- Small split systems can cost between $600 to $750
- Ducted air conditioning systems can cost anywhere from $6,000 upwards
- All air conditioner installers are required to have full or restricted licences due to the use of refrigerants
Given the varying climate across Australia, especially during summer months, the overwhelming majority of houses in Australia have air conditioning of one kind or another.
But how much does it cost to install an air conditioning system?
Well, there are many types of air conditioning, such as split system or ducted air conditioning. The costs of these systems and installation fees range significantly.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Installation Cost in 2022
The cost of air conditioning installation can vary considerably from just $600 to $30,000.
Small, split systems tend to be a more economical option, and can cost between $600 to $750.
Ducted air conditioning can cost anywhere from $6,000.
The final air conditioning installation price will vary on the type of unit you go with, along with other factors. If on a budget, a portable unit or window air conditioner could be used, however, be wary that they have limitations. They are not designed to deal with larger spaces.
- Portable unit price: $300 to $500
- Window/wall unit price: $300 to $1,200
- Split system unit price: $600 to $5,500
- Ducted system price: $6,000 +
It should be noted that air conditioning systems will come with a remote, and for ducted a central system that could be a central system too.
When choosing which air conditioning system is right for your home, a range of options need to be taken into account. In light of this let’s compare the two most popular types of units – a split system and ducted.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Split System Air Conditioner?
Split systems are most popular choice for an air conditioner. They are more affordable than ducted cooling, but can also be more energy-efficient and are quiet.
You have a choice between a freestanding or wall-mounted system, both of which can cool or heat an individual room quickly. They come with an indoor and outdoor unit, which you will need a licenced professional to help with.
A split system installation will typically cost between $600 to $5,500.
Knowing the kilowatt capacity of your unit will be important, as it influences the ongoing cost of the unit. If you wish to get an air conditioner for a small living space, such as a bedroom, it makes sense to have one with a lower kilowatt capacity.
Fujitsu, Panasonic and Mitsubishi are the most popular and recommended brands.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Ducted Air Conditioning System?
Ducted air conditioning systems are ideal if you wish to cool your entire home, not just a specific room. Ducted systems cost a lot more because of this, with it being common for Australian households to spend $5,000 to $10,000 for such a system.
For small apartments or houses, expect to pay between $6,000 to $10,000.
For an average one-storey house, expect to pay $11,000 to $14,000.
For large multi-storey homes, expect to pay $15,000 to $30,000.
How Much Do Air Conditioning Installers Charge?
Once you have decided which type of unit you prefer, the next step is to arrange for an installer.
We have a list of the top air conditioning installers in both Melbourne and Sydney.
In Australia, most air conditioning installers charge between $70 and $100 per hour.
A range of factors can influence the cost of installation. It is important to recognise the amount of time for installation can be determined by a range of factors.
This includes the size, type and brand of air conditioning unit that you choose, the number of units to be installed, how much cabling is needed, where the units are located and if a meter board upgrade will be required.
Image – Canva.
How To Get The Best Quotes From Local Air Conditioner Installers
Like you would for a fence, roof installer, kitchen or bathroom renovator, it is best to seek multiple quotes. Three would be a good rule of thumb.
Getting reliable, detailed quotes that clearly outline what costs what is vital.
More than ever, it is easier to compare and read reviews from different tradesmen. It is also appropriate to ask for references.
It is also paramount for the installers to be licensed. In fact, it is against the law for them not to be. The Australian Refrigerant Council (ARC) allows all technicians and installers to hold either a full Registration & Air Conditioning license or a restricted licence that allows them to install split system air conditioners only.
Along with dedicated air conditioning installers, air conditioning may involved the use of licenced plumbers, who can install piping and ducting, along with electricians who can install the master control panels and wiring.
How To Save Money On Air Conditioning Running Costs?
While this article so far has discussed the cost of installing a system, often overlooked are running costs.
On average, a typical reverse cycle aircon will cost approximately 25 to 35 cents per hour. This obviously fluctuates depending on the size of the room. A mid-sized room can cost about 35 to 70 cents per hour, while this increases to 70 to 95 cents per hour for larger rooms.
There are several key things you can do to keep costs down.
Close doors to adjoining rooms is one. This makes it less space to cool with less hot air entering the room. Same applies to keeping curtains and blinds drawn to avoid the heat of the sun. Also, do not set the thermostat to a temperature too cold.
Installing solar panels will also drastically reduce energy bills – after all, air conditioners are used during the hottest daylight hours, which tend to be the sunnier parts of the day.
Before summer begins, it is important to make sure your air conditioning system is in good form. If you fail to keep up the maintenance of your unit, this could result in higher energy bills or worse, higher bills for repairing ir replacing your system.
Therefore, it is recommended to have a licenced profession review your unit at the beginning of each summer. This annual check will keep your air conditioner operating smoothly, and not at a subpar level.
On a monthly basis, it is encouraged to clean the indoor unit filters. They can quickly clog up with dust and grime. The easiest and most effective way to remove the build-up dust is by running a vacuum over the filters.
