How much does an air conditioning cost in Melbourne?
Air conditioning installation in Melbourne costs $1,250–$2,625 for a small 2.5 kW split system, $1,900–$3,675 for a 5 kW unit (the most popular size for living rooms), and $2,300–$4,725 for a large 7 kW system. Ducted whole-home systems cost $7,350–$14,700 installed.
We've compiled pricing from HVAC installers across Melbourne, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include supply, installation, and GST.
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split system 2.5 kW (supply + install) | $1,250installed | $1,900 | $2,625 |
| Split system 5 kW (supply + install) | $1,900installed | $2,625 | $3,675 |
| Split system 7 kW (supply + install) | $2,300installed | $3,350 | $4,725 |
| Split system 9 kW (supply + install) | $3,150installed | $4,400 | $5,800 |
| Multi-split system (2 heads) | $4,200installed | $5,800 | $7,900 |
| Multi-split system (4 heads) | $7,350installed | $10,500 | $14,700 |
| Ducted system (basic) | $8,400installed | $11,550 | $14,700 |
| Ducted system (premium/zoned) | $12,600installed | $16,800 | $23,100 |
| AC service / clean | $84per unit | $160 | $260 |
| AC repair (minor) | $160per job | $315 | $525 |
| AC repair (major / regas) | $315per job | $630 | $1,250 |
| Removal & disposal | $105per unit | $210 | $370 |
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Get Melbourne quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
How AC Costs Vary Across Melbourne
Melbourne's diverse housing stock and sprawling geography create significant variation in installation costs. Your property type, roof access, and electrical infrastructure all affect the final price.
Inner Melbourne
Fitzroy, Carlton, South Yarra, Collingwood. Victorian terraces and converted warehouses with limited roof cavities and heritage restrictions. Ducted systems are often impractical — multi-split or individual splits are the go. Strata approval required for apartment buildings. Narrow laneways and limited outdoor space make compressor placement tricky. Some heritage-listed properties require council approval for visible outdoor units.
Eastern & South-Eastern Suburbs
Hawthorn, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Dandenong. Predominantly 1950s–80s brick veneer with adequate roof cavities for ducted systems. Standard electrical infrastructure, good driveway access. This is the sweet spot for ducted installations — enough roof space, manageable pipe runs, and competitive local installer rates. Many homes in this belt still have aging evaporative cooling systems ready for a reverse-cycle upgrade.
Western & Northern Growth Corridors
Werribee, Craigieburn, Tarneit, Point Cook. Modern homes with flat rooflines, good insulation, and pre-wired for air conditioning. The most cost-effective area for both split and ducted installations. Many new estates have builder-installed ducted systems, so replacement rather than new installation is common — typically $2,000–$5,000 cheaper than a fresh install. Extreme western suburbs experience higher temperatures than inner Melbourne, making adequate capacity sizing critical.
Bayside & Mornington Peninsula
Brighton, Frankston, Mornington. Coastal salt air means specifying coastal-rated outdoor units is important for longevity. Mix of older homes and newer developments. Larger properties on the Peninsula may need more powerful ducted systems, pushing costs higher. The moderate coastal climate means cooling demands are lower than inner Melbourne, potentially allowing a smaller system than you'd expect.
What You'll Actually Pay — System-by-System Breakdown
Here's what common air conditioning installations cost in Melbourne in 2026, including the unit and standard installation. Melbourne prices generally sit 5–10% below Sydney for equivalent work.
Single reverse-cycle split — bedroom or study (2.5–3.5kW)
Unit ($650–$1,400) plus standard back-to-back installation ($600–$900). Popular brands: Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu, Panasonic. Melbourne's cool winters mean you'll use the heating function extensively — choose a model with a good heating efficiency rating (COP of 4.0+ is excellent). A dedicated 15-amp circuit is required; if your switchboard needs upgrading, add $300–$800.
Large reverse-cycle split — living area (7–9kW)
Larger units require a dedicated 20-amp circuit and heavier installation. Running costs for heating a living room through Melbourne winter average $1.50–$2.50/hr — still cheaper than most gas ducted heaters and significantly more efficient than electric bar heaters. Floor-standing or console models ($3,000–$5,000 installed) work better in rooms with limited wall space.
Multi-split system — 2–4 rooms, one outdoor unit
One outdoor compressor connecting to 2–4 indoor units. A 2-head system typically costs $3,800–$5,000, a 3-head system $5,000–$6,500, and a 4-head system $6,500–$8,500. This is a popular choice for Melbourne townhouses and apartments where ducted isn't feasible. Each indoor unit can be set to a different temperature, giving you zone control without ductwork. Installation takes 1–2 days depending on pipe run complexity.
Ducted reverse-cycle — whole home, 3–4 bedrooms
Includes indoor unit in roof cavity, outdoor compressor, ductwork, zoning (usually 2–4 zones), thermostat, and commissioning. A standard 3–4 bedroom single-storey home with accessible roof space typically falls in the $10,000–$13,000 range. Zoning adds $1,500–$3,000 but is essential in Melbourne — you'll want to heat bedrooms at night without heating the living areas, and vice versa during the day. Two-storey homes or complex layouts can reach $16,000–$20,000.
Evaporative cooling to reverse-cycle upgrade
Many Melbourne homes have aging evaporative cooling systems that provide no heating and struggle in humid conditions. Removing the old evaporative unit ($300–$600), patching the roof penetration ($200–$500), and installing a ducted reverse-cycle system provides year-round comfort. If the existing evaporative ductwork is the right size and in good condition, some installers can repurpose it — saving $2,000–$4,000 on new ductwork. However, evaporative ducts are often larger than refrigerated ducts, so this isn't always feasible.
What Affects Air Conditioning Costs in Melbourne
System size (kW)
A bedroom needs 2.5 kW ($1,250–$2,625 in Melbourne), a living room 5–7 kW ($1,900–$4,725). Oversizing wastes energy; undersizing means the unit runs constantly. Get a proper sizing assessment.
Split vs ducted
Split systems ($1,250–$4,725) cool individual rooms. Ducted systems ($7,350–$14,700) cool the whole house through ceiling vents — more expensive but more discreet and effective for larger Melbourne homes.
Installation complexity
Back-to-back installs (indoor and outdoor units share a wall) are cheapest. Long pipe runs, multi-storey homes, and restricted access in Melbourne properties increase labour costs.
Brand & efficiency
Premium brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric) cost 20–40% more than budget brands (Kelvinator, TCL) but offer better efficiency, quieter operation, and longer warranties.
Electrical requirements
Most split systems need a dedicated power circuit. If your Melbourne switchboard is full or needs upgrading, add $200–$800 for electrical work.
Season & demand
Summer is peak season for Melbourne aircon installs — expect longer wait times and sometimes higher prices. Book in autumn or winter for the best availability.
How to Save Money on Air Conditioning in Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, 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 commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →