Best Time to Install Air Conditioning in Australia: Save Up to 20%
Timing your air conditioning installation can save you hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars. The HVAC industry in Australia follows predictable seasonal demand patterns, and savvy homeowners can take advantage of off-peak periods for significant savings.
The Seasonal Pricing Cycle
Air conditioning installation demand in Australia follows a clear pattern:
Peak Season (November – February)
- Price premium: 15–25% higher than average
- Wait times: 2–4 weeks for installation
- Why: Summer heat drives urgent demand
- Avoid if possible: Installers are busy and may rush jobs
Shoulder Season (March – April, September – October)
- Pricing: Standard rates
- Wait times: 1–2 weeks
- Best balance: Good availability without premium pricing
Off-Peak Season (May – August)
- Savings: 10–20% below peak prices
- Wait times: Often same-week installation
- Benefits: Installers have more time, better attention to detail
- Best time to install: Autumn and winter offer the biggest savings
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Here's a real-world comparison for a standard split system installation:
| Season | Estimated Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (Dec–Feb) | $2,800–$3,500 | — |
| Shoulder (Mar–Apr) | $2,400–$3,000 | $400–$500 |
| Off-Peak (May–Aug) | $2,100–$2,700 | $700–$800 |
For ducted systems, the savings are even more significant — potentially $1,500–$3,000 during the off-peak season.
5 Tips to Get the Best Deal
1. Book in Autumn (March–May)
The sweet spot is booking your installation for autumn. The weather is still mild, and installers are actively looking for work after the summer rush.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
Always obtain at least three quotes. During off-peak seasons, installers are more competitive with pricing.
3. Ask About Package Deals
Many installers offer discounts if you're installing multiple units or bundling installation with maintenance plans.
4. Consider End-of-Financial-Year Sales
June is an excellent time to buy air conditioning units. Retailers often have clearance sales, and you can combine retail discounts with lower installation costs.
5. Don't Wait for an Emergency
The worst time to buy an air conditioner is when your current one breaks down in the middle of summer. Plan ahead and install during cooler months.
State-by-State Best Timing
Different Australian states have different climate patterns, which affects the optimal installation timing:
- QLD & NT: Install in the dry season (May–September) when humidity drops and installers aren't dealing with rain delays
- NSW & VIC: Autumn (March–May) offers the best combination of mild weather and lower prices
- SA & WA: Winter (June–August) provides the deepest discounts due to lower demand
- TAS: Any time between March and October works well, as demand is lower than mainland states
What About Emergency Installations?
If your system fails during peak season, you'll likely pay a premium. To avoid this:
- Schedule annual servicing before summer starts
- Monitor your system for warning signs (unusual noises, reduced cooling, higher bills)
- Consider a backup plan like portable units for short-term relief while waiting for installation
Planning Your Installation
- Start researching in winter for a spring or autumn installation
- Compare quotes from at least 3 licensed installers
- Check energy star ratings to reduce long-term costs
- Ask about warranty terms and post-installation support
Use our installation cost calculator to estimate your costs based on your location and system type.