Split System Air Conditioner Installation Cost (Price Guide 2025)
Your Complete Guide to Split System Air Conditioning Costs
Split system air conditioners are ideal for cooling smaller homes, individual rooms, apartments, and offices. Featuring an outdoor unit paired with a wall-mounted indoor component, they provide comfort in any room you choose to occupy.
Split system air conditioners are a widely popular home appliance with growing demand across Australia.
So, what’s the cost? We’ve compiled all the essential information to help you decide if this in-demand amenity is worth adding to your home. From installation to running costs, we’ll give you a comprehensive breakdown.
Why Consider a Split System Air Conditioner
A split system air conditioner is a cooling solution that combines indoor and outdoor units, delivering effective temperature control without taking up valuable interior space.
While ducted air conditioning is often the preferred choice for home and business climate control, wall-mounted split systems come with numerous benefits. From cost efficiency to their user-friendly design, these units offer a range of advantages that make them a compelling option.
Split-system air conditioners offer numerous advantages for both homes and businesses, such as:
Easy to Install: Split-system air conditioners provide an affordable and convenient cooling solution for indoor spaces. These systems are quick to set up, requiring only copper tubing and cabling, with no need for ducts. They integrate seamlessly into your room, offering efficient cooling with minimal installation effort.
No Unsightly Outdoor Units: Split system air conditioners offer a sleek and efficient cooling solution for your home. The outdoor units are designed to fit neatly against the wall, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your home’s exterior without compromising its aesthetic appeal.
No Windows Needed: This cooling solution can be installed anywhere in your home or property without relying on windows. Simply mount it on the wall for a sleek, unobtrusive setup and enjoy hassle-free climate control wherever you need it.
Say goodbye to bulky, unattractive ducts—split system air conditioners provide a sleek and space-saving cooling solution. Designed to fit into compact areas, these systems work efficiently in any room while maximizing your available space.
Affordable: A wall-mounted split system air conditioner is a cost-effective investment for achieving efficient temperature control. With proper setup, you can enjoy significant savings while minimizing energy consumption for optimal efficiency.
Easy to Maintain: Split-system air conditioners are a hassle-free cooling option for both renters and property owners. Their low-maintenance design makes it easy to replace the filter monthly—some models even feature washable, reusable filters! With their sleek, compact design, split systems provide an efficient and effortless way to keep your space cool.
Quiet Operation: Enjoy a peaceful and efficient cooling experience with split system air conditioners. These sleek, low-noise units provide a tranquil environment, perfect for sleeping or working, without the disruptive sounds of bulky motors or loud clunks. Designed to maintain a steady temperature, they also feature convenient timers, allowing you to set them to turn on or off as needed for ultimate comfort and ease.
How Much is Split System Air Conditioning?
When purchasing a new air conditioner, it’s important to factor in installation costs alongside the initial purchase price.
Looking to stay cool in Queensland? Installing an air conditioner might be the solution, but how much will it cost you?
Installing air conditioning can be a substantial investment, with costs starting at approximately $600 for smaller units and exceeding five times that for larger split or ducted systems. Despite the upfront expense, it offers invaluable comfort during hot weather and potential long-term savings through enhanced energy efficiency.
Installing the unit involves an additional labour cost, separate from the purchase price.
Several factors influence the total installation cost, including:
- The size and type of air conditioner being installed.
- The amount of piping, ducting, and other materials required.
- The ease of access to the area where the unit will be installed.
- The condition of your home’s electrical system, including the need for safety switches or meter board upgrades.
For a wall-mounted split system air conditioner, installation costs generally range from $700 to $800 for a 2.5 to 3.5 kW unit and $800 to $1,000 for a 5 to 9 kW unit.
