How much does an air conditioning cost in Perth?
Air conditioning installation in Perth 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 Perth, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include supply, installation, and GST.
Detailed Pricing — Perth 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 Perth quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Perth metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
How AC Costs Vary Across Perth
Inner & Western Suburbs
Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Cottesloe. Older homes may need switchboard upgrades ($300–$1,000) and creative outdoor unit placement. Heritage homes have aesthetic restrictions on external equipment. Character home ceiling cavities may be too shallow for ducted systems. Apartments need strata approval (2–6 weeks) and designated outdoor unit locations.
Northern Suburbs
Joondalup, Wanneroo, Duncraig. Standard installations in 1980s–2000s homes. Good roof cavity access for ducted. Many homes in this belt have existing evaporative systems that owners are supplementing with split systems for bedrooms. Competitive installer availability keeps pricing sharp.
Southern Suburbs
Rockingham, Baldivis, Mandurah. Competitive area with good installer density. Newer homes often have pre-wired AC provisions. Most affordable area in metro Perth for installation. Coastal breeze in Rockingham and Mandurah reduces cooling loads compared to inland suburbs.
Eastern & Hills Suburbs
Kalamunda, Mundaring, Midland. Eastern suburbs run 2–5°C hotter than coastal Perth in summer, making system sizing critical. Hills properties enjoy cooler evenings but may need supplementary heating in winter (4–8°C overnight). Travel surcharges ($50–$150) may apply. Larger properties on acreage may need higher-capacity or multiple systems.
What You'll Actually Pay — Common AC Scenarios
Single split system — bedroom (2.5–3.5kW)
Supply and install of an inverter split system. Includes indoor/outdoor units, up to 3m pipe run, electrical connection, and commissioning. Perth's hot climate makes cooling the main priority — ensure your system is adequately sized for Perth's extreme heat. A unit rated for 35°C ambient temperature may struggle when Perth hits 42°C. Premium brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric) maintain performance at higher ambient temperatures.
Evaporative cooling — whole house
Roof-mounted evaporative unit with ductwork to all rooms. Very effective in Perth's dry heat — can cool a whole house for $0.10–$0.20/hr compared to $2–$4/hr for ducted refrigerative. Requires window or door openings for air exchange. Won't work well on humid days (above 60% humidity) or during evening entertaining when you want doors closed. Many Perth homes use evaporative as the primary system with a bedroom split for overnight comfort on the worst nights.
Ducted reverse-cycle — 3-4 bedroom home
Whole-house solution with zoning. Perth's single-storey homes with accessible roof cavities are ideal for ducted installation. Zoning (typically 3–4 zones) is essential in Perth — you can cool bedrooms at night without running the whole system. Pairs excellently with solar panels for daytime cooling at near-zero running cost. Perth's mild winters mean the heating function gets less use than in Melbourne, but it's still valuable for 2–3 months of cool mornings.
Evaporative to reverse-cycle conversion
Removing existing evaporative unit from roof and replacing with ducted reverse-cycle. The evaporative system's ductwork usually cannot be reused (different air volume requirements), so this is effectively a new installation. Growing trend in Perth as climate patterns shift — more humid days and hotter nights make evaporative less effective. The payback is improved comfort, year-round heating and cooling, and better air filtration.
Add split system to home with evaporative
The most popular AC upgrade in Perth: adding a split system to the master bedroom while keeping evaporative for the rest of the house. Provides refrigerative cooling for comfortable sleep on hot nights when evaporative isn't cutting it. Low installation cost, immediate comfort improvement, and manageable running costs since it's only one room.
What Affects Air Conditioning Costs in Perth
System size (kW)
A bedroom needs 2.5 kW ($1,250–$2,625 in Perth), 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 Perth 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 Perth 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 Perth switchboard is full or needs upgrading, add $200–$800 for electrical work.
Season & demand
Summer is peak season for Perth 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 Perth
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 →