Image by © RACA Journal www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I August 2025 13
SARACCA
THE COST OF CUTTING CORNERS
By SARACCA – South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association
Cracking down on illicit HVAC installations and fraudulent trade practices
In today’ s HVAC landscape, where precision, safety and compliance are non-negotiable, an alarming number of illicit installations, expired licenses and falsified membership claims continue to plague the industry. This isn’ t just a breach of professional ethics— it’ s a direct threat to public safety, environmental responsibility and the credibility of every compliant contractor working in the field.
At SARACCA, we are seeing a worrying trend: individuals and companies presenting expired or fake credentials to secure HVAC installation contracts, particularly in the gas-handling and refrigeration sectors. These actors bypass the stringent requirements laid out by the Pressure Equipment Regulations( PER), the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and SAQCC Gas— exposing clients, facilities, and the environment to unacceptable risks.
THE IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC SAFETY Unlicensed and fraudulent operators compromise more than just compliance. Faulty installations, inadequate refrigerant handling and poor ventilation solutions result in unsafe environments— increasing the risk of fire, gas leaks, system failures and long-term financial liability for property owners.
David Botha, SARACCA executive director.
Image by © RACA Journal www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I August 2025 13