Air conditioning installation in Perth usually costs between $1,800 and $4,800 for a single split system, $4,200 to $8,000 for a multi-head split, and $12,000 to $17,000 for a ducted reverse-cycle system in a medium home. These prices include both the equipment and the labour. At Solus Air, we install and service air conditioning across the Perth metro area, and the single biggest factor we see moving a quote up or down is system type, followed by how complex the install is at your specific property.
This guide breaks down what each system type costs to install in Perth, what drives the price, and how to read a quote so you know exactly what you are paying for. The figures here come from current industry cost data and match what we see on the ground in Perth homes.
Air conditioning installation cost in Perth at a glance
Here is a quick view of typical installed prices in Perth by system type. “Installed” means the unit plus professional fitting.
| System type | Typical installed cost (AUD) | Best suited to |
| Basic wall or window unit | $600 to $750 equipment, plus roughly $600 to $1,500 to fit | One small room, budget setups |
| Single split system | $1,800 to $4,800 | One or two rooms |
| Multi-head split (2 to 3 zones) | $4,200 to $8,000 | A few rooms without ducting |
| Ducted reverse-cycle (whole home) | $12,000 to $17,000, up to $20,000 to $30,000 for large homes | Whole-house cooling and heating |
These ranges line up with national industry cost guides, and Perth pricing generally tracks close to the national average. Local labour rates and high summer demand can nudge quotes higher during peak months.
How much does a split system cost to install in Perth?
A single split system in Perth typically costs $1,800 to $4,800 fully installed. This is the most popular choice for cooling one or two rooms, such as a bedroom or a living area.
A standard 2.5 to 3.5 kW split has an outdoor compressor and one indoor wall unit. The unit alone ranges from around $600 for a budget model up to roughly $5,000 for a premium, high-efficiency model. Installation labour usually adds $600 to $1,500 depending on how tricky the job is.
One trade analysis found that Perth labour for a standard split install averages about $610, within a range of roughly $524 to $699. That works out to around $1,865 all-in for a small split with a mid-range unit. Very simple installs, such as a minimal fit with a short pipe run, can start near $600 in labour.
How much does a multi-head split system cost?
A multi-head split in Perth generally costs $4,200 to $8,000 installed for a two or three head system. One outdoor compressor feeds several indoor units, so you can cool multiple rooms without running ducts through the ceiling.
The total scales with the number of indoor heads and the length of the pipe runs between them. A two-head install commonly lands between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the brand and how far apart the indoor units sit. Multi-head systems suit homes where ducted is not practical but a single split will not cover enough rooms.
How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Perth?
Ducted reverse-cycle installation in Perth typically costs $12,000 to $17,000 for a medium home. Large homes with multiple zones can reach $20,000 to $30,000. Ducted is the most expensive option because it cools and heats the whole house through a central unit and ceiling vents.
Even smaller ducted jobs often start around $6,000. The final price depends heavily on the number of zones, the size of the home, and how much ductwork needs to be run through the roof space. Reverse-cycle ducted systems are common in Perth because they handle both hot summers and cool winter mornings from one system.
If you already have gas ducted heating, a reverse-cycle conversion can reuse parts of the existing ductwork, which changes the cost picture compared with a fresh install.
What factors affect your installation price?
Every source agrees that a handful of factors drive the final price. Two homes buying the same unit can receive very different quotes based on the install itself.
The main cost factors are:
- System type and capacity. A single split is the cheapest path. Multi-head and ducted cost more because they involve more equipment and labour.
- Home size and number of rooms. More space and more zones mean larger units and more ductwork or pipe runs.
- Installation complexity. Long pipe runs, difficult roof or wall access, and units mounted far apart all add labour hours.
- Electrical work. If a new power circuit or switchboard upgrade is needed, that adds to the cost.
- Brand and efficiency. Higher-efficiency and premium brands cost more upfront but can lower running costs.
- Reverse-cycle capability. Reverse-cycle systems, which both heat and cool, generally cost more than cooling-only units.
