How Much Does It Cost to Install an Aircon in Perth?

Installing an air conditioner in Perth usually costs between $1,800 and $4,800 for a single split system, and from around $10,000 for a ducted system that cools a whole house. The final price comes down to three things: the type and size of the unit, how hard it is to reach the install location, and how much electrical work is needed.

At QuickAir, we install air conditioning and heating across Perth and every other Australian capital, and we’ve completed work for more than 20,000 customers. We charge a fixed $149 for an on-site installation quote, and that fee comes off the job if you go ahead. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay in Perth in 2026, what pushes the price up or down, and how to avoid the common traps.

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner in Perth?

The biggest factor in your total cost is the type of system. A single split system in one room is the cheapest option. A ducted system that cools the whole house is the most expensive. Multi-head splits sit in the middle.

Here is what you can expect to pay in Perth, including both the unit and professional installation.

System type	What it covers	Typical installed cost (unit + installation)
Single split system	One room or open-plan area	$1,800 to $4,800
Multi-head split system	2 to 3 rooms from one outdoor unit	$4,200 to $8,000
Ducted reverse cycle	Whole home	From $10,000, typically $12,000 to $17,000
Ducted, large or multi-storey	Larger homes with full zoning	$15,000 to $30,000

These are all-in figures that include the unit and a standard installation. The consumer group CHOICE notes that a ducted system for a typical freestanding house can easily reach $10,000 or more, while an entry-level ducted system for an apartment starts closer to $5,000.

What’s included in an aircon installation cost?

When you get a quote, you are paying for more than the unit. A standard Perth installation cost is made up of the following parts.

• The unit itself. Split system units range from about $600 to $5,500 depending on brand, capacity, and features. A small 2.5kW unit for a bedroom sits at the lower end. A large reverse-cycle unit for an open-plan living area costs more.
• Installation labour. Installer fees typically run $600 to $800 or more for a standard split system. Hourly rates for licensed work generally fall between $60 and $110.
• Electrical work. A new split system should run on its own dedicated circuit. If your switchboard needs an upgrade or a new circuit added, that adds a few hundred dollars to the job.
• Mounting and materials. Brackets, refrigerant piping, drainage, and weatherproofing. Longer pipe runs between the indoor and outdoor unit cost more.
• Removal of the old unit. If you are replacing an existing system, decommissioning and removing the old one may be a separate line item.

Split system installation cost in Perth

A reverse-cycle split system is the most common choice for Perth homes, and the most affordable to install. A single split installed in one room usually costs $1,800 to $4,800 all up.

The cleanest and cheapest install is a “back-to-back” job. That is where the indoor unit sits on an external wall and the outdoor unit goes directly on the other side. There is very little piping, and the work is often done in a single visit of a few hours.

Costs climb when the job is more involved. A second-storey install, a long pipe run to reach the outdoor unit, restricted roof access, or a switchboard that needs upgrading all add time and materials. This is why two homes on the same street can get very different quotes for what looks like the same unit.

Multi-head split system cost for 2 or 3 rooms

A multi-head split connects two or more indoor units to a single outdoor compressor. It suits homes that want to cool a few specific rooms without the cost of full ducting.

Expect to pay roughly $4,200 to $8,000 for a multi-head system covering two or three rooms. The extra cost over a single split comes from the additional indoor units, the longer pipe runs, and the more complex setup. These jobs sometimes take more than one day.

Ducted air conditioning installation cost in Perth

Ducted reverse cycle is the most seamless way to heat and cool a whole home, and the most expensive to install. You will be hard-pressed to get a ducted system below $5,000 for a small apartment. A typical freestanding house starts at around $10,000, and a large or multi-storey home is usually $15,000 or more.

For most Perth homes, ducted installation lands between $12,000 and $17,000. The largest homes with full zoning can run to $30,000. The price reflects the ductwork that has to be run through the ceiling, the number of zones, the size of the indoor and outdoor units, and the brand you choose.

