Aircon installation in Western Australia costs $980 to $2,100 for a single split system and $4,500 to $15,000 for a ducted reverse cycle system covering a whole house. A multi-head split running two rooms usually lands between $2,200 and $3,800. Those figures cover the unit and the labour to fit it. QuickAir installs and services heating and cooling in Perth and every other Australian capital, and across more than 20,000 customers served nationally we’ve found three things move a WA quote most: the system type, where the outdoor unit can legally sit, and how much electrical work the switchboard needs.
Western Australia sits differently to the eastern states on price. In our experience labour rates here run below Sydney and Melbourne, which pulls the typical installed cost down. There’s a catch on the other side. WA has no state scheme that discounts the upfront cost of a new air conditioner, so you pay the quoted price in full.
Below is what each system type costs here, what sits inside a quote, the noise rule that decides where your outdoor unit goes, and the one WA rebate worth knowing about.
Air conditioning installation prices by system type
The system you choose sets the ballpark and everything else adjusts it. The table below shows typical installed costs across Perth and regional WA, covering both the unit and the labour to fit it.
| System type | Typical capacity | Installed cost in WA (AUD) |
| Split system, one room | 2.5 to 5 kW | $980 to $1,680 |
| Split system, large or open-plan room | 6 to 9 kW | $1,280 to $2,100 |
| Multi-head split, 2 indoor units | 3 to 5 kW per head | $2,200 to $3,800 |
| Ducted reverse cycle, 3 to 4 zones | Whole home | $4,500 to $9,500 |
| Ducted reverse cycle, larger freestanding home | Whole home | $10,000 to $15,000+ |
| Ducted evaporative cooling | Whole home | $2,800 to $5,200 |
| Labour only, you supply the unit | Split system | $750 to $1,900 |
| Portable unit, no installation | 3 to 5 kW | $300 to $1,500 |
Two homes on the same street in Bassendean or Baldivis can pay different prices for the identical unit once access, switchboard condition and pipe runs are counted. Treat these as budgeting ranges, not quotes.
How much does it cost to install a split system in Perth?
A single split system costs $980 to $2,100 installed in Perth, depending on the size of the room it needs to condition. A 2.5 to 5 kW unit for a bedroom or a standard living area generally sits between $980 and $1,680 fitted. A 6 to 9 kW unit for a large open-plan space runs $1,280 to $2,100.
The two halves of that price move independently, which is why quotes vary so much. CHOICE prices split system units at $600 to $5,500 before installation, and puts a standard installer’s fee at $600 to $800 or more. Pick a premium inverter model from a top-tier brand and the unit alone can cost more than an entire budget install.
A split system is the most common install we do in WA homes. A reverse cycle model cools through a Perth summer and takes the edge off a cold July morning from the same unit, so most rooms never need a separate heater.
Why a back-to-back install is the cheapest option
A back-to-back install puts the indoor head and the outdoor unit on opposite sides of the same wall. The pipe run is short, there’s no cavity chasing and no roof work, which is why it sits at the bottom of every price band above.
Costs climb as soon as the outdoor unit has to go somewhere else. That happens more often in WA than people expect, because noise rules and narrow side access on newer estates push a lot of outdoor units to the rear of the block. Every extra metre of copper adds material and labour.
What does a multi-head split system cost?
A multi-head split runs two or more indoor heads from a single outdoor unit and typically costs $2,200 to $3,800 installed in WA for two rooms. Each additional head adds to the price, because each one needs its own pipe run, drain and mounting work.
Multi-head suits homes where the roof cavity is too tight for ductwork, and homes where you only want a few rooms conditioned. It also keeps you to one outdoor unit, which matters on a small block where there are only so many places a compressor can legally go.
How much does ducted air conditioning cost in WA?
A ducted reverse cycle system costs $4,500 to $15,000 or more installed in Western Australia. A smaller home with three or four zones usually falls between $4,500 and $9,500. A typical freestanding house needing full coverage sits closer to $10,000, and larger or multi-storey homes run past $15,000. Labour alone on a ducted job in Perth generally accounts for $5,200 to $8,200 of that.
Ducted quotes vary more than any other system because there are more variables to price:
- The capacity of the outdoor unit, sized to the whole house rather than one room
- The length and layout of the duct runs through the roof space
- The number of zones and the controller that runs them
- How workable the roof cavity is, which decides how many hours the job takes
- Whether an existing evaporative system has to come out first
That last point catches people out on a changeover. Evaporative ductwork is sized for a much higher air volume at lower pressure, so a refrigerated system pushed through it will underperform. Budget for new ductwork, and treat any quote that reuses the old ducting with some caution.
Is evaporative cooling cheaper to install in Perth?
Yes. Ducted evaporative cooling costs $2,800 to $5,200 installed, well under a ducted reverse cycle system covering the same floor area. It pulls outside air through wet pads and pushes it through the house, and it draws far less electricity than a refrigerated system.
