Frequently asked questions

We are based in Brendale and service all areas of Brisbane, with our strongest presence across Brisbane Northside, plus some coastal areas of QLD. If you are not sure whether your suburb is covered, contact us with your location and we will confirm before booking anything in.

Yes. We are a team of licensed and insured electricians and members of Master Electricians Australia, and we hold a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (AU36212) for air conditioning work. Our team takes part in ongoing training, and we back our electrical work with a 100% workmanship guarantee.

We work across three main areas: electrical, air conditioning and solar. That includes general electrical work and CCTV, split system, ducted and commercial air conditioning, and residential, repair and commercial solar. If you have a project that touches more than one of those, we can handle it as one team.

Contact us with details of what you need and we will arrange the right next step. Many jobs — particularly air conditioning and solar — begin with a site inspection so the quote reflects your actual property. We offer free quotes and take a friendly, non-salesy approach, so the quote is there to help you decide.

Yes. We provide services for both residential and commercial customers, from a home split system or solar install through to commercial air conditioning for offices, warehouses and schools and commercial-scale solar. Our team includes electricians, solar-accredited installers and refrigeration mechanics.

We are confident in our work and back it accordingly. Electrical work carries a 100% workmanship guarantee, solar installations carry a 10-year workmanship guarantee, and Australian-sold air conditioners come with a manufacturer warranty that we match with our own workmanship warranty. We are happy to explain the warranty that applies to your specific job.

Yes. From lights and power points controlled by your phone through to MyAir5 smart control for ducted air conditioning, smart technology is a regular part of our work. Tell us what you would like to be able to control and we will explain the practical options.

The business was established in 2013 by Alex Macdonald to specialise in solar power and air conditioning installation and maintenance. Since then the team has grown to include electricians, solar-accredited installers and refrigeration mechanics serving Brisbane Northside.

Yes. Macdonald Air & Electrical is a team of licensed and insured electricians, and we are members of Master Electricians Australia. Our team takes part in ongoing training so we stay current with new standards and product releases. Because we are confident in the standard of our work, we back every job with a 100% workmanship guarantee. If anything about our licensing or insurance matters for your job, just ask and we are happy to talk it through before any work begins.

We cover all aspects of residential and commercial electrical work across Brisbane Northside. That ranges from a single sensor light in a hallway through to smart lighting with thousands of colours controlled from your phone, power points, switchboard work, and safety inspections and testing. If you are not sure whether a job is something we handle, give us a call and describe it — we will tell you honestly and point you in the right direction if it is outside our scope.

Yes. We carry out residential and commercial electrical safety inspections and safety testing. A thorough inspection checks switches, appliances and the electrical system so hazards can be found before they become something more serious. We provide a clear, detailed report in a timely manner with all findings and any suggested amendments, so you know exactly what state the wiring is in and what, if anything, should be addressed.

Every job is different, so we look at the specific work before quoting rather than giving a one-size figure over the phone. For most work we arrange a quote so you can see the cost in writing before deciding. Larger or more involved jobs usually start with a site visit so the quote reflects the real scope. You will not be pushed — our approach is friendly and non-salesy, and the quote is there to help you make the right choice.

Yes. Smart technology is a big part of modern homes and we install it regularly — from lights and power points you control from your phone, to scene lighting and integration with air conditioning through MyAir5. If you are renovating or building, it is worth planning smart wiring early. Tell us what you would like to control and we will explain the practical options for your home.

We are based in Brendale and service all of Brisbane Northside, with coverage extending across the wider Brisbane area. If you are unsure whether your suburb is within our service area, contact us with your location and we will confirm before booking anything in.

Yes. Our team has worked on everything from new homes for builders through to upgrades and smart-technology retrofits in established houses. Older homes sometimes need switchboard or wiring updates to safely support modern appliances, and we will assess that as part of the work and explain anything that needs attention.

We stand behind our workmanship with a 100% guarantee, so if something is not right with work we carried out, contact us and we will make it right. Clear communication is part of how we work — we would rather you call us than live with an issue, and we will arrange to come back and sort it out.

