Split & ducted · real Perth prices
Air conditioner cost and installation calculator
Wondering what an air conditioner costs, installed, in Perth? Three quick questions for a ballpark supply-and-installed price, then book a free on-site quote for the exact figure. GST included. Not sure what capacity you need? Start with our room-size guide.
1. Choose your system
2. Room size
3. Preferred brand
What drives the price
A standard back-to-back install sits at the bottom of each range. These are the things that move it up — all real labour and materials, never hidden surprises. For the full breakdown read our Perth split system cost guide.
Unit size & system type
The biggest factor. A small bedroom split starts near $1,500; a large open-plan unit or a multi-head running several rooms costs more. We size to the room so you don't over- or under-buy.
Brand
Panasonic is our top pick — premium quality (on par with Daikin) at a sharper price thanks to our supplier relationship, plus nanoeX air purification and lacquer-coated outdoor PCBs. Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are also premium; Midea is the value option.
Pipe run & mounting
Back-to-back is cheapest. Long runs, two-storey work, or tricky access mean more copper, refrigerant and labour to run it neatly.
Electrical work
A larger unit may need its own dedicated circuit, and older homes sometimes need switchboard work. We're dual-licensed, so it's handled in-house on the same job — one team, one quote.
Air conditioning cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install a split system in Perth?
A single-head split system is typically $1,500 to $4,500 supply and installed in Perth (GST inc.), depending on the kW size, the brand, and how easy the install is. A multi-head system covering several rooms runs about $4,500 to $11,000+.
How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Perth?
Most Perth ducted reverse-cycle installs land between $12,000 and $15,000. Smaller homes can start around $8,000, and large or double-storey homes can push past $22,000. Home size, number of zones, and any switchboard upgrade are the biggest variables.
Which brand should I choose?
Panasonic is our top pick — premium quality, in our experience on par with Daikin, but at a sharper price thanks to our supplier relationship. It's also the only brand offering nanoeX air purification in ducted systems, and its outdoor circuit boards are lacquer-coated to resist insects and rodents shorting them. Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are also premium; Midea is the value option. We'll recommend what genuinely suits your room and budget.
What makes an air conditioning install cost more?
The main factors are a long refrigerant pipe run, a two-storey or difficult-access install, the brand tier, and any new electrical circuit or switchboard work. Because we're dual-licensed, the electrical is handled in-house on the same job.
Can I install a split system air conditioner myself?
Not legally as a complete job in Australia. Connecting and charging the refrigerant requires an ARC refrigerant handling licence, and the dedicated circuit and any switchboard work must be done by a licensed electrician — and a DIY install voids most manufacturer warranties. Because we're dual-licensed in both air conditioning and electrical, we handle the whole job, refrigerant and wiring, compliantly and under warranty.
How much do Bunnings or Harvey Norman charge to install a split system?
Big-box retailers usually advertise installation from around $600–$900 on top of the unit, but that covers a standard back-to-back fit only — longer pipe runs, brackets, second-storey access and electrical work are billed on top, and the install is subcontracted, so quality and accountability vary. We quote the whole job upfront — unit, install and any electrical — as one local, dual-licensed team.
What is the $5,000 rule for air conditioners?
It's a quick repair-or-replace guide: multiply the age of the unit in years by the repair cost. If the result is over $5,000, you're usually better off replacing it than repairing. For example, a 10-year-old unit needing a $600 repair is 10 × $600 = $6,000, so a new system is the smarter spend. We'll always give you the honest call for your system.
Is the estimate exact?
No — it's an indicative GST-inclusive guide for a standard single-storey install with good access. Your exact price is confirmed at a free, no-obligation on-site quote.
Ready for an exact figure? See our split system installation, browse your suburb, or book a free quote.
Perth homeowners have trusted us for 10+ years. Here's what they say.
Real five-star reviews from Perth homeowners — see why locals choose Otter Air for air conditioning and electrical work.
See all reviews“Excellent Air Conditioning Installation Service! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ When looking to install 2 new aircons at my house, I was recommended to use Otter Air & Electrical and I couldn't be happier with the service provided by Matt and his assistant. From the initial enquiry through to the completion of the installation, the entire experience was seamless, professional and efficient. Matt responded promptly to emails, arrived exactly on time as scheduled, highly professional and the whole experience was stress-free. On the quote, he provided a few options with breakdown details of what is included in the price and makes it easier to make the decision. On the day of installation, the process was completed on schedule and I'm very happy with the quality of the work. They took great care to keep the work area clean and tidy throughout the job, and once finished, they thoroughly cleaned up, leaving everything spotless. Thank you very much, Matt and team and I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a reliable, professional and efficient aircon company.”
