What are typical air conditioning prices in Australia?

Small split system, back-to-back: $1,400 to $2,500. A 2.5 kW bedroom unit with the outdoor compressor mounted directly behind the indoor head — the simplest possible install. Large living-area split: $2,400 to $4,500. A 7–8 kW unit for an open-plan living space, with a longer pipe run and a dedicated electrical circuit. Ducted reverse-cycle, whole home: $9,000 to $20,000. A zoned ducted system covering a three- to four-bedroom home, including ductwork, vents and controller.

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How much does air conditioning installation cost?

Q: What affects the cost of air conditioning in Australia?

Unit capacity: Bigger rooms need bigger kilowatt ratings, and unit prices climb with capacity. Pipe run & placement: A back-to-back install is cheapest; long pipe runs, double-storey walls or roof-space runs add labour. Electrical work: Larger units often need a new dedicated circuit, and old switchboards may need upgrading first. Brand & efficiency: Premium brands and higher energy-star ratings cost more up front but less to run. Ducted zoning: For ducted systems, the number of zones and outlets is the main price lever.

A split system air conditioner supplied and installed typically costs $1,400–$4,500 per unit, while ducted systems run $9,000–$20,000.

Typical price band

$2,500typical

standard job $2.4k–$4.5k

$1,400 low$20,000 high

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Real-world examples

Small split system, back-to-back$1,400 – $2,500

Large living-area split$2,400 – $4,500

Ducted reverse-cycle, whole home$9,000 – $20,000

What affects the price

— Unit capacity. Bigger rooms need bigger kilowatt ratings, and unit prices climb with capacity.

— Pipe run & placement. A back-to-back install is cheapest; long pipe runs, double-storey walls or roof-space runs add labour.

— Electrical work. Larger units often need a new dedicated circuit, and old switchboards may need upgrading first.

— Brand & efficiency. Premium brands and higher energy-star ratings cost more up front but less to run.

— Ducted zoning. For ducted systems, the number of zones and outlets is the main price lever.

Tips before you post

— Anyone handling refrigerant must hold an ARC licence — ask to see it before work starts.

— Size the unit to the room: an undersized unit runs flat out, an oversized one short-cycles.

— Get the install quoted with the unit included — supply-and-install packages are usually better value.

Beyond the price: Air conditioning installation: what to sort out before the installer arrives

Read the guide →

Other costs in this category

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Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.

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