How much does an air conditioning cost in Sydney?
Air conditioning in Sydney isn't a luxury — it's a necessity. With summer temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C and humidity levels that make even 30°C feel oppressive, most Sydney households rely on air conditioning for at least 4–5 months of the year. As of 2026, the cost of installing air conditioning in Sydney ranges from $1,500–$4,500 for a split system (supply and install) to $8,000–$20,000+ for a ducted system, depending on home size, system capacity, and installation complexity.
The right system for your home depends on how many rooms you need to cool, your home's layout and insulation, and your budget for both upfront costs and ongoing running expenses. A single split system is perfect for a bedroom or living room; a ducted system makes sense when you need climate control across 4+ rooms; and multi-split systems sit in between, connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor compressor.
We've compiled pricing from licensed HVAC installers, manufacturer pricing guides, and consumer cost databases to give you the most accurate breakdown of air conditioning costs in Sydney for 2026. All prices include the unit and standard installation unless otherwise stated.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split system — supply + install (2.5kW) | $805 | $1,725 | $1,265 installed |
| Split system — supply + install (5kW) | $1,380 | $2,530 | $1,955 installed |
| Split system — supply + install (7kW+) | $2,070 | $4,025 | $2,875 installed |
| Multi-split system (2–3 heads) | $3,450 | $8,050 | $5,175 installed |
| Ducted system (small home) | $5,750 | $11,500 | $8,625 installed |
| Ducted system (large home) | $11,500 | $23,000 | $16,100 installed |
| Service / clean (split) | $92 | $230 | $150 per unit |
| Service / clean (ducted) | $173 | $402 | $253 per system |
| Re-gas | $230 | $575 | $345 per unit |
| Old unit removal | $115 | $402 | $230 per unit |
| Thermostat / controller upgrade | $230 | $690 | $402 installed |
| Emergency repair | $230 | $690 | $402 per visit |
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Where you live in Sydney affects your installation cost in several ways: property type, roof cavity access, electrical infrastructure, and local labour rates all contribute to the final quote.
Inner City & Eastern Suburbs
Terrace houses and older apartments often lack roof cavity space for ducted systems, making split or multi-split the only viable options. Heritage restrictions in some areas limit where outdoor units can be placed. Strata approval is required for apartment installations and can add 2–6 weeks to the timeline. Limited parking and difficult access for large equipment increase labour costs. Wall-mounted splits on terraces often need longer pipe runs, adding $300–$800 to standard installation.
North Shore & Northern Beaches
Mix of post-war homes (good roof cavities for ducted) and newer builds. Coastal suburbs experience salt air corrosion — specify coastal-rated outdoor units (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu all offer coastal models). Steep blocks may require crane hire for outdoor unit placement ($500–$1,500). Generally good access for standard installations.
Western Sydney
Newer homes with modern electrical infrastructure and accessible roof cavities — the most straightforward installations in Greater Sydney. Western Sydney experiences some of the highest temperatures in the metro area (Penrith and Richmond regularly hit 40°C+), so a correctly sized system is critical. Strong competition among local HVAC installers keeps prices competitive. Flat rooflines common in newer estates provide easy ducted system access.
Hills District & Sutherland Shire
Predominantly 1980s–2000s homes with adequate roof space and standard electrical. Good value for ducted installations. Multi-storey homes in the Hills may need a more powerful system to handle the upper floor heat load — hot air rises, and a poorly zoned system will struggle upstairs while freezing the ground floor. Shire homes near the coast should consider coastal-rated outdoor units.
Here's what common air conditioning installations cost in Sydney when you factor in the unit, standard installation, and any typical extras. All prices are for supply and install in 2026.
Single split system — bedroom or home office (2.5–3.5kW)
Unit cost ($700–$1,500) plus installation ($600–$1,000 for back-to-back install where the indoor and outdoor units share a wall). Brands like Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, and Fujitsu dominate this segment. If the outdoor unit needs to be placed further away (long pipe run), add $30–$50 per extra metre. Electrical work for a dedicated circuit adds $200–$500 if your switchboard doesn't have a spare slot.
Large split system — living room (7–9kW)
Larger unit ($1,500–$3,000) with higher installation labour due to heavier equipment and larger pipe diameter. These units typically need a dedicated 20-amp circuit. Running costs are noticeably higher — a 7kW split running 8 hours costs approximately $4–$7 per day on Sydney electricity rates. Consider an inverter model for significant energy savings over fixed-speed units.
