Australia

Split System Air Conditioner Installation Cost in Australia (2026)

16 September 2026

A split system air conditioner in Australia costs $1,500 to $4,500 supplied and installed depending on size. Installation alone is $600 to $1,200 for a straightforward job. A ducted system for a whole house is $6,000 to $15,000+. Here is the breakdown by size and type, what makes an install more expensive, and what to check about the installer.

Prices are typical 2026 metro ranges including GST.

Split system supply and install by size

SizeSuitsSupply + install
2.5 kWBedroom, study (up to 20 m²)$1,500 - $2,500
3.5 kWLarge bedroom (20 - 30 m²)$1,800 - $2,800
5.0 kWLiving room (30 - 45 m²)$2,200 - $3,500
7.0 - 8.0 kWOpen plan (45 - 65 m²)$2,800 - $4,500
9.0 kW+Large open plan$3,500 - $5,500

Brand matters. Budget brands sit at the bottom of each range; Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu and Panasonic at the top. The install cost is the same either way.

Installation only

Install typeTypical price
Back-to-back (outdoor unit directly behind the wall)$600 - $900
Standard (up to 5 m of pipe run)$800 - $1,200
Complex (long pipe runs, roof-mounted outdoor unit, double storey)$1,200 - $2,000+
Remove and dispose of old unit$100 - $250
Dedicated electrical circuit (if needed)$300 - $600
Outdoor unit bracket or slab$80 - $200

Many retailers advertise a cheap “standard install” and then the extras appear on the day. Ask what “standard” means before you book.

Ducted air conditioning

Home sizeSupply + install
Small (2 - 3 bedroom, 4 - 5 outlets)$6,000 - $10,000
Medium (3 - 4 bedroom, 6 - 8 outlets)$9,000 - $15,000
Large (4+ bedroom, zoned, 10+ outlets)$14,000 - $25,000+

Zoning, smart controllers and high-efficiency units push toward the top. Retrofits into existing homes cost more than new builds.

Servicing and repairs

JobTypical price
Split system service / clean$120 - $250
Ducted system service$200 - $400
Regas (after leak repair)$200 - $400
Leak detection and repair$250 - $600
PCB / control board replacement$300 - $800
Compressor replacement$1,000 - $2,000 (often not worth it)
Fan motor replacement$300 - $600

If a technician offers to “just regas” a system that is not cooling without finding the leak, that is a red flag. Refrigerant does not get used up - if it is low, it leaked, and it will leak again.

What makes an aircon install cost more

  • Distance between indoor and outdoor units. Every extra metre of pipe is $60 to $120.
  • Double storey. Roof or wall brackets, ladder work, longer runs.
  • Electrical. Units over about 3.5 kW usually need a dedicated circuit. If the switchboard is full or old, add a switchboard upgrade ($1,200 - $3,500).
  • Wall type. Double brick and concrete take longer to core-drill than plasterboard and weatherboard.
  • Strata and heritage. Body corporate approval, noise limits and placement rules.
  • Timing. Installers are flat out in November and December. Book in autumn or early spring for better prices and availability.

Licensing - non-negotiable

Two licences are involved: an ARCtick refrigerant handling licence for the refrigeration side and an electrical licence for the connection. An installer without ARCtick is operating illegally, and the manufacturer’s warranty is void without a licensed install. Ask for both licence numbers before booking.

Getting a good price

  1. Know your room size and whether you have an existing circuit nearby.
  2. Decide supply-and-install versus install-only. Buying the unit yourself from a retailer can be cheaper, but the installer’s warranty then covers only the install.
  3. Get three quotes. Post the job once with a photo of the wall and the switchboard and local installers will price it.
  4. Check for rebates. Some state programs (Victoria’s VEU, NSW energy savings) subsidise efficient replacements.
  5. Ask what “standard install” excludes.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to install a split system air conditioner?
Installation alone typically costs $600 to $1,200 for a standard back-to-back install. Supply and install together is $1,500 to $2,500 for a 2.5 kW unit, $2,200 to $3,500 for 5 kW, and $2,800 to $4,500 for 7 to 8 kW.
What size split system do I need?
As a rough guide: 2.5 kW for a bedroom up to 20 m², 3.5 kW for 20 to 30 m², 5 kW for 30 to 45 m², 7 to 8 kW for 45 to 65 m² open-plan. Ceiling height, insulation, windows and climate all shift this.
Does an air conditioner installer need a licence?
Yes. Anyone handling refrigerant must hold an ARCtick licence, and the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician. Many installers hold both, or work as a two-person team.
How much does an air conditioner service cost?
A standard split system service is $120 to $250. A regas is $200 to $400, but a system should not need regassing unless there is a leak - which needs fixing first.

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