How we estimate prices
382
published prices checked, 30 September 2026
Our prices are estimates of what a standard supply-and-install job costs in Australia in 2026, including GST and before any rebate. They are not quotes.
A standard install means a single-storey home, the indoor and outdoor units back to back on one wall, a short pipe run and a basic electrical connection. That's what most advertised prices assume, so it's the fairest common starting point.
Where the numbers come from
On 30 September 2026 we recorded 382 published Australian prices:
- 163 supply-and-install prices advertised by installers across the capital cities and larger regional centres.
- 48 unit prices from Australian retailers and online stores, across premium, mid and value brands.
- 39 install-only prices, including retailer installation services priced by state and size.
- About 66 published cost ranges from Australian cost guides and consumer publications, used as a cross-check.
For each size we looked at the spread of advertised packages and set a range that covers mainstream brands on a standard install, with some room for the extras most homes need. We don't take payment from installers, brands or retailers to show prices.
Split systems by size
| Size | Installed, estimate |
|---|---|
| 2.0 kW | $1,400 to $2,400 |
| 2.5 kW | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| 3.5 kW | $1,700 to $2,700 |
| 5.0 kW | $2,100 to $3,300 |
| 6.0 kW | $2,400 to $3,600 |
| 7.1 kW | $2,600 to $3,900 |
| 8.0 kW | $3,000 to $4,300 |
| 9 kW and up | $3,400 to $4,800 |
Ducted by capacity
| Capacity | Installed, estimate |
|---|---|
| Under 10 kW | $6,500 to $10,500 |
| 10 to 14 kW | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| 14 to 18 kW | $10,000 to $17,000 |
| 18 kW and up | $12,000 to $20,000 |
Most three-bedroom homes need 10 to 14 kW and most four-bedroom homes 14 to 18 kW. Zoning, a two-storey home or a tight roof push ducted towards the top of the range.
Other systems
| Multi-head, 2 rooms | $4,500 to $7,500 |
| Multi-head, 3 rooms | $6,000 to $9,500 |
| Multi-head, 4 rooms | $8,000 to $12,000 |
| Ceiling cassette | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| Install only (you supply the unit) | $600 to $1,300 |
What costs extra
These aren't in a standard install and are the usual reasons a quote comes in higher:
| Double storey (outdoor unit on the ground) | +$275 to $800 |
| Pipe run beyond the standard 3 to 4 metres | $45 to $155 per metre |
| New dedicated circuit | $300 to $900 |
| Switchboard upgrade | $1,000 to $3,500 (more with asbestos) |
| Removing and disposing of the old unit | About $95 to $150 |
Where the data is thin
- Split system prices are well covered, especially 2.5 kW and 7.1 kW units in the larger capital cities.
- Ducted prices lean on Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Advertised packages are often minimal (two to four zones), so typical family homes land higher.
- Multi-head and cassette prices rest on a small number of published prices, so treat them as a guide only.
- City pages for Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, Wollongong and regional Queensland lean on nearby capital-city pricing and cost guides, because few local installers publish prices.
The most reliable number is a quote for your own home. Compare up to three local quotes, itemised, so you can see what's included.
FAQ
About our prices
Are these prices quotes?
No. They're estimates of what a standard install typically costs, set from published prices. Your house decides the real number: access, pipe runs, electrical work and the unit you choose. Get up to three local quotes for the actual job.
Why do advertised prices look cheaper than your ranges?
Most advertised prices are 'from' prices for the simplest job: single storey, back to back, a short pipe run and no electrical upgrade. Our ranges start near those prices and leave room for the extras most homes need.
How often do you update prices?
We re-check published prices each quarter, and sooner if the market moves. Unit prices change weekly with promotions, so treat any single advertised price as a snapshot.
Do the prices include rebates?
No. Prices are before any rebate. Where your state has one, the installer takes it off the quote. See rebates by state.
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