- Ultimate Guide -
Split System Air Conditioning Cost
There's no exact split system air conditioning pricing. It all depends on how big it is, its brand, and the installation. This guide will help you understand the cost factors and what you may have to pay.
Your Comprehensive Split System Air Conditioning Cost Guide
If you own a small home, live in a single room or apartment, or have an office, a split system air conditioner is the best choice for you. With only the outdoor unit and a wall-mounted indoor component in your space, it will help keep your space comfortable.
A split system air conditioner is a popular and increasing-demand home appliance addition in Australia.
But what does it cost?
Split system air conditioning costs, including its purchase cost and its installation, ranges from $1,500 to $5,500, with most installations costing between $2,000 and $3,500.
Split system air conditioning price depends on the size of the system, brand, and installation specifications. Smaller systems for bedrooms or study spaces cost less while larger systems in living or open spaces cost more.
In this guide, we are going to give you all the information you need to help you decide if it's worth adding this high demand amenity to your home, including installation and running costs, with a detailed overview.
Table of Contents
Note: All split system air conditioning prices in this guide are based on our experience and research at the time of writing. Prices may vary over time and can be influenced by a range of factors, so they should be used as a general guide only.
Why Consider a Split System Air Conditioner?
A split system air conditioner is a cooling solution that has an inside component, as well as an outdoor part. They work together to regulate the temperature in your home without taking up any of your interior space.
Ducted air conditioning systems may be the obvious choice for controlling the temperature of your home and business, but there are numerous advantages to wall-mounted split systems, such as cost savings and their simplicity of use.
Homes and businesses can benefit from split-system air conditioning in many ways, such as:
Easy Installation
Offering both affordability and convenience, split-system air conditioners offer a simple solution to cooling indoor spaces. Installing a split system in less time than other systems require, the unit necessitates only copper tubing and cabling for setup - working without ducts and it seamlessly blends into your room with little effort needed for installation.
Split system air conditioners offer you a contemporary and superior cooling system for your home. With outdoor units that will fit snugly against the wall of your home, you won't have to deal with an unsightly compressor that spoils its beauty.
Forget about windows. This cooling solution can be installed anywhere in your home or property. Install it on the wall to maintain a discreet setup while enjoying the comfortable feeling it provides. Rather than bulky, ugly and unsightly ducts, split system air conditioners have space saving advantages, fit into tight spaces, and perform well in any room.
Low-Cost Solution
A wall mounted split system air conditioner is an efficient and affordable investment to achieve temperature control without the hefty price tag. Setting it right will reduce costs, and save energy for maximum efficiency. This is ideal for maintaining year-round comfort in your home.
Split-system air conditioners are a hassle-free cooling option for property owners or renters. Its low maintenance design lets you replace the split system filter every month, and some filters can even be washed and reused! With their clean, compact look, split systems are an ideal way to keep your space cool with minimal effort.
Runs Quietly
Get a cooler, more effective approach to staying cool with split system air conditioning units. They offer quiet sleep and work comfort. Say goodbye to heavy motors and noisy clunking sounds. Split system units operate without fluctuation. You can even set a timer for easy comfort when required.
Split system air conditioning offers all these benefits, and it's no wonder why it's still a favourite among Australian homes.
How Much is Split System Air Conditioning?
Are you looking for a way to beat the heat in Perth? Installing an air conditioner could be your ticket to cool comfort—but how much will it set you back?
Split System Air Conditioning Cost by Room Size
The cost of split system air conditioners depends on the size of the unit and the area that is being heated or cooled making them very versatile and affordable. High capacity systems are usually needed in larger rooms making them more expensive.
The average price for split system air conditioning units (including installation) is between $1,500 to $5,500, depending on the brand, size of the system, property layout, and complexity of installation.
The following estimates assume common room size and typical use to provide a better understanding of the full installation costs:
(Up to ~20m² | 2.0–2.5kW)
Approx. $1,500 to $2,500 installed
(20–40m² | 3.0–5.0kW)
Approx. $2,000 to $3,500 installed
(40m²+ | 5.0–7.0kW+)
Approx. $3,000 to $5,500+ installed
Considering your room size is a good start, but sunlight, insulation, ceiling height and layout can all affect the size of the system you will. A reason why it is essential to consult with an air conditioning specialist who can suggest the suitable model to fit your residence and budget. If you are in need of advice you can reach out to our team.
Now with the overview of split system price for room size and kW capacity, let's go a little deeper. We'll examine the differences in pricing between brands.
