How Much to Install Air Conditioning
Spending your weekends at the shops and cinemas to soak up the cool air?
Maybe you’ve started taking long drives to take advantage of your car AC. With summer rolling through again, you might be thinking it’s time to get Brisbane air conditioning installed in your home.
The cost to install air conditioning varies depending on your chosen system and the size of your home, but the average installation costs somewhere between $500-$700. Split systems cost between $1,500 and $6,000 for a complete installation, while ducted systems are a bigger investment, potentially costing $15,000 or more.
To help you find the best option for your home and your wallet, we’ll take a look at what drives air conditioning costs and compare the price tags of different systems. On top of that, we’ll give you practical money-saving tips that won’t compromise your comfort or system quality.
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost To Install Air Conditioning In Australia?
The cost of air conditioning installation in Brisbane depends on everything from system type to property size and location.
Average cost range for installation
The average air conditioning installation price in Australia ranges between $500-$700. Keep in mind that’s just for labour, and the price of your unit can vary between budget options and more complex systems.
Split systems are the top choice for Australian homes, and installation costs typically fall into these ranges:
- Split system: $600-$1,500
- Multi-split systems (multiple indoor units): $600-$5,000
If you’re looking for a whole-house climate control solution, you might want to consider ducted air conditioning. It’s a convenient way to keep your home comfortable, but it does have some higher upfront costs. Installing ducted air con could cost up to $15,000 for small homes or up to $30,000 for larger properties.
Labour vs unit cost breakdown
Knowing how your money gets spent helps you budget better for air conditioning installation. Licensed technicians might charge an hourly rate or a total estimate for the project. Many factors can affect these costs, such as installation complexity, property access, and electrical upgrades.
Units installed on internal walls need more materials and labour than external ones, and older homes might also need electrical upgrades to support new air conditioning systems, which adds to the total cost.
Note that professional installation by qualified technicians will give a safe and efficient system. At BG Electrical and Air Con, we provide detailed quotes that cover all costs for your Brisbane air conditioning installation. This helps you avoid surprises while ensuring your new system works at its best.
Cost of Installing Different Air Conditioning Systems
The right air conditioning system for your Brisbane home depends on understanding what's available and how much you'll need to budget for installation. Each type of system brings its own advantages that might suit your cooling needs and budget better.
Split systems
Split systems are the most popular air conditioning option since they’re straightforward to set up and usually don’t need major changes to your home’s structure like with ducted AC.
Units can run anywhere between $1,500 and $6,000 or more depending on the size and complexity of your unit. These units work great in apartments, small homes, or just to cool specific rooms like bedrooms or living areas.
Multi-split system
Multi-split systems let you connect several indoor units to one outdoor unit, so you can control temperatures in different rooms independently. The costs depend on how many units you want to install, with each unit potentially costing up to $6000.
These systems make sense if you have limited outdoor space or want your home’s exterior to look cleaner. They work best in properties where you need to cool multiple rooms but can’t install ducted systems. Brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu make reliable multi-split systems with smart features such as room-by-room control and energy-saving technology.
Ducted system
Ducted air conditioning cools your entire home through ceiling vents, but it’s the most expensive to install. Apartments and smaller homes could cost between $10,000 and $15,000, while larger homes with multiple bedrooms could see prices beyond $30,000.
Zone control systems can also add to your upfront costs, but they can cut your long-term running costs by up to 30%.
What Affects the Total Air Con Installation Cost?
The cost of installing air conditioning in your Brisbane home depends on several factors beyond just the system type. You should know these variables to budget correctly and avoid surprises.
Size of your space
The size of your space helps determine the unit capacity you need. A system that’s too small will struggle to cool your rooms, while an oversized system might cool too fast without removing humidity.
Both options can churn through more energy and blow out your power bill.
Brand and energy rating of the unit
Your choice of brand and energy efficiency rating affects both immediate and long-term costs. Air cons use up to 40% of your household energy, so while investing in units with higher star ratings might cost you more upfront, you could save on cooling costs over time. Each degree of extra cooling can bump up running costs by 10%, so it’s easy to see why investing in energy-efficient models could be worth the higher upfront cost.
Installation complexity and home layout
Your home’s design can make installation simple or complex. Multi-storey homes and properties with tough access points take more time and resources to get the installation done. Large open spaces and high ceilings also require a different approach than homes with sectioned-off rooms.
Time of year and demand
Smart timing can help you save money. Everyone wants AC in summer, so you might pay a premium for an installation job. Timing your work for off-peak periods over winter could get you a bargain.
BG Electrical and Air Con helps Brisbane homeowners understand exactly what affects their air conditioning installation cost through detailed assessments.
Tips to Save on Air Conditioner Installation Cost
Install during off-peak seasons
Smart scheduling during quieter periods can be a cheaper option. Late winter or early autumn installations can come with better prices since there’s generally less customer demand, and technicians have more availability in these seasons to dedicate to your installation.
Use government rebates and incentives
Government incentives can help reduce your costs. The PeakSmart program provides cashback to eligible south east Queenslanders who install energy-efficient models that reduce peak demand. Check out energy.gov for more information, or ask your AC installer for more information.
Improve home insulation beforehand
Your home’s insulation deserves attention before installation. Good insulation works together with air conditioning to keep cool air inside during summer. Preparing your home with better insulation helps your system last longer and can save up to 15% on your heating and cooling costs.
Get an Install Quote Today!
Property size, budget limits, cooling needs, and efficiency goals all play a role in determining the final cost of your air conditioning installation. The experts here at BG Electrical and Air Con know the cooling challenges we face here in Brisbane, and we can put together accurate quotes based on your specific situation.
We look beyond just the upfront costs and think about long-term value, energy savings, and comfort benefits of each system. Our licensed technicians will set your system up right to prevent expensive repairs later on, helping you enjoy our hot and humid summers in comfort. From installs to Brisbane air con service and repairs, we are here for you.
Don’t sweat through another summer. Get a free quote on your air conditioning installation today!