Perth is one of the better cities in the country for it. Evaporative cooling works best when the air is dry, and Perth’s summer air is genuinely dry. The Bureau of Meteorology puts the city’s mean 3pm humidity at 39% in January and 38% in February. That’s the condition evaporative cooling was built for, which is why so many WA homes already have one in the roof.
The trade-offs are still real.
| Factor | Ducted evaporative | Ducted reverse cycle |
| Typical installed cost in WA | $2,800 to $5,200 | $4,500 to $15,000+ |
| Heating | None, you still need a heater | Yes, replaces a separate heater |
| Performance when humidity rises | Reduced | Unaffected |
| Windows and doors while running | Must stay open | Kept closed |
| Water use | 25 litres or more per hour | None |
| Running cost | Lower | Higher |
The government’s Your Home guide notes that a central evaporative system uses 25 litres or more per hour on hot dry days, which is worth counting given WA water pricing. Evaporative also loses ground on the humid days that arrive in late summer, and it gives you nothing in winter.
For a household with decent heating already in place, evaporative is the cheaper way into summer cooling. For a household that wants one system for both seasons and steady temperature through a 43 degree day, ducted reverse cycle is worth the difference.
What is included in the cost of an aircon installation?
An installed price is the unit plus the labour and materials to fit it safely and legally. Knowing how that splits helps you read a quote properly and spot where a low headline number is leaving something out.
| Cost component | Typical cost (AUD) |
| The unit, 2.5 kW basic through to 9 kW high capacity | $600 to $5,500 |
| Installation labour, standard split | $750 to $1,900 |
| Materials and fittings: brackets, copper pipe, insulation, drain | $100 to $500+ |
| Electrical work: dedicated circuit or switchboard upgrade | $300 to $800+ |
| Acoustic screening or an extended pipe run for unit placement | $0 to $500+ |
| Removal and disposal of the old unit | Included, or up to $400 |
Every one of those lines should appear on a written quote before work starts. Ours do, and our pricing is published upfront, so the price you see is the price you pay.
Who is legally allowed to install air conditioning in WA?
Two licences are involved in a WA installation, and the split between them explains why quotes include electrical work as a separate line.
Anyone handling refrigerant in Australia needs a current Australian Refrigeration Council licence. You can verify any installer through the council’s licence check tool before they start work. On the electrical side, the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 allow a refrigeration technician holding a restricted electrical licence to disconnect and reconnect equipment, but that licence does not authorise them to install or alter fixed wiring.
In plain terms, if your air conditioner needs a new dedicated circuit run from the switchboard, a licensed electrician has to do that part. It’s the most common reason a WA install needs two trades on site, and it’s worth confirming both are covered before you accept a quote. Every QuickAir technician holds an Australian Refrigeration Council licence, and we hold Registered Electrical Contractor licences in every state we work in, listed on our licences and insurance page.
Do WA noise rules change where your outdoor unit can go?
Yes, and this is the WA factor most homeowners don’t see coming. Under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, an outdoor unit has to sit within assigned noise levels measured at the neighbouring property. From 10pm the allowable level in most suburban areas drops to 35 dB(A), and an installer who fits a unit that emits unreasonable noise faces a penalty of up to $5,000.
The industry best practice guideline for WA is direct about what that means on site. Outdoor units should not be located next to a neighbour’s windows, bedrooms or living areas, should sit as far from surrounding dwellings as the block allows, and should avoid narrow side passages where sound reflects between walls and eaves.
On a wide older block this changes nothing. On a modern green title lot with little side access, it can move the outdoor unit from the side of the house to the rear, add several metres of copper pipe, and sometimes call for an acoustic screen. That’s real money on a quote, and it’s why two identical units on the same street can be priced differently.
Are there rebates for air conditioning in WA?
No. There is no WA rebate that reduces the upfront cost of buying or installing an air conditioner. Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia all run schemes that discount the install itself. WA does not, so budget for the full quoted amount.
The state does run an Air Conditioning Rebate, but it subsidises the cost of operating an air conditioner rather than buying one. It applies to eligible households in areas of high heat discomfort, meaning north of the 26th parallel or north of the 50 day Relative Strain Index line. Perth households sit outside the eligible zone.
For households in the north of the state it’s worth claiming. Synergy applies the rebate as an electricity credit of up to 221.8 kWh a month, worth roughly $70 a month on the A1 home tariff. To qualify you need to live in an eligible area and either hold a concession card with a dependent child at home, or hold a WA Seniors Card together with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Horizon Power administers the same rebate in its supply areas.
Finance is the other lever households use to spread a ducted job. Ours runs interest free for up to six months through humm90, with most applications approved the same day.
What size air conditioner do you need for a Perth home?
