Split system air conditioners are one of the most versatile options when it comes to creating the perfect temperature inside your home or office, with the ability to cool and heat individual rooms or whole homes alike.
However, one thing that many people considering split system air conditioning forget is how much it costs to install and run, which can take your initial budget quite a bit higher.
So, to give you a clearer idea of the installation costs, we’ve put together this ultimate guide. Below, you’ll find information on costs by brand, factors that can impact the overall cost of installation and more.
What Will the Cost of Split System Installation Be for My Home?
The first thing you need to know is that there isn’t a set price for split system installation costs, and the amount you’ll spend will ultimately depend on several factors. These include:
- Brand
- Model
- Capacity
- Room Size
- Number of Indoor Units Required
- Complexity of Installation Location
- Your Home’s Electrical System
- Number of Materials Needed
Put simply, the more complex an installation is, the higher the cost will be. For instance, the installation costs for a 2-3kW split system in a small, single storey home can range between $550-$2,850.
However, a larger capacity split system air conditioner of 4-7kW could cost up to $4,500 in installation costs.
Split System Air Conditioner Unit Costs By Brand
One of the things that will impact the cost of installing a split system air conditioner in your home is the brand, with better-known, more reputable brands coming in at a higher price.
To give you a better idea of what you might expect to pay, here are the average prices of some popular split system air conditioner brands along with different capacities:
Mitsubishi Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Fujitsu Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Carrier Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Actron Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Samsung Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
LG Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Panasonic Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Teco Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
Hitachi Split Systems: 2-3kw (), 3-5kw (), 4-7kw ()
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Split System Air Conditioner in Brisbane?
So, that’s how much you can expect to pay for each brand of split system air conditioner we supply at Sun City Air. But how much does it cost to install these units?
The overall cost will vary dramatically depending on several factors. We’ll go into more detail on these next, but to give you an average idea, you can expect installation costs of between $X & $Y (leave these prices blank, will get client to complete).
What Impacts the Cost of Split System Air Conditioning Installation?
You might be wondering why these installation costs can vary so much, and there are several reasons why. Let’s take a look at these in more detail.
Unit Size and Capacity
This plays a huge role in affecting the overall cost of installation, as larger units with higher cooling or heating capacities typically cost more to purchase and install compared to smaller units.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Split system air conditioners that have higher energy efficiency ratings tend to cost more upfront as well. However, they are great if you’re looking to save money in the long run, as they’ll impact your energy bills less.
Location and Accessibility
The installation costs will also depend on how easy it is to access the installation site for both the indoor and outdoor units, as difficult-to-reach areas may require extra time or additional equipment.
Type of Installation
Similarly, the complexity of the installation will also affect the overall cost. For instance, installing air conditioning in a single-storey home is likely to be less expensive than in a multi-storey building.
Additional Components
Depending on the requirements of your installation, additional components such as mounting brackets, condensate pumps, electrical wiring, or refrigerant lines may be needed, which will create an additional cost for the installation.
Can I Install the Air Conditioning Unit Myself to Reduce Costs?
While you might be tempted to try to cut costs by installing split system air conditioning yourself, it really isn’t a good idea. To start with, split systems are really complex, and installation involves handling electrical wiring and refrigerant, which should only be done by a qualified professional.
Improper installation can also damage both the air conditioning unit and your home’s structure, which can result in costly repairs. This doesn’t only mean you’ll need to spend even more money, but it completely negates the cost savings you were trying to achieve with DIY installation.
Split system air conditioning that hasn’t been installed by a professional is likely to not operate properly either, which will lead to higher energy bills and the inability to get precise temperature control.
It’s also important to note that many air conditioning unit manufacturers require professional installation by a licensed technician to maintain the warranty. As such, attempting to install air conditioning yourself is likely to void any warranties and leave you responsible for any repairs or replacements needed in the future.
Are There Any Additional Costs I Should Be Aware Of?
The purchase price of your chosen unit and installing it are just two of the costs involved with split system air conditioning, and there are also some ongoing costs that you need to be aware of before deciding if this is the cooling solution for your needs.
Ongoing Maintenance and Servicing of Your Split Air Conditioning System
To ensure your split system continues to offer optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity, you’ll need to think about ongoing maintenance and servicing.
