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The A to Z of Aircon Installation in South Africa
The South African sun can be relentless. On those sweltering days, a well-functioning air conditioner transforms a hot, stuffy house into a cool, comfortable sanctuary. An aircon installation is a skilled job that requires a professional, typically a certified electrician or a specialised HVAC technician registered with the South African Qualification & Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas).
Before you dive into the world of BTUs and inverter technology, it's essential to understand the process. A standard installation for a split-unit aircon can take a few hours, with the total cost for a unit and installation ranging from around R8,000 for a basic system to over R25,000 for more powerful or complex setups. Choosing and installing the right aircon is more than just finding a good deal; it's a technical process that, when done correctly, guarantees years of efficient cooling, protects your investment, and helps manage your electricity bills.
Understanding Your Cooling Needs and Choosing the Right Unit
"The most common mistake we see is a unit that's the wrong size for the room," says Bongani , a certified HVAC specialist from Durban on the Kandua platform. "An undersized unit runs constantly without ever cooling the space, while an oversized one cycles on and off, wasting electricity. Both scenarios shorten the lifespan of the aircon."
The key is understanding your cooling needs, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). A general rule is to budget approximately 600 BTUs per square metre. So, a 20-square-metre room would need a 12,000 BTU unit. However, a professional performs a detailed heat load calculation, considering critical South African factors:
- Room Size and Ceiling Height: Larger rooms and higher ceilings require more cooling power.
- Sunlight Exposure: A north or west-facing room in Pretoria that gets direct afternoon sun will need a more powerful unit than a south-facing room in a cooler coastal town like George.
- Insulation: A well-insulated home with modern ceiling insulation retains cool air better, potentially allowing for a smaller, more energy-efficient unit.
- Number of Occupants and Appliances: Kitchens or home offices with multiple heat-generating appliances increase the heat load.
Once sized correctly, you can choose the right type of air conditioner for your South African home:
- Split Air Conditioners: The most popular choice across South Africa. An indoor unit on the wall connects to an outdoor compressor. They are quiet, efficient, and perfect for single rooms or open-plan areas.
- Multi-Split Air Conditioners: Ideal for cooling several rooms without multiple outdoor units. One powerful compressor connects to several indoor units.
- Ducted/Central Air Conditioning Systems: A whole-home solution often seen in newer estate homes in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Conditioned air is distributed through hidden ducts for a seamless look.
- Portable and Window Air Conditioners: These are less common and generally less efficient. While they require minimal installation, they are often noisier and less effective than split systems.
The Professional Installation Process: Why DIY is a Bad Idea
You might be tempted to save a few rand by installing an aircon yourself, but this often leads to costly problems, from refrigerant leaks to serious electrical risks.
"A DIY install almost always voids the manufacturer's warranty," adds Bongani. "And without the right tools, like a vacuum pump and manifold gauges, you can't guarantee the system will run efficiently. It’s a job for a pro."
Here’s why you should always hire a professional:
- Safety and Compliance: Professionals work with high-voltage electricity and refrigerant gases. In South Africa, all electrical work must comply with SANS 10142-1 regulations, and any person working with refrigerant must be registered with SAQCC Gas.
- Optimal Performance: A pro ensures refrigerant levels are perfect, connections are leak-free, and the unit is positioned for optimal airflow, which is crucial for energy efficiency.
- Warranty Validity: Nearly all aircon warranties are only valid if the unit is installed by a certified technician.
A professional installation follows these key steps:
- Site Assessment: The technician determines the best placement for the indoor and outdoor units.
- Mounting the Units: Both units are securely mounted, ensuring they are level and have adequate airflow clearance. In coastal areas like Durban or Cape Town, corrosion-resistant brackets are essential for the outdoor unit.
- Connecting the Lines: Copper pipes are run between the units to carry the refrigerant.
- Electrical Wiring: A qualified electrician connects the units to the power supply, often issuing a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for new circuits. You can find trusted electrician services on Kandua.
- Drainage System: A condensate drain pipe is installed with the correct gradient to prevent water from backing up and causing damage.
- Vacuuming the System: A vacuum pump removes all air and moisture from the refrigerant lines to prevent contamination and compressor failure.
- Charging and Testing: The correct amount of refrigerant is added, and the entire system is tested to ensure it cools efficiently and operates without leaks.
Checklist: Before Your Installer Arrives
- Clear the Area: Make sure the indoor and outdoor installation areas are clear of furniture, pot plants, and other obstructions.
- Confirm Placement: Have a clear idea of where you want the indoor unit placed. Your technician will provide a final recommendation based on airflow and structural factors.
- Check Body Corporate Rules: If you live in a complex or estate, ensure you have written permission from your body corporate for the installation, especially for the placement of the outdoor unit.
- Access to Power: Make sure the technician will have easy access to your home’s main electrical distribution board (DB).
Post-Installation Care for Your New Aircon
Proper care extends your unit's lifespan and keeps it efficient.
- Clean the Air Filter: This is your first line of defence. In dusty areas like the Highveld, you should clean filters every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent restricted airflow.
- Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear: Ensure the outdoor unit is free of leaves, grass, and debris that can block airflow and reduce efficiency.
- Schedule Professional Servicing: An annual service from a qualified technician is non-negotiable. They will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and inspect electrical components.
Customer Stories and Results
Priya from Sandton was struggling with a stuffy home office during the summer. She initially thought a small 9,000 BTU unit would be enough. A Kandua Pro did a heat load calculation and noted her large, north-facing window and multiple computers. He recommended a slightly larger 12,000 BTU inverter unit. The result? The office stays cool all day, and because the inverter model is so efficient, her electricity bill was noticeably lower than expected.
David in Umhlanga had a poorly installed aircon that was dripping water down his wall, causing paint to bubble. A Kandua technician quickly diagnosed the problem: the previous installer had failed to create the correct gradient for the drainpipe. He re-installed the pipe correctly, preventing further issues and saving David a potential R5,000 in future water damage and repainting repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aircon Installation in South Africa
How long does aircon installation typically take?
A: A simple back-to-back installation usually takes 3 to 5 hours. More complex jobs, like multi-split or ducted systems, can take one to two days.
What is the difference between an inverter and a non-inverter aircon?
A: Inverter models are more energy-efficient and save you money on electricity. They adjust the compressor speed to match cooling demand, making them quieter and better at maintaining a constant temperature.
Can I install an aircon in any room?
A: Technically yes, but placement is key. A professional will advise on the best location to ensure efficient cooling and proper airflow, avoiding drafts over beds or desks.
How much does it cost to install an air conditioner?
A: The installation labour for a simple back-to-back split unit costs between R1,500 and R3,500. For a detailed breakdown, see our Aircon Installation Cost Guide.
Does my location in SA affect the installation?
A: Yes. Coastal areas like Durban require corrosion-resistant brackets for the outdoor unit due to salt air. Dusty areas like the Highveld mean your filters will need more frequent cleaning.
Do I need permission from my body corporate to install an aircon?
A: Almost always, yes. You must get written permission before any work begins, especially regarding the placement and appearance of the outdoor unit.
What is a 'back-to-back' installation?
A: This is the simplest and most affordable installation. The indoor unit is mounted on a wall, and the outdoor unit is placed directly on the other side of that same wall, minimising piping and labour.
How soon after installation can I use my new air conditioner?
A: Immediately. The technician will test the unit as the final step to ensure it is working correctly before they leave.
Why you can trust Kandua to get it right:
At Kandua, getting your home projects done is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Tell us what you need: Or let our smart AI Home Companion help diagnose your problem if you’re not sure where to start.
- Get answers as you go: While posting your job, you can ask our smart AI home companion anything from understanding typical costs, to how the process works, to how long it might take. Ask questions whenever they pop up, and get clear, helpful answers instantly.
- We match you with the best: All our pros are 100% vetted: ID-verified, criminal background checked, certification verified, and maintaining at least a 4.5-star rating. You don’t have to worry about picking the right person, we make sure the pro we send has the right skills and certification to get your job done right.
Electricians in South Africa: what to know before you book
Electrical issues have a way of starting small… and turning serious fast. A plug that “sometimes trips” can become a melted socket. Flickering lights can point to loose connections. And if your earth leakage keeps going off, it’s often your home telling you something isn’t right.
Kandua helps you get it sorted by matching you with a vetted electrician for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, upgrade, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good electrician?
Pick someone who explains the cause (not just the symptom), tests before they replace parts, prices transparently, and can issue the right compliance paperwork when it’s required.
Do I need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in South Africa?
Often, yes — especially for property transfer and for any additions/alterations to an installation. The Department of Employment and Labour has also warned against “paper CoCs” issued without proper testing, and urges homeowners to use legally registered electrical contractors.
What should electrical work cost?
Most electricians charge a call-out fee + labour + materials, with higher rates for after-hours, complex fault finding, DB work, or urgent callouts. (There’s a pricing guide further down.)
What should I do first in an electrical emergency?
If it’s safe, switch off power at the main breaker, keep people away from the affected area (especially if there’s water), and call an electrician. If there’s smoke/fire risk, treat it as an emergency immediately.
Common electrical problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like an electrician — but it helps to know what the usual “signals” point to.
“My plugs keep tripping / the power keeps going off”
Often caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a loose connection, or a problem at the DB (distribution board). If it’s frequent, don’t just keep resetting — you want proper testing to prevent heat build-up and damage.
“My earth leakage trips randomly (especially at night or when it rains)”
This can indicate moisture ingress, a faulty appliance, deteriorating insulation, outdoor circuits taking on water, or an earthing/bonding issue. It’s common — and it’s exactly the sort of thing that needs systematic fault finding.
“My lights flicker / dim when I use appliances”
Sometimes it’s a supply issue — but it can also point to loose connections, voltage drop, an overloaded circuit, or a stressed neutral. If you’re noticing it across multiple rooms, get it checked.
