Cost Guide

How much does an air conditioning cost in Canberra?

Updated February 2026 · Independently researched · 8 min read

A split system installed in Canberra costs $784–$3,920

supply and installation, 2.5–7kW

Small 2.5kW bedroom units sit at the lower end. Living room 7kW+ units push higher. Ducted systems for a whole home run $5,000–$23,000 installed.

+1.7% Air Conditioning costs in Canberra have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025

Average Air Conditioning Cost in Canberra

$2,750

installed for a standard 5kW split system (supply + install)

Split System

$770–$3,850

Ducted

$6k–$22k

Service

$88–$385

Budget $770installedAverage $2,750installedPremium $1,650installed

The average air conditioning in Canberra charges around $2,750 installed for a standard 5kW split system (supply + install). Prices vary based on the specific job, time of day, materials required, and your suburb within Canberra. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of common air conditioning costs, what factors affect pricing, and tips on how to get the best deal.

Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026

Service	Low	High	Average
Split system — supply + install (2.5kW)	$770	$1,650	$1,210 installed
Split system — supply + install (5kW)	$1,320	$2,420	$1,870 installed
Split system — supply + install (7kW+)	$1,980	$3,850	$2,750 installed
Multi-split system (2–3 heads)	$3,300	$7,700	$4,950 installed
Ducted system (small home)	$5,500	$11,000	$8,250 installed
Ducted system (large home)	$11,000	$22,000	$15,400 installed
Service / clean (split)	$88	$220	$143 per unit
Service / clean (ducted)	$165	$385	$242 per system
Re-gas	$220	$550	$330 per unit
Old unit removal	$110	$385	$220 per unit
Thermostat / controller upgrade	$220	$660	$385 installed
Emergency repair	$220	$660	$385 per visit

Prices include GST. Based on Canberra metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

What Affects Air Conditioning Costs in Canberra

System type

Split systems are cheapest to install. Multi-splits serve multiple rooms from one outdoor unit. Ducted systems are the most expensive but provide whole-home climate control.

Capacity (kW)

A bedroom needs 2.5kW, a living room 5–7kW, and a large open-plan area 7–10kW. Undersizing means the unit works harder and costs more to run.

Installation complexity

Back-to-back installs (indoor unit on the other side of the wall from the outdoor unit) are cheapest. Long pipe runs, multi-storey installs, and roof-mounted outdoor units cost more.

Electrical requirements

Larger units (7kW+) may need a dedicated circuit or switchboard upgrade, adding $200–$800.

Brand

Budget brands (Kelvinator, Hisense) cost 30–40% less than premium brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric) but may not last as long or be as efficient.

Time of year

Installers are busiest in summer and winter. Spring and autumn installs may be cheaper and faster.

How to Save Money on Air Conditioning in Canberra

Get the right size — an undersized unit costs more to run and won't cool/heat effectively

Back-to-back installation (indoor/outdoor units on same wall) saves $200–$500

Install in spring or autumn for shorter wait times and potentially better prices

Service your aircon annually ($80–$200) to maintain efficiency and prevent costly repairs

Inverter models cost more upfront but save 30–50% on running costs

Compare at least 3 quotes that include the same brand and model for fair comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a split system in Canberra?

A split system installation in Canberra costs $700–$3,500 depending on capacity. A standard 5kW unit (suitable for a living room) costs $1,200–$2,200 fully installed.

How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Canberra?

Ducted air conditioning in Canberra costs $5,000–$20,000 depending on home size and number of zones. A typical 3-bedroom home runs $7,000–$12,000.

How often should I service my air conditioner?

At least once a year, ideally before summer. Regular servicing ($80–$200 for split, $150–$350 for ducted) improves efficiency and extends the system's lifespan.

What size air conditioner do I need?

Roughly 120–150W per sqm for living areas. A 20sqm room needs about 2.5–3kW, a 40sqm living area needs 5–7kW. Insulation, windows, and sun exposure affect this.

Is ducted or split better value?

Split systems are better value if you only need 1–3 rooms cooled. Ducted becomes more cost-effective when you need whole-home climate control (4+ rooms).

Related Cost Guides

Our Methodology

Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →