How much does air conditioner installation cost?

The average hourly air conditioner installation cost in Australia is $80. This, of course, depends on the job they are tasked to complete. Aircon installation costs, on average, $5,000. This price varies depending on the size of the house, how many windows you have, and the type of air conditioner you’re planning to install.

Whether you need to install a split system, ducted, portable unit, or window unit, or even repair the air conditioner that you currently have, the prices may increase or decrease. This air con installation cost guide will be the first step to cooling your home. 

Air conditioner installation and repair prices for different types of services

AC installation costs can vary from service to service. Some electricians are paid by the hour, but others charge based on the air conditioner brand, type, wattage, and any other services added to the original job requested.

Air conditioner installation prices for different types of brands

If you need to install an air conditioner, but you’re not sure how much your brand of air conditioner will cost, here is a breakdown of the estimated average price of each service:

Average hourly rate for air conditioner installers in Australia

Depending on whether you’re installing an air conditioner in a domestic building or a commercial building, the hourly air conditioning installation cost can vary. Fair Work Australia has set the Electrical Power Industry Award Pay Guide for electricians at the following rates:

These rates are based on averages from Fair Work Australia. For domestic buildings, the hourly rate is $60-$100, whereas the commercial hourly rate is $80-$140. The prices will vary, once again, depending on the service that is required, and any other factors that may affect the price. Some are listed below:

• Location 

• Accessibility to air conditioner

• Size and type of aircon

• Brand of aircon

The type of air conditioner brand will also help determine the final cost of the installation. Certain split system air conditioner brands will increase the overall cost of installation, due to specific parts, services, and maintenance. The following prices for certain air conditioner brands are listed below:

Average air conditioner installation prices based on Australian state or territory

Air conditioner prices vary depending on your location in Australia. Typically, larger populated cities have cheaper rates for installation; the rates are listed below: 

What factors affect the price of air conditioner installation services?

Many factors can affect the price of installing an air conditioner in your home. Some of the factors can dramatically increase or decrease the overall cost, so here are a few of them listed:

• Number of windows in the specified location

• Type and size of the unit

• Brand of aircon

• Amount of cable ducting required

• Amount of refrigeration piping and interconnecting cable used

• Accessibility

Other types of services that electricians can do

There are many other things that electricians, plumbers, and aircon installers can do for you while they’re preparing the aircon, some of which include: 

• Maintaining the aircon unit

• Checking refrigerant levels and recharging

• Replacing circuit board and fuses

• Replacing air filters

• Resetting the thermostat and calibrating 

• Fixing leaks

Do I need to hire an aircon installer?

There are many different types of air conditioners, and sometimes you may think you can install them yourself. However, a licensed electrician is the safest and most legal option for those who want to install an air conditioner in their home. Of course, a portable air conditioner can be installed by yourself, but it’s best to hire a professional for the following installations and repairs:

• Ducted system

• Window units

• Central cooling

• Split system

• Pipe repairs

In Australia, the Australian Refrigerator Council requires you to hire a licensed electrician or plumber to install or repair an air conditioner in a building. They must hold a full Refrigeration & Air Conditioning licence or a restricted license; the latter only allows them to install a split system aircon.

What are some questions to ask an electrician?

Before you hire an electrician to install or repair an air conditioner in your home, there are a few questions that you definitely need to ask, to make sure you’re getting the best possible professional for the job.

• Do they have a full Refrigeration & Air Conditioning licence?

• How many tradies will be present whilst the installation or repair takes place?

• Do they have insurance?

• What services do they provide?

• Do I need a permit to have this air conditioner?

• What is included in their service fees?

Before you hire a professional, be sure that all tradies present in your home are licensed. Some tradies are certified air conditioner installers, some may be plumbers with certified training in installation and repair, and some have training but no license. Be sure to confirm these before you hire, as your installation process needs to be legal and of the best quality.

 Getting ready to hire someone to install or repair an air conditioner in your home

Getting ready to cool down your home? Let’s get started! Here are the things you’ll need to prepare for your listing. Explain your task, post your listing, review your offers, and select the right person, and they’ll get your building cool! 

Here are some things to include in your listing:

• Location

• Budget

• Type of aircon

• Size of aircon

• Specific room / whole house

• Type of insulation you have

• Whether you need ductwork

• Whether you need repairs or installation

The more information you include in this listing, the better your outcome and the more accurate the air conditioner installation cost will be. It makes it much easier for the electrician when they come to help you out. It’s also a good idea to have everything listed, so they can refer to it later if needed.