We supply and install complete CCTV security systems, which typically means the cameras, the recording equipment and the cabling, all set up and tested so the system is working before we leave. We only use high-quality products because we want the system to keep protecting your property for years. During the quote we confirm exactly what hardware is included so there are no surprises.

Yes. We install CCTV for both residential and commercial properties across Brisbane Northside. Homes and businesses have different needs — coverage points, number of cameras and how footage is reviewed all vary — so we look at your property and recommend a system that genuinely suits how you want to protect it.

It depends on the number of cameras and the layout of the property, but our installation process is designed to be quick, hassle-free and done to a high standard. When we quote your system we will give you a realistic idea of how long the install will take and what access we will need on the day.

Modern CCTV systems generally let you view live and recorded footage from a phone or computer, and we will set this up and show you how it works as part of the installation. If remote viewing is important to you, mention it when you contact us so the system we recommend is built around that.

Request a free quote and our team will work out a CCTV system suited to your property and how you want to use it. We are happy to answer any questions before you commit, so you can make a confident decision. There is no obligation in getting the quote — it simply gives you a clear picture of the right system and what it costs.

We work with quality, reliable security products and choose equipment that fits the property rather than installing the same kit everywhere. Using good hardware matters for clear footage and a system that lasts, which is why we do not cut corners on the cameras or recording equipment we supply.

Yes. We stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we are committed to giving customers the best possible experience. If you have a question about your system or something is not working as expected, contact us and we will help you sort it out.

We specialise in air conditioning of all kinds — split systems, multi-head systems, cassette units and ducted air conditioning. With so many brands and configurations available we can explain the pros and cons of each and find a system that best suits your home or business. The right choice depends on how many areas you want to cool, your budget and the layout of the building.

Mitsubishi Electric is one of our preferred brands because it is an industry leader for split systems, and we also install Daikin, Fujitsu, Panasonic and others. Because we work across multiple brands we can give you genuine advice on the pros and cons of each rather than pushing one product. All Australian-sold air conditioners come with a manufacturer warranty, and we match that with our own workmanship warranty.

We measure the space on site so the system is sized correctly for the room or home. Sizing matters — an undersized unit struggles and an oversized one wastes energy — so a site measure is the most reliable way to get it right. From there we recommend a system and explain why it suits your space.

Yes. Our team includes qualified refrigeration mechanics who can help when an air conditioner fails. We carry out a site assessment to diagnose the issue and then advise you on whether a repair or a replacement is the better path. We also repair all major brands, not just the ones we install.

Yes, maintenance plans are available. Regular servicing keeps a system running efficiently, extends its life and helps keep running costs down. As a general guide, an air conditioner benefits from a service every six months to a year depending on how often it is used. We can talk you through a maintenance schedule that suits your system.

Most modern systems now have WiFi modules available so you can control them easily, and for ducted systems we specialise in MyAir5. That lets you turn the system on or off, adjust airflow and set different temperatures in different rooms from your phone. If smart control matters to you, tell us and we will factor it into the recommendation.

Get in touch and we will arrange the right next step — for many jobs that is a site assessment so we can measure up and recommend a suitable system. You can choose supply and install, or talk to us about the options that fit your budget. The quote gives you a clear picture before you decide.

A split system air conditioner consists of an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor unit. The indoor unit blows out cool air while the outdoor unit disperses heat away from the cooled area. It is the most common choice when you only want one area cooled, and it is generally the most affordable option apart from a window or wall box unit.

A multi-head split system uses one outdoor unit to supply several indoor head units — up to six in many cases. It is a good option when you want to cool multiple rooms but would rather not have several outdoor units affecting the look of the home. We can talk through whether a multi-head setup or separate systems makes more sense for your situation.

Split systems range in size, commonly from around 2.0kW up to 9.4kW. We site-measure the space so we can recommend a size that genuinely suits the room. Getting the size right means the system cools comfortably without wasting energy, which is why we measure rather than guess.

Yes. When we replace a split system we replace all the materials as well, so you end up with a proper new installation rather than old pipework carried over. That means the materials should hold up for another 10 to 15 years alongside your new system. We will assess the existing setup and let you know what is involved.

Split systems can be installed in a number of ways, from back-to-back installations through to a head unit mounted on an internal wall with the pipework run to the outdoor unit. During the site measure we look at the best position for both the indoor and outdoor units, balancing performance with how the units look in your space.