Split System Prices by Brand
The cost of split systems can differ significantly depending on the brand, even for a split system of the same size. Some brands are known for their affordability, while others are seen as a higher-end brand offering more quality in terms of features and construction.
In most brands, the cost of a split system air conditioner, excluding installation typically ranges from $700 to $4,500. Smaller units are on the cheaper end while larger sizes and high-end brands for open-plan living areas are more pricey. The more the capacity increases, the more obvious the difference between budget and premium brands becomes.
If you're looking to buy a new air conditioner, a lot of attractive brands and models are on the market. Let's take a look at some of the most popular of them and their average split system air conditioner price ranges, by size.
Braemar
Daikin and Panasonic are at the top end for small room systems, at up to ~$2,000 and ~$1,900 respectively. Hisense and Kelvinator, on the other hand, have the lowest entry points around ~$600-$700.
For medium rooms, Daikin is again one of the more expensive options, as prices can reach up to ~$2,600. Meanwhile, Hisense and Kelvinator are one of the cheapest brands, typically at prices less than ~$1,500.
For large rooms, Daikin and Panasonic are at the high end of the market with systems of around ~$4,000–$4,500+. However, there are brands that are more accessible such as Hisense and Kelvinator, with bigger systems available for about $1,500–$2,500.
It's important to note that these are not fixed prices—the cost will depend on the model, the features, and the retailer. The table is just a general guide to compare brands and approximate prices. These are all prices for the system only, and do not include installation.
Rated Highly by Our Customers Across Perth
Star rating: 4.9
Reviews: 186
Star rating: 5
Reviews: 16
Split System Air Conditioning Installation Cost
Generally, split system air conditioning is the cheaper option to install than ducted systems and thus widely used in smaller homes or individual rooms. Even though the initial setup cost is less, installation costs can still fluctuate based on the system size and the ease of set up.
The installation cost of a split system varies but generally costs approximately $600 for smaller units and about $1200 or higher for larger units. The shorter the pipe runs and the simpler the layout, the more basic the installation, which means a lower price. This is in addition to the price of the system itself.
Typically, installation is done by trained technicians with labour typically costs $80 to $150+ per hour depending on the technician and the complexity of the job. This is in addition to the price of the system itself.
These ranges are only a guideline and the final cost of installing the split system will depend on a number of factors specific to your home and the system being installed. Each element can affect the total price of the installation from unit size to the access and electrical needs.
As the size of the system increases, it will also need more power, heavier components, and extra labour, all of which can add to the costs of installation.
The cost of simple back-to-back installations is generally less expensive compared to longer runs of pipe, multi-storey homes or installations where the outdoor unit is mounted on a wall or roof as this will add to the labour and material required.
The distance between the indoor and outdoor units determine the amount of piping and electrical cabling required.
Electrical Requirements
Some systems require a separate circuit and/or switchboard upgrades, which increase the system cost.
Labour time and overall costs may increase if access is difficult, especially for double-storey homes or installations that require difficult wall penetrations, long pipe runs, or working at height.
Proper condensate drainage is essential, and additional work may be required depending on the property layout.
So, What Does It Cost to Install a Split System Air Conditioner?
Split system pricing depends on the setup you are installing and the difficulty of the installation, as there is no fixed price. However, most installations can be predicted based on the scope of work.
Although each split system installation varies, you can still get a general idea of the costs so you have realistic expectations. It also helps if you prepare a budget before requesting a custom estimate.
Who Can Install a Split System Air Conditioner?
Installing a split system air conditioner involves more than just mounting. It requires proper refrigerant handling, correct electrical connections, and proper system setup to operate safely and efficiently. For this reason, we recommend having split systems installed by licensed air conditioning technicians, such as our team at Global Cool Air. A qualified electrician or plumber can also perform installations, but they must be qualified to handle refrigerants and hold the necessary refrigerant-handling licence to complete the installation legally.
Refrigerant handling in Australia is controlled for safety and environmental protection. Installers should hold a licence consistent with national requirements to ensure the system runs efficiently and complies with the requirements. The Australian Refrigeration Council has guidelines that outline these requirements for refrigerant handling licences.
Global Cool Air has been around for more than 15 years, and we can provide you with a reliable split system installation in Perth. We use established brands and customise each setup to fit your home, layout, and budget.
Contact us to find out more about our installation services or if you want advice from our experts.
Need a Split System Quote?
