Air Conditioning Cost Guide, Australia 2026
Price ranges based on current Australian installation rates. Actual costs depend on your state, system type, access, and whether electrical upgrades are required.
Cost by system type
Suitable for a single room up to about 20m². The most common AC purchase in Australia.
Ideal for larger rooms or open-plan living areas up to around 40m².
High capacity for large open-plan areas or commercial spaces up to 60m².
One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units. Cost rises with number of zones.
Whole-home system with ceiling ducts. Requires roof space and a central air handler.
Larger ducted systems for bigger homes. Premium zoning controls add further cost.
Prices include supply and installation. Removal of an old unit ($200–$500) and electrical upgrades ($800–$2,000) are charged separately if required.
What affects the price
- ·System type: Split systems are cheapest to install. Ducted systems cost more upfront but offer whole-home comfort and a cleaner look.
- ·Capacity (kW): Larger rooms need higher capacity units. Undersized units run constantly and wear out faster. Always get a load calculation done.
- ·Number of zones: Each additional indoor unit in a multi-head system adds $1,500–$3,000 to the installation cost.
- ·Electrical upgrade: Older homes may need a new dedicated circuit or switchboard work before installation. This adds $800–$2,000 but is non-negotiable for safety.
- ·Roof and wall access: Two-storey homes, concrete ceiling slabs, or tight roof cavities increase the difficulty of ducted installations significantly.
Common questions
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