Please note that the price information in this article was based on data from 2011 and may now be outdated.
The average cost to install a split air conditioner is $650 – it seems like a fair price to keep your house toasty through winter.
As the temperatures drop and an extra blanket is no longer enough to keep you warm, you probably want a new air conditioning system to keep your home nice and warm. Before you hire someone for installation, you need to know what to expect for your dollar so you can find a tradie that will get the job done for a good price.
Air conditioning installation hourly rates
The minimum you will fork out for air conditioning installation is $40 to $55, but this budget hourly rate is typically for small wall or window air conditioning installation jobs only. Installation of an average split system air conditioner will set you back about $66, and the same again if your unit needs repairs.
If you choose to splurge on a premium ducted or central system, the installation price will also cost a little extra. For these more complicated jobs, you will need to pay somewhere between $77 and $88 per hour for installation.
What are you paying for?
You can be charged by the job rather than by the hour. Prices – both by the hour or per task – are generally for installation only, except in the case of ducted air, where a premium rate may include the system as well. Budget, average and premium prices are determined by the size of the job.
- Split or window/wall mount installation – To fit your home with one of these units, you will need to pay $500 for a budget job, $650 for an average one or $880 for the premium set-up.
- Ducted installation – If you’re splashing out on ducted air, the installation will set you back anywhere between $500 and $6600, depending on how many rooms are included in the installation.
Air conditioning installation rates by state
If you’re living in Victoria, you can give a little cheer because you can expect to pay less than the national average for air conditioning installation. Queenslanders are bang on the money, paying $66 per hour, the average across the country, but those in NSW might have to flash the credit card, with rates in the state being substantially more than elsewhere at $70 an hour. Our tip for NSW homeowners is to pay a flat project rate, as the national pricing guide puts you in a much better position when charged by task.
Now you know what a reasonable air conditioning installation quote should be, you can avoid being ripped off, so you can make sure your back pocket and your home are comfortable.
