Split System Air Conditioning in Perth metropolitan
A split system is the wall-mounted or ceiling cassette unit that cools (and often heats) a single room or open living area, paired with an outdoor condenser. It's the most common air conditioning fit-out for Perth homes because it's cheaper to install than ducted systems, doesn't require roof space for ductwork, and lets you run just the rooms you're using rather than the whole house. We've got 219 businesses listed in this category across the Perth metro area, ranging from small owner-operator electricians who install a handful of units a month to larger outfits running multiple crews.
What the job actually involves
A proper split system install covers more than screwing a unit to the wall. It includes sizing the unit correctly for the room (in kilowatts of cooling capacity, based on floor area, ceiling height, window orientation and insulation), running refrigerant lines and drainage through the wall, mounting the outdoor condenser somewhere with airflow clearance, an electrical circuit sized for the unit, and a vacuum test on the refrigerant lines before gas is released. Skipping the vacuum test is one of the most common shortcuts that leads to a system losing efficiency or failing early.
What to check before you book
- Whether the installer is a licensed electrician and holds the refrigerant handling licence (ARCtick) required by law for anyone connecting gas lines
- Whether they've quoted a specific brand and model with a kilowatt rating matched to your room, not a generic price
- Whether the quote includes the outdoor unit mounting, electrical isolator switch, and any wall penetration or brickwork needed
- What warranty applies to parts versus labour, and who you call if something goes wrong in year two
How we score installers
Our ranking weighs things like licensing and insurance, the consistency of customer feedback over time, responsiveness to enquiries, and how transparent a business is about pricing and scope before work starts. The full breakdown of how we calculate scores is on our methodology page. If you want to skip straight to our top picks for the metro area, see the best air conditioning contractors in Perth guide.
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All split system air conditioning, ranked by score and relevance
We found 219 businesses offering split system air conditioning; 217 met the criteria for the scored directory. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is split system air conditioning, so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist. Filter and sort below, or open the full map view.
When you submit an enquiry through this site, it may be shared with partner providers who offer the service. We may receive a referral fee, but our rankings and scores are based only on our published method and are not influenced by fees.
Common questions about split system air conditioning
- How much does a split system installation cost in Perth?
- For a single room split system, expect the unit plus standard install to run from around $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the brand and capacity, with larger cooling loads (7kW+) or tricky wall runs pushing it higher. Multi-head systems covering several rooms from one outdoor unit cost more per head installed but can work out cheaper than several separate systems.
- How often does a split system need servicing?
- Most manufacturers and installers recommend a filter clean every few months if you're running it heavily over summer, and a professional service (checking refrigerant levels, drainage, and the outdoor coil) once a year. Units that don't get serviced tend to lose cooling capacity and run less efficiently well before they actually fail.
- How do I know if an installer has done a good job?
- Ask to see the vacuum gauge reading or test certificate before gas is released into the lines, check that the outdoor unit is mounted level with proper vibration pads, and make sure the condensate drain actually falls away from the wall rather than pooling. A tidy refrigerant line cover and a clearly labelled isolator switch are also signs of a careful tradesperson rather than a rushed job.
- Do I need a licensed tradesperson for this work?
- Yes. In WA, anyone connecting or handling refrigerant gas must hold an ARCtick licence, and the electrical connection needs to be done by a licensed electrician. Unlicensed installs can void manufacturer warranties and create real safety and insurance problems if something goes wrong later.