Compare Air Conditioning Installation Quotes

What We Offer

The Wombat™ connects Australian homeowners with ARCtick certified air conditioning installers for split system, multi-split, and ducted air conditioning installation. Our free quote comparison service covers all major cities and regional areas across Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and Darwin.

Air Conditioning Installation Costs Australia 2026

• Split System Installation: $800-$3,500 including supply and installation. Ideal for single rooms (bedrooms, living rooms, offices). Installation time: 3-6 hours same day.
• Multi-Split System Installation: $4,000-$12,000 including supply and installation. One outdoor unit serving 2-5 indoor units. Perfect for multiple rooms without multiple outdoor units. Installation time: 1-2 days.
• Ducted Air Conditioning Installation: $10,000-$25,000 including supply and installation. Whole-home solution with zoned climate control. Installation time: 2-5 days.
• Reverse Cycle Upgrade: Add only $100-$300 to any system for heating and cooling year-round comfort.

Cost Factors: System capacity (kW), brand choice (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Panasonic, LG), installation complexity, electrical upgrades, roof access difficulty, home size and layout, insulation quality, and number of zones for ducted systems.

Air Conditioning System Types

Split System Air Conditioner

Most popular AC type in Australia. One indoor wall-mounted unit and one outdoor compressor. Capacity range: 2.5kW to 10kW. Best for: Single rooms, bedrooms, living areas, home offices. Pros: Affordable, quick installation, energy efficient, quiet operation. Cons: Only cools/heats one room, requires outdoor space for compressor.

Multi-Split Air Conditioning

One outdoor unit connects to 2-5 indoor units. Each indoor unit controlled independently. Best for: Multiple bedrooms, apartments, homes with limited outdoor space. Pros: One outdoor unit for whole home, independent room control, cleaner exterior appearance. Cons: Higher upfront cost than multiple splits, complex installation, if outdoor unit fails all zones affected.

Ducted Air Conditioning

Central system with concealed ceiling ducts and vents in every room. Whole-home climate control with zoning capability. Best for: Large homes (150m²+), new builds, homes requiring uniform temperature control. Pros: Invisible indoor units, whole-home comfort, zoned control, adds property value. Cons: Highest cost, requires ceiling space, longer installation time, professional maintenance essential.

Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

Provides both heating and cooling in one system. 3-4 times more energy efficient than electric heaters. Available in split, multi-split, and ducted configurations. Best for: Year-round climate control, energy-conscious homeowners, replacing separate heating and cooling systems. Heating capacity: 2.5kW to 20kW+.

Air Conditioner Sizing Guide

Correct AC sizing is critical for efficiency, comfort, and running costs. Room size is only one factor - professional assessment considers insulation, windows, ceiling height, room usage, and climate.

• Small Bedroom (12-15m²): 2.5kW capacity recommended
• Medium Bedroom (15-20m²): 3.5kW capacity recommended
• Large Bedroom/Study (20-25m²): 4.5kW capacity recommended
• Living Room (30-40m²): 5-6kW capacity recommended
• Open Plan Living (50m²+): 7-10kW or ducted system recommended
• Whole Home (150-200m²): 12-15kW ducted system recommended
• Large Home (200m²+): 18-24kW ducted system recommended

Warning: Undersized units struggle to cool and run constantly (high electricity bills). Oversized units cycle on/off frequently causing poor humidity control and wasted money. Always get professional assessment before purchasing.

Best Air Conditioning Brands Australia

Daikin (Premium)

Industry-leading reliability, 5-10 year warranties, excellent after-sales support, extensive dealer network. Price: 10-15% premium. Energy efficiency: 5-6 stars. Best for: Long-term investment, premium quality.

Mitsubishi Electric (Premium)

Superior build quality, whisper-quiet operation, great for bedrooms, strong commercial reputation. Price: 10-15% premium. Energy efficiency: 5-6 stars. Best for: Quiet operation priority, quality focus.

Fujitsu (Mid-Range)

Excellent energy efficiency, 5-6 star ratings common, good value for money, quiet models available. Price: Mid-range. Energy efficiency: 5-6+ stars. Best for: Energy conscious buyers, balanced quality and price.

Panasonic (Mid-Range)

Reliable Japanese engineering, strong warranties, nanoe-X air purification technology. Price: Mid-range. Energy efficiency: 4-5 stars. Best for: Air quality concerns, reliable brand at fair price.

LG (Budget)

Affordable entry point, decent reliability, good for rentals or budget constraints. Price: Budget-friendly. Energy efficiency: 3-4 stars. Best for: Budget purchases, rental properties, basic cooling needs.

Australian AC Installation Licensing Requirements

ARCtick License: Mandatory for all refrigerant handling work. Unlicensed refrigerant work carries fines up to $30,000 and voids all manufacturer warranties. ARCtick certification ensures technician trained in safe refrigerant handling and environmental compliance.

Electrical License: Required for all electrical connections. Must be licensed electrician in state of installation (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT). Unlicensed electrical work is illegal and dangerous.

Insurance: All installers must carry minimum $10 million public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

Compliance Certificates: Upon completion, installer must provide electrical compliance certificate and refrigerant handling certificate. Required for insurance claims and property sales.

