Find a trusted air-con installer in Melbourne

Heating first, cooling second

In Melbourne, air con is as much about winter as summer. Many homes still rely on ducted gas heating or old gas space heaters, and reverse-cycle is the electric replacement more households are choosing. Because a reverse-cycle system moves heat rather than generating it, it’s one of the more efficient ways to heat a home with electricity.

That changes how you should size a system. Compare the heating capacity in kW, not only the cooling rating, and ask how the unit performs on frosty mornings. On cold, damp days the outdoor unit will pause now and then to defrost itself, which is normal. Swapping out an old heater may also qualify for a Victorian Energy Upgrades discount, so ask your installer whether they offer it.

Ducted gas, add-on cooling or a full swap

If your ducted gas heater still works well, add-on cooling may be an option: a refrigerated coil fitted to the heater, connected to an outdoor unit and using the same ducts. It’s usually cheaper than replacing everything, but only if the heater, ductwork and roof space suit it. If the heater is old, or you want to get off gas altogether, a reverse-cycle ducted system takes over both jobs. Zoning lets you heat the living areas by day and the bedrooms at night, which helps keep running costs down.

Double-storey homes, low-pitched roofs and tired ductwork all add complexity. In apartments, outdoor units usually end up on a balcony or the roof, and the owners corporation may need to approve the location, the pipe route and any visible change to the building.

Licences to check for a Victorian install

Installing a split or ducted system counts as plumbing work in Victoria, so the installer needs a Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) licence in refrigerated air-conditioning, mechanical services or the single head split system class. Check it on BPC Find a plumber. They also need a current ARCtick licence to handle refrigerant, and the wiring is a job for an electrician holding an Energy Safe Victoria licence.

Many installers hold all three or bring in an electrician for the circuit. Our Victorian licence checks cover each register, and if the switchboard needs work first, see our Melbourne electricians page.

Air con costs in Melbourne

A single split system typically costs $1,500–$3,000 supplied and installed, or $600–$1,500 to install a unit you’ve bought yourself. Larger 5 to 8 kW splits for open-plan living run around $2,000–$4,500. Multi-head systems are about $4,500–$11,000, and a reverse-cycle ducted system for most houses $8,000–$18,000. A new power circuit, if you need one, is usually another $200–$450.

See our air con price guide for more, and treat these as indicative ranges.

How we find you an installer

We match you with one local air-con installer whose licences, insurance, ABN and reviews we’ve already checked. Your details aren’t sold to a list of companies, and it’s free.

Not in Melbourne? See air-con installers by city or more Melbourne trades. Then get a free quote.