Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate means an air conditioner isn’t a luxury — it’s how you get through a 34°C February afternoon and a sticky night that never drops below 24°C. But the difference between a system that quietly holds temperature for fifteen years and one that struggles, leaks and runs up your power bill is almost always the quality of the installation, not the badge on the box.
We install split systems, multi-head systems, ducted reverse cycle and light commercial air conditioning across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Every installation is carried out by ARCtick-licensed refrigeration technicians working alongside QBCC-licensed electricians, which means your refrigerant handling, electrical connections and manufacturer warranty conditions are all covered correctly from day one.
Before we quote, we size the system properly. Brisbane homes vary enormously — a Queenslander in Toowong with high ceilings, timber floors and western sun behaves nothing like a rendered brick townhouse in Sunnybank. We assess room volume, orientation, glazing, insulation, ceiling space and how you actually use the room, then recommend capacity that matches. Undersized units run flat out and never reach setpoint; oversized units short-cycle, fail to dehumidify and leave the room cold and clammy. Getting this right is the single biggest thing we do for you.
Benefits of Professional Installation
- Correct capacity sizing based on a room-by-room heat load assessment, not a guess from floor area alone.
- Full manufacturer warranty protection — most brands void warranty on non-licensed or non-compliant installations.
- Compliant, safe electrical work including dedicated circuits, isolators and switchboard checks where required.
- Proper refrigeration practice — nitrogen pressure testing, deep vacuum evacuation and accurate charge weighing, which is what determines long-term reliability.
- Lower running costs from correct sizing, short and well-insulated pipe runs, and clean condensate falls.
- Neat, considered placement of indoor heads and outdoor condensers that respects your sightlines, your neighbours and Brisbane noise regulations.
- Weatherproofing that suits the climate — UV-rated pipe wrap and properly sealed wall penetrations survive Queensland sun and storm season.
- Cleanup and disposal included, including removal of your old unit and packaging.
Our Installation Process
- Free on-site assessment and quote
We attend your property, measure up, assess ceiling and wall access, discuss where you want the indoor and outdoor units, and check your switchboard capacity. You get a fixed written quote with no surprise variations.
- System selection and scheduling
We recommend two or three suitable options across different price points and explain the real differences — inverter efficiency, sound levels, warranty terms and filtration. Once you choose, we book a date that suits you, usually within a week.
- Site preparation
Drop sheets down, furniture protected, work area contained. We confirm final unit positions with you before a single hole is drilled.
- Mounting and pipework
Indoor bracket levelled and fixed to structure. Core-drilled wall penetration angled for correct condensate fall. Refrigeration pipework run, insulated and secured, with the outdoor unit mounted on a level slab, brackets or feet, clear of obstructions for airflow.
- Electrical connection
Dedicated circuit run where required, isolator installed within sight of the outdoor unit, all terminations tested and certified. You receive an electrical compliance certificate.
- Pressure test, evacuation and commissioning
The system is nitrogen pressure tested to check for leaks, then vacuum evacuated to remove moisture and non-condensables. Refrigerant charge is weighed in and verified against superheat and subcooling readings.
- Testing and handover
We run the system in both cooling and heating, verify temperature split and airflow, check condensate drainage, then walk you through the controller, filter cleaning, timer settings and warranty registration. Site left clean.
Indicative Installation Costs
Prices below are supply-and-install estimates in AUD including GST for a standard Brisbane back-to-back installation. Complex runs, multi-storey access, crane hire, switchboard upgrades or long pipe runs will affect the final figure — your written quote is always fixed before work starts.
System type | Typical capacity | Indicative installed price |
Small split system (bedroom/study) | 2.5 kW | $1,600 – $2,400 |
Medium split system (main bedroom/small living) | 3.5 kW | $1,900 – $2,900 |
Large split system (open-plan living) | 5.0 – 7.1 kW | $2,600 – $4,200 |
Extra-large split system | 8.0 – 9.5 kW | $3,600 – $5,500 |
Multi-head split (2 indoor heads) | 2 × 2.5–3.5 kW | $4,500 – $7,000 |
Multi-head split (3–4 indoor heads) | mixed | $7,000 – $12,000 |
Ducted reverse cycle (3–4 outlets) | 10 – 12 kW | $9,000 – $13,500 |
Ducted reverse cycle (5–7 outlets) | 14 – 18 kW | $12,500 – $19,000 |
Ducted with zoning, larger homes | 20 kW+ | $18,000 – $28,000+ |
Common additional costs: long pipe runs beyond 5 m ($55–$90 per extra metre), condenser brackets or roof mounting ($250–$600), dedicated circuit installation ($350–$750), switchboard or safety switch upgrade ($600–$1,800), old unit removal and degassing ($150–$300), crane or elevated access for apartments ($500+).