“I smell burning / a plug is warm / there’s buzzing at the DB”
Treat this as urgent. Heat + electrics is how small problems become big ones. Switch off the circuit (or main breaker if you’re unsure) and book an electrician.
“I get a small shock/tingle from taps or appliances”
That can be an earthing/bonding fault and should be investigated quickly — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere near water.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can be fine for low-risk, non-electrical basics (like replacing a light bulb, resetting a tripped breaker once, or unplugging an appliance to test if it’s the cause).
Call an electrician when:
- a socket/switch is hot, crackling, discoloured, or smells burnt
- breakers/earth leakage keep tripping
- you suspect faulty wiring, water exposure, or a hidden issue
- you’re touching the DB, adding circuits, or upgrading capacity
- you’re installing high-load appliances (oven, hob, geyser, heat pump) or adding dedicated circuits
- you’re adding solar/inverter equipment or changing the installation layout
- you may need a CoC for compliance, insurance, or sale/transfer
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part people usually discover too late. Here’s the simple version.
1) Electrical CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A CoC is a legal document confirming an electrical installation has been inspected and tested and is compliant. It’s commonly required before property sale/transfer, and it’s also required when electrical work involves additions or alterations.
Also important: the Department of Employment and Labour explicitly warns that a registered contractor may only issue a CoC after proper inspection/testing, and may not issue on behalf of an unregistered person.
2) “Registered person” (who is actually allowed to certify)
In practice, certification is tied to being a properly registered/authorised person (often referred to as a wireman’s licence / registered person in the industry). If you need a CoC, ask upfront:
“Are you legally registered to inspect, test, and issue the CoC for this work?”
3) CoC validity (the part everyone argues about)
A useful way to think about it:
- For transfer purposes, the regulations are commonly applied as “not older than 2 years”.
- For day-to-day living, it remains relevant until changes are made — if you alter/add to the installation, you’ll typically need a supplementary CoC for that work.
4) Solar / inverter / PV additions (very common now)
If you’re adding solar PV or inverter equipment, treat it as a compliance-sensitive electrical project. Industry guidance stresses that PV work should be under the supervision of properly qualified electrical persons, and the City of Cape Town’s guidance notes you should request the original electrical CoC from the registered installation electrician.
Pricing: what to budget for an electrician in South Africa
Pricing varies by city, travel distance, urgency, and complexity — but most homeowners will see a familiar structure:
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist testing / fault finding time (often where the real value is)
Typical ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Labour: roughly R350 – R700/hour for many standard jobs (average often around the mid-range), with higher rates for specialised work.
- Emergency call-out: often around R600 – R900 (and may or may not include the first hour — always ask).
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even when it sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus parts. If you have a few small fixes, bundling them into one visit often saves money.
10 Genuinely helpful electrician FAQ's
- What’s the difference between “the power tripped” and “earth leakage tripped”?
A normal breaker trip usually points to overload or a circuit fault. Earth leakage trips when it detects current leaking to earth (often moisture, insulation breakdown, or a faulty appliance). If earth leakage trips repeatedly, it needs proper fault finding. - How do I figure out if it’s my appliance or the house wiring?
A safe starting point is to unplug high-load appliances and see if the trip stops — but if trips continue (or you see heat/burning smells), stop testing and get an electrician. The correct method is measured testing, not guesswork. - Why does my plug socket feel warm?
Warmth can mean a loose connection, overload, poor contact, or damaged wiring — all of which can create heat and become dangerous. Book it in sooner rather than later. - My lights flicker when I use the kettle/microwave — is that normal?
Occasional minor dimming can happen, but persistent flickering/dimming can signal voltage drop, loose connections, overloaded circuits, or neutral issues. If it’s happening across rooms, get it checked. - Do I need a dedicated circuit for an oven/hob/geyser/heat pump?
Very often, yes — these are high-load items and are safer (and usually more reliable) with correct isolation and wiring sized for the load. An electrician should assess and advise based on your DB capacity. - What’s involved in a DB (distribution board) upgrade?
Typically: inspection of existing circuits, correcting unsafe/incorrect connections, adding/replacing breakers, ensuring earthing and bonding are correct, labelling circuits, and testing. DB work should be done carefully and properly documented. - Do I need a new CoC after renovations?
If the renovation involved electrical additions/alterations (new circuits, moved points, new DB work, solar/inverter additions), you’ll usually need a supplementary CoC for that work. - How long does a CoC take to issue?
It depends on how many defects are found. A proper CoC requires inspection and testing — if repairs are needed, it may take longer. Be wary of instant “paper CoCs” with no testing. - Does an electrical CoC cover everything in the house?
A CoC generally relates to the electrical installation and its safety/compliance (distribution, wiring, earthing, bonding, etc.). If you have specialised systems (like solar PV or an electric fence), ask what additional documentation is required for those. - What should I ask an electrician before they start?
Three questions cover most issues:
- “What do you think is the likely cause, and how will you test it?”
- “Is this priced as call-out + hourly + materials, and what counts as after-hours?”
- “Will this work require a CoC or supplementary CoC — and are you registered to issue it?”
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