Cost of Acquiring a Split System
Split system air conditioning is a popular choice for many homes, but determining its average cost can be challenging. However, the size of your room can provide a helpful guideline for estimating the price.
| Room Size | Room Examples | Capacity | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small, single-storey home | Bedroom, Small Kitchen or Study Room (20m²) | 2 – 3kW | $550 – $2850 |
| Medium, single-storey home | Bedroom or small lounge area (40m²) | 3 – 5kW | $750 – $3000 |
| Large, multi-storey home | Large bedroom, mid-sized lounge area or huge kitchen (60m²) | 4 – 7kW | $1200 – $4500 |
Cost Of Split System By Brand
ChatGPT
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, there are plenty of appealing brands and models to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular options, along with their average prices based on size.
| Brand | 2-3kW | 3-5kW | 4-7kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | ~$1,550 | ~$1,850 | ~$2,700 |
| Fujitsu | ~$1,099 | ~$1,399 | ~$1,799 |
| Hitachi | ~$850 | ~$1,410 | ~$1,755 |
| Bonaire | ~$820 | ~$1,420 | ~$2,190 |
| Panasonic | ~$850 | ~$1,499 | ~$1,899 |
| Samsung | ~$1,100 | ~$1,299 | ~$1,499 |
| LG | ~$940 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,273 |
| Kelvinator | ~$765 | ~$1,044 | ~$1,493 |
Prices for products and services can vary significantly, often influenced by the model type or additional features. To ensure you get the best value, it’s important to compare prices from multiple suppliers before making a decision.
A split-system air conditioner is an excellent solution for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home year-round. However, it’s essential to consider the cost carefully, as prices can vary widely between brands.
Use the information above as a guide when searching for the perfect unit—just keep in mind that these are base costs, and installation expenses will need to be factored in separately.
Split System Air Conditioning Installation Cost
In Australia, installing a new split-system air conditioner can cost between $600 and $750, depending on both its size and the required power. According to experts at hipages.com.au, these charges must be paid directly to a licensed technician, with hourly rates generally ranging from $60 to $110 plus GST.
A smaller 2 kW system might cost as little as $600, whereas a larger 9 kW model may reach up to $750. It’s crucial to obtain multiple quotes since various factors can significantly impact the final price. These include:
- Unit size
- Type
- Piping
- Cabling
- Home access during installation
- Drainage requirements
- Electrical infrastructure, which may need updating or the addition of safety switches
Ensure you thoroughly evaluate each consideration before choosing an installer.
Hipages advises that a range of specialists, including plumbers, electricians, and dedicated air conditioner installers, can handle the job. However, these professionals must hold the necessary licenses for refrigerant handling in addition to their standard qualifications.
Split System Air Conditioner Installation Cost Factors
Investing in air conditioning is a significant decision, with costs varying widely based on your setup.
In Australia, installation expenses can range from $600 to $750, with installers typically charging hourly rates, as noted in Hipages’ online service directory. The pricing for split systems is generally categorized as follows:
Location: Properties in hard-to-reach areas may face higher installation fees. If your location is difficult to access, be sure to account for this in your budget.
Unit Type: When selecting an air conditioning system, it’s important to consider the price, model, and make. Installation costs can vary depending on these factors, and opting for a high-quality system may save money over time by being more cost-effective in the long run.
Investing in the latest technology is an excellent way to reduce energy costs! Modern units are equipped with features designed to enhance cooling and heating efficiency, allowing you to get the most value for your electricity expenses.
When planning your budget for split system air conditioning installation, don’t forget to account for the cost of any additional components and materials that might be required.
Property Size: Installing a larger split system air conditioner may come with higher costs, but it offers greater cooling and heating capacity for larger spaces in your home. Choosing the right-sized unit is essential for achieving an effective and energy-efficient climate control solution.
Ensure your air conditioning system is appropriately sized for the installation area to enjoy optimal heating or cooling performance. An incorrectly sized unit can lead to reduced efficiency and higher energy bills, making proper selection crucial.
Top Strategies for Financing Air Conditioner Purchase and Installation
Maintaining a reliable cooling system is crucial for comfortable living and can significantly enhance the value of your home.
Moreover, a well-functioning air conditioning unit assures potential buyers or tenants of optimal comfort and high-quality air throughout the year.
Installing a new air conditioning system or upgrading an existing one is a substantial investment, with Home Guide estimating installation costs to range between $3,350 and over $5,000 on average.
For homeowners planning to upgrade their air conditioning systems, financing offers an excellent opportunity. This guide will help you explore financing options and select the one that best suits your needs.
