Three air conditioning quotes, three very different prices, and no obvious reason why. It’s one of the most common frustrations Melbourne homeowners run into when they start pricing up a new system. One quote is $2,200, another is $4,800, and on paper they both say “supply and install”.
The problem is that “supply and install” isn’t a fixed, regulated term. It means whatever the installer wants it to mean, and that’s exactly where cheap quotes cut corners. A low number often hides missing electrical work, no compliance paperwork, a smaller or lower-rated unit, or no warranty on the labour.
This guide breaks down what a proper air conditioning quote should include, the gaps to look out for in cheaper quotes, and how to compare quotes side by side so you’re pricing the same job, not just the same two words.
What "Supply and Install" Actually Means
“Supply” is the air conditioning unit itself: the indoor head, outdoor condenser, and any accessories. “Install” is everything needed to get that unit running safely and compliantly in your home: the bracket or stand, refrigerant piping, electrical cabling, an isolation switch, condensate drainage, and commissioning once it’s connected.
A genuine supply and install quote should price both halves clearly, not bundle them into one number with no breakdown. If you can’t tell how much of the price is the unit and how much is labour and materials, you can’t tell whether you’re being quoted a fair price for either one.
This matters most on jobs like ducted air conditioning installation or a multi-head split system, where the installation side (ductwork, zoning, multiple indoor heads) can cost more than the equipment. For a full rundown of what’s involved in each system type, see our air conditioning installations page.
What a Proper Air Conditioning Quote Should Include
A quote you can actually rely on should spell out the following, in writing, before any work starts.
The equipment
- Brand and model number, not just “split system” or “ducted unit”
- Cooling and heating capacity in kW, matched to your room or home size
- Energy efficiency star rating. The Australian Government’s energy rating site lets you check a model’s official rating and running costs before you agree to it
The installation work
- Indoor and outdoor unit placement, including any bracket, stand or wall penetration
- Refrigerant piping length and insulation
- Electrical work, including a dedicated circuit and an isolation switch where required
- Condensate drainage
- For ducted systems: ductwork, zoning, and return air details
Compliance and finishing
- Refrigerant handling by an ARCtick-licensed technician
- Electrical compliance certificate
- Removal and disposal of the old unit, if one is being replaced
- Commissioning and testing once installed
The paperwork
- Manufacturer warranty on the unit, and a separate warranty on the installation labour
- Whether the job qualifies for a VEU rebate
- Total price including GST, with the unit and labour broken out separately
If a quote is missing more than one or two of these, it’s worth asking why before you sign anything.
What's Commonly Missing From Cheap Quotes
A low quote isn’t automatically a bad one, but these gaps are where the real price difference usually hides.
- No brand or model listed. Just “supply and install split system” with a price and nothing else
- No electrical allowance. If your switchboard or wiring needs upgrading, that cost gets added on later
- No isolation switch or non-compliant wiring, which can fail an electrical inspection
- No compliance certificate, leaving you with no proof the work meets Australian standards
- No disposal of the old unit, which becomes your problem and your cost
- No labour warranty, so a faulty install months later isn’t covered
- One lump-sum price with no breakdown between the unit and the installation
- For ducted systems: no mention of ductwork, zoning or return air, which can turn into expensive extras once work begins
- No site inspection before quoting, meaning the price is a rough guess rather than one based on your actual home
If you spot two or more of these on a quote, treat the price as incomplete rather than cheap.
How to Compare Quotes Apples to Apples
Line up every quote against the same criteria instead of just the bottom-line figure.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Brand, model and capacity (kW) | Confirms you're comparing the same equipment, not a cheaper substitute |
| Star rating and running cost | A lower upfront price can cost more in power bills over time |
| Electrical work included | Switchboard or wiring upgrades are a common hidden extra |
| Compliance certificates | Required by law and needed if you ever sell the property |
| Disposal of old unit | Should be included, not a separate call-out fee |
| Labour warranty length | Protects you if the installation itself fails, separate to the unit warranty |
| Price breakdown (unit vs labour) | Makes it possible to compare the install cost on its own |
| Site inspection before quoting | A quote based on photos or a phone call is an estimate, not a firm price |
Consumer Affairs Victoria’s guidance on getting quotes for building and renovation work is a useful general reference too. Its core advice applies directly to air conditioning: get more than one quote, get them in writing, and make sure each one covers the same scope of work before you compare the price.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- What’s the exact brand and model of the unit, and what’s its star rating?
- Is electrical work included, or is that a separate quote?
- Is there an isolation switch, and is it included in the price?
- Who’s removing and disposing of the old unit?
- What’s the warranty on the labour, separate to the manufacturer’s warranty on the unit?
- Has someone inspected the site, or is this price based on a description over the phone?
- Will I receive a compliance certificate once the job is done?
- Does this system qualify for a VEU rebate?
An installer who can answer all eight clearly, in writing, is usually the one giving you an honest, complete price.
Choosing the Right System Before You Quote
The install scope, and therefore the price, changes a lot depending on the system type. Knowing roughly which one suits your home makes it easier to get quotes you can actually compare.
- Split system installation: one indoor unit, one outdoor unit, suited to a single room or open-plan area
- Multi-head split systems: several indoor units run off one outdoor unit, good for a few rooms without ducting
- Ducted air conditioning: whole-home cooling and heating through ceiling ducts, usually the largest install job
- Reverse cycle air conditioning: heating and cooling from the one system
- Evaporative cooling: an alternative cooling option for drier climates and larger spaces
- VRV/VRF systems: larger-scale systems for bigger homes or commercial properties
- Energy-efficient AC installation: for anyone prioritising running costs and star rating over upfront price
If you’re not sure which fits your home, a site inspection and a proper quote will tell you, rather than guessing from a listing online.
Get a Local, Like-for-Like Quote in Melbourne
Kelvinaire quotes air conditioning supply and install jobs across Melbourne, with every quote including the unit, the installation scope, compliance certification, and a clear price breakdown before any work starts. We service homes and businesses across our Bayside and surrounding service areas, including:
- Air conditioning in Brighton
- Air conditioning in Mentone
- Air conditioning in Bentleigh
- Air conditioning in Mount Waverley
- Air conditioning in Oakleigh
- Air conditioning in Caulfield
- Air conditioning in Clayton
- Air conditioning in Malvern East
- Air conditioning in Toorak
- Air conditioning in St Kilda
Not listed above? We cover all of Melbourne, so get in touch and we’ll confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "supply and install" mean for air conditioning?
It covers two parts: the equipment itself (supply) and all the work needed to fit it safely and legally (install), including electrical work, piping, drainage and compliance certification.
Why do air conditioning quotes vary so much for the same job?
Usually because they’re not pricing the same scope. Differences in unit brand, star rating, electrical work, compliance paperwork and warranty terms can all change the price without being stated clearly.
Is a cheaper quote always a worse one?
Not always, but it should be checked carefully. Ask what’s included and compare it line by line against the other quotes before assuming it’s a bargain.
How long should an air conditioning quote be valid for?
Most trade quotes in Australia are valid for 30 days, though this should be stated on the quote itself. Confirm it in writing before you rely on the price.
Ready to Compare a Quote You Can Trust?
Kelvinaire gives you a clear, itemised quote within 30 minutes, covering the unit, the installation, compliance certification, and warranty terms upfront, with no guesswork and no surprise extras. Call 0435 466 295 or book a free quote online and see exactly what’s included before you compare.
