With summer just around the corner, the heat is on (literally) to get your home cooling sorted before the first real heatwave hits. You know you want the relief of a cool, comfortable home, but the big question on your mind is probably: how much to install air conditioning?

It’s a fair dinkum good question, as it's a major investment in your home. The answer depends entirely on the type of system you choose, but this guide will give you the ballpark figures so you can budget with confidence.

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

The installation cost varies hugely between the two main types of air conditioning in Australia:

1. Split Systems: The most common type, designed to cool a single room or area.
2. Ducted Systems: The premium, whole-home solution with vents in every room.

The Cost to Install a Split System Air Conditioner

A split system is the most affordable option. The price you'll be quoted is usually for a standard 'back-to-back' installation. This means the indoor unit is on an external wall, and the outdoor unit is placed directly behind it outside.

• For a standard 'back-to-back' installation, you can expect to pay between $700 and $1,200.

This price covers the labour for both the licensed refrigeration technician and the licensed electrician, as well as the basic materials like piping and cabling for a simple job.

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 cost includes installing the indoor and outdoor units, running all the ductwork through the ceiling, installing the vents, and the complex electrical work.

• For a small home (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 or two-storey home, prices can be $15,000 - $20,000+.

What Factors Can Change Your Installation Quote?

If your job isn't straightforward, the price will change. The main variables are:

• Installation Complexity: If a split system isn't 'back-to-back', or if a ducted system is being retrofitted into a tricky roof space, 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 (e.g., to three-phase for a big ducted system), 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, figuring out how much 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.