At Solus Air, before we quote we measure each room and check insulation, window size, and ceiling height. Right-sizing the system this way avoids paying for capacity you do not need, or ending up with a unit that struggles on a 40-degree Perth day.
What is included in an air conditioning installation quote?
A quote should cover the unit, the labour to install it, and the standard materials like brackets, piping, and basic wiring. What varies is the extras, and this is where quotes differ most.
Items that may or may not be included:
- Removal and disposal of an old unit
- Minor electrical work or a dedicated circuit
- Extra-long pipe or duct runs
- Summer-grade fittings suited to Perth heat
- Wall or roof repairs after the install
Most reputable installers quote on-site with a fixed price so you know the number before work starts. We work the same way at Solus Air, where the quote is the invoice, so there are no surprise charges once the job is done. Always confirm in writing what a quote covers before you accept it.
Do you need a licensed installer in Perth?
Yes. In Australia, anyone installing or handling refrigerant in an air conditioner must hold a current refrigerant handling licence. This is a legal requirement, not an optional extra.
Refrigerant work must be carried out by a technician with an ARCtick refrigerant handling licence, issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council. Split and ducted installs also often need a licensed electrician for the wiring. Using an unlicensed installer can void your manufacturer warranty and breach regulations. Every Solus Air technician holds a current ARCtick licence plus the relevant state electrical or gas trade licence.
Reverse-cycle or cooling-only for Perth homes?
Reverse-cycle systems are the common choice in Perth because one unit handles both summer cooling and winter heating. They cost more upfront than cooling-only units but remove the need for a separate heater.
Perth summers regularly push past 35 degrees, and reverse-cycle air conditioners are one of the most efficient ways to both cool and heat a home. For many households the higher purchase price is offset by not buying and running a separate heating system through winter.
Are there rebates for air conditioning in Perth?
Some government incentives and rebates for energy-efficient units can reduce the net cost of a new system. Availability changes over time, so it is worth checking current programs before you buy.
Choosing a high-efficiency unit can also lower running costs over the life of the system, which matters given how hard air conditioners work through a Perth summer. We recommend weighing each option’s star rating and running cost, since the cheapest unit to buy is not always the cheapest to run.
How to get an accurate air conditioning quote in Perth
The best way to know your real cost is to get an on-site quote from a licensed local installer. Online ranges are a useful guide, but only a site visit accounts for your home’s layout, access, and electrical setup.
A few tips for comparing quotes:
- Get at least two or three quotes from licensed Perth installers.
- Make sure each quote lists the unit model, capacity, and warranty.
- Check whether removal, electrical work, and disposal are included.
- Confirm the price is fixed, not an estimate that can climb later.
New installs should come with a workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer’s parts cover. Our installations carry a five-year workmanship warranty, and most manufacturer parts warranties run five to seven years. Booking regular servicing after installation, and periodic ducted system cleaning for ducted setups, keeps the system efficient and protects that warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest air conditioning option in Perth? A basic wall or window unit is the cheapest to buy, at roughly $600 to $750 for the equipment before fitting. Among fixed systems, a single split is the most affordable, starting around $1,800 installed.
Why is ducted air conditioning so expensive? Ducted systems cool and heat the whole home through a central unit and ductwork in the roof. The extra equipment, zoning, and labour push medium-home installs to $12,000 to $17,000, and higher for large homes.
Is reverse-cycle air conditioning worth it in Perth? For most Perth homes, yes. One reverse-cycle system handles both hot summers and cool winter mornings, which removes the cost of buying and running a separate heater.
Does air conditioning installation include removing my old unit? Not always. Removal and disposal of an old unit is sometimes an extra, so confirm it is listed in your quote before the job starts.
Get a fixed-price installation quote in Perth
If you want a clear number for your home, our licensed Perth team can measure up and give you a fixed-price quote with no hidden charges. Learn more about our approach to air conditioning installation, or book air conditioning in Perth and we will match the right system to your rooms and budget.
