The ongoing heatwave across the country has sparked a surge in demand for air conditioning units. Nuno Roque, secretary-general of the Portuguese Association for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (APIRAC), emphasizes that the installation of these units should be carried out by certified professionals and companies.
“It is absolutely necessary to engage certified companies to ensure we achieve our goal: spending the correct and appropriate amount relative to the applications we desire and ensuring that the units are installed correctly, resulting in beneficial operation. This is only possible through professional, specialized channels and not by purchasing in bulk or impulsively from non-specialized channels—this is absolutely to be avoided,” stated Nuno Roque while speaking to TVI, highlighting that “installation by certified companies is legally required“.
The APIRAC secretary-general believes it is essential to “create conditions so that more people can access these wonders, as we might call them today, which allow us to enjoy comfort during these challenging days”.
Why Should Air Conditioning be Installed Only by Professionals?
As per DECO PROTeste, “due to containing fluorinated gases, installation, repair, maintenance, technical assistance, and dismantling of air conditioning equipment must be carried out by certified professionals and companies“.
However, “the certification requirement for companies only applies where services are provided to third parties (for example, in cases where a store subcontracts a company to perform the installation at the consumer’s home)”.
According to the consumer protection organization, lists of certified technicians and companies for equipment interventions containing fluorinated gases can be found on the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) website – at this link.
“You should also secure at least three quotes in advance. Waiting until the summer months may result in stock shortages or longer wait times. Choose the best option considering the price of the air conditioning and its installation. We also recommend hiring the installation service from the company that sold the air conditioning unit,” advises DECO PROTeste.
Air Conditioning VAT Increased in July
With July’s arrival, the investment in air conditioning has become more costly for Portuguese consumers. As of the beginning of that month, equipments like solar panels, heat pumps, and air conditioning units no longer qualify for the reduced VAT rate.
In practice, until then, these equipments were taxed at a 6% VAT rate, but starting in July, they are taxed at the standard 23% VAT rate. This change resulted from the cessation of the reduced rate’s application to energy-efficient appliances purchases.
Starting this Tuesday, the VAT on energy products rises from 6% to 23%, meaning that the cost of air conditioning units or solar panels is increasing. Environmentalists and political parties have already questioned the Government about the discontinuation of the reduced tax rate.