Because a ducted reverse cycle is such a big-ticket item, it is worth getting a proper on-site assessment rather than a phone estimate. The ducting design and your available roof space have a major impact on the final number.

What affects the cost of installing an aircon in Perth?

Two quotes for the “same” job can differ by thousands of dollars. These are the factors that move the price.

• System type and size. A single split costs a fraction of a ducted system. Within each type, higher-capacity units cost more.
• Access and complexity. Easy ground-floor access keeps costs down. Second-storey installs, tight roof spaces, and awkward outdoor unit placement add labour hours.
• Pipe run length. The further apart the indoor and outdoor units, the more piping and time required.
• Electrical upgrades. Older homes may need a new dedicated circuit or a switchboard upgrade to safely run a new unit.
• Brand. Premium brands such as Daikin and Mitsubishi cost more than budget brands, both for the unit and sometimes for the smart-home wiring. QuickAir installs every major brand sold in Australia.
• Season. Demand spikes in late spring and summer. Booking an install in autumn or winter can mean shorter wait times and, in some cases, better pricing.

Why you need a licensed installer in Perth

In Australia, anyone who installs an air conditioner that contains refrigerant must hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence, known as an ARCtick licence and issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council. Installing, commissioning, and decommissioning this equipment all fall under that licence, and handling refrigerant without one is an offence under national regulations.

Using an unlicensed installer carries real risks. The work can be unsafe, and it can void your manufacturer’s warranty. As CHOICE points out, you need a licensed technician to make sure your system is installed legally and safely and that your warranty stays valid.

You can ask to see a technician’s current licence before any work begins. Every QuickAir technician works under our ARCtick licence (AU49053), and our installers hold the electrical contractor licences required for the wiring side of the job.

How to get an accurate installation quote in Perth

Online price ranges are a useful starting point, but no one can give you a firm number for a ducted system or a tricky split without seeing the property. The honest answer to “how much will it cost” is “it depends on your home,” which is exactly why an on-site quote matters.

A few things that help you get a fair, accurate quote:

• Get more than one quote. Pricing varies, so it pays to compare. Make sure each quote lists the same inclusions, such as the unit, electrical work, and removal of the old system.
• Ask what is included. A cheap headline price often assumes the easiest possible job. Confirm whether electrical upgrades and longer pipe runs are covered.
• Check the licence. Confirm the installer holds a current ARCtick licence before any refrigerant work begins.

At QuickAir, we charge a fixed $149 for an on-site installation quote across Perth and Western Australia, and we credit that fee toward the job if you proceed with the install. Because a new system is a significant spend, we also offer interest-free finance for up to six months through humm90, with most applications approved the same day over the phone.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to install a split system air conditioner?

A standard back-to-back split install takes only a few hours when access is straightforward. Multi-head systems or installs with difficult access can take longer, and sometimes run across more than one day.

Do you need a licensed installer to install an air conditioner in Perth?

Yes. Any installation involving refrigerant legally requires a technician with an ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence. Using an unlicensed installer can void your warranty and is an offence under Australian regulations.

Is it cheaper to install multiple split systems or ducted air conditioning?

For many homes, installing two or three split systems in the key rooms costs less than a full ducted system. If you only need to cool the living area and main bedrooms, splits are usually the cheaper path. Ducted makes more sense when you want even, whole-home climate control.

What is the cheapest way to cool a home in Perth?

A single reverse-cycle split system in your main living area is the most affordable way to start, typically $1,800 to $4,800 installed. You can add more splits over time rather than committing to ducting upfront.

Does QuickAir install air conditioners in Perth?

Yes. We have licensed technicians based locally across Perth and surrounding suburbs, and we install split systems, multi-head systems, ducted reverse cycle, and evaporative cooling on every major brand.

Ready to get a fixed-price quote for your Perth install?

Knowing the ranges is a good start, but the only way to get a firm number is to have a licensed technician look at your home. We’ll give you a clear, fixed quote with no surprises, and the $149 quote fee comes off the job if you go ahead. Book online or call our team on 1300 730 896 to arrange an installation quote in Perth or anywhere in Western Australia.