How much does an Air Conditioning installation cost in Australia?

When the temperature rises or falls, homeowners start thinking about the installation of an air conditioning system is one of the most convenient options.

Surely, you are wondering how much does it cost to install an air conditioner in Australia? Currently, they usually vary in a range of prices depending on the specialist and style of air.

But, thanks to the internet, we can use an air conditioning installation cost calculator that will help us to orient us if we are charging correctly the service. In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about air conditioning installation in Australia. Want to know more? Read on.

Is Australia a country with a lot of air conditioners? Why?

Australia is a country with extreme weather conditions, especially in terms of temperature, and it seems to be getting worse due to the climate change that the whole world is experiencing in recent years.

An Australian government institution states that Australia’s climate has increased by approximately 1 degree Celsius since the 1920s. Therefore, this leads to an increase in the frequency of extreme heat events that we are currently experiencing and will continue to see.

Unsurprisingly, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost three quarters of Australian households now own an air conditioner to meet their summer or winter needs.

However, the reality is that these products on the market are very expensive to install and labor services of professionals as well.

The International Energy Agency reports that air conditioning accounts for about 10% of the world’s electricity consumption. Therefore, careful selection of air conditioners is essential.

How much money does it cost to install an air conditioner in Australia 2022?

After a great introduction on why Australia is one of the countries in the world with air conditioners in the vast majority of homes in the country, next, we will tell you how much money it costs to install an air conditioner in Australia 2022.

The cost of installing an air conditioning system in Australia, on average, according to a study of market relevance can cost between $600 and $2000 and must be performed by an authorized technician.

Installation costs are added to the purchase price of the unit. Professional installation technicians typically charge between $60 and $110 plus GST per hour of installation and can range from $600 for a 2.5kW system to $750 for a large 9kW system.

The final amount you will pay depends on many factors, including the type and size of equipment installed, according to: how much ductwork, wiring and other items are needed; location of the installation, such as access, where it will be located in the home and how the unit will be drained; and home electrical infrastructure.

Types of air conditioners

Do you want to know what are the types of air conditioners available on the market? We will discuss them below.

Refrigeration systems

Refrigeration systems are a common form of air conditioning unit used in Australia. Functioning as a refrigerator, liquid refrigerant passes through the system to cool the air.

The reverse cycle system, as the name implies, can reverse this process to heat the air and is the most common form of device sold in this country.

All units require a condenser, refrigerant cooler, fan and drainage system, as the by-product of this process is water.

Portable

These devices are generally only suitable for small spaces and can often be transported on wheels without installation costs.

No installation is required, but many models require access to a window, floor or sink drain to allow air exchange and allow the unit to collect water to drain.

Window or wall units

These units, also known as window air conditioners, are installed in a wall or occupy part of a window opening, so that the interior of the room has the temperature you want to control, while the fan exhausts. and waste water outside.

These devices are only suitable for small and medium-sized spaces. Expert installation may be required.

Reverse cycle split system

This type of air conditioner generally heats and cools small and large rooms and, as the name implies, is composed of two separate components connected by wires and hoses.

The main unit is hung on the wall near the ceiling of the room where you want to control the temperature. The condensers are usually larger and are installed outside the house. This unit usually contains a motor and fan.

Split systems must have a drain inlet so that the water they draw from the air can escape.

You will usually need a licensed installer to add one to your home because of the complex electrical, plumbing and carpentry requirements.

These units are also available as “multi-head” systems, which allow you to control the temperature of multiple rooms.

Canalized

These systems can often heat or cool individual rooms or entire homes, depending on the size of the equipment and the number of “zones” allowed.

Heated or cooled air typically flows from ventilation openings installed in different rooms, going there through ducts (large insulated pipes) to the ceiling cavity, the internal air handler and the condenser outside of the unit.

These types of units can only be installed by a qualified professional and may consider an installation cost of $5,000 for an 8.0 kW reverse cycle air conditioner installed.

 

Tips on how to take care of your air conditioner

Here are some tips on how to take care of your air conditioner for a long service life.

  • Always set it at temperature 24 to save energy.
  • Take out and clean the air conditioning filters.
  • Turn it on for situations where you are at home.
  • Close the windows when turning it on.