Split systems are a great solution if you want to do one room at a time, and they suit bedrooms and living rooms well. If you only need to cool a single area, a split system is usually the most cost-effective way to do it. If you are looking to cool the whole home, we would talk to you about ducted options instead.

Running cost depends on the size of the unit and the room. As a general guide, a reverse-cycle air conditioner costs in the order of a small amount per hour for a small room and more for a large room. Choosing the right size and using the system sensibly are the biggest factors in keeping running costs down, and we are happy to advise on this when we quote.

Ducted air conditioning consists of an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor unit concealed in the ceiling. Ducting runs from the indoor unit to each room, and zones let you turn rooms off separately. The result is discreet, whole-home cooling with just air outlets visible in the ceiling rather than units on the walls.

Zoning lets you control which rooms the system is conditioning. Even with a large outdoor unit sized for the whole house, running only one or two rooms means the unit does not run at full capacity, which saves energy. Zones are managed from one central control, and with MyAir you can fine-tune airflow and temperature room by room.

MyAir5 is a smart control system for ducted air conditioning that we specialise in. It gives you full control of the system — different temperatures in different rooms, adjustable airflow, and on/off control from your phone. You can also add wireless temperature sensors in each room, or vary airflow to each zone in five percent increments.

Yes. Every ducted system we install starts with an on-site inspection so we can take measurements, work out the correct capacity and understand what you want to achieve. Ducted is a whole-home system, so designing it properly from the start is the difference between even, comfortable cooling and a system that struggles.

We have multiple diffuser types available, including round, square and grille styles, so the outlets can suit the look of each room. We will talk through the options during the design stage so the finished ceiling looks the way you want while still delivering good airflow.

Running cost depends on how many rooms are zoned and in use at the time. As a general guide, a ducted system costs in the order of a few dollars per hour to run depending on the number of zones operating. Because zoning lets you condition only the rooms you are using, sensible use of zones is the main way to keep running costs reasonable.

Contact us and we will arrange an on-site inspection. From the measurements and a conversation about what you want to achieve, we design a system to suit the home and provide a quote. That way the proposal reflects your actual house rather than a generic estimate.

We cover commercial offices, warehouses and schools, designing and installing the air cooling system best suited to each. We have completed a number of small to large commercial installations, which means we can offer sound advice on what system will work for your building and how it is used.

Yes. We have recently been involved in a lot of design and installation work for schools across Brisbane. An important part of air conditioning a classroom is understanding the heat load when the room is empty versus full of children, and we design systems to perform well across all of those conditions.

VRV and VRF are advanced systems suited to larger commercial buildings, allowing efficient conditioning across many zones. We have a specialist team with expertise in large ducted, VRV and VRF systems. If your building is sizeable or has varied conditioning needs, we can talk through whether one of these systems is the right fit.

We start with an on-site quote and evaluation so we can discuss the requirements of your project and understand the building. From there we supply, design and install the system for the best efficiency and results. Designing around the real building and how it is used is what delivers a system that performs.

We design systems for the best efficiency and results at competitive prices, sizing equipment to the building's heat load and usage patterns. Package systems and zoning help match output to demand, so the building stays comfortable without running equipment harder than it needs to.

Contact us to arrange an on-site quote and evaluation. Commercial projects vary too much for an over-the-phone figure, so seeing the building lets us discuss your requirements properly and put together a proposal that genuinely fits the project.

Yes. We have completed small to large commercial installations and have a specialist team experienced in large ducted, VRV and VRF systems. Whether it is a single office or a multi-zone building, we can scope the work and advise on the most suitable approach.

It starts with a site inspection so we can make sure everything will install correctly and that all panels will meet Clean Energy Council guidelines. We then provide a customised solar proposal in full detail — panel location, tilt, shading and expected savings. After installation we make sure you fully understand how the system works, and we follow up a few months later once you have seen your first energy bill.

Yes. Part of our site inspection is confirming that the installation and all panels will meet Clean Energy Council guidelines. We also advise if the meter box requires upgrading to meet Energex requirements, so the whole installation is done correctly and to standard.