Zip Pay
Don’t let finances hold you back—Buy Now, Pay Later services provide a convenient way to make purchases without straining your budget. This payment option allows you to buy immediately and spread the cost over time with fixed, manageable installments.
Enjoy the freedom to shop without worrying about extra costs or hidden fees—just hassle-free purchasing.
With Zip Pay, you can shop now and pay later with no upfront payments. Choose budget-friendly weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments to settle your balance at your own pace.
HVAC Company Financing
If traditional loan options aren’t suitable, consider working with the HVAC company to set up an “in-house” financing plan.
This convenient option bundles installation and equipment costs into a single payment package, often supported by contractors and their lending partners. Be sure to explore this budget-friendly solution.
Humm
Looking to finance a significant purchase or essential service without relying on credit cards? Humm has you covered. As a leading provider of pay-later accounts, Humm allows you to buy now and pay later, completely interest-free for the duration of your payment plan. Choose to repay over 5 or 10 fortnightly installments or, for larger purchases of up to $30,000, extend your repayments over a convenient 60-month period.
Running Cost Calculation
Manufacturers have incorporated advanced engineering into their designs to address the increasing demand for energy-efficient products. These innovations have significantly improved the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings of many popular air conditioning units, ensuring consumers enjoy superior performance with reduced environmental impact.
As energy efficiency becomes a top priority, modern air conditioners now undergo more precise calculations to achieve updated Energy Star ratings.
To calculate the cost of running an air conditioner, use the formula:
(KW capacity / EER) × price per hour = cost per kWh
For example, running a 2.5kW air conditioner with an EER of 3.20 would cost:
(2.5kW / 3.20) × 28¢ per hour = 22¢ per kWh or $0.22 per kWh
Daily cost (based on 8 hours of usage): 176¢ or $1.76
Monthly cost: $52.80
Stay cool this summer while saving money by upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioner with a high EER rating. These modern units can cut your energy costs by more than half compared to older models.
Cost To Run a Split System Aircon in Australia — Things To Expect
Split-system air conditioners come in various sizes, and their running costs can vary significantly depending on usage. This summer, keep your home comfortable without overspending by comparing options based on estimated costs for three months of cooling at 4 hours per day, calculated at 30c/kWh.
While split systems are typically affordable, remember to factor in installation costs, which can add an extra $600–$750 to your budget.
Modern inverter split-system air conditioners are particularly efficient, as they can adjust their output to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while minimizing power consumption.
Cooling costs also depend on the unit’s size. For instance, a smaller 2.5 kW system might cost less than $1 per hour to run, whereas a larger 9 kW unit could cost over $6 for 8 hours of operation.
Refer to the table below for a detailed comparison and find the option that best suits your cooling needs.
| Size (kW) | 1 Hour | 8 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | ~$0.21 | ~$1.75 |
| 3 | ~$0.26 | ~$2.1 |
| 4 | ~$0.35 | ~$2.8 |
| 4.5 | ~$0.39 | ~$3.1 |
| 5 | ~$0.43 | ~$3.5 |
| 7 | ~$0.61 | ~$4.9 |
| 9 | ~$0.78 | ~$6.3 |
Split System Air Conditioning System Service Cost
Regular maintenance of your split system is crucial not only to keep it running efficiently but also to help reduce energy bills. Scheduling an annual service ensures optimal performance and long-term cost savings.
While maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can add to your expenses, it doesn’t have to be costly, making it an affordable option for staying cool.
Conclusion
The total cost for supplying and installing a split-system air conditioner typically ranges from $1,795 to $4,815, including the unit itself.
Prices can vary based on the type of system you select.
As 2025 unfolds, staying updated on the latest trends and factors influencing installation costs is essential. Technological advancements and market shifts make preparation and knowledge key to navigating the process effectively.
Before starting your air conditioner installation, take time to consider the insights shared here. Evaluate the system type that best meets your needs, prioritize hiring a qualified installer, and focus on maximizing your investment through energy efficiency and strategic financial planning.
Servicing Ipswich, Springfield,
Lockyer Valley, and West Brisbane