G'day! With the mercury starting to climb, the great Aussie quest for a cool, comfortable summer begins. A reliable split system air conditioner is at the top of most people's wish lists, but before you dive in, you need to know the big question: what's the damage?

Understanding split system air conditioner prices can be a bit confusing, as you need to account for both the unit itself and the installation. This guide will break down the typical costs for the air conditioner unit so you can budget properly.

The Big Clarification: Unit Price vs. Installed Price

This is the most important thing to get your head around first. The prices we're talking about in this guide are for the air conditioner unit itself—the indoor and outdoor boxes you buy from a retailer.

The cost of installation is a separate, additional cost that you will pay directly to the licensed professionals who install it. (As a rough guide, a standard installation can cost anywhere from $700 upwards).

Split System Air Conditioner Prices by Size (kW)

The number one factor that determines the price of a split system is its power, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Here are the common price brackets you can expect to see in 2025 for a good quality, reverse-cycle unit from a reputable brand.

The Small Units (2.5kW - 3.5kW): For Bedrooms & Studies

These are perfect for a standard Aussie bedroom or a home office. They're designed to efficiently cool a smaller, single room without chewing through power.

• Price Range (Unit Only): $800 - $1,500

The Mid-Size Units (5kW - 6kW): For Living Areas

This is the go-to size for an average-sized Aussie living room or a larger master bedroom. They have enough grunt to handle a more open space where the family gathers.

• Price Range (Unit Only): $1,400 - $2,200

The Large Units (7kW+): For Big, Open-Plan Spaces

If you have a large, open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, you'll need one of these heavy hitters. They have the power to cool a much larger volume of air effectively.

• Price Range (Unit Only): $1,800 - $3,000+

What Else Affects the Price Tag?

• Brand Reputation: Top-tier brands with a long history of reliability in Australia (like Daikin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Fujitsu General) will typically cost more than lesser-known or budget brands.
• Energy Efficiency (Star Rating): A unit with a higher star rating might cost a bit more upfront, but its lower running costs will save you a motza on your power bills in the long run.
• Smart Features: Models with built-in Wi-Fi for app control and other clever features often sit at the higher end of the price range.

Don't Forget to Factor in Installation!

Once you've bought your unit, you'll need to have it professionally installed. Remember, in Australia, this is not a DIY job. It legally requires two licensed tradespeople: a licensed air conditioning technician (with an ARCtick licence) and a licensed electrician. Be sure to get a few quotes for the installation work.

A top-quality air conditioner is a great start, but its performance, safety, and lifespan are only as good as the installation and the components used to power it. This is why professional installers and licensed electricians insist on using trade-quality electrical gear for every installation. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of all the critical electrical components needed to safely power your new split system. They provide the durable wiring, weatherproof isolator switches, and the correct switchboard circuit breakers that a qualified professional needs to guarantee a safe and reliable connection. When you're investing thousands in a new air con, remember the quality of the unseen parts from a supplier like Schnap Electric is just as important as the unit on your wall.