How to Renew Your HVAC License in Australia

Maintaining an active HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) license is crucial for professionals to legally perform work involving air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

This blog details every step involved in renewing your HVAC or Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) in Australia, covering each state’s requirements, fees, processing times, and additional vital information. 

Follow these clear steps to ensure a smooth renewal process and avoid disruptions to your work as a licensee.

Understanding the Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL)

The Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) is a certification needed by Australian law for people who handle, recover, or transfer refrigerants, especially in air conditioning and refrigeration work. This includes those who work on air conditioning and refrigeration systems, such as installing or servicing them, under the scope of work defined by their contractor licence or qualified supervisor. The RHL aims to make sure that these individuals are trained to manage refrigerants safely and effectively, as these substances can be dangerous to people's health and the environment if not handled correctly.

Key Points About the Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL):

  • Training and Certification: To get an RHL, individuals must finish an approved training program that covers both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for handling refrigerants, demonstrating their qualifications and experience.

  • Legal Requirements: The requirement for this licence is set by national law, specifically the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act from 1989. Not having an RHL while working can result in large fines, up to 22,000 AUD, especially if you are working interstate and mutual recognition applies.

  • Regulatory Compliance: The RHL ensures that companies follow rules meant to protect the environment and public health, like safely getting rid of old refrigerants and keeping accurate records of their additional licence.

  • Renewal and Updates: RHL holders usually need to renew their licenses regularly and might have to take ongoing training to stay updated on new regulations and technologies, ensuring they meet the eligibility requirements.

Steps for Renewing Your HVAC License

Step 1: Get and Review the Renewal Notice

Timing: Most licensing agencies send a renewal notice about six weeks before your license expires.

Contents: This notice will have a special renewal number and detailed instructions on how to renew your contractor licence.

Step 2: Select Your Renewal Method

Online Renewal:

  • Log in to the chosen platform, such as Service NSW.

  • This way is usually the simplest if you don't need to make big changes to your licence or qualified supervisor certificate.

Renew in Person:

  • If you need to change more than just your address or contact info (like your business name), go to a licensing center to apply for a licence.

  • Bring all the papers you need to show your changes.

Step 3: Get the Needed Information

Make sure you have these ready for the renewal:

  • Your current license number and the special renewal number from the notice.

  • Your ID, which could be a driver's license or another official ID from your state.

  • How you'll pay, like a credit or debit card, or a bank transfer.

Step 4: Finish the Application

  • Follow the steps on the online system to send in your application for an occupational licence. If you're renewing in person, bring all the needed papers.

  • Make sure all the details on a licence match your records, including your licence card, to prevent any hold-ups.

Step 5: Pay and Confirm

Pay based on the renewal period you chose:

  • 1-year license: $281

  • 3-year license: $672

  • 5-year license: $1,157

After you pay, confirm the payment to get an electronic or printed receipt as proof of your renewal.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

  • It usually takes up to 28 days to process your renewal application.

  • Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so you can get timely updates about your application's progress, especially if your application is unsuccessful.

Related Australian Government Links

For more details on how to renew an HVAC licence for different state refer to the links below:

What to Do If Your License Expires

1. Understanding Grace Periods

  • Grace Periods: Most states, like New South Wales (NSW), usually give you a short time to renew your license after it expires. This time can be different, but it’s often about three months after the license expires, during which you can still operate under your contractor licence, provided you follow the work described on your certificate.

  • What to Do During the Grace Period: During this time, you can renew your license without getting in trouble, as long as you do it before the grace period ends.

2. Look Out for Penalties

  • If you don’t renew your license during the grace period, you could get in trouble with big penalties, like fines or not being allowed to work, especially if your licence is cancelled or suspended, which may impact your ability to perform the work described on your licence.

  • In NSW, working with an expired license is not allowed, so you have to stop working until you renew your license.

3. Suspended Licenses

  • Immediate Restrictions: If your license has expired, you cannot legally do any work related to HVAC services. This suspension will continue until you get your endorsed contractor licence renewed, as described on your licence card, which confirms your qualifications and experience needed for your work.

  • Penalties for Not Following the Rules: If you work with an expired license, you could face large fines and may need to notify NSW Fair Trading about your current licence status, as a licence holder must hold a valid license to avoid penalties. In NSW, these fines can be very high, and if you break the rules again, you might face even more serious penalties, which could make it harder to renew or restore a licence in the future.

4. Renewal Application

  • If you are still within the grace period, you should gather all the needed information and finish your renewal application as soon as possible to avoid any problems with your business.

If you are past the grace period, you will need to apply for a new license. This might include:

  • Taking more training or tests.

  • Paying the full application fees.

  • Meeting any other requirements set by the licensing authority is crucial to hold a licence.

5. Documentation and Updates

  • Make sure all your paperwork, including any needed ID or proof of ongoing education (if needed), is ready before you send in your application.

  • If any personal or business info has changed (like your address or contact details), update these during the renewal or reapplication process to hold a current licence.

6. Future Precautions

  • To prevent problems with your current licence or certificate expiring later, set reminders well before your renewal date. Keeping track of renewal dates in a calendar or using digital reminders can be useful, particularly for managing your certificate at a service NSW.

  • Think about renewing your license early to give yourself plenty of time to handle any issues that might come up, especially if you need to provide a certificate of proficiency.

Impact on Insurance: Remember that working with an expired license could affect your business insurance and might not cover incidents involving disconnect-reconnect electrical equipment connected. Many insurance companies require you to have a valid license to keep your coverage.

Reputation Concerns: Continuously operating without a valid license could damage your credibility and reputation within the industry, potentially leading to lost clients and business opportunities.

Final Thoughts…

Don’t let your license lapse—stay ahead in your HVAC career by keeping your qualifications current! For professional training and assistance, visit the Building Institute today. Check out their offerings, including the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, to elevate your expertise and career prospects.

Take the next step in your professional journey and ensure your skills are recognized and respected in the HVAC industry!

FAQ

  1. What kinds of HVAC licenses can I get in Australia?

Answer: There are different HVAC licenses like contractor licenses, supervisor certificates, and provisional licenses. Each one lets you do different things and work on your own in different ways.

  1. When should I start renewing my HVAC license?

Answer: You usually get a reminder about six weeks before your license expires. It's good to renew your licence on time so you don't have to stop working.

  1. Can I renew my HVAC license after it's expired?

Answer: Yes, but if it's been more than three months, you might need to apply for a new one. Some places give a little extra time for late renewals.

  1. What if I keep working with an expired HVAC license?

Answer: If you work without a valid license, you could get big fines, up to $22,000 for people and $110,000 for companies.

  1. How long does it take to renew an HVAC license?

Answer: It usually takes up to 28 days to renew, but it can be different depending on the state and how complicated your application is.

  1. Can I transfer my HVAC license if I move to a different state?

Answer: Yes, licenses are typically transferable under Australia’s mutual recognition agreements, but it’s advisable to check specific state requirements if you plan to work in another state.