Cost guides › Split system air conditioning
Australia
Split system installation cost
Installing a separate reverse-cycle split system in each of 3 rooms typically costs $9,000 including GST, with most quotes between $7,000 and $11,700. A multi-head system with one outdoor unit for all rooms comes in around $4,650, and concealed ceiling-recessed units run about $17,500.
Most homeowners pay
Estimate your project
Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $4,750 | $9,200 | $17,800 |
| Western Australia | $4,700 | $9,100 | $17,600 |
| New South Wales | $4,650 | $9,050 | $17,500 |
| Northern Territory | $4,700 | $9,050 | $17,500 |
| Queensland | $4,650 | $8,950 | $17,400 |
| Victoria | $4,650 | $8,950 | $17,400 |
| South Australia | $4,600 | $8,850 | $17,200 |
| Tasmania | $4,600 | $8,700 | $17,100 |
What's included
Mid-range
- One 3.5 kW reverse-cycle split system per room, each with its own outdoor unit
- Wall-mounted indoor unit, core hole through the wall, vacuum and commissioning per room
- Pre-insulated copper pipe, about 5 m per unit
- Condensate drain for each indoor unit
- Dedicated circuit with its own circuit breaker and cabling in conduit for each outdoor unit
- Outdoor unit bracket and connection
- Heating and cooling from the same units
What affects the cost
Separate splits vs. multi-head
A separate split in each room runs independently, and if one fails the others keep working. A multi-head system saves outdoor units and wall space but ties every room to one compressor.
Capacity
Bedrooms are usually covered by 2.5–3.5 kW units, while open-plan living areas often need 5–8 kW. Undersized units run flat out and struggle on hot days; oversized ones cost more for no benefit.
Pipe run and install position
The estimate assumes a back-to-back or short install with each indoor unit within about 5 m of its outdoor unit. Long pipe runs through the roof space, two-storey installs and pipe covers on the facade add cost.
Switchboard
Each outdoor unit gets its own circuit. An old switchboard with ceramic fuses or no free space may need upgrading before the electrician can connect, which is not included.
Unit style
Wall-mounted splits are the cheapest. Ceiling cassettes, floor consoles and concealed units look tidier but cost more and often need a plasterboard bulkhead.
How to save
- Put outdoor units directly behind the indoor units on an external wall to keep pipe runs short.
- Size each unit to its room rather than buying the biggest model.
- Book the install in autumn or spring, when installers are less busy than in summer heatwaves.
- Cover the main living area and main bedroom first, and add other rooms later.
Grants, tax and rules
Licensed trades
The electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician under state licensing. Ask for the certificate of compliance once the job is done.
GST
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and so do our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install split system air conditioning?
With a separate 3.5 kW split system in each of 3 rooms, expect about $9,000 including GST. One multi-head system for the same rooms is around $4,650.
What size air conditioner do I need for a bedroom?
Most bedrooms are well served by 2.5–3.5 kW of cooling. Rooms with west-facing glass, high ceilings or poor insulation may need more; a good installer will size each room.
Is reverse-cycle air conditioning good for heating?
Yes. Reverse-cycle splits are heat pumps and are among the most efficient ways to heat individual rooms with electricity.
Split systems or ducted air conditioning?
For a few rooms, split systems usually cost less and let you heat or cool only the rooms in use. Ducted suits whole-house comfort and hides the equipment, but costs considerably more to install.
How long does a split system install take?
A straightforward back-to-back install usually takes a few hours per unit, so three rooms are typically done in one to two days.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 33.3 · Labour: $2,014 · Materials: $6,166
Sources: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.