Cairns Air Conditioning
Installation Specialists

Split system pricing in Cairns depends on whether it's a replacement (changeover) or a brand new installation.

Replacement (back-to-back changeover): Typically from around $1,500 for a small 2.5kW system, up to $3,500 for larger systems — because the existing pipework, electrical and wall penetrations are usually already in place.

New installation: Pricing starts higher because new installs include running new pipework, electrical, drainage and wall penetrations — final cost depends on the complexity of the install, system size and brand chosen.

We provide free site inspections and itemised quotes so you know exactly what to expect.

Ducted air conditioning installation in Cairns generally ranges from around $20,000 to $35,000 or more for a whole-home system. Final pricing depends on home size, system capacity, number of zones, brand chosen (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Panasonic), ceiling space, ducting layout, and whether it's a new build, renovation or retrofit. We offer free site inspections, custom system design, and Humm finance available on approved applications.

It's a common assumption — but usually, no. We have trade-only supplier relationships with all the major brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Panasonic), which means our supply-and-install pricing is often equal to or cheaper than what you'd pay buying retail and arranging installation separately.

Buying your own unit also creates risks: you might choose the wrong size for the space, miss out on full manufacturer warranty (some brands require their accredited installers for warranty coverage), and lose the bundled site inspection, system design support and after-install support.

With supply-and-install through Airtek you get the right system for your space, full manufacturer warranty plus our lifetime workmanship warranty, and one team accountable from start to finish.

The right size depends on room size, ceiling height, insulation, window orientation and the FNQ climate. As a rough guide for Cairns conditions: a small bedroom (up to 20m²) typically suits a 2.5kW system, a medium room (20–40m²) needs around 3.5–5kW, and an open-plan living area (40–60m²) may need 6–8kW or more. Because of FNQ's heat and humidity, undersized systems struggle and run inefficiently. We recommend a free site inspection to size your system properly.

There's no single "best" brand, but the leading systems for FNQ conditions are Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Fujitsu and Panasonic. Each has strengths around efficiency, warranty, quiet operation and reliability. What matters most in Cairns is choosing a system suited to high humidity, with strong anti-corrosion features for coastal areas. We help you choose the right system for your home, layout, budget and long-term reliability — not just sell one brand.

Yes. Cairns and Far North Queensland's coastal climate, humidity and salt air can corrode outdoor air conditioning units faster than in cooler southern regions. We include free anti-rust protection with every installation as standard, which helps extend the life of your outdoor unit and protect your investment.

A standard back-to-back split system installation usually takes 3–4 hours. Multi-split systems generally take a full day. Ducted air conditioning installation typically takes 2–3 days depending on the size of the home and ducting layout. Commercial installations vary based on project scope. We work cleanly, communicate clearly throughout, and leave your home or business tidy when we finish.

We're based in Bentley Park, Cairns and service the greater Cairns region, the Atherton Tablelands and Far North Queensland.

Cairns suburbs we service include Cairns City, Cairns North, Bungalow, Parramatta Park, Manunda, Westcourt, Bentley Park, Edmonton, Mt Sheridan, White Rock, Woree, Bayview Heights, Earlville, Mooroobool, Gordonvale, Aeroglen, Edge Hill, Whitfield, Brinsmead, Redlynch, Stratford, Freshwater, Caravonica, Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Smithfield, Trinity Park, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach and Palm Cove.

Atherton Tablelands towns we service include Kuranda, Mareeba, Atherton, Tolga, Walkamin, Yungaburra, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Herberton, Dimbulah and Tinaroo.

We also service south to Innisfail, Babinda and Tully, and north to Mossman and Port Douglas.

Yes. We offer flexible Humm finance with $0 deposit and interest-free options available on approved applications. Finance can be used for split system, multi-split, cassette and ducted air conditioning installations, as well as larger residential and commercial projects. Speak with our team to discuss what options may suit your project. Fees, terms and conditions apply.

We recommend servicing at least once a year, and ideally every 6–12 months in the Cairns climate due to humidity, dust, mould and salt air. Regular servicing improves efficiency, lowers running costs, extends the life of the unit and helps protect manufacturer warranties. We offer tailored residential and commercial maintenance plans across Cairns and FNQ.

Hydro chemical cleaning is a professional deep-clean process that removes built-up mould, bacteria, dust and grime from inside your air conditioning system. It's far more thorough than a basic filter clean and helps restore system efficiency, improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks from airborne mould — particularly important in humid FNQ conditions. We offer hydro chemical cleaning for residential and commercial systems.

Yes. We work alongside builders, project managers and homeowners on new builds, extensions, renovations and tenancy fit-outs across Cairns and Far North Queensland. We can be involved from design and planning through to installation and handover, with systems sized and located properly for long-term performance in FNQ conditions.

Yes. Every installation is backed by our lifetime workmanship warranty, plus up to 7 years manufacturer warranty on the systems we install (depending on the brand chosen). We stand behind our work and our systems for long-term peace of mind.

Yes. Airtek Industries holds QBCC Licence 15429693 and ARC Licence AU61884, and we carry full public liability insurance. All work is completed by qualified, licensed technicians to current Australian standards.

We're a Cairns-based family business with over 25 years of local industry experience. Our point of difference is the combination of professional, clean workmanship, clear communication, premium brand options, and a genuine focus on quality over volume. No marketplace installers, no revolving subcontractors, no shortcuts — just a respectful local team that does things properly the first time, backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty.

Yes. We design, install, service and repair commercial air conditioning systems across offices, retail, hospitality, medical, industrial and large commercial premises. This includes ducted, cassette, packaged units and VRF/VRV systems for multi-zone or large-scale applications. We work with builders, fit-out projects, facility and property managers across Cairns and FNQ.