Split System Air Conditioner Installation Cost (Price Guide 2026)
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 A Split System Air Conditioner?
What is a split system air conditioner? Its a unit that has two main components, an indoor component and an outdoor component, that work together to cool your home. Compared to ducted air conditioning (usally the preffered choice, but often moure expensive), a split system has slightly more benefits, such as
- Being easier to install
- Has a more sleek design
- Don’t need any windows to install it
- Often more afforable
- Easier to maintain
- More Quiet
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?
There are several factor that can impact the final cost:
- The size and type.
- The materials required.
- The ease of access to where the unit will be installed.
- The condition of your home’s electrical system.
For example, installation of a new system could be anywhere between $700 to $800 for a 2.5 to 3.5 kW unit and $800 to $1,000 for a 5 to 9 kW unit.
Price Guide For A Split System
The average cost for a split system might look something like this”
| Room Size | Room Examples | Capacity | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small home | Bedroom, Small Kitchen or Study Room (20m²) | 2-3kW | $550-$2850 |
| Medium home | Bedroom or small lounge area (40m²) | 3 -5kW | $750-$3000 |
| Large home | Large bedroom, mid-sized lounge area or huge kitchen (60m²) | 4-7kW | $1200-$4500 |
Cost Of Split System By Brand
The brand you choose to go with can also impact the final price, for example below are what some brands will charge for a split system air conditioner:
| Brand | 2-3kW (APPROX) | 3-5kW (APPROX) | 4-7kW (APPROX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
It should go without saying, but its best to get quotes from a range of different brands, as prices will vary depending on what you want, and your needs.
Split System Installation Cost
Another cost factor is the installation, in Australia some electricians will charge by the hour or will just quote you for the job. According to Hipages, hourly rates for an electrician will vary on experience and the difficulty of the job. These rates are usually between $60-$110 an hour, plus additional for GST.
For example, a small system might cost as little as $600, whereas a large model might go up to as $750.
Things that will impact the installation cost are:
- Unit size
- Type
- Piping
- Cabling
- Home access during installation
- Drainage requirements
- Electrical infrastructure.
Because of this, as stated before, its important to get quotes from different electricians. Whilst getting different quotes, its also a good idea to check their licenses and make sure they can install your new system safely and properly.
*Prices reflect the overall industry standards. However, individual installer rates (including Allec) may vary based on factors such as supply costs, delivery fees, and installation complexity.
Financing Your Air Conditioner Purchase and Installation
No one likes hot weather to the point that you’re sweating and start sticking to the furniture, its uncomfortable and stops you from relaxing after a hard days work.
With that being said, installing a new system can be pretty pricey and something that you might not be able necessarily afford right now.
However there are ways to finance a new air conditioning system
Lending Providers
Lending providers such as zip pay or humm can help you finance a new system, however lending providers do come with drawbacks that you should consider before going with them.
Speak To A Mortgage Broker
If you own the house, then you can speak to a mortgage broker, who can help you get a personal loan, that will be suited to your own needs and will help you compare different options for what will be best for you.
Running Cost Calculation
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.
Running Cost In Australia
Something that not many people consider about getting a new air conditioner is the running cost.
Depending on the size of the air conditioner, it can easily add quite a bit to your quarterly electricity bill during the summer.
Whilst new and modern systems are energy efficient, you should keep in mind that a new air conditioner might cost you anywhere between $1-$6+ per hour.
This might look like:
| Size (kW) | 1 Hour (APPROX) | 8 Hours (APPROX) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Aircon Size Calculator
Get an estimated cooling and heating capacity for your room, based on room size, insulation and sun exposure. For an exact assessment, Allec Electrical Solutions offers free on-site quotes.
Service Cost
The last thing you should take into consideration is the service cost. Regular maintenance for your air conditioner is a must, as not only does it keep it running smoothly, which will avoid costly repairs in the future but will also help with reducing your electricity bill.
The average cost for servicing an air conditioner varies from state to state but the general price is usually between $200-$600
Conclusion
In conclusion, the final price for a new split system aircondioner will range anwhere between $1800 to $4900+. This include the unit itself.
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.
ALLEC is an electrician that can install you air-conditioner whether your located in Ipswich or Springfield. ALLEC Electrical Solutions can help you.
Let Allec Electrical Solutions help you
Order Split System Air Conditioner Installation Now
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