Last Update: 19 September 2025
Choosing the right air conditioner can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options makes it easier. From split-systems to wall and window units, each type comes with unique benefits, costs, and ideal uses. Whether you’re cooling a single room, a whole home, or a large commercial space, the right system will meet your comfort, efficiency, and budget needs. Professional installation is key to ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency and the new energy labels make comparing efficiency across different climates simpler than ever! With the right advice and installer, you’ll enjoy reliable, year-round comfort tailored to your needs.
When summer comes, you want to be able to have a reliable and efficient air conditioning system. However, with so many air conditioning installation options available, it can be overwhelming to know what system is best for your needs. The good news is that by understanding the different types of AC units, their benefits and what to consider you can easily find an option that suits you. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the latest air conditioning installation options.
Why Do You Need a Professional Installation?
Air conditioning is a big investment, while it can be tempting to try and DIY the installation yourself and cut costs, a professional installation will ensure your system runs efficiently and safely into the future.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Professional Installer
- License or Certification: Always make sure that your installer is licensed with the relevant certifications.
- Experience: Look for installers with proven experience in the type of system you’re considering. A good installer will provide warranties on both the system and their work.
- Compliance: Proper installation ensures your unit meets local regulations and standards
Types of Air Conditioner Installation Options to Consider
Not every air conditioner is designed to suit every space. Choosing the wrong system can leave you with inefficient cooling and higher electricity bills. By understanding your options, you’ll be able to weigh up your short-term costs against the long-term benefits, ensuring you get a system that truly fits your lifestyle or business needs.
1. Split-System Air Conditioners
What is it?
A split-system AC is the most common type of aircon in Australia. It consists of two parts, an indoor unit that blows cool air and an outdoor compressor that removes the heat.
Best For:
- Individual rooms or small apartments
- Homeowners wanting affordable, efficient cooling
- People who want both cooling and heating (when choosing reverse cycle models)
The Benefits:
- Energy efficient for single rooms
- Relatively low installation cost
- Quiet operation indoors
- Heating and cooling options available
2. Multi Split-System Air Conditioners
What is it?
A multi split system connects several indoor units to one outdoor unit, allowing different rooms to be cooled or heated independently.
Best For:
- Homes with multiple rooms needing cooling
- Apartments with limited outdoor space
- Families with different comfort needs
The Benefits:
- Zoned comfort for different rooms
- Saves space outside with fewer outdoor units
- Energy efficient when not all rooms are in use
3. Ducted Air Conditioning
What is it?
Ducted systems use a central unit connected to ductwork in the ceiling or floor to distribute cool air throughout the entire home or building.
Best For:
- Large homes or offices
- People wanting whole-home comfort
- Those who prefer a discreet system with no visible units inside
The Benefits:
- Even cooling across multiple rooms
- Can be zoned for efficiency
- Hidden from view for a clean interior look
- Adds value to a property
4. Wall and Window Air Conditioners
What is it?
A wall or window AC is a single, self-contained unit installed through a window or external wall.
Best For:
- Small spaces or single rooms
- Budget-conscious households
- Tenants (with landlord approval)
The Benefits:
- Affordable upfront cost
- Easy to install and remove
- Compact and space-saving
5. Portable Air Conditioners
What is it?
Portable AC units are free-standing systems that can be moved from room to room. They usually vent hot air through a window or sliding door kit.
Best For:
- Renters who cannot install permanent units
- Small rooms or temporary cooling needs
- People needing flexibility
The Benefits:
- No permanent installation required
- Can be moved and stored when not in use
- Budget-friendly entry option
6. Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
What is it?
Reverse cycle AC units provide both cooling in summer and heating in winter, making them versatile all-year-round systems.
Best For:
- Homes in areas with both hot summers and cool winters
- People wanting one system for year-round comfort
- Energy-conscious homeowners
The Benefits:
- Dual function (heating and cooling)
- More efficient than electric heaters
- Saves space and cost compared to buying two separate systems
Estimate of Installation Costs
- Split-Systems: $1,500 - $3,500
- Multi split-systems: $3,000 -$8,000
- Ducted systems: $8,000 - $15,000+
- Wall & window systems: $800 - $1,500
- Portable unit: $400 – $1,200
- Reverse cycle: $2,000 – $4,000
Commercial Air Conditioning Installations
If you’re choosing a commercial air conditioning system it's important to consider that commercial properties need more robust systems to handle the energy demand of larger spaces. Ducted air conditioners are a popular choice for these buildings to allow temperature control for multiple rooms at the same time.
How To Choose The Right Commercial AC System
- Consider the size and layout of the building
- Choose energy efficient systems to accommodate long operating periods
- Ensure the system you choose can handle peak usage hours
- Look for smart features like zoning, automation or timer control
- Look for systems that are compliant with building codes and standards
Residential Air Conditioning Installations
For households, home efficiency, comfort and costs are important factors in making a decision on air conditioning installations. The most popular options are split-systems for single bedrooms, multi-split systems for multiple bedrooms and ducted systems for the entire home.
How To Choose The Right Residential AC System
- Consider the size and layout of your home
- Consider the upfront costs in terms of long term savings
- Think about the noise levels and aesthetics
- Choose a reverse cycle if heating is required
- Think about zoning, smart features and running costs
Remember a system that is too small may not be able to properly heat or cool your home on the colder or hotter days, making it inefficient. On the other hand, a system that is too large will cost more to buy and may cost more to run, systems that are too oversized will also result in higher energy costs.
Consider Energy Efficiency and New Labels
When choosing an air conditioning system, energy efficiency should be a priority. A more efficient unit will not only lower your electricity bills, it will also benefit the lifespan of the system. In Australia the Energy Star Label has recently been updated to make comparisons easier. The old energy labels could display up to 10 stars which was inaccurate for appliances that use different scales.
The new zoned Energy Star Label shows season efficiency across three climates, hot, average and cold so you can see how a system is likely to perform depending on where you live. This is particularly important for air conditioners since a unit that works well in Sydney’s humidity may perform differently in Melbourne winters. When choosing your air conditioner, compare models using this system to ensure the best energy efficiency and savings.
Remember to do your research or speak to a professional
When it comes to choosing the best air conditioner, there are plenty of installation options. It’s important to remember that not all products are created equally. Different models can come with different features like smart controls, zoning options and home automation, that might suit your needs better. Working with a trusted installer will help you decide on the best system for your needs.
At Coastal Air Heating & Cooling we work with trusted brands and pride ourselves on a professional installation that will help your system perform for years to come. Call us on 0480 020 823 or fill out an online enquiry form, we can provide an upfront quote and talk you through options.
If you’re still considering your options, read about what to consider before air conditioning installations for more helpful insights!