Our team will help you choose the right split system for your space and budget, with honest advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
Cost to Run a Split System Aircon – What to Expect
Split system air conditioners come in a range of sizes, and running costs will vary depending on system capacity, usage and operating conditions. The following estimates are based on typical Australian electricity costs (around $0.30 per kWh) to help you understand what to expect from various system sizes.
Split systems typically are not costly to operate, particularly compared to larger whole-house units. They can cool individual rooms, so they only consume energy when needed and where needed, which reduces overall electricity consumption. The Australian Government guide to appliance energy ratings and running costs also provides further information on how electricity use is estimated.
While split systems have a rated input power, modern inverter-type systems can modulate output power to keep the indoor temperature constant and save energy once the desired temperature is reached.
For instance, a smaller system (2.5KW) may cost about $0.20-$0.25 per hour, and a larger one (9KW) may cost about $0.75-80 per hour depending on the conditions.
*Based on 8 hours of daily use over 30 days at current electricity rates (~$0.30 per kWh). Actual costs may vary depending on usage and conditions.
As demand for energy-efficient products grows, manufacturers have developed engineering improvements. This focus is reflected in measures like the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is found on many modern air conditioners.
To better understand how air conditioners are rated for energy efficiency in Australia, consult the Zoned Energy Rating Label guide, which explains how an air conditioner's energy efficiency and running costs are calculated in different climates.
Energy efficiency is a top priority, and today's air conditioners need a precise estimation of running costs. The following is a basic example of how to calculate running costs for a split system.
(kW capacity ÷ EER) × electricity price (per kWh) = cost per hour
If you were to run a 2.5kW air conditioner, the cost can be estimated using an EER of 3.20:
(2.5 ÷ 3.20) × $0.30 = $0.23 per hour
Daily cost (based on 8 hours of use): $1.88
Monthly cost: $56.25
Ongoing operating expenses may be lower if you purchase an air conditioner that is more energy efficient, that is, a higher EER.
Estimate Split System Running Costs
Answer a few quick questions to estimate hourly, daily and monthly running costs for a split system air conditioner.
What size split system do you have or need?
How many hours per day do you usually run it?
What electricity rate would you like to use?
Your Estimated Running Cost
Based on a split system air conditioner and your selected electricity rate.
Split System Aircon Service Cost – What to Expect
By servicing your split system regularly, you can keep it performing efficiently, improve air quality, and reduce the risk of sudden failures.
So, how much does it cost to service a split system air conditioner?
Average Split System Air Conditioning Service Costs
The cost of standard domestic split system servicing generally ranges from $180 to $250 (GST included) and depends on the system type and condition. If the unit is used a lot, or if more extensive services are needed, it may be more costly, especially if deep cleaning is necessary.
Regular servicing not only helps prolong the life of your system but can also help keep it operating efficiently, minimising the risk of future breakdowns and costlier running expenses.
At Global Cool Air, a ducted air conditioning service typically includes:
Learn more about our air conditioning servicing or get a free quote today to keep your split system running at its best.
Finance Options for Split System & Installation Costs
Installing a new air conditioner or upgrading an existing one can be costly. Multiple financing options can help with the initial expense.
Here are four options to consider:
Buy now, pay later with flexible payment terms—interest-free options such as weekly, fortnightly, and monthly repayments.
Flexible payment plans for larger purchases. Interest-free periods available, with short- and long-term options.
In-house or partner finance options offered by installers. Combine system and installation into one payment plan.
Use a personal loan or access funds through your home loan or redraw facility. Often suited for larger installations, with structured repayments over time.
Concerned about the cost of a new split system? Get in touch with our team to explore flexible finance options and find a solution that works for your budget.
Why Choose Global Cool Air for Split System Air Conditioning
At Global Cool Air, we make it our goal to help Perth homeowners select the perfect split system for their needs, budget, and comfort satisfaction. We offer honest advice, transparent pricing and custom solutions to meet your needs, from system selection to installation.
Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Split System
Our Perth team has extensive experience in assisting homeowners to choose the right split to fit their room. Size and layout of the room, usage, insulation and other factors are considered when we recommend a system that will cool efficiently without any unnecessary running cost.
From selecting the ideal unit to professional installation, we make the entire process simple. Clear recommendations, transparent pricing, and a solution for your home and budget is what you'll get from us.
You might also be interested in:
If you’re comparing split system options or ready to get started, speak with our team for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
Get Your Split System Cost Estimate
Receive expert advice, accurate pricing and a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your room, layout and budget.
