Key takeaways:
- Air conditioners in Queensland must not be 5 dB above background noise between 7 am and 10 pm and 3 dB between 10 pm and 7 am
- Air conditioners need to meet energy efficiency, noise limits, and DRED (Demand Response Enabled Device) compatibility in Queensland, or you could face fines or need to remove your air conditioner
- Air conditioners must be installed by a professional and inspected regularly to ensure a safe performance
Adding an air conditioner to your home in Queensland is the best way to combat hot summers and keep you and your family cool. But there are strict regulations in Queensland that you need to follow, ensuring your home is cool without any hefty fines. These regulations include noise levels and the energy efficiency of your unit, with new regulations being introduced to help with global warming. To ensure you have the right unit for your home in Queensland, let us walk you through all the regulations you need to be aware of today.
What are the regulations for air conditioners in QLD?
Queensland has several regulations that you need to follow, including the energy efficiency and noise level of your air conditioner. First, Dred technology (Demand Response Enabled Device) must be installed, which is also known as Energex’s Peak Smart Device. This offers remote control of your air conditioner when the Queensland power grid has peak use (and is usually only done once or twice a year).
Noise levels must be considered, too, ensuring that your air conditioner is not too loud, especially in residential areas. Some local councils in Queensland will have specific noise levels that must be adhered to, but where they are not in place, you must abide by the following:
- During the day (7 am to 10 pm), air conditioners cannot be louder than 5 decibels above background noise
- During the night (10 pm to 7 am), air conditioners cannot be louder than 3 decibels above background noise
You will need to check the decibel rating on your air conditioner before purchasing it to ensure that you can use it through the day and night without breaking these noise regulations.
As of July 1st 2025, new regulations across Australia make it illegal to import or make small multi-head split air conditioning systems using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with a high global warming potential (GWP). These regulations include Queensland, too, and you will need to consider them when making your purchase. While these regulations will impact manufacturers more than you as a customer, it is important that you check that you are not purchasing an air conditioner that has a refrigerant over 750 GWP. You can find this information listed on air conditioners or by speaking directly to manufacturers.
What happens if I break or disregard these regulations?
Depending on what the offence is and the severity of the infringement, you’re likely to receive an infringement notice and an on-the-spot fine. On top of this, you’ll need to make any necessary changes to ensure your air-conditioner meets guidelines. If the installation of your air conditioner poses any safety risk, you may need to remove it completely.
Are there any exemptions to these legal requirements?
The National Construction Code (NCC) has specific requirements you need to meet with your air conditioning units, but there are some exemptions. These include buildings housing museums where specific climate control is needed. There can also be exemptions regarding free cooling from an economy cycle. Some local councils might grant exemptions too, but these will vary depending on your council and the exemption you need. Council approval for these exemptions will depend on the request and its impact on your neighbours and safety. You should speak to your local council about any exemptions and the application process before purchasing your air conditioning unit.
How is sound power level measured for air conditioners?
It’s important to remember that the noise level of your air conditioner mustn’t negatively affect the living situation of your neighbours. Sound power level is measured in decibels, and this information should be readily available either on the website you’re purchasing from, the machine’s specifications or on the box. A good salesman should also know this information.
While it may not seem like a big deal, buying an air conditioner that exceeds the legal requirements for noise limits could come back to bite you. If a neighbour of yours files a noise complaint and it’s discovered your unit doesn’t comply with the building code, your case will be pretty much done for.
Why Use A Builder Broker?
Because your builder choice makes or breaks the entire project. And you deserve to have someone on your side who knows the industry inside-out — and isn’t afraid to keep builders honest.
Book a FREE consult with our brokerage service today.
How can I reduce noise levels?
- Purchase an air conditioner that has a lower sound power level and operates quietly
- Install your unit in the area least likely to annoy your neighbours (for example, don’t install it right outside their bedroom window).
- Install an acoustic enclosure to help with the noise
- Regularly service your air conditioner
- Limit the period when you use the air conditioner
- Allow for the fact your air conditioner may get louder over time as it begins to deteriorate.
- If you notice your air conditioner getting louder or making an odd noise, have it checked sooner rather than later, as it will likely get worse.
- You may be able to modify your air conditioner, but discuss this with a professional and never attempt this yourself.
Our tips for installation of an air conditioning unit that is compliant with the air conditioning regulations in QLD
- Buying your air conditioner in Queensland. If you choose to buy from interstate double check the unit is suitable for Queensland.
- Be sure to pick the right size air conditioner for your home. You don’t want to needlessly spend too much on an air con that’s too big, yet you want a unit that can reliably cool your home when needed.
- Hire a reliable and reputable contractor to install your air conditioner.
- Make the most of passive design. Using natural light, installing quality insulation and having a home with the correct orientation will improve the comfort of your home. The more your home is naturally at a comfortable temperature, the less you’ll need to use your air conditioner. This lowers both your energy costs and environmental impact.
Why is it important to hire a home inspector before installing an AC?
A home inspector has the expertise and experience to spot any potential issues that could hinder your air-conditioner installation. This may include structural issues with where you’re considering installing the unit or problems with your electrical source. A home inspector will check:
- The type of air conditioner installed and whether it’s been installed properly.
- The ducting, electrical wiring and insulation to ensure it’s all functional and safe.
- Any signs of water damage or pests that could affect your air conditioner.
Avoiding potential problems is always cheaper than fixing them retroactively. If you’re building a new home, it’s also easier to get issues fixed during the fixing and inspection stages rather than post-handover, so make the most of these opportunities.
Click here to learn more about building inspections.Why can’t I do a home inspection myself?
In short, unless you’re qualified to do so, you may not even be sure what you’re looking for. Installing your air conditioner without a professional inspection will come with a range of risks. Poorly installed air conditioners can malfunction and require expensive repairs. Worse, there can be dangers involved that will compromise the safety of you and your family.
A professional home inspector knows exactly what to look for and can spot things that are invisible to the untrained eye. While it will cost more, hiring a home inspector will provide you peace of mind and ensure your installation is safe and will run smoothly.
Find the right builder to help install air conditioning in your Queensland home
When installing or replacing an air conditioner, it is important that you have a professional to help you. Air conditioners legally need to be installed by a professional in Queensland, as you need a refrigerant license to handle and install them. Professionals will also be aware of the restrictions in Queensland and can help you install the perfect air conditioner for your home. Unsure about air conditioning regulations impacting your build? We can help connect you with the right builder. Contact us today to find your new builder in Queensland.