Air Conditioning Installation Process

1. Site Assessment: Installer inspects property, confirms electrical capacity, identifies optimal unit placement, measures refrigerant line distances, checks roof/ceiling access.
2. Unit Supply: AC system delivered to site. Includes indoor unit(s), outdoor compressor, remote control, mounting brackets, refrigerant lines, drainage components.
3. Indoor Unit Installation: Wall mounting (split systems) or ceiling installation (ducted). Secure mounting brackets, level installation, aesthetic positioning.
4. Outdoor Unit Installation: Ground pad or wall bracket installation. Positioned for optimal airflow, noise reduction, easy maintenance access. Must be on level, stable surface.
5. Refrigerant Lines: Copper pipes connecting indoor and outdoor units. Professional flaring and brazing ensures leak-free connections. Lines concealed where possible.
6. Electrical Connection: Dedicated circuit from switchboard to outdoor unit. Circuit breaker and safety switch installation. Compliance with AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards.
7. Drainage Installation: Condensate drain from indoor unit to outside. Must have fall for gravity drainage. Drain to stormwater or garden (not sewer).
8. Vacuum and Refrigerant Charge: System vacuumed to remove air and moisture. Refrigerant charged to manufacturer specifications. Pressure tested for leaks.
9. Commissioning and Testing: Full system test across all modes (cooling, heating, fan). Temperature differential check, airflow test, noise level check, remote control programming.
10. User Training: Operation demonstration, maintenance advice, warranty registration, compliance certificate issue.

Air Conditioning Running Costs

Reverse cycle air conditioning is the most cost-effective heating and cooling solution for most Australian homes.

• Reverse Cycle AC Heating: $0.25-$0.50 per hour. Most efficient heating option. 3-4 times more efficient than electric heaters.
• Reverse Cycle AC Cooling: $0.20-$0.40 per hour for standard split system.
• Gas Heating: $0.30-$0.60 per hour. Depends on gas prices which vary by region.
• Electric Heater: $0.70-$1.20 per hour. Most expensive heating option. Not recommended.
• Diesel Heater: $1.00-$2.00 per hour. Expensive and high emissions.

Cost Saving Tips: Choose high energy star rating (5-6 stars), use programmable timers, maintain optimal temperature (24°C cooling, 20°C heating), clean filters monthly, annual professional service, use ceiling fans to circulate air, close doors and windows, use curtains and blinds for insulation.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

DIY Maintenance (Monthly): Clean or replace air filters, wipe indoor unit exterior, check outdoor unit for debris, ensure vents unobstructed.

Professional Service (Annual): Deep clean indoor and outdoor coils, check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, clean condensate drain, inspect ductwork (ducted systems), performance testing. Cost: $120-$200 for split systems, $200-$400 for ducted systems.

Importance: Regular maintenance maintains efficiency (saves 10-30% on running costs), extends system lifespan (15+ years with good maintenance vs 7-10 years without), maintains warranty validity (most warranties require annual professional service), prevents breakdowns, ensures optimal air quality.

Service Areas

We connect you with ARCtick certified air conditioning installers across all Australian states and territories:

• New South Wales: Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast, Canberra
• Victoria: Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo
• Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns
• Western Australia: Perth, Fremantle, Mandurah
• South Australia: Adelaide, regional SA
• Tasmania: Hobart, Launceston
• Northern Territory: Darwin, Alice Springs
• Australian Capital Territory: Canberra and surrounds

Why Use The Wombat™ for Air Conditioning Installation

• 100% Free Service: No cost to request or compare quotes. No hidden fees.
• ARCtick Certified Installers Only: All installers hold valid ARCtick licenses and electrical licenses. Verified credentials.
• Compare Up to 3 Quotes: Get competitive pricing. Save up to 30% by comparing quotes.
• No Obligation: Review quotes at your own pace. No pressure to proceed.
• Fast Response: Receive quotes within 24 hours of request.
• Australia-Wide Coverage: Network covers all major cities and regional areas.
• Quality Guarantee: All installers carry minimum $10M public liability insurance.

Related Air Conditioning Services

• Ducted Air Conditioning: Whole-home climate control with concealed ceiling installation. Zoned temperature control.
• Air Conditioning Service and Repair: Annual maintenance, breakdown repairs, refrigerant regas, filter replacement.
• Heating Solutions: Reverse cycle heating, gas heating, ducted heating, heat pumps.
• Evaporative Cooling: Cost-effective cooling for dry climates. Popular in SA, WA, parts of VIC.

Common Air Conditioning Questions

Q: How much does AC installation cost? A: $800-$3,500 for split systems, $4,000-$12,000 for multi-split, $10,000-$25,000 for ducted systems.

Q: How long does installation take? A: 3-6 hours for split systems, 1-2 days for multi-split, 2-5 days for ducted.

Q: Do I need council approval? A: Most residential installations are exempt development. Check local council for heritage areas or visible units.

Q: What size AC do I need? A: Professional assessment required. Rough guide: 2.5kW per 12-15m² room, adjusted for insulation, windows, ceiling height.

Q: Should I get reverse cycle or cooling only? A: Reverse cycle recommended - only $100-$300 more for year-round comfort and most efficient heating.

Q: Best AC brand? A: Premium: Daikin, Mitsubishi. Mid-range: Fujitsu, Panasonic. Budget: LG, Kelvinator.

Q: How often should AC be serviced? A: Annually before summer. Cost: $120-$200 split systems, $200-$400 ducted.

Last Updated: January 2026

Information Source: The Wombat™ - Australian Home Services Quote Comparison Platform