G'day! With summer just around the corner, the heat is on (literally) to get your home cooling sorted. You've decided this is the year, but before you go any further, you need to ask the big question: how much does it cost to install air conditioning?

It’s a fair dinkum important question, as it's a major investment in your home's comfort and value. The answer really depends on what type of system you're after, but this guide will give you the ballpark figures for a full, professional installation in Australia.

First Up: What Type of Air Con Are We Talking About?

The cost to install air conditioning varies hugely between the two main types Aussies choose:

1. Split Systems: The most common type, perfect for cooling a single room or open-plan area.
2. Ducted Systems: The premium, whole-home solution with discreet vents in every room.

????️ The Cost to Install a Split System Air Conditioner

A split system is the most popular and affordable option. The price you'll often see quoted is for a standard 'back-to-back' installation.

A 'back-to-back' is the simplest job, where the indoor unit is placed on an external wall and the outdoor unit is positioned directly behind it outside.

• For a standard 'back-to-back' split system installation, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,500. This covers the labour for the licensed professionals and basic materials for a straightforward job.

The price for the air conditioner unit itself is separate, and can range from $700 for a small, budget unit to over $3,500 for a large, premium one.

???? The Cost to Install a Ducted Air Conditioning System

This is the whole-home, 'Rolls-Royce' option, and the installation is a much bigger and more complex job, which is reflected in the price. The costs below are a general guide for the fully installed system (unit and labour combined).

• For a small home or apartment (2-3 bedrooms), expect to pay $8,000 - $12,000.
• For an average single-storey home (3-4 bedrooms), expect to pay $11,000 - $16,000.
• For a large single-storey or two-storey home, prices can be $15,000 - $20,000+.

What Factors Can Change Your Installation Quote?

If your job isn't a simple one, the price will change. The main variables that affect the final quote are:

• Installation Complexity: If a split system isn't 'back-to-back', or if a ducted system is being fitted into a home with tricky roof access, the labour costs will go up.
• The Size and Brand of the Unit: Larger, heavier units can require more work and more robust electrical wiring.
• Necessary Electrical Upgrades: If you have an old switchboard, your licensed electrician may need to install new circuit breakers or even upgrade your power supply, which will add to the cost.
• Your Location in Australia: Labour costs can vary between major cities and regional areas.

Remember: Professional Installation is Non-Negotiable

No matter which system you choose, answering "how much does it cost to install air conditioning" must always include the cost of licensed professionals. In Australia, it is illegal and unsafe to do this work yourself.

You will need a team of qualified tradies, including a licensed air conditioning technician (with an ARCtick licence) and a licensed electrician to handle the high-voltage power. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

A high-quality installation relies on two things: the skill of your tradies and the quality of the components they use to power your new system. This is why professional installers and licensed electricians only use trade-quality gear from trusted suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of all the critical electrical components needed for any air conditioning installation, big or small. From the heavy-duty wiring and circuit breakers to the robust weatherproof isolator switches, they provide the gear a qualified professional needs to guarantee a safe, compliant, and reliable installation. When you're investing in your home's comfort, ensuring the pros are using quality components from a supplier like Schnap Electric is a smart move.