G'day! So you've done it. You've braved the Good Guys sale, scored a schmick new split system air con, and you're all set to beat that stinking hot Aussie summer. You get the two big boxes home, look at the instructions, and think, "She'll be right, how hard can a bit of split air conditioner installation be?"

Righto, STOP right there, mate.

This is the most important advice you'll ever get about your new air con: This is absolutely not a DIY job. Don't be a galah. It's not just tricky – in Australia, it's illegal, extremely dangerous, and will void your warranty in a heartbeat.

Why You Need to Call the Pros: The Two Trades

A split air conditioner installation isn't one job; it's two separate, highly regulated trades rolled into one. You can't just hire any handyman. By law, you need two different types of licensed professionals.

1. The Refrigeration Pro (ARCtick Licence)

A split system works by moving refrigerant gas between the indoor and outdoor units. This gas is under high pressure and is heavily regulated to protect the environment. It is illegal for anyone without a valid ARCtick refrigerant handling licence to install the unit, run the copper pipes, or handle the gas. A dodgy install will lead to leaks, a knackered compressor, and poor performance.

2. The Electrical Pro (Licensed Electrician)

This is the other critical, non-negotiable part. A split system is a high-power appliance. It can't just be plugged into your nearest power point – that's a massive fire risk.

A split air conditioner installation requires its own dedicated 240V power circuit run directly from your switchboard. This work must only ever be carried out by a licensed electrician. They are the only ones legally allowed to perform this work, ensuring the wiring is safe and won't overload your home's system.

What's a "Back-to-Back" Install? (The Standard Job)

When you're getting quotes, you'll hear every tradie in the business use the term "back-to-back." This is the simplest, cheapest, and most common type of split air conditioner 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 (usually 3 metres or less), which means less time and less material, saving you a motza.

What Makes the Installation Cost More Exxy?

If your quote comes in higher than the basic "back-to-back" price, it's almost certainly because your job is more complex. The price will climb if:

• You want the indoor unit on an internal wall. 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.
• You're in a double-brick or concrete apartment. Drilling through that is much harder yakka than a simple weatherboard wall.
• Your switchboard is old and knackered. The electrician might need to install a new safety switch (RCBO) to protect the new circuit, and if your board is full or uses old ceramic fuses, you might need a bigger upgrade.

A Professional Job Needs Professional Gear

The safety and lifespan of your new air con depend entirely on the quality of the split air conditioner installation. A licensed electrician won't risk their reputation or your safety by using dodgy, cheap components. They will always source high-quality, compliant gear from a trusted electrical wholesaler.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and supplier networks, Schnap Electric Products stocks all the essential, compliant gear that a qualified professional needs for the job. From the heavy-duty, outdoor-rated wiring and the correct RCBOs for the 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.