How to Quote Split System Air Conditioning
Two installers can quote the same split system and land $1,500 apart — the gap is in the materials, the labour hours and the site factors nobody costed. Here's how to build a split system price that holds.
The unit price is the easy part of a split system quote. The margin lives in the copper, the cable, the labour hours and the handful of site factors — a two-storey wall, a core-drill through double brick, a switchboard that's already full. Price only the boxes and you'll win jobs and wonder where the money went. This guide is about building the whole price from the ground up so it covers the real job.
Building the price from the ground up
A reliable split system quote is a sum of parts, not a single number pulled from memory. Work up each component so the total reflects the job in front of you, not the last one:
- The units — indoor and outdoor, by exact make and model.
- Materials — copper, cable, drain, brackets and the small consumables.
- Labour — the hours the install actually takes, at your real rate.
- Site factors — access, construction and electrical that push the hours up.
- Extras — disposal of the old unit, and any switchboard or circuit work.
A standard single-room install commonly lands around $2,000–$4,500 all in, but the spread inside that range is entirely down to materials and site conditions.
Materials and what they cost
The materials list runs well past the two units. Copper moves with the market, so verify current pricing with Reece or Actrol before you quote rather than trusting last month's figure.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated copper pair coil (15m roll) | $180–$250 | 3/8 and 5/8 inch; copper price moves |
| Electrical cable (2.5mm² or 4mm² TPS) | $3–$6 / metre | Sized to the run and load |
| Wall brackets or poly slab | $40–$120 | Mounting the outdoor unit |
| Core drilling (brick and render) | $50–$80 | Consumables, plus about 30 min labour |
| Old-unit disposal | $30–$80 | Where you're replacing a system |
Working out labour
Labour is a big share of any split install, and it's driven by the building and the access, not the unit. A single-storey brick-veneer home with convenient access is typically 4–6 hours for a refrigeration mechanic. A two-storey job with roof access, a double-brick core-drill or complex electrical can double that.
- Single-storey, easy access — around 4–6 hours for a straightforward back-to-back.
- Two-storey or double brick — roof access and core-drilling can push it to a full day or more.
- Charge door-to-door — a metro tech rate of $85–$120/hour should cover wages, super, insurance, vehicle and profit.
- Add the apprentice — a second pair of hands is billable, on top of the tech rate.
Site factors that change the price
Two jobs with the same unit can sit hundreds of dollars apart once you account for the site. Walk it before you quote and price what you actually see:
- Construction — timber, brick or double brick changes drilling and fixing time.
- Outdoor unit position — ground-level is quick; a second-storey wall mount isn't.
- Pipe and cable run length — longer runs mean more copper and more time.
- Electrical upgrades — a full switchboard or a new dedicated circuit adds real cost.
- Disposal — old units and packaging have to go somewhere, and that's billable.
Spell out the warranties in the quote — most major brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu give 5 years parts and labour when a licensed tech installs the unit, and your own workmanship guarantee is usually 12 months. Stating both up front reads as professional and heads off disputes later.
Common traps when quoting split systems
- Pricing the unit, not the job. The two boxes are the cheap part. Materials, labour and site factors are where the money is — quote them, or you're working for the manufacturer.
- Not checking the electrics. A switchboard with no capacity turns into a last-minute upgrade you didn't quote. Verify it before you send a price.
- Getting the size wrong. An undersized or oversized unit means performance complaints and callbacks. Size on the room and the customer stays quiet.
- Vague line items. 'Electrical work' invites argument. 'Dedicated 20A circuit from switchboard to outdoor unit, AS/NZS 3000' is a scope the customer can't dispute.
- Chasing the cheapest gear. Skimping on components to shave a quote costs you in callbacks and reputation. Quote quality from a known supplier and stand behind it.
Pro tips for a profitable split system quote
- Do a thorough site visit — access and electrical decide the real price.
- Pull live pricing for units and copper so a market swing doesn't eat your margin.
- Name the exact make and model of the unit in the quote.
- Factor in disposal of the old unit and packaging.
- Add a 5–10% contingency on complex installs.
- Keep every electrical line compliant with AS/NZS 3000 and say so.
ServiceYak keeps your unit prices, copper rate, labour and common line items in a reusable kit, so you can build a fully itemised split system quote on site — compliant wording and all — and send the PDF before you drive off.
Frequently asked questions
How do you quote a split system air conditioner?
Build it from parts: the units by make and model, materials like copper and cable, the labour hours the install actually takes, and the site factors that push those hours up. A standard single-room install commonly lands $2,000–$4,500 all in.
How long does it take to install a split system?
A single-storey brick-veneer home with easy access is typically 4–6 hours. A two-storey install with roof access, a double-brick core-drill or extra electrical work can take a full day or more.
What warranty comes with a split system?
Major brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu usually offer 5 years parts and labour when a licensed technician installs the unit. Your own installation workmanship guarantee is customarily 12 months — state both in the quote.