Solar is a significant investment in your property and should not be taken lightly, so we choose only a limited few brands that match our quality of work. Most quality inverters and installers in Brisbane offer a 10-year warranty, and we match that with our own 10-year workmanship guarantee. We will explain the options in your proposal so you understand what you are getting.

Sometimes. As part of the site inspection we check whether the meter box needs upgrading to meet Energex requirements. If it does, we will let you know up front so it is included in the plan rather than being a surprise later in the process.

We do not finish at installation. We make sure you fully understand how the system works and how to operate it correctly, and we follow up a few months later to check you are satisfied once your first energy bill has come through. We also install smart metering, and where it is fitted we run a remote monthly check to make sure everything is functioning correctly.

Where smart metering is installed, we run a remote monthly check on the systems we have installed to confirm everything is functioning correctly. Ongoing visibility means a developing fault can be picked up early rather than going unnoticed until your generation drops.

The honest answer comes from the site inspection and proposal. We look at your roof, panel location, tilt and any shading, then put together a detailed proposal including expected savings so you can make an informed decision. We take a friendly, non-salesy approach — the proposal is there to help you decide, not to pressure you.

Contact us to arrange a site inspection. Once that is done you receive a customised solar proposal in full detail covering panel layout, tilt, shading and savings. That gives you a clear, property-specific picture before you commit to anything.

Yes. We have specialist solar technicians who can diagnose faults on a solar system no matter what brand it is. Once the fault is identified we advise you on the best path to getting the system repaired, so you get clear guidance rather than guesswork.

Yes. There has been a fair share of start-up solar companies going under and leaving customers stranded when it comes to warranty and support. We regularly help people in exactly that position — our technicians can assess the system, diagnose the fault and advise the best way forward even if the original installer is no longer around.

Our specialist solar technicians inspect and test the system to identify what is actually going wrong. Faulty solar systems have become a common occurrence around Brisbane in recent years, and a proper diagnosis is the only reliable way to know whether the issue is with a panel, the inverter, wiring or something else. From there we recommend the best path to repair.

A good solar system should last well past 15 years with minor maintenance. If a system is underperforming or failing well before that, it is usually worth having it checked rather than written off. We can assess the condition and tell you honestly what shape it is in.

That depends on the fault and the age and condition of the system. Because a good system should last past 15 years, many systems are well worth repairing. We diagnose the issue first and then give you honest advice on whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense for your situation.

It is worth acting reasonably promptly. A small fault left unchecked can mean months of reduced generation and higher bills, and in some cases a developing issue can get worse. If you suspect your system is not performing as it should, contact us and we will arrange to diagnose it.

Get in touch and describe what you are seeing — reduced output, an inverter fault light, or anything unusual. We will arrange for a specialist technician to diagnose the system and then advise you on the best path to getting it repaired.

Solar for your business is a great way to reduce your energy bill, and it usually results in a quicker payback period than residential solar. That is because most businesses operate during the day, which is exactly when a solar system is producing — so more of the generation is used on site rather than exported.

Commercial solar systems are usually in the range of 20kW to 100kW, with large-scale systems going beyond 100kW. The right size depends on your building, your roof space and your daytime energy use, which is why we put together a custom proposal rather than quoting a standard system.

Our custom solar proposals are designed to offset and reduce your energy bill, often resulting in a credit where there are no restrictions. Because business energy use largely happens during daylight hours, a well-sized system can cover a significant share of consumption and cut down what you draw from the grid.

Yes. Commercial solar power systems are a core specialty for us, and every commercial job is custom-proposed. We look at your building, roof space and energy use, then design a system intended to offset your daytime consumption and shorten the payback period.

Commercial solar usually has a quicker payback than residential because daytime generation lines up with daytime business use. The exact payback depends on your energy use, tariff and system size, which is why we work it through in your custom proposal rather than quoting a generic figure.

Yes. Alongside the financial benefit, commercial solar reduces your business's carbon footprint while delivering a drastic reduction in energy cost. For many businesses that combination of lower bills and lower emissions is a strong reason to move ahead.

Contact us to discuss your business and arrange an assessment. From your building, roof space and energy use we prepare a custom proposal showing the recommended system size and the expected reduction to your energy bill.