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How much does split system air conditioner installation cost?
Installing a smaller split system air conditioner in Australia typically costs between $600 to $750, according to trade services website hipages. Two unit systems usually start at $750, going up to the $3,000 mark, depending on their capacity. If you’re after a multi-split system, like four indoor units and one outdoor unit, this could cost between $3,900 to $4,900.
What factors impact the cost of split system air conditioner installation?
The final figure you end up paying for your air conditioner installation will depend on:
- The type, brand, size, and number of units being installed
- Whether you’re buying the air conditioner separately and just paying for the installation, or using an installer that also supplies the air conditioner
- The installer you choose
- How much ducting, piping, cabling, and other items are required
- The site of the installation including access, which part of the house it will be placed, and how the units will be drained
- The electrical infrastructure of the home, which in some cases may require an upgrade to the main power board and the installation of safety switches
It’s a good idea to collect a few quotes for installation before making any decisions.
What type of air conditioning units are available?
Refrigerant systems
A common air conditioning unit in Australia is a refrigerant system. Working much like a refrigerator, a liquid refrigerant is piped through the system to cool air. Reverse-cycle systems – as the name suggests – can reverse this process to heat the air as well, and are the most common unit sold. All units require a condenser (which cools the refrigerant), a fan, and a drainage system. Below are some common types of refrigerant air conditioners:
- Portable: These units are typically only suited for small spaces, like a single room, and have wheels so they can be moved around. They generally don’t require installation, however many models need access to a window, floor, or sink drain, to allow air exchange and water to drain away.
- Window or wall units: These units – also known as ‘window’ air conditioners – are installed in a wall or take up part of a window opening. The unit faces inside the room, while the exhaust fan and water drainage are outside. They usually require an inside power point. These units are typically only suited to small to medium spaces. Expert installation may be required.
- Reverse cycle split system: This type of air conditioner typically heats and cools small to large rooms, and is made up of two separate components linked by cables and hoses. The head unit is hung on the wall near the ceiling in the room you want to temperature control. The condenser unit is typically larger and is installed outside the home. This unit usually contains a motor and a fan. Split systems need access to drainage, so that the water they collect from the air can escape. Typically, you’ll need a licensed installer to add one to your home due to the complex electrical, drainage, and carpentry requirements. These units are also available as ‘multi-head’ systems, which allow multiple rooms to be temperature controlled with just one external condenser unit.
For energy efficiency, split systems with an ‘inverter’ could be worth a look. The role of an inverter is to adjust the compressor speed according to the room’s temperature. This can give these units a better operating efficiency than conventional fixed speed systems.
Ducted
These systems can usually heat or cool multiple rooms, or an entire home, depending on the size of the air conditioner unit and the number of ‘zones’ it allows. Typically, cool or warm air flows from vents installed into various rooms; travelling there via ducts in the ceiling cavity from an indoor air control unit and an outdoor condenser unit. These types of units can only be installed by an expert professional and are usually more expensive.
Evaporative systems
Evaporative coolers use the heat exchange effect of evaporating water to cool the air, according to Sustainability Victoria. These systems work best in hot, dry weather, and are not suited to humid conditions. An evaporation unit sits on top of the house and draws in hot air over moist pads. The moist, cooled air is then blown into the home.
How large should your air conditioner be?
The size of the area that needs to be temperature-controlled generally determines the size of the air conditioner. The unit size is determined by its wattage, for example 2.8kW.
Generally you’ll need about 0.10 to 0.15 kilowatts per square metre, notes Appliances Online. This can be influenced by factors like if the room is open to the rest of the house or if it receives a lot of sun. Below is a table detailing the estimated kilowatt requirement for small, medium, and large sized rooms:
Small room (10-20 square metres) | Medium room (20-40 square metres) | Large room (40-50 square metres) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Kilowatts needed for your room (minimum) | 2.8kW | 4.2kW | 5.6kW |
Ideal air conditioners | Portable, window, or split system units | Window or split system units | Split system units |
Source: Appliances Online
Keep in mind, different states and territories may also have regulations around what air conditioners you can install, so it could be worth checking with your state or territory government to ensure your unit is compliant.
What are the pros and cons of a split system air conditioner?
Pros
- Generally more energy efficient than other types of air conditioners, especially ducted air conditioning. This is because they generally only cool or heat the room you need, rather than your entire home.
- Typically less expensive to run than ducted systems.
- Usually easy to install for most qualified installers and won’t require extensive modifications to your home.
- Can come in various sizes to suit your particular needs.
- The indoor unit will usually be quiet, or have quiet modes you can choose from, if noise is a concern.
Cons
- Designed to cool or heat standard rooms and may not be suitable for larger homes or commercial spaces.
- Requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it operates correctly over time
- Depending on your home and its available outdoor space, the installation of the outdoor unit may be difficult and could impact the placement of the indoor unit.
- Performance may be affected by extreme weather conditions like high temperatures or humidity levels.
Do I need to get the split system air conditioner professionally installed?
Plumbers, electricians, and specialist air conditioner installers can typically perform the installation, providing they’re licensed to handle refrigerants, alongside their own necessary qualifications. Since air conditioner installation runs the risk of electrocution and other hazards, DIY installation should not be attempted.
How long does it take to install an air conditioner?
There are several factors that impact how long an air conditioner system takes to install, like the experience of your installer, the type and size of the unit being installed, and whether the area it's being installed is easily accessible. Generally speaking, it can take between four to eight hours to complete, says hipages.
What are options to finance the installation of a split system air conditioner?
How the purchase of a unit and its installation is financed may depend on how much it costs and your personal circumstances. There are several options to consider, including:
- Using your savings: If you have savings tucked away, it can make sense to dip into your spare cash to pay for the air conditioner. It’s an interest-free option, and there’s always the possibility that a retailer may offer a cash discount.
- Refinancing your home loan: If you're planning to spend a lot on a cooling system or you're installing it as part of a larger renovation, you might pay for the works by refinancing and tapping into your equity. As an added potential perk, refinancing could see you with a lower home loan interest rate or more suitable features. Alternatively, if you've made extra repayments on your mortgage in the past, you could access these with a redraw facility, providing your home loan has one.
- Taking out a personal loan: Depending on your personal circumstances and the cost of the job, you may consider taking out a personal loan. Keep in mind that interest and fees usually apply on personal loans, so this is often a more expensive way to finance the purchase than using your savings.
- Looking into green personal loans: A number of lenders offer ‘green loans’ – a type of personal loan designed to finance the purchase of eligible energy-efficient appliances, which can include air conditioners. As a general rule, the air conditioner will need to meet minimum energy efficiency requirements but, if you’re eligible, green loans can come with very competitive interest rates.
- Paying with your credit card: It may be possible, depending on the cost and your ability to repay the debt quickly, to pay for your new air conditioner with a credit card. There could be some fringe benefits for doing so, like purchase protection in some cases (read the card’s Product Disclosure Statement to find out more). Keep in mind that credit card interest rates are typically higher than personal loans and interest can quickly accumulate on large balances. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to weigh up your options and consider them carefully. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the card’s balance in full each month, it may be worth seriously re-considering whether a credit card is the right option.
