How Much Does It Cost to Install an Air Conditioner? | Midea
Get a detailed breakdown of air conditioner installation costs in Australia. Explore ducted, split, window box, and portable systems with Midea's easy-to-follow guide.
Air Conditioning Installation Costs Explained: Midea's Guide
Just moved into a fixer-upper, and the A/C is older than your grandparents? Or maybe the A/C at your place has been chugging along faithfully for years but has just packed it in?
If it’s time to install a new air conditioning system, you’re likely worried about the price tag. We get it. The cost of staying cool is a hot topic when you're a homeowner trying to budget smartly!
We’ve got your back. This guide lays out everything you need to know about air conditioner installation costs—whether you’re eyeing a ducted, split, window box, or portable system.
Armed with this information, you’ll be able to pick the best option for your family and your back pocket.
Keep reading to find the answer to the burning question, “How much does it cost to install an air conditioner?”
Different Types of Air Conditioners and Their Costs
Please keep in mind that the following prices are only estimates to help you plan your budget and compare options. For accurate prices, consult A/C suppliers and professional installers in your area.
Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
Ducted systems provide whole-home cooling and heating. The central unit is installed in the ceiling or under the floor and connects to a network of ducts. Cool/warm air travels through the ducts and is distributed through vents in different rooms.
The average cost of a ducted system can range from $8,000 to $15,000 for a standard home, depending on the system’s size (measured in kilowatts) and brand.
Installation can cost $5,000 to $10,000.
Total: $13,000–$25,000.
Pros
Even temperature distribution throughout your entire home.
Centralised control for easy temperature management.
Can be zoned to condition specific areas, improving energy efficiency.
Discreet appearance with minimal visible components.
Cons
Higher upfront cost.
More invasive and time-consuming installation.
Requires more space for ductwork and equipment.
Potentially higher maintenance costs.
Split System Air Conditioners
A split system consists of an indoor unit mounted on an inside wall and an outdoor unit placed outside the house. These units work together to cool the space by transferring heat from inside the home to the outside.
Split systems can cost between $700 and $3,500, depending on their capacity and features.
Professional split system installation costs can vary from $600 to $1,500 per unit.
Total: $1,300–$5,000.
Pros
Ideal for conditioning individual rooms and open-plan areas.
Energy-efficient options are available to help reduce electricity bills.
Quicker and less invasive installation.
Cons
Only cools/heats certain areas, unless multiple units are installed.
Outdoor unit can be visually unappealing.
Requires wall space for the indoor unit, which may limit room design.
Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone device—typically on wheels—that cools a single room or small space. The unit expels the heat it draws in from the room through an exhaust hose, which must be vented out a window or another opening.
Portable units can cost $300 to $1,000.
They usually require minimal DIY installation. You may need to purchase the following tools and materials:
Weatherstripping for a secure seal for the exhaust vent.
Screwdriver for securing the vent kit.
Measuring tape for proper fitting.
Adjustable brackets (if needed for window support).
These items could cost between $70 and $140, depending on the specific products you choose.
Total: $370–$1,140.
Pros:
Easy to move from room to room.
Compact design that fits into small spaces.
Lower upfront cost.
Minimal installation.
Cons
Takes up floor space.
Less energy-efficient.
Can be noisy during operation.
Requires a window or vent for the exhaust hose.
Window Box Units
A window box unit is a compact system installed in a window or through an opening in an exterior wall to cool a single room.
Window box units can cost $400 to $1,200.
If you have the right skills and tools, you can install the unit yourself. If not, professional installation can cost $200 to $500.
Total: $600–$1,700.
Pros
Compact and effective for smaller spaces.
Simple to install and remove.
Affordable.
Cons
Blocks natural light if installed in a window.
May not fit all window types or sizes.
Can be noisy.
What Affects the Cost of Air Conditioning Installation?
Size of the Unit
Larger units (higher kilowatt ratings), such as ducted systems and 7kW or 8kW split systems, are more expensive and complicated to install, requiring two or more professional air conditioner installers.
Complexity of the Installation
Multi-storey homes or those with difficult access areas, such as steep rooftops, tightly enclosed wall spaces, and limited outdoor space for the external unit, can increase labour time and costs.
Small ceiling cavities increase ducted installation costs as maneuvering and fitting the ductwork is more challenging and time-consuming in tight spaces.
Long piping runs from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit increase the installation cost of both split and ducted systems because more materials and additional labour are needed.
