contact your local council initially, as it will be able to clarify the specific regulation that applies in its jurisdiction and assist with the environmental noise-evaluation process.

AIRAH's FairAir website also contains size, noise and energy calculators for residential air conditioners, which may be of use. For help using the FairAir website, please watch our tutorial video.

My air conditioner doesn't work. What can I do?

AIRAH is not able to assist with air conditioning repairs. We recommend you try to contact your provider or the product manufacturer for assistance. You may also be able to find further help and/or guidance from companies on HVAC&R Search.

Why should my company sponsor or advertise with AIRAH?

Companies that advertise with AIRAH are able to align themselves with a peak industry association that has operated for more than 100 years. Through our integrated digital and print communications, you are able to connect with a targeted audience of HVAC&R experts and decision-makers. If you want to talk to key people in HVAC&R and building services and align yourself with a trusted industry voice, please get in touch with our advertising team.

How does my organisation get involved in sponsoring an AIRAH event?

For more information on our event sponsorship opportunities, please visit this page.

How can I advertise in AIRAH’s publications?

Advertising opportunities exist across AIRAH’s digital and print publications. To see our advertising opportunities and to download the AIRAH media kit, please click here.

Where can I get information on Standards?

Information on Australian Standards and their development process are available from Standards Australia.

Where can I get information on R32 refrigerants?

The best place to get technical information about the application of R32 refrigerant is from the refrigerant manufacturer/supplier, or from the supplier/manufacturer of the R32-based equipment or system. The Australian Refrigeration Council also offers R32 refrigerant information for technicians.

For specific technical information and installation details, we suggest you contact the manufacturer and supplier of the equipment or the refrigerant.

Alternatively, more information can be found here.