On a sweltering Canberra summer day, there are few better ways to beat the heat at home or at work than by cranking up the air conditioner.
Whether you’re tired of relying on ceiling fans to keep you cool, or you’ve noticed that your evaporative cooler isn’t working as efficiently as it did last summer, an air-conditioning service provider can help. Air-con businesses specialise in installing, maintaining and repairing air-con systems to keep you comfortable all year round.
But what qualities should you look for in an air-conditioning service provider, and where can you find the best in Canberra? Let’s take a closer look.
What makes a great air-conditioning service?
We recommend keeping the following in mind when choosing an air-conditioning service provider in Canberra:
- Tailored advice. From reverse-cycle systems to wall-mounted air-conditioning units, there are several heating and cooling options on the market. But what many people don’t realise is that what works for one home may not be suitable for another. A skilled air-conditioning technician will advise you on the most effective (and cost-effective) heating or cooling solution for your property.
- Qualified technicians. Every technician who installs, repairs and maintains air-conditioning systems should be suitably qualified. Double-check that your air-conditioning service provider hires experienced and qualified technicians to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Commitment to health and safety. The last thing you want a technician to bring into your home or workplace is COVID-19. Look for an air-conditioning services company where all employees – from technicians to office staff – practise regular hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, adhere to social distancing rules, and have completed the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Infection Control Training Program.
- Reliable and respectful of your property. The technician should arrive on time and ready to work. The best treat customers’ homes like their own – this means keeping mess and disruption to a minimum while being careful with your belongings.
- Knowledge and experience. The best air-conditioning service providers have experience repairing, maintaining and installing a range of systems from different brands. If you’re unsure, or you have an unusual set-up, check to ensure your chosen company has the expertise to do a thorough job.
The best air-conditioning services in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
AirConditioning Canberra
From installing reverse cycle heating and cooling systems to carrying out maintenance and repairs, AirConditioning Canberra is ready to help you with your air-conditioning needs. Its team prides itself on out-of-the-box thinking that leads to energy-efficient, cost-effective and high-performing air-conditioning solutions, and will present alternative options if they believe they will lead to a better outcome.
AirConditioning Canberra can also carry out all electrical work to save you the hassle of engaging a separate electrician. (These services also extend to installing LED downlighting, test and tag, switchboard upgrades and ceiling fan installations.)
Its technicians strive to leave your home or workplace clean or tidy, and take the time to answer your questions. All employees practice strict hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, have completed COVID-19 infection control training, and have a current police check so you can feel comfortable letting them into your home or business. All technicians have a Certificate III in Electrical and Airconditioning. The business is also A1 Gas Licensed.
AirConditioning Canberra is available from Monday to Saturday for everything from repairs and maintenance to installation and sales advice.
Satisfied customer Sharon shared her experience saying, "Professional, excellent service — we had previously used another company toward the top of this list that completely tried to rip us off. It was disgusting. Air Conditioning Canberra restored our faith that there are workmen out there with passion and a pride in their work. Would absolutely recommend without hesitation."
Climate Plus
Climate Plus is a dedicated residential air-conditioning and electrical maintenance and repair company. The team of qualified, licensed and experienced electricians keeps families safe and comfortable all-year round. Climate Plus’s motto says it all: Service + Advice + Repair.
Electricians assist with any electrical works or safety checks. Climate Plus works with all brands and all system types, including split, ducted, reverse-cycle and evaporative units.
With repair services, Climate Plus’s factory trained technicians fix issues quickly, including with heating and cooling, hot water, electrical and solar.
Climate Plus also supports clients with annual maintenance to help avoid costly and inconvenient breakdowns. The team conducts annual heating and cooling maintenance, electrical maintenance and checks, and annual solar maintenance.
A trusted solar partner, Climate Plus’s dedicated electricians maintain every property investor’s investment in solar to get the best returns possible.
Climate Plus electricians are prompt, courteous and efficient. They provide honest and clear advice.
Appointments can be booked online.
Scott Scowcroft wrote on Google, “I rang two days before Christmas as our cooling had stopped working. I was told they could have someone look at it the next day. Gary and Matt were professional and friendly. Pity there aren’t more tradies like this.”
Airconemi
Airconemi’s Canberra-based team of air conditioning professionals supports commercial and domestic clients in the ACT and surrounds – installations, sales, repairs and servicing. Honest, consistent and professional, Airconemi has a sharp customer focus.
With maintenance, Airconemi’s qualified technicians are on hand 24/7. Airconemi handles repairs promptly and conducts regular inspections and professional checks of systems to prevent breakdowns. With installations, Airconemi supplies and installs a wide range of residential and commercial air conditioning systems, wall-mounted split systems, evaporative air coolers, ceiling cassettes and more.
Established in 2015, Airconemi is family owned and run. Airconemi is part of the Kaden Edge Program, which selects only one high-performing air conditioning technician from each state and territory.
On Google, Kirbie Moore wrote, “The business was very responsive when I requested a quote and came over to measure and explain the pros and cons of a couple of options. When I decided on the system I wanted, I was pleasantly surprised at the price.”
