Air conditioning questions, answered.

A split system air conditioner installed in Cairns typically costs from around $1,550 for a small 2.5kW back-to-back changeover, up to about $3,500 for a larger system. A changeover is cheaper because the existing pipework, electrical and wall penetrations are usually reused, while a brand new install costs more as it includes new pipework, electrical, drainage and penetrations. We give free site inspections and itemised quotes so you know exactly what you're paying.

A whole-home ducted system in Cairns typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000. We install ducted properly for the Far North Queensland climate so humidity is never an issue, and we always zone the different areas of the home. An unzoned system is cheaper to install upfront but costs far more in power bills, because the whole system has to run even to cool or heat one room. Zoning lets you run only the areas you need, when you need them. The final figure depends on your home size, number of zones, the brand, ceiling space and whether it's a new build, renovation or retrofit. We offer free site inspections, custom system design and finance on approved applications.

Yes, Airtek offers free quotes for air conditioning across Cairns and Far North Queensland. We provide free site inspections for replacements and installs, and an itemised quote so there are no surprises later. You'll know exactly what's included and exactly who's doing the work.

Running cost comes down to how efficient the system is, how well it's sized, and how you use it. An oversized or poorly sized unit works harder in the FNQ climate and costs more, which is why we size systems properly and steer you toward efficient inverter models. Getting the size and brand right is the biggest lever on your power bill.

Usually yes, especially if your current unit is more than about 10 years old. A modern high-efficiency inverter air conditioner can use roughly 30% less electricity than an older fixed-speed unit for the same cooling, and each extra energy star is worth around 15 to 25% less power again. With Cairns grid power now around 34 cents per kWh and air conditioning running much of the year, the saving adds up quickly. See our guide on old vs new air conditioners.

Usually not. We have trade-only supplier relationships with the major brands, so our supply-and-install price is often the same as, or cheaper than, buying retail and arranging install separately. Buying your own also risks the wrong size, missing full manufacturer warranty (some brands require accredited installers), and losing the bundled design and after-install support. With supply-and-install you get the right system, full warranty, and one team accountable start to finish.

As a rough guide for the Cairns and Far North Queensland climate, a small bedroom up to 15m2 suits a 2.5kW air conditioner, a medium 15 to 40m2 room needs around 3.5 to 5kW, and an open-plan 40 to 60m2 living area may need 6 to 8kW or more. The exact size depends on room size, ceiling height, insulation and window orientation. Undersized systems struggle in our heat and humidity, so we recommend a free site inspection to size it properly.

There's no single best brand, but the leading systems for FNQ are Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Fujitsu and Panasonic. What matters most here is choosing a system suited to high humidity, with strong anti-corrosion features for coastal areas. We help you pick the right one for your home, layout, budget and long-term reliability, rather than just selling one brand.

We install, service and repair all the major air conditioning brands in Cairns, including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. As an authorised Toshiba dealer we offer up to 7 years manufacturer warranty on Toshiba systems, and we happily service and repair most other brands too, not just the ones we've installed.

Yes. Cairns' coastal climate, humidity and salt air corrