Free tool for Melbourne homeowners
Split System Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate what a split system costs supplied and installed. Choose the size, the number of rooms and how tricky the install is, and see an indicative price plus any VEU rebate.
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What drives split system installation cost
Two things set the price: the unit itself, and how hard it is to get it on the wall and connected.
Unit size
A 2.5 kW bedroom unit costs far less than an 8 kW unit for a large open plan area. Size follows the room, not the budget.
Install difficulty
A back to back install (units on either side of the same wall) is the cheapest. Long pipe runs, upper storeys and tight access add labour.
How many rooms
Several separate splits, or one multi head outdoor unit running 2 to 5 indoor heads. Multi head usually wins past two rooms.
Electrical work
If the switchboard needs a new dedicated circuit for the unit, that is a licensed electrician on top of the install.
Split system cost by size
Typical Melbourne prices, supplied and installed, for a standard single install:
| Unit size | Suits | Indicative installed | VEU rebate may apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kW | Bedroom or study, up to 20 sqm | $1,900 to $2,500 | $1,000 |
| 3.5 kW | Large bedroom or small living, 20 to 30 sqm | $2,300 to $2,900 | $1,200 |
| 5.0 kW | Living room, 30 to 40 sqm | $2,700 to $3,500 | $2,000 |
| 7.1 kW | Large open plan, 40 to 55 sqm | $3,300 to $4,300 | $2,500 |
| 8.0 kW | Very large area, 55 sqm plus | $3,700 to $4,700 | $2,500 |
Rebate figures are the indicative VEU discounts published on our VEU rebate page, and apply when you are replacing gas or inefficient electric heating.
Separate splits or one multi head system?
Past two rooms, a multi head system usually costs less than the same number of separate splits, because you only buy and install one outdoor unit instead of several.
Indicatively, two separate 3.5 kW splits run about $4,600 to $5,800 installed, while a 2 head multi head system lands around $4,000 to $5,200. The gap widens as you add rooms.
Separate splits still win when the rooms are far apart, when you want to stage the spend one room at a time, or when a single outdoor unit has nowhere sensible to go. A multi head also means one outdoor unit failure affects every room.
What is included, and what adds cost
Usually included
- The indoor head and outdoor condenser unit
- Standard wall mounting and bracket
- A few metres of insulated pipe run and drainage
- Commissioning, testing and the manufacturer warranty
What adds cost
- Long pipe runs, upper storey work, or difficult roof or wall access
- A new dedicated electrical circuit at the switchboard
- Removing and disposing of an old unit
- Brackets for a tiled roof, balcony or awkward outdoor position
Before you commit, compare
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install a split system in Melbourne?
Indicatively about $1,900 to $2,500 for a 2.5 kW bedroom unit, around $2,300 to $2,900 for a common 3.5 kW unit, and $3,300 to $4,700 for larger 7.1 to 8.0 kW units, supplied and installed. A back to back install sits at the lower end; long pipe runs, upper storeys and new electrical circuits push it up.
How much is a 3.5 kW split system installed?
Around $2,300 to $2,900 supplied and installed for a standard job. That is the most common size in Melbourne homes, suiting a large bedroom or a small living area of roughly 20 to 30 square metres.
What is a back to back installation?
It means the indoor head and the outdoor unit sit on opposite sides of the same wall, so the pipe run is very short. It is the quickest and cheapest way to install a split system, and typically saves about 10 percent against a standard install.
Is a multi head system cheaper than separate split systems?
Usually, once you are doing more than two rooms, because you only buy and install one outdoor unit. A 2 head multi head system lands around $4,000 to $5,200 against roughly $4,600 to $5,800 for two separate splits. Separate units still win when rooms are far apart or you want to stage the spend.
Does the price include electrical work?
A standard install assumes there is a suitable existing circuit. If your switchboard needs a new dedicated circuit for the unit, allow roughly $450 extra for the licensed electrical work.
Can I get a rebate on a split system?
Yes, if you are replacing gas or inefficient electric heating with a reverse cycle split. Indicative Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts run from about $1,000 for a 2.5 kW unit up to $2,500 for a 7.1 kW unit. Final eligibility is confirmed by the accredited provider.
Get a fixed price, not an estimate
The calculator narrows the range. A free on site assessment gives you the real number: we check the wall, the pipe run, the switchboard and the outdoor position, apply any VEU rebate, and quote a fixed price.
Book your free assessment Or call 0412 769 022.