Updated October 2026. Indicative supplied-and-installed ranges from current published Australian pricing guides. Unit brand, electrical work needed and access shift every number — quotes decide.
Air conditioning quotes in the Illawarra carry one local wrinkle the national guides skip: salt. Close to the coast — Thirroul to Kiama — a coastal-rated unit and smart outdoor placement matter as much as the kilowatts, because salt-laden air shortens the life of standard condensers. Budget-wise, the split is simple: split systems for rooms, ducted for whole homes.
Indicative ranges (supplied + installed)
| System | Typical range | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5kW split | $1,200 – $1,800 | Bedroom, study |
| 3.5kW split | $1,500 – $2,200 | Large bedroom, small living room |
| 5.0kW split | $1,800 – $2,800 | Open-plan living |
| 7–8kW+ split | $2,500 – $4,500 | Large living zones |
| Ducted (whole home) | $8,000 – $20,000+ | New builds and homes with roof space; zones add cost |
Labour is typically 30–50% of a split install. “Back-to-back” installs (indoor and outdoor units on opposite sides of the same wall) sit at the bottom of each range; long pipe runs, two-storey installs and switchboard work push it up.
What moves the price
- Electrical capacity. Older boards may need a new circuit or an upgrade before a big unit goes in — this is the most common surprise cost.
- Coastal spec. Anti-corrosion coils/cabinets cost a little more upfront and are worth it near the water; so is placing the outdoor unit out of direct sea spray where it can be rinsed.
- Oversizing. Bigger isn’t better — an oversized unit short-cycles, dehumidifies poorly and costs more to buy and run. Insist on a sizing calculation, not a guess.
The rules worth knowing
Anyone handling refrigerant must hold an ARCtick licence, and the electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician. Strata units need body-corporate approval for outdoor units. See how we verify businesses — and note our verification doesn’t check ARCtick; ask for the number.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap online unit + separate installer a good idea?
Often false economy: many installers won’t warrant supply-only units, and consumer-guarantee claims get messy between seller and installer. The package price from one accountable business usually wins on total cost of ownership.
What does running a split system cost?
Modern inverter splits are efficient — a 2.5kW unit cooling a bedroom typically costs cents per hour. Efficiency star ratings matter more over ten years than a couple of hundred dollars on the sticker.
When’s the best time to buy?
Shoulder seasons (autumn, early spring). Installers are quoting hungry, lead times are short, and you’re not sweating through a January wait-list.
Browse Illawarra air conditioning specialists, see Dapto, Shellharbour or Kiama, or all cost guides.