Brands We Install
We are experienced installers across the major brands sold in Australia, and we’ll give you a straight opinion on which suits your home and budget rather than pushing a single label.
- Daikin — market benchmark for reliability and quiet operation; strong ducted range.
- Mitsubishi Electric — excellent efficiency and very low indoor sound levels.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries — robust, well-priced, strong performance in humidity.
- Fujitsu — dependable all-rounder with good value across the range.
- Panasonic — strong filtration options and solid inverter performance.
- ActronAir — Australian designed and built for Queensland conditions; excellent ducted and zoning.
- LG — competitive features, good Wi-Fi control and warranty.
- Samsung — modern design, wind-free cooling options.
- Carrier — long-standing commercial and residential range.
Service Areas
We install across greater Brisbane and surrounds: North Brisbane, South Brisbane, East Brisbane, West Brisbane, Brisbane CBD, Indooroopilly, Toowong, Chermside, Carindale, Sunnybank, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands and Moreton Bay.
If you’re just outside these areas, call us — we can often help or refer you to someone reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an air conditioning installation take?
A standard back-to-back split system installation takes around 3 to 5 hours. A multi-head system usually takes a full day. Ducted reverse cycle typically takes two to three days depending on the number of outlets, ceiling access and zoning complexity.
What size air conditioner do I need for my Brisbane home?
As a rough guide, allow around 0.15 kW of cooling capacity per square metre for a well-insulated room, but Brisbane’s humidity, western sun exposure, high ceilings and glazing all shift this significantly. A 25 m² bedroom often needs 3.5 kW, while a 45 m² open-plan living area commonly needs 7.1 to 8.0 kW. We always calculate this properly on site rather than relying on a rule of thumb.
Do I need council approval to install air conditioning?
For most Brisbane houses, no. However, if you’re in a heritage-listed property, a character protection area, or a unit under a body corporate, you may need approval for the outdoor unit location or external changes. Brisbane City Council also sets noise limits for air conditioner operation near boundaries, which we take into account when positioning the condenser. We’ll flag anything relevant during the quote.
Can you install air conditioning in an existing home without major damage?
Yes. Split systems require only a single core-drilled penetration around 65 mm. Ducted systems need roof space access but the ceiling work is limited to neat outlet cuts. In Queenslanders and homes with limited ceiling space, we’ll assess options such as bulkheads, multi-head splits or floor-mounted units.
Is the manufacturer warranty affected by who installs the unit?
Yes, significantly. Every major manufacturer requires installation by an ARCtick-licensed technician in accordance with their specifications. A DIY or unlicensed installation will void the warranty, and it is also illegal to handle refrigerant without a licence in Australia.
Can I supply my own unit and have you install it?
We can, but we’ll be upfront about the trade-offs. You lose our supply warranty, we can’t guarantee the unit is correctly sized or free of transit damage, and if the unit fails you deal with the retailer directly. Most customers find our supply-and-install pricing is competitive with buying separately.
How much will it cost to run?
A 3.5 kW inverter split running four hours a day in summer typically costs around $0.50–$0.90 per hour of active compressor time at current South East Queensland tariffs. Setting cooling to 24–25°C rather than 20°C makes a substantial difference, as does running the fan on auto and keeping filters clean.
When is the best time to book an installation?
Autumn and winter. Demand spikes from November through February, lead times stretch and you may wait weeks in peak heat. Booking between April and September usually means faster scheduling and better availability of stock.
Do you remove and dispose of my old air conditioner?
Yes. We degas the old unit under licence, remove it from site and dispose of it responsibly. This is quoted as part of a replacement job.
