Cost of HVAC & Air Conditioning in Melbourne (2025 Price Guide)
Split system air conditioning in Melbourne costs $1,500–$4,500 installed. Ducted refrigerated AC runs $9,000–$18,000 for an average home. Service callouts average $130–$220. Gas ducted heater installation costs $3,500–$7,500.
Air conditioning and refrigeration work in Australia requires an ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council) licence — it's illegal to handle refrigerant gas without one. Gas ducted heating work is plumbing/gas-fitting and requires a VBA-licensed gas-fitter who issues a Compliance Certificate. Melbourne's wide temperature range (35°C+ summers, 5°C overnight in winter) makes both heating and cooling capacity matter.
Air Conditioning & Heating Costs in Melbourne
| Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Split system service / clean | $130 | $220 |
| Split system install (2.5kW) | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Split system install (5–7kW) | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Multi-head split (3 indoor units) | $5,500 | $9,500 |
| Ducted refrigerated AC (full home) | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Gas ducted heater replacement | $3,500 | $7,500 |
| Evaporative cooler service | $200 | $450 |
All prices are approximate estimates in Australian dollars (AUD) for the Melbourne metropolitan area. Always get written quotes before committing.
Licensing & Insurance in Victoria
Anyone handling refrigerant in Australia must hold an ARC Refrigerant Handling Licence — verify on arctick.org. Gas ducted heating requires a VBA-licensed gas-fitter who must issue a Plumbing Compliance Certificate. New installations and replacements of gas appliances must be tested and certified. Most reputable Melbourne HVAC companies hold both ARC and VBA gas licences in-house.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does split system installation cost in Melbourne?
- Split system installation in Melbourne costs $1,500–$2,500 for a small bedroom unit (2.5kW) and $2,500–$4,500 for a living area unit (5–7kW). Multi-head systems run $5,500–$9,500 for three indoor units. Cost rises with longer copper pipe runs and difficult access.
- Do air conditioning installers need a licence in Australia?
- Yes. Anyone handling refrigerant gas in Australia must hold an ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council) licence — it's illegal to install or service refrigerant systems without one. The business must hold an RAC Trading Authorisation. Verify both at arctick.org.
- What size air conditioner do I need in Melbourne?
- Roughly 1.5kW per 10 sqm for a Melbourne home with average insulation. A typical 30 sqm living area needs a 5kW unit. Get a load calculation from the installer for ducted systems — climate, ceiling height, glazing, and orientation all matter.
- When should I service my air conditioner?
- Service split systems annually — ideally early spring before summer demand. Ducted systems benefit from a 6-month service (pre-summer and pre-winter for reverse-cycle). Regular service maintains warranty, improves efficiency, and prevents mould.
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Roofing costs in Melbourne
Roof replacement in Melbourne costs $14,000–$30,000 for a tiled re-roof and $12,000–$25,000 for Colorbond. Roof restoration (clean, repoint, recoat) runs $4,000–$8,000. Emergency repairs $300–$900.
Landscaping costs in Melbourne
Lawn mowing in Melbourne runs $50–$100 per visit. Full landscape design and installation starts at $8,000. New turf laid costs $25–$45 per square metre. Tree removal averages $400–$3,500 depending on size and access.
Home Renovation costs in Melbourne
Kitchen renovations in Melbourne average $25,000–$80,000. Bathroom renovations cost $18,000–$45,000. Full ground-floor extensions start at $250,000. Domestic Building Insurance is mandatory for any work over $16,000.