Multi-split system — 2–4 rooms, one outdoor unit
Ideal for homes where ducted isn't feasible (no roof cavity, apartments, heritage properties). One outdoor compressor connects to 2–4 indoor wall units. A 2-head system typically costs $4,000–$5,500, a 3-head system $5,500–$7,000, and a 4-head system $7,000–$9,000. Installation is more complex than single splits, requiring longer pipe runs and electrical planning. The outdoor unit is larger and heavier, so placement is important for noise and airflow.
Ducted system — whole home, 3–4 bedrooms
The premium option for whole-home comfort. Includes the indoor unit (installed in roof cavity), outdoor compressor, ductwork to each room, zone controller, and thermostat. A standard 3–4 bedroom home with good roof access typically falls in the $10,000–$14,000 range. Add $1,500–$3,000 for zoning (controlling which rooms are active), which pays for itself in energy savings within 2–3 years. Double-storey homes or properties needing extensive ductwork can reach $18,000–$20,000+.
Replacing an existing system
If you're replacing an existing system, you save on electrical work (circuit already exists), mounting brackets, and sometimes pipe runs. Removal of the old unit adds $100–$300. If replacing a ducted system, existing ductwork can often be reused if it's in good condition — have it inspected for leaks and insulation integrity. A like-for-like split system replacement can be as little as $1,200–$2,500 installed.
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.
Air conditioning installation in NSW involves both refrigeration and electrical licensing requirements. Hiring unlicensed installers is not just risky — it can void your warranty, create fire hazards, and leave you liable for environmental penalties.
ARC licence (Australian Refrigeration Council): Any tradesperson handling refrigerant must hold a current ARC licence. This applies to installing, commissioning, and servicing split, multi-split, and ducted systems. You can verify a licence at arctick.org. An unlicensed installer cannot legally connect refrigerant lines, meaning your system will not be properly commissioned and your manufacturer's warranty may be void.
Electrical licence: All electrical work — including running a dedicated circuit, installing an isolator switch, and connecting the unit — must be done by a licensed electrician. A Certificate of Compliance is required for all electrical work. In many cases, the HVAC installer also holds an electrical licence, but if not, they should arrange a licensed electrician as part of the job.
Strata approval: If you live in an apartment or townhouse complex, you'll almost certainly need strata committee approval before installing or modifying air conditioning. This typically involves submitting plans showing where the outdoor unit will be placed and how pipe runs will be routed. Strata can take 2–8 weeks to approve, so factor this into your timeline.
Noise regulations: Sydney councils enforce noise limits for outdoor air conditioning units. The Protection of the Environment Operations Act requires that AC noise doesn't exceed 5dB above background noise at your neighbour's boundary. Modern inverter units are typically compliant, but placement matters — keep the outdoor unit away from bedroom windows (yours and your neighbour's) and ensure adequate clearance for airflow.
The purchase price is only part of the equation — running costs over 10–15 years often exceed the initial investment. In Sydney, where electricity rates average 30–35c/kWh, choosing an efficient system pays significant dividends.
Energy star ratings matter enormously. The difference between a 3-star and a 6-star split system running 8 hours daily over Sydney's 5-month cooling season is approximately $200–$400 per year. Over a 10-year lifespan, that's $2,000–$4,000 in savings — often more than the price difference between the units. Always compare the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL), which accounts for Sydney's climate zone.
Inverter vs non-inverter: Inverter compressors adjust their speed to match the cooling load, using 30–50% less energy than fixed-speed units. Every reputable brand now offers inverter models as standard. If someone quotes you a non-inverter unit in 2026, they're selling outdated stock.
Solar integration: If you have rooftop solar, running your AC during daylight hours effectively costs nothing. A 6.6kW solar system (Sydney's most popular size, costing $5,500–$9,000 installed after STCs) generates enough power to run most split systems during peak solar hours. Program your AC to pre-cool the house during the day when solar is generating, reducing evening electricity consumption. Some modern systems (Daikin, Mitsubishi) have "solar mode" features that automatically ramp up cooling when excess solar power is available.
Typical running costs in Sydney: A 2.5kW split in a bedroom costs roughly $0.40–$0.70/hr to run. A 7kW living room unit costs $1.20–$2.00/hr. A ducted system cooling the whole house runs $2.00–$4.50/hr depending on capacity and how many zones are active. Zoning your ducted system — so you're only cooling occupied rooms — can reduce running costs by 30–50%.
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 →