How much does Air Conditioning Installation Cost? [2024]

If you've ever headed to the nearest cinema or shopping centre just to get a cool, cool taste of AC, then it could be time you installed an air conditioning system.

But you're probably wondering 'how much does air conditioning cost to install or replace?'. In this guide, we’ll cover off everything you need to consider.

What factors impact air conditioning installation costs?

There are several factors impacting the cost of air conditioning installation and these include the type of air conditioning system you choose, household size and how many rooms air conditioning is required for, the complexity of the installation, and the brand of air conditioning units chosen.

Installing air conditioning isn't cheap but can be well worth it in the long run, offering long-term energy savings. Air conditioning can also make your home more comfortable in both summer and winter, as almost all air conditioners offer cooling and heating options.

How much does it cost to install air conditioning?

A popular choice of air conditioning is a split system and this can cost from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. A more complex ducted system is more expensive and can be anything from $10,000.

There are two things to consider when it comes to the price of air conditioning — the cost of the unit/system, and the cost of installation.

As mentioned above though, there are various factors that impact cost and it is important to seek three quotes from qualified air conditioning installation services in your area.

What is the difference between the types of air conditioners?

From cheaper and less effective portable units to complex ducted systems that link every room in the house, there are various types of air conditioning systems available.

Pros and cons of split system air conditioners

Ideal for cooling single rooms and often seen in small homes and apartments, split system air conditioners are the most popular air conditioning choice in Australia.

Split system air conditioning installation features a wall-mounted unit and an external unit, linked by pipes. Fairly inexpensive to buy and install, split system air conditioners are also one of the most cost-effective heating and cool air systems to run. They do only cool one room though.

How much does it cost to install a split system air conditioner?

The cost for a split system air conditioning unit can vary dramatically depending on the brand and model you choose. It can be anything from $600 for a budget unit to $5,000 for a premium unit. Installation of a split system unit can add an extra $600 - $1,500 depending on the complexity and your chosen installer's hourly rate.

Pros and cons of a multi-split system air conditioning system

Multi-split system air conditioners, only have one single outdoor unit but are connected to multiple indoor units meaning you can heat or cool multiple rooms easily.

A multi-split system air conditioning unit has all the same benefits as a single-split system air conditioner. They can become expensive if you have a larger home though, due to the multiple required units. A ducted system may become a better choice.

How much does it cost to install a multi-split system air conditioning installation cost system?

A multi-split system cost will depend on how many wall-mounted units you have, as each of these can cost anything from $600 to $5,000. There will also be additional installation fees, with the total cost likely to be between $3,000 and $10,000.

Pros and cons of a ducted air conditioning system

A ducted air conditioning system is ideal for medium and large homes and features air conditioning vents in the ceiling (occasionally the floor), with one unit.

A ducted system is usually more expensive to install but is a solid option for larger homes where multi-split systems become expensive due to the number of units required.

Other benefits to ducted air conditioning systems include whole home heating and cooling via a centralised system, a clean and attractive aesthetic without the need for clunky wall-mounted units, quiet operation, and flexible zones where you can turn off vents in rooms where AC isn't needed.

How much does it cost to install a ducted air conditioning system?

A ducted air conditioning system is the most expensive system to install. For smaller homes and apartments it can vary from $6,000 to $10,000 while a larger home could be up to $30,000. A typical one-story home will likely be around $14,000.

Portable air conditioners

A portable unit can start at as little as $300 and requires no installation, but they are often ineffective and noisy. If budget allows, a split system air conditioning unit is preferable.

How to choose the right air conditioner for your home?

Air conditioning installation costs can be expensive, so it's important to make the right choice for your home. When considering what air conditioning system to choose, think about the following factors:

• What is the size of the space you want to cool/heat?
• Is it one room or multiple?
• What features do you want your air conditioner to have?
• What is your budget?
• Consider warranties offered by the manufacturer

How long does it take to install an air conditioner?

Split systems can be installed in a day usually while ducted systems are more complex to guesstimate. If it's a new build home where walls and ceilings are easily accessible, it may take a few days. If it's an existing home then there will be more work involved in accessing all of the relevant areas. It is best to speak to an expert air conditioning installation company.

What are the costs of air conditioning replacement?

Air conditioning systems can last up to 15 years, when it is recommended to replace them for efficiency. You may also need to replace your air conditioning unit if it starts to display faults such as:

• It is not heating to cooling as well as it used to
• It is leaking water from the unit
• It is making unusual or unexpected sounds

Provided that none of your requirements have changed (such as wanting the units in a different location or adding new rooms to ducted heating systems), then replacing an air conditioner should cost less than the initial installation.

That's because you won't need additional electrics to be set up, and your installer may even be able to reuse the existing pipes and other infrastructure depending on their condition. However, there are still a lot of costs involved including purchasing the new unit and installation costs.

Other factors impacting the cost of air conditioning replacement include the brand and model of the replacement air conditioner that you choose and the hourly rate of your chosen air conditioning installer.

How to choose an air conditioning installer

Like you would do for any service in your home, always seek at least three quotes when choosing your air conditioning supplier and installer. But it isn't just the price you need to consider. When choosing, also consider:

• What does the cost cover? Is it the supply of the unit as well as the installation? Or do you need to buy the unit yourself first
• What are the local reviews like? Seek our reviews online or ask if they can provide you with references
• Are they licensed for the work? It's a legal requirement for air conditioning installers to be licensed with The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). There are full licenses that cover all AC work but there are also restricted licenses for split systems only

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.