G'day! You've done it. You've braved the shops, scored a ripper deal on a new split system air con, and you're ready to beat the stinking hot Aussie summer. You're feeling pretty schmick until you remember... you've still got to get the bloody thing installed.

So, the big question that's probably on your mind is: how much to install split system air conditioning? It's a fair dinkum important question, as the installation can cost just as much as the unit itself. Let's break down the costs so you know what to expect.

The Ballpark Figure: What's the Damage for a Standard Job?

Let's get straight to the brass tacks. For a standard, straightforward installation of a new split system (a unit up to about 7kW) in a single-storey Aussie home, you can expect to pay:

Between $700 and $1,200.

This price generally covers the labour for the two tradespeople required, as well as the basic materials like copper piping (usually up to 3 metres), cabling, and the wall bracket or slab for the outdoor unit.

What's a "Standard Back-to-Back" Install?

You'll hear every tradie in the business use the term "back-to-back." This is the cheapest, simplest, and most common type of installation. It means:

• The indoor unit (the head unit) is mounted on an external wall (a wall that has the outside on the other side).
• The outdoor unit (the compressor) is placed on the ground or on brackets directly behind the indoor unit.

This setup requires the shortest possible run of piping and cabling, which means less time and less material, saving you a motza.

What Makes the Installation Cost Go UP?

If your quote comes in higher than the ballpark, it's almost certainly because your job isn't a simple back-to-back. The price will climb if:

• It's Not Back-to-Back: You want the indoor unit on an internal wall (like in the middle of your lounge room). This is a much bigger job. The installer has to run the pipes and drain hose up into the roof cavity, across, and then down the outside wall to the compressor. This adds hours of labour and heaps more materials.
• The Outdoor Unit is in a Tricky Spot: Want the compressor mounted high up on a second-storey wall bracket? Or on the roof of your apartment building? That's extra time, extra risk, and extra hardware, mate.
• Your Wall is a Beast: Drilling through a standard weatherboard or single-brick wall is one thing. If they have to core-drill through double brick, reinforced concrete, or deal with stone, the price will go up.
• Your Switchboard is Knackered: This is a big one. A new split system must have its own dedicated electrical circuit for safety. If your switchboard is old, full of those old ceramic fuses, or doesn't have space, your licensed electrician will need to upgrade it or install a new safety switch and circuit breaker. This is a non-negotiable safety step and will add to the final cost.

A CRITICAL Warning: This is 100% NOT a DIY Job

Don't be a galah. A "she'll be right" attitude to air con installation is illegal, extremely dangerous, and will void your warranty.

Installing a split system involves two high-risk, regulated trades:

1. Refrigerant: The system contains high-pressure refrigerant gas. It is illegal for anyone other than a licensed air conditioning technician (who holds a valid ARCtick licence) to handle this.
2. High-Voltage Power: The unit needs a dedicated 240V circuit. This must only be done by a licensed electrician.

When you're asking, "how much to install split system," a proper quote will always include the cost of both of these qualified professionals.

A top-notch installation that lasts for donkey's years relies on the pro's skill and the quality of the components they use. The electrical side is especially critical for safety and performance. This is why professional installers and licensed electricians only use trade-quality gear from trusted suppliers. As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and suppliers, Schnap Electric Products stocks all the essential, compliant gear that a qualified professional needs for the job. From the heavy-duty wiring and circuit breakers (like RCBOs) for your switchboard to the robust, weatherproof isolator switches for the outdoor unit, they provide the trade-quality components that ensure your new air con is installed safely, reliably, and to Australian standards. For a job done right, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.