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In Australia, almost every homeowner has an air conditioner installed at their home. In the scorching summer, it becomes essential to install air conditioning to maintain comfort in your home or office. If you also want to experience the same level of comfort in the scorching summer of Australia, whether you already own an air conditioning system or are considering acquiring one, it's important to remember that it comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance and service, which can vary depending on the factors.
It is essential to have an air conditioner service carried out frequently, and one of the most essential parts is air conditioner maintenance. In this cost guide, we’ll tell you why it is important and help you to know about the cost of air conditioning services in Australia. Read this further to know more.
Key Stats
The prices of these services give you an estimated range but always remember the total cost will depend on the specific needs and condition of your air conditioner.
Estimated installation costs for different types of AC units in Australia:
| Type of AC Unit | Estimated Installation Cost (AUD) |
| Split System AC | $600 - $3,500 |
| Ducted AC | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Window/Wall AC | $400 - $1,200 |
| Portable AC | $150 - $700 |
| Multi-Split System AC | $1,500 - $5,500 |
| Reverse Cycle AC | $700 - $4,000 |
| Inverter AC | $1,000 - $4,500 |
| Central AC | $6,000 - $12,000 |
Ducted Air Conditioning Repairs: Typically, the cost for air conditioning servicing is between $71 and $131. These systems might need fixes for ductwork, controls, or other components.
Split System Repairs: The cost ranges from $86 to $161 for split air conditioning system servicing. These repairs can involve issues like refrigerant leaks, fan problems, or electrical faults.
Gas Heater Repairs: You can expect to pay between $96 and $181 for gas heater repairs. This could cover burner issues, ignition problems, or thermostat repairs.
Inverter Air Conditioning Repairs: Inverter air conditioning repairs generally cost between $101 and $191. These repairs may include addressing compressor issues or inverter module problems.
Multi-Split System Repairs: Costs range from $121 to $221 for multi-split system repairs. This involves fixing problems in systems with multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit.
VRV System Repairs: VRV system repairs typically cost between $141 and $251. These repairs typically involve addressing complex issues in Variable Refrigerant Volume systems, which are advanced and efficient but can be pricey to fix.
Repair: The cost of air conditioning repair is from $80 to $150 per hour in Australia depending on your air conditioner and the type of repair it requires.
Basic Maintenance Check: The typical cost of a basic maintenance check is between $100 and $150. This maintenance check includes cleaning the filters, basic inspections, and efficiency checks. This ensures that your system is running smoothly and perfectly.
Parts Replacement: These costs vary depending on the parts that need replacement, ranging from $100 to over $500, including labour charges.
Annual Maintenance Package: The cost ranges from $250 to $600. It generally covers routine maintenance throughout the year, which will help you save money compared to paying for individual services.
Standard Service: You can expect to pay $150 to $250 for a more thorough service. This service includes cleaning, checking the refrigerant levels, and handling any minor repairs needed.
Type of Air Conditioner: There are different types of AC systems, such as ducted air conditioner systems, split air conditioner systems, etc. Split systems are the most popular options preferred by Australian homeowners due to their simplicity and affordability. These systems consist of two indoor and one outdoor unit connected by refrigerant lines. Because of their simple design, their servicing is more accessible and cost-effective as well. But when it comes to ducted air systems, they are the most expensive models in the world of air conditioning. They cool the entire house with the help of a network of ducts. Their complexity makes the servicing more complicated and expensive.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance involves several important tasks that most homeowners often overlook. These tasks include inspection, cleaning, some minor adjustments, etc. The pricing depends on the frequency and thoroughness of these inspections. If you regularly maintain the units, there will be less chance of developing serious issues, which saves you money in the long term.
Repairs: During a service visit, professional technicians often identify issues beyond basic maintenance needs. The nature and extent of repair your system requires will significantly influence the cost of the air conditioning service. If there is a minor issue that needs repair, such as worn-out components, it will cost you less. But when it comes to major repairs such as refrigerant leaks or replacing a fan motor, it will become complex as it requires more labour and parts, which naturally increases the expenses.
Replacement: Some of the important parts, such as compressors or evaporator coils, in your AC unit, need a replacement; it can be quite costly. This happens because these parts have worn out over time or are outdated compared to newer technology. When it comes to servicing your air conditioner, this leads to higher costs.
Age and Condition of the Unit: The age and condition of your air conditioner significantly influence the servicing costs. Usually, older units demand more frequent repairs and extensive maintenance, which drives up the servicing costs. Newer units generally have fewer problems and will cost you less to service as compared to older units because they are often still under warranty.
Frequency of Service: If you have regular servicing, it will help you to maintain efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and ensure top performance. This will help you reduce the overall cost by avoiding expensive emergency repairs. On the other hand, infrequent servicing can lead to more severe issues, which increase the servicing costs due to neglected maintenance.
Location: Where you live in Australia will affect how much you have to pay for air conditioning service. In busy cities like Sydney or Melbourne, there are plenty of service providers competing for your business. This competition can lower prices, which helps you save money. On the other hand, if you live in rural areas of Australia, there might be fewer companies available, which leads to higher servicing costs because of the limited options.
Complex Machinery: If you have an air conditioning system, it needs regular maintenance to run efficiently and smoothly. Without maintenance, dust and debris build up over time, which can affect performance and efficiency.
Prolong Lifespan: Regular servicing of your air conditioning system can help extend its life. It’s a long-term investment for your comfort and saves you money in the long run by delaying the need for a replacement.
Ensuring Comfort: Servicing gives you a guarantee that your air conditioner works effectively by maintaining the highest level of comfort during hot weather.
Preventing Major Breakdowns: Regular checks will help you detect small issues before they turn into big ones, especially during peak usage times like heat waves.
Maintaining Energy Efficiency: If you maintain your air conditioning systems, they will use less energy, which results in lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint.
Improving Air Quality: Regular servicing of your AC systems can enhance indoor air quality by keeping filters clean and reducing allergens, dust, and pollutants circulated by your AC system.
How often should I service my air conditioning unit to avoid high costs?
To avoid high costs, it's recommended to service your air conditioning unit at least once a year. Regular maintenance ensures that the system runs efficiently, reduces the likelihood of major repairs, and extends the unit's lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of when getting my air conditioning serviced?
Yes, there can be additional costs when servicing your air conditioning unit. These may include the cost of replacement parts, refrigerant top-ups, and any unexpected repairs discovered during the service. It's also wise to consider call-out fees or extra charges for emergency or after-hours services.
Can one professional handle installation, repair, and maintenance?
Yes, many HVAC professionals are trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioning units. Hiring a single professional or company for all these services can be more convenient and may also be cost-effective, as they can provide consistent care and understand your system's history.
Is it more cost-effective to repair or replace my air conditioning unit?
Whether it's more cost-effective to repair or replace your air conditioning unit depends on its age, the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs. Generally, if the unit is over 10-15 years old or the repair costs are more than half the price of a new unit, replacing it might be the better option for long-term savings.
Regular air conditioning service is crucial for maintaining efficiency, reducing energy costs, and ensuring indoor comfort. Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher utility bills, poor air quality, and costly repairs. By investing in routine servicing and addressing issues promptly, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their AC systems while enjoying optimal performance and savings in the long term.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.
