What an air conditioner replacement costs in Cairns.
Every home is different, so your quote is based on the actual job. These are the starting points.
Split system replacement
from $1,480
incl. GST, for a small 2.5kW back-to-back replacement. Larger living-area systems up to about $3,500.
Ducted system replacement
from $13,500
Depends on the size of your home, the number of zones and the system you choose.
Ceiling cassette replacement
Quoted on the job
Recessed ceiling units for open living areas and larger rooms.
Multiple rooms
Package pricing
Replacing several systems in one visit costs less per system than spacing them out.
Full price breakdown in our Cairns air conditioning installation cost guide.
Signs your air conditioner needs replacing.
It is 10 years or older
Most split systems last 10 to 15 years. Older units are usually fixed-speed designs that cost more to run.
It can not keep up
If the room never gets properly cool through the build-up and the wet, the system is either worn out or was undersized.
Power bills keep climbing
A modern inverter system can use roughly 30% less power than an older unit for the same cooling.
Repairs are adding up
When you are paying for repair after repair on an ageing unit, that money is better put towards a new one.
Noise, leaks or smells
Rattling, water leaking inside, or a musty smell from mould are common signs of a tired system.
Rust on the outdoor unit
Salt air and humidity are hard on older outdoor units. Every new system we install gets free anti-rust treatment.
A complete replacement, not just a new unit.
Every replacement is quoted in writing with a clear scope, so you know exactly what you're getting.
- Old system removed. We decommission your existing unit and dispose of it safely.
- New indoor and outdoor units, sized properly for the room and our heat and humidity.
- New mounting brackets, every time. We never hang a new outdoor unit on old brackets.
- New weatherproof isolator, every time, fitted at the outdoor unit.
- Free anti-rust treatment on the outdoor unit and brackets.
- Pressure tested and commissioned to the manufacturer's specifications.
- A practical handover showing you the settings that run it most efficiently.
- All rubbish removed. We leave the place as we found it.
- Manufacturer warranty on the equipment, plus our 10-Year Workmanship Warranty on the install.
- No deposit. You pay once the system is installed, tested and handed over.
Not included unless quoted: switchboard or power supply upgrades, patching and painting, and asbestos works.
A straightforward replacement, done properly.
Free quote
Send us a few photos and we will talk it through. Across greater Cairns we can come out and measure up if the job needs it.
Right size, right system
We look at the room, how you use it and the existing setup, and recommend a system sized for our climate.
Replacement day
We remove the old system, fit new brackets and a new isolator, then install and commission the new one. Split systems are usually done in a single visit.
Backed for 10 years
We walk you through the settings, take the rubbish away and back the install with our 10-Year Workmanship Warranty.
Replace with a brand you can trust.
We are an Authorised Toshiba Dealer, and we also install Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu and Panasonic. We will recommend the right system for the room rather than the one with the biggest margin.
Prefer to spread the cost? We offer no-deposit, interest-free finance through humm on approved applications.
Air conditioner replacement questions.
What is included in an air conditioner replacement?
Every Airtek replacement includes removal and safe disposal of the old system, new indoor and outdoor units, new mounting brackets, a new weatherproof isolator, free anti-rust treatment, pressure testing and commissioning, a practical handover and removal of all rubbish. It is backed by the manufacturer warranty and our 10-Year Workmanship Warranty, with no deposit required.
How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner in Cairns?
Split system replacements in Cairns start from $1,480 incl. GST for a small 2.5kW back-to-back replacement, up to about $3,500 for a larger living-area system. Ducted system replacements start from $13,500, and ceiling cassette replacements are quoted on the job. Every quote includes free anti-rust treatment and our 10-Year Workmanship Warranty.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
If your system is more than about 10 years old, is struggling to keep up, or the repairs are starting to add up, replacing it is usually the better value. A modern inverter system can use roughly 30% less power than an older fixed-speed unit, so it costs less to run as well.
Why is a replacement cheaper than a new install?
With a back-to-back replacement, much of the setup, like the wall penetration, drain and power, is usually already in place, so there is less work involved than installing a system from scratch. We still fit new brackets and a new isolator on every replacement.
How long does an air conditioner replacement take?
Most split system replacements are completed in a single visit. Ducted replacements take longer and we will give you a clear timeframe with your quote.
Can I spread the cost of a replacement?
Yes. We offer no-deposit, interest-free finance through humm on approved applications. Ask us when you get your quote.
More answers on our FAQ page, or call Airtek Industries on 0448 392 019.
Recent replacements across Cairns.
Old, rusted systems out and new ones in, with new brackets and isolators on every replacement.
What our customers say.
Very professional service and reasonable price Will be using them for all our AC requirements in the future
Thanks very much Nathan and the Airtek team. We can breathe easy now that our hardworking aircons have had a super clean. So happy with the service and highly recommend Airtek for amazing organised scheduled cleans. Highly recommended.
Excellent service, very efficient from initial enquiry to completion of job. Highly recommend Nathan and team.
Get your free replacement quote.
Tell us what you have now and send through a few photos, and we will come back to you with a quote.
Related: Installation cost guide · Old vs new running costs · Split systems · Ducted