A sweltering Sydney summer is around the corner so you’ve bought a new A/C unit, what next?

The hourly rate for air conditioner installation in Sydney sits between $60 and $100 per hour (exc. GST) with an average of $80. Keep in mind, the air conditioning installation cost depends on the size of your house, the number of rooms to be included, as well as how complex the installation is.

During the summer season, the last thing you want is an uncomfortably hot and sweaty home.

And one of the best ways to fight the oppressive indoor summer heat that Sydney is famous for is with your very own air conditioner.

As temperatures soar, you might be tempted to dash ahead with getting your A/C set up to join the 63% of Aussies already enjoying their A/C during warmer months. However, there’s one crucial step between buying an air conditioner and enjoying it’s cool air – and that’s the tricky installation process that needs to be taken care of by a professional service.

On average, the hourly rate for air conditioner installation in Sydney is $80, though the price for A/C install depends on the size of your house, the number of rooms to be included (if you’re opting for a ducted system), as well as how complex the installation is.

Air conditioning installation cost can also fluctuate depending on what A/C system you choose:

  • Split system
  • Multi-split system
  • Ducted system

To help you enjoy a cool and cost-effective summer season, we’ve rounded up all the information you need to make sure your air con is installed for the right price.

If you want to learn more about aircon installation, check out our other resources:

1. How to Choose the Best Air Con Installer?

2. How Long Does an Air Conditioner Take to Install?

3. When is the best time to install an air conditioner?

4. What Is The Air Conditioning Installation Process?

5. Can You Install an Air Conditioner Yourself?

air conditioning installation cost

Is it worth paying for professional air conditioner installation?

Absolutely.

And we’re not just saying that because we are one of Sydney’s leading air con installation teams.

DIY air conditioner installation is a recipe for disaster. Between the risk of injury, risk of damage to your home, and risk of damage to your new A/C unit, there are plenty of pitfalls that a professional can help you avoid.

The safest (and legal) option is to get a licensed professional to do the installation for you.

In Sydney, just like in the rest of Australia, the Australian Refrigeration Council has made it mandatory for you to hire a licensed HVAC technician to install or repair an air conditioner in any building. These professionals must hold a full Refrigeration and Air Con license or a restricted licence. The latter will only allow them to install a split system.

What factors affect the air conditioning installation cost?

As highlighted above, there are a few factors that can affect the air conditioning installation cost.
Some of these factors can dramatically increase, or even decrease, the overall cost of the service. Here are the two factors that affect cost the most.

#1 – Air conditioner type and size

These are paired together, since the type of system is usually a factor of the size.

A split system will be quicker to install with fewer parts and less space to cover overall.

While a fully ducted system will take much longer, and require more labour, to install especially if you do not have pre existing ductwork. As a general rule, the more complicated the system, the more units you have, or the more cables, piping and ducting you need, the more you will pay for the installation service.

#2 – Accessibility

How hard it is for the installers to actually reach the units and their components is also a key factor. If you’re living in a standalone home in the Eastern Suburbs then access will be easier than a block of apartments in Sydney’s CBD.

A single split system unit hung on a wall and connected to an outdoor compressor is typically easy for an installer to reach. But if you need new ductwork built out in a basement or attic space, the time and hassle to move materials in tight quarters will add up.

Air conditioning installation cost in Sydney

The cost for installing air conditioners can vary from service to service.

While some professionals are paid by the hour, others charge based on the brand, type, and wattage of the air conditioner. In Sydney, air conditioning installation costs fall between $60 to $100 per hour (excluding GST), with the above factors relating to size and job complexity taking longer.

Keep in mind that additional services, such as running electrical or making repairs to existing equipment, may cost more and should be included upfront in any estimate you receive.

Air Conditioner Service Average Air Conditioning Installation Cost
Window Units $150 to $500
Portable Units $300 to $500
Split Systems $600 to $1,100
Ducted Systems $2,000 to $8,000

What questions should you ask your A/C installers?

There are a few questions you should ask a professional before hiring them to install an air conditioner in your home. Sydney living is expensive enough without bringing onboard the wrong tradie and ending up swimming in bills to fix a poor install.

These questions will help ensure that you get the best service possible. Here are some examples:

“Do you have a full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning licence?”
“How many technicians will be present at the time of the installation or repair?”
“Do you have any insurance for your services?”
“What services do you provide?”
“Will I need to get a permit to have this air conditioner?”
“What do you include in the service fee?”

Make sure that all the tradies present in your home at the time of the installation are licensed. You can find tradies certified in air conditioner installation or plumbing who are also certified in installation and repair, so it pays to ask ahead of time.

HUNTERCON TIP: Watch out for tradies operating in the Harbour City with “some” training experience but no current license. Always be sure to confirm these details with the team before you hire them since the installation process will need to be legal and of the best quality.

Ready to get a new air conditioner installed in your Sydney home?

Professional air con installation can help ensure that your unit performs safely and efficiently for years to come. When the mercury rises you could head to Bondi Beach, but you’ll be sharing it with 10,000 other people.

Instead, by installing a cost-effective A/C unit you can turn your Sydney home into a cool oasis to escape the heat (which can quickly become oppressive in the CBD as heat gets trapped).

The right team can also help you select a system that is the right size and type for your needs. Since this can impact the air conditioning installation cost, you should also receive a quote for the overall air conditioning installation cost.

HunterCON Air is the trusted name in air con installation in Sydney and the greater metropolitan area. We offer a comprehensive five-year warranty on all of our services, all of which are performed by fully licensed electric and aircon specialists.

Our dedicated team of experts will be more than happy to guide you in figuring out the best way to install air conditioners in your house. Request a free quote online or call us on 02 8283 1105 for transparent pricing and answers to your questions.