Having a reliable air conditioning system that performs well is crucial in keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. When the temperatures start to rise in the middle of the summer, you need to ensure that your home is as cool and comfortable as possible. On the other hand, when the weather is a little cooler, you need a system that you can depend on to keep your home warm and cosy. Installing air conditioners in Australian homes is extremely common; however, if you live in a strata scheme building, as many people do, you need to ensure that you take the right approach.
Whether you are planning a permanent or split system air conditioning installation in a strata scheme apartment or townhouse, you will need to ensure that you get the necessary approval to install your unit. In body corporate buildings, you will generally share walls with neighbours; your new air-con unit could be deemed to be an eyesore, or those living around you might complain about the noise from your new system. To keep the peace with your neighbours and to ensure you don’t inadvertently step on anyone’s toes, it’s important that you follow the correct protocol when installing air-con in a Strata scheme apartment or townhouse.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips that will help to ensure your AC installation is a success and that you comply with any bylaws around air conditioning.
1. Make Sure You Understand The Regulations
Before moving forward with your AC installation, the first thing you need to do is ensure that you understand the bylaws in place in your property development. The bylaws for every Strata scheme property will be slightly different, so you need to be sure that you understand the nuances of your regulations. Some regulations will stipulate the type and size of the unit that you will be allowed to install. The colour of the unit and the piping might also need to be considered to ensure that they match the aesthetic of the property.
You may also need to ensure that your new system operates within a certain decibel level for it to be compliant. Make sure that you take the time to read through your bylaws carefully so that you take the right approach from the very beginning and that you don’t have to alter your installation or even worse, remove it.
2. Get in Touch With An AC Installation Company
Once you understand what is allowed and what is forbidden according to your bylaws, the next step is to get in touch with your local AC installation company. Most experienced AC installers will be familiar with installations in strata scheme properties and will be able to help you to choose a system that will meet the criteria of your building. If you have neighbours or friends in the building that have installed an air conditioning system recently, it is wise to get in touch with them to find out what company installed their system.
Working with an AC installer that already has experience working in your building or property development will ensure that they are familiar with the requirements, enabling them to proceed with the installation with ease.
3. Get The Necessary Permission Prior To Installation
Finally, you will need to apply for permission from your body corporate to get the go-ahead for your installation. Moving forward with the installation before getting permission could result in more problems down the line so be sure to go through the proper channels before beginning any work. There will usually be a straightforward application process that you will need to adhere to. You will typically be required to submit your request in writing.
In your submission, make sure to include the details and the value of your installation, as well as the details of the company you intend to work with. Make sure that you choose a company that is fully insured and licensed and add these details to your request. Finally, make sure that you address any specific conditions that are listed in the bylaws, such as noise levels, location of the installation, or any other issues that need to be taken into account according to the regulations. Having all of your ducks in a row will ensure that you will have every chance of having your AC installation approved.
4. Ensure That Your Air Conditioning Installation is As Straightforward As Possible
When it comes to installing an AC system in a strata scheme building, it’s important that you do your research to ensure that you comply with any and all regulations. Taking the time to look at your bylaws carefully before speaking with an AC installer will allow you to gather all of the information you need to give your application every chance of being successful. Follow the tips outlined above, and you can be sure that your AC installation will be as seamless and straightforward as possible.
Also read: Air Conditioning Replacement- How Much does It Cost?