Home Location
Labour rates differ across regions. Metropolitan areas generally have higher hourly rates for labour than regional areas.
If you live in a remote location, the A/C installer will likely charge you for additional travel fees.
Extra Trades Needed
Older homes may need electrical system upgrades performed by an electrician to handle the new A/C unit's electrical load.
Modifications to walls, ceilings, or roofs may need to be done by a carpenter.
Some installations, such as placing an A/C unit higher than 1.8m above ground level, may require council approval or compliance certificates, which the local council will charge fees to process.
How Long Does Installation Take and What Should You Expect?
Ducted system: 1–3 days. Expect extensive work to install the ducts and the potential need to vacate certain areas during installation.
Split system: 2–6 hours. Expect minimal disruption. Installation includes mounting indoor and outdoor units and running piping and wiring.
Window box unit: 1–3 hours. Expect minimal disruption and quick installation as the unit is secured and sealed in a window or wall opening.
Portable unit: 30–60 minutes. Expect to install the exhaust hose and window venting kit.
Is It Time To Replace Your Old Air Conditioner?
Signs You Might Need a New One
As well as finding out, “How much does it cost to install an air conditioner?”, you need to ask yourself, “Is it time to replace my old one?”
If you notice any of these signs, the answer is probably yes!
Repair costs adding up. Replacement may be more economical.
Rising energy bills indicating the unit is working harder than necessary.
Uneven temperatures or the inability to reach set temperatures.
Unusual sounds or smells coming from the unit.
Also, consider your system’s age. If it’s 10–15 years old, it’ll be less efficient, meaning it uses more energy to cool your space, leading to higher energy bills and reduced performance.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Modern System
Most new ducted and split air conditioners
Reduce energy consumption by up to 30%! You’ll really notice a decrease in your electricity bills.
Enable remote operation via smartphone apps, so you can control your home's temperature from anywhere.
Improve air quality through upgraded filtration systems.
Provide better humidity control.
Use modern refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.
Operate quieter.
Top Tips on Installation Options
If you decide it’s time for a new air conditioning system, plan ahead before the hot season begins, as this is the busiest time for A/C installers.
Know that some installers only work with specific brands. Remember this before making a purchase.
Also, weigh up if you want to hire a company that provides both the air conditioning unit and the installation service as a package ("supply and install") or purchase the A/C unit yourself and hire an installer separately.
The “supply and install” option is more convenient and guarantees compatibility between the unit and your home’s setup for a seamless installation process—but it can be more expensive. On the other hand, buying the unit and organising installation yourself can give you more flexibility in pricing and unit selection but requires more time and effort.
Don’t Wait for the Heatwave: Shop Midea Air Conditioners Now!
How much does it cost to install an air conditioner?
It depends on the system you choose and the complexity of the installation. But we hope this guide has given you a good general idea.
If you decide to replace your old air conditioning system, don’t wait till it starts heating up—we all know how sweltering hot Aussie summers can get!
Browse the Midea range of affordable, energy-efficient split and ducted air conditioning systems with a generous 7-year warranty on parts and labour. If you’re after a compact portable or window box air conditioner, we have those, too!
Then call 1300 726 002 to speak to a helpful Midea team member about general enquiries or technical support. Alternatively, complete this online form, and we’ll contact you soon.
FAQs on “How Much Does It Cost To Install an Air Conditioner?”
Is It Worth It To Install an A/C?
Installing an air conditioner is definitely worthwhile if you want comfort, better indoor air quality, and increased property value. While the initial investment can be significant, the benefits justify the cost!
How Much Time Does an A/C Installation Take?
A/C installation time depends on the type of system, the complexity of the installation, and the accessibility of the installation area.
Here’s a general guide.
Ducted system: 1–3 days.
Split system: 2–6 hours.
Window box unit: 1–2 hours.
Portable unit: 30–60 minutes.
What Does a Standard A/C Installation Include?
Ducted system: Placing a central unit in the roof space or under the floor, connecting it to a network of ducts, installing vents in each room, setting up a thermostat, and sealing the ductwork.
Split system: Mounting the indoor unit on an interior wall, positioning the outdoor unit on a suitable exterior surface, and connecting them with refrigerant piping and electrical wiring through a small wall opening.
Window box unit: Fitting the unit into a window opening or prepared wall slot, securing it in place, and sealing any gaps.
Portable unit: Placing the unit in the desired room, attaching the exhaust hose to the unit, and venting it through a window or another opening using the provided kit.