Mint Air Conditioning
As one of the region’s leading HVAC specialists, Mint Air Conditioning have been servicing Canberra’s heating and cooling needs. Director Dan Savage is the driving force behind this family enterprise, who have earnt an industry wide reputation for excellence.
Their extensive repertoire encompasses all manner of heating and cooling needs. From air conditioning, refrigeration, and evaporative cooling through to ducted gas, hydronic and electrical heating; they are well paced to serve both residential and commercial markets.
Importantly, Mint Air Conditioning provides end-to-end air-conditioning solutions. From design, supply, and installation through to maintenance and repair, their experienced team of trained trade professionals are there to help.
Working with numerous industry leaders including the likes of Braemar and Fujitsu, they provide whole-of-home solutions which deliver a steady stream of warm air. Their commitment to the provision of eco sensitive solutions ensures a range of energy efficient products are available.
Mint Air Conditioning pride themselves on their professional manner, holding the values of integrity, fairness, and respect in all dealings. Ever so vital with ducted gas systems, Mint Air Conditioning place the health and safety of clients and employees first. With a vision to set service standards in the Canberra region, Mint Air Conditioning make for an excellent choice.
Andrew Check had this to say about his experience on Google, “One of the best contractors of any kind in any industry we've used. Looked at a bunch of aircon contractors before approaching them. Excellent communication, excellent service leading up to and after install….”
Delta Air Conditioning & Heating
As the region's longest serving and one of the most experienced air conditioning and heating specialists, Delta Air Conditioning and Heating have been delivering to exacting standards for almost half a century. This second-generation family run business knows what it takes to keep a home comfortable.
Delta Air Conditioning & Heating are a multi-award winning Daikin Specialist Dealer. They are also authorised dealers for LG, Panasonic, Braemar and BreezeAir. They service and maintain all major brands of air conditioning and heating systems.
Their highly skilled team and ARC licensed technicians create custom solutions to address individual client needs. Moreover, all products come with a 5-Year manufacturing warranty and are accompanied by up to a 5-Year Installation Warranty.
For professional installation and repair with all the quality assurances you will ever need, look no further than Delta Air Conditioning & Heating.
John Lee shared his experience with the team on Google, “We recently had our old ducted air conditioning system removed and replaced with a new Daikin system. Delta completed the works in two days. We are very happy with the professional advice we received and the manner in which the works were carried out. We're very happy with the final result and would recommend this company.”
Do you need more information on maintaining and repairing your air-conditioning appliance? Try our articles on the best appliance repair services or the best electricians for a list of places where you’ll be given professional advice. To link your air conditioning to your smart home, check out our article on the best home automation system installers Canberra has to offer. And, if you’d like to consider a gas alternative, read our article on the best ducted gas heating services in the region.
Your experience with air-conditioning services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the air-conditioning service providers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which air-conditioning system is best for my home or business?
There are several types of air-conditioning systems. The most common are evaporative, split system and ducted. Evaporative units use evaporation to help cool the air. Running costs may be lower than other types of air-conditioning systems, though they may not be as effective at cooling your home compared with a ducted system - especially if you prefer a very low temperature. Split systems can heat or cool, and are one of the most popular air-conditioning systems in Australia. They are generally cheaper to install, and you can add or remove units in different parts of your home as needed.
Ducted air-conditioning systems are one of the most permanent and effective options for cooling your home. They use ceiling ducts to cool or heat each room. You can even choose to control the temperature in each room individually through zoning.
Why should I consider an energy-efficient air-conditioning system?
While air-conditioning systems don't exactly have a reputation for being "green", some are more energy-efficient than others.
Buying an air-conditioning system with a higher energy-efficiency rating can be more expensive. The good news is that you'll likely end up saving money on your power bills over the long term.
What is the cheapest air-conditioning system?
Split-system air conditioning can cost under $500, making it one of the least-expensive cooling options. Before you rush out and make a purchase, however, check that the chosen system has the capacity to cool and/or heat your chosen area. A cheaper system might be great at cooling a small bedroom, but may not have the power to make a difference in a larger space such as a family room.
A qualified technician will also need to install your split system, so be sure to factor installation costs into your budget.
Which air-conditioning system is best for Canberra's climate?
There is no one right air-conditioning system for the Canberra climate. The right air-conditioning system for you will depend on your budget, size and style of your home (i.e. larger homes may be better suited to ducted systems, while apartments may only need a split system), and cooling preferences.
That being said, evaporative cooling can be a more comfortable option in Canberra compared with more humid cities such as Sydney and Brisbane. This is because evaporative coolers increase humidity. In a dry climate, extra humidity can have a cooling effect.
How much does air-conditioning installation cost?
The cost of air-conditioning installation will vary depending on the type of system you choose, and how big it is. Ducted systems are the most expensive to install, while split systems are generally the least costly.
It can be a good idea to consider other costs, such as the price of the actual air-conditioning system and running expenses, before deciding which option is best for your home.