Air Conditioning Cost Australia 2026
Air conditioning installation and servicing costs depend heavily on the system type, capacity required, and complexity of the installation. Split systems are the most common choice for Australian homes.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split system — supply + install (2.5kW) | $700 | $1,500 | $1,100 installed |
| Split system — supply + install (5kW) | $1,200 | $2,200 | $1,700 installed |
| Split system — supply + install (7kW+) | $1,800 | $3,500 | $2,500 installed |
| Multi-split system (2–3 heads) | $3,000 | $7,000 | $4,500 installed |
| Ducted system (small home) | $5,000 | $10,000 | $7,500 installed |
| Ducted system (large home) | $10,000 | $20,000 | $14,000 installed |
| Service / clean (split) | $80 | $200 | $130 per unit |
| Service / clean (ducted) | $150 | $350 | $220 per system |
| Re-gas | $200 | $500 | $300 per unit |
| Old unit removal | $100 | $350 | $200 per unit |
| Thermostat / controller upgrade | $200 | $600 | $350 installed |
| Emergency repair | $200 | $600 | $350 per visit |
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Air conditioning installation costs in Australia depend primarily on the type of system, the size of your home, and your location. A single split system for one room costs $1,500–$4,000 installed, while a ducted system for a whole house runs $8,000–$20,000+. The national average for a standard split system installation is around $2,500.
Running costs are just as important as installation price. An energy-efficient unit with a high star rating may cost more upfront but will save hundreds per year in electricity. Government rebates are available in some states for energy-efficient systems.
System type
Split systems are cheapest ($1,500–$4,000). Multi-split systems serve 2–5 rooms ($4,000–$12,000). Ducted systems cool the whole house ($8,000–$20,000+).
Room or house size
Air conditioners are sized in kilowatts (kW). A small bedroom needs 2.5kW; a large open-plan living area may need 7–8kW. Undersized units work harder and cost more to run.
Installation complexity
Back-to-back installations (indoor and outdoor units on the same wall) are cheapest. Long pipe runs, multi-storey buildings, or roof-space ducting add significant labour cost.
Energy efficiency rating
Higher star ratings cost more upfront but save on electricity. A 5-star system can save $150–$300 per year compared to a 2-star system of the same capacity.
Brand
Budget brands (Kelvinator, Hisense) cost less upfront. Premium brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu) cost more but typically offer better reliability and longer warranties.
Electrical requirements
Most split systems need a dedicated circuit. If your switchboard is full, you'll need an upgrade ($300–$800) before the air con can be installed.
About This Guide
Our air conditioning cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.