Australia calculator
Air Conditioning (HVAC) Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to replace your home's heating and cooling system in Australia. Adjust the conditioned area, system type, efficiency tier, and whether you're replacing ductwork to see an itemised low–high range in Australian dollars (GST inclusive) for your project.
How this calculator is built
Unit costs with sources
This model cites 3 sources across line-item unit costs, regional labor data, and tax references.
Regional labor adjustment
The state table applies local labor indexes only to labor-heavy line items.
Published methodology
The methodology page lists the formula, size drivers, labor model, and source links.
Estimate your project
Change the default inputs to match your scope. The breakdown updates by line item.
Air Conditioning Replacement Cost by state: typical ranges
Each range applies that state's labor index to the labor-share line items of the default project; materials stay at national prices. Select a state for its full local breakdown and calculator.
| State | Typical range | Labor index | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $11,315–$17,698 | 101% | Likely |
| New South Wales | $11,361–$17,769 | 102% | Likely |
| Northern Territory | $10,940–$17,112 | 95% | Likely |
| Queensland | $11,031–$17,254 | 96% | Likely |
| South Australia | $10,963–$17,147 | 95% | Likely |
| Tasmania | $10,384–$16,241 | 85% | Likely |
| Victoria | $11,156–$17,449 | 98% | Likely |
| Western Australia | $11,781–$18,427 | 109% | Likely |
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace ducted air conditioning in Australia?
hipages' 2026 cost guide puts a ducted system at $6,000–$10,000 for smaller homes and up to $30,000 for a larger home, with a typical single-storey home around $14,000 GST inclusive — so replacing a full ducted reverse-cycle system, reusing the existing ducts, lands near that figure. A single split system, or a standard-efficiency tier, costs less. Use the calculator above for a range matched to your home size, system type, and efficiency.
Should I choose ducted refrigerated or split systems?
Ducted refrigerated (reverse-cycle) air conditioning conditions the whole home from one unit and suits medium-to-large houses, but costs the most to install. Split and multi-split systems are far cheaper per room and are the most common choice in Australian homes and apartments. Central gas heating is less common here — most Australian systems are reverse-cycle, heating and cooling from the same unit. Choose the system type that matches your home, and the calculator scales the estimate accordingly.
Which efficiency tier should I choose?
Standard efficiency is the budget choice; high-efficiency (higher star-rated reverse-cycle equipment) is the durable mid-grade that lowers running costs; premium variable-speed inverter equipment sits at the top for comfort and the deepest energy savings — worth more in hot northern and inland climates where the unit runs hard for months. Pick the tier that suits your climate and budget and the calculator scales the estimate accordingly. Prices shown are GST inclusive.