Sizing drives both the purchase price and the running cost, and getting it wrong hurts in both directions. An undersized system never reaches temperature on a hot day. An oversized system costs more to buy, short-cycles, and can cost more to run.
| Room size | Recommended capacity |
| Up to 20 m² | 2 to 2.5 kW |
| 20 to 40 m² | 2.5 to 5 kW |
| 40 to 60 m² | 4 to 6 kW |
| 60 to 80 m² | 5 to 7 kW |
| 80 m² and above | 6 to 9 kW |
WA sizing has to account for peak heat rather than average heat. Perth’s mean summer maximum sits at 31.6°C, but the summer of 2025 to 2026 peaked at 43°C on Christmas Day at Perth Airport and Pearce. A unit sized for a mild 30 degree day will run flat out and still fall behind through a week like that.
Ceiling height, insulation, glazing and orientation all shift the answer, sometimes by a full model size. West-facing living rooms in coastal suburbs take a hammering from afternoon sun and usually need a size up. The industry body AIRAH publishes a free cooling load calculator that accounts for these variables, though an on-site heat load assessment still beats any online tool. Our guide on what size air conditioner you need goes through the calculation in more detail.
Can you supply your own unit and pay for installation only?
Yes. Labour-only installation of a split system you’ve bought yourself typically costs $750 to $1,900 in WA for a straightforward job, and $5,200 to $8,200 for a ducted system.
It looks like the cheap route and sometimes it is. Two things catch people out. The first is warranty responsibility, because when a fault appears and the unit came from one place and the install from another, it takes longer to sort out who fixes it. The second is that a labour-only price is an estimate until the technician sees the job. A switchboard with no spare capacity, a compliant outdoor unit position at the back of the block, or a long pipe run can all lift the final figure.
When is the cheapest time to install air conditioning in Perth?
Autumn and winter. Demand spikes with the first serious heat of spring and stays high through summer, and both price and availability reflect it. Booking between April and August generally means better availability and less pressure on the decision.
There’s a practical angle too. If your system is limping, replacing it in a cool month means you’re not choosing under duress with the house at 38 degrees. That’s when people overpay.
How do you compare installation quotes?
The ranges above get you to a budget. The accurate number comes from someone standing in your home. When you compare quotes, check each one covers the same scope:
- The unit, including make, model and capacity in kW
- Installation labour, with the pipe run length stated
- All materials and fittings
- Electrical work, including a switchboard upgrade if one is needed
- The proposed outdoor unit position and any acoustic treatment
- Removal and disposal of the old system
- Whether both the refrigerant and electrical licences are covered
A quote that leaves out the switchboard upgrade or the disposal fee looks cheaper on paper and costs more by the end of the job. When we assess a WA home, our technician looks at the rooms, the unit placement, the pipe run, the roof space and the switchboard, then gives you a fixed written price.
Budget for upkeep as well. Perth’s dust and coastal salt air are hard on outdoor units, and an annual service and maintenance visit keeps a system running through summer and keeps most manufacturer warranties valid. We handle air conditioner servicing in Perth at the same fixed price we charge everywhere else.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a split system installation cost in Perth?
A single split system costs $980 to $2,100 installed in Perth, covering the unit and the labour. Labour on its own, if you supply the unit, runs $750 to $1,900. Premium brands and complex installs sit above those ranges.
Do you need an electrician to install an air conditioner in WA?
Usually yes. A refrigeration technician with a restricted electrical licence can disconnect and reconnect equipment, but cannot install or alter fixed wiring. If your unit needs a new dedicated circuit from the switchboard, a licensed electrician has to do that work.
How long does a split system installation take?
A standard back-to-back split system install usually takes three to five hours. A longer pipe run, a second-storey position or a switchboard upgrade can push it to a full day. A ducted system typically takes two to three days.
Can I get a government rebate for a new air conditioner in Perth?
No. WA has no rebate that reduces the purchase or installation cost of an air conditioner. Perth also sits outside the zone for the state’s Air Conditioning Rebate, which only subsidises running costs for eligible households in high heat discomfort areas.
Is evaporative cooling cheaper than reverse cycle in WA?
Evaporative is cheaper to install, at $2,800 to $5,200 for a ducted system against $4,500 or more for ducted reverse cycle, and it costs less to run. It only cools, needs windows open, uses 25 litres of water or more per hour, and loses effectiveness when humidity rises.
Why do air conditioning installation quotes vary so much in Perth?
Quotes vary because of the system type, the home size, the switchboard condition, and where the outdoor unit can legally sit under WA noise regulations. A back-to-back split on a wide block is far cheaper to fit than the same unit relocated to the rear of a narrow green title lot.
How quickly can you get an installation quote in Perth?
Most on-site installation quotes in Perth can be booked same day or next morning, including through summer. The assessment takes about an hour and you finish with a fixed written price rather than an estimate to be confirmed later.
Get a fixed price for your WA install
Working out a ballpark from the ranges above is a sensible first step. The accurate number comes from an on-site look at your rooms, unit placement, pipe run, roof space and switchboard. You can book an installation quote for a fixed $149, or $139 if you’ve booked with us before, credited against the job if you go ahead with the install. Our licensed technicians cover Perth and regional Western Australia, most bookings are same day or next morning, and every install is backed by our 100% workmanship guarantee. Book online or call us on 1300 730 896.
