G'day! With summer on the way, you've probably decided this is the year you're finally getting that air con sorted. Good on ya! You’ve done your research, picked out a top-notch unit, and you're ready to go. But there's one more crucial question to answer: what's the split system air conditioner installation cost actually going to be?

The truth is, the price can vary a fair bit. It's not a one-size-fits-all job. This guide will break down the ballpark figures and explain what factors can affect the final quote from your installer.

The Short Answer: The Ballpark Figures for 2025

Let's get straight to it. For a standard, straightforward installation of a small to medium-sized split system (around 2.5kW to 5kW) in Australia, you can expect the cost to be:

• $700 - $1,200 for a standard "back-to-back" installation.

For more complex jobs, the price can go up. Don't be surprised by quotes in the range of $1,500 to $2,500+ if the job is tricky.

What's Included in a Standard 'Back-to-Back' Installation?

This is the term you'll hear all the time, and it's the baseline for most quotes. A "back-to-back" is the simplest and cheapest type of install. It means:

• The indoor head unit is mounted on an external wall.
• The outdoor compressor unit is placed directly outside, behind the indoor unit, on the ground. This setup requires the minimum amount of piping, cabling, and labour, which is why it's the most affordable.

The Factors That Can Add to Your Installation Cost

If your job isn't a simple back-to-back, the cost will start to climb. Here are the main things that add complexity and dollars to the final quote.

The Complexity of the Install

If the indoor unit needs to be mounted on an internal wall, or the outdoor unit needs to go on the roof or on wall brackets, this adds significant cost. Your installer will need extra copper piping, more cabling, and potentially a condensate pump to handle the drainage.

The Size (kW) of Your Unit

Installing a larger, more powerful unit (e.g., 7kW+) can sometimes cost a bit more than a small 2.5kW unit. The units are heavier, requiring two people for the whole job, and may need thicker electrical wiring.

Your Home's Construction

Drilling through a double-brick wall is a lot more work than drilling through weatherboard. If the installers have to deal with difficult-to-access wall or ceiling cavities, this will add to the labour time.

Electrical Switchboard Work

A split system needs its own dedicated circuit. If you have an old, full, or outdated switchboard, your licensed electrician might need to install a new circuit breaker and safety switch to handle the extra load safely. This is a crucial safety step and will add to the cost.

Your Location in Australia

Labour costs vary. An installation in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne might cost more than in a regional town. It always pays to get a few quotes from local, qualified professionals.

A Quick Word on Installation: Why You Can't DIY

Remember, a split system air conditioner installation is not a DIY job. By law in Australia, it requires two fully licensed tradespeople: a licensed air conditioning technician (with an ARCtick licence) for the refrigerant gas and a licensed electrician for the high-voltage power.

A top-quality air conditioner is a major investment, and its performance and safety rely on a high-quality electrical installation. This is why professional installers and licensed electricians exclusively use trade-quality components sourced from trusted suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of all the critical electrical gear needed for a split system installation. They provide the robust wiring, weatherproof isolator switches, and the correct switchboard circuit breakers that a qualified professional needs to ensure your new air conditioner gets the safe, reliable power it needs to run efficiently for years. For a top-notch installation that protects your investment, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.