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Air Conditioning Installation in Perth 2026, Split System and Ducted AC Prices, Evaporative vs Refrigerated, and How to Choose
Perth air conditioning guide 2026: how much split system, ducted, and evaporative air conditioning installation costs in Perth, the evaporative vs refrigerated split debate in Perth's dry climate, and how to choose the right AC system for your Perth home.
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Air Conditioning Installation in Perth 2026
Perth has a large air conditioning market shaped by its unique Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and mild winters. Perth is one of the few Australian cities where evaporative (swamp) coolers remain competitive with refrigerated split systems due to the low humidity of Perth's summers. commerce.wa.gov.au
How Much Does Air Conditioning Installation Cost in Perth 2026?
- Split system supply + install (2.5kW), typically $1,100-$2,100
- Split system supply + install (5.0kW), typically $1,500-$2,800
- Split system supply + install (7.0kW+), typically $1,980-$3,780
- Ducted refrigerated system (3-bedroom house), typically $6,200-$14,000
- Ducted evaporative system (3-bedroom house), typically $3,500-$7,500
- Ducted refrigerated system (4-bedroom house), typically $8,000-$18,000
- Service/clean of existing system, typically $140-$280
Evaporative vs Refrigerated in Perth
Perth's dry summer air makes evaporative cooling effective and cost-efficient, running costs are typically 75% lower than refrigerated systems. However, on humid days (which occur occasionally in Perth) evaporative coolers lose effectiveness. Refrigerated split or ducted systems work in all conditions. Many Perth homes have ducted evaporative for everyday cooling and a split system for humid days. All refrigerant handlers require ARC authorisation, verify at arctick.org. arctick.org
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