There are many factors to this, and one of the most important is regular cleaning. Both the indoor and outdoor units will need to be kept clean of dust, dirt, and debris to stop them from building up and restricting airflow. Cleaning can often be done by yourself, but you will need to consider the cost of replacing air filters regularly.
In terms of maintenance costs, you’ll also need to hire a professional to service your air conditioner once a year. This will include looking at the evaporator and condenser coils, checking refrigerant lines, inspecting the drainage system, checking for air leaks, and more.
These maintenance costs don’t only involve paying for labour but may also include paying for any replacement parts needed if you’re out of your warranty period. This, again, is why you should never attempt to install split system air conditioning yourself, as you’ll run the risk of voiding any warranties.
Running Costs of Split System Air Conditioners
You’ll also need to consider the daily running costs involved with split system air conditioning, and this, like everything else, will differ depending on several factors.
For example, getting the right size air conditioning unit for your space will massively impact your running costs. An oversized unit is likely to cycle on and off frequently, which will lead to inefficient operation, and an undersized unit may struggle to maintain the desired temperature. Both of these will lead to higher energy consumption and, ultimately, higher energy bills.
Your usage patterns (how often you use your air conditioning units and for how long) will also impact your running costs, as will local electricity rates. This is especially true if you run the air conditioning system at a low temperature for a long time.
One of the best ways you can save money on your running costs is to choose a split system with a high energy efficiency star rating, as this will dramatically reduce the impact on your energy bills. It is worth noting that these units often come at a higher upfront cost, but you’re almost guaranteed to save money over time.
How Does the Cost of Split System Air Conditioning Compare to Ducted Air Conditioning?
Generally speaking, split system air conditioning systems tend to have a lower upfront installation cost compared to ducted air conditioning systems, but this is only part of the overall picture, and there are a couple more things that need to be taken into account.
The first of these is operating costs. A split system tends to have lower operating costs compared to a ducted air conditioning system, as you have the ability to cool or heat specific areas, whereas ducted systems are designed to cool or heat the entire property.
Maintenance and repairs for split system air conditioning are also generally lower than ducted air conditioning systems, as there are fewer components and less extensive ductwork to worry about.
Key Questions to Ask a Split System Air Conditioner Installer
We know that navigating split system air conditioning installation can be really tricky, especially if you have no experience of having dealt with this kind of thing before. So, to make things even easier, here are some questions we recommend asking air conditioning installers:
Are you licensed and insured?
This is one of the most important things to ask. Make sure that the installer you’re thinking of using holds the necessary license and insurance, as this will protect you in case of accidents or damage during the installation process.
What is the total cost to install split system air conditioning units, including all components and labour?
Don’t be afraid to ask how much everything will come to with your split system installation cost, either. Request a detailed breakdown of the installation cost, unit cost, and any additional costs. This will keep everything transparent and help you budget accordingly.
How much experience do you have with installing split system air conditioning units?
There’s nothing wrong with asking an installer how much experience they have, specifically with split system air conditioning units. As a general rule, an installer with more experience is likely to deliver better quality installation.
What brands or models do you recommend?
Ask the installer for their recommendations on brands and models that best suit your needs and budget. Doing this won’t only ensure you get the best unit for your home but will give you extra peace of mind over their expertise.
How long will installation take?
Split system air conditioning unit installation can be disruptive, so in order to plan accordingly, it’s a good idea to ask the installer how long they think the entire process will take.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance and servicing?
As we’ve mentioned above, a split system air conditioning system needs regular maintenance to keep performing well, so it’s also worth asking the installer if they provide maintenance and servicing options following installation.
Why Trust Sun City Air?
The team at Sun City Air has years of experience with installing split system air conditioning, and we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality work that is carried out in a timely manner.
Each of our air conditioning technicians is also QBCC licensed, and we’ll help you select the best air conditioning unit for your home, making it easy to achieve that perfect indoor climate while remaining energy efficient. We offer a five year warranty for parts and labour, too, so you can rest assured that in the unlikely event of something going wrong, you’ll be covered!
Contact us today for a quote on installing a split system air conditioning unit in your home, and we’ll soon get you on the road to year-round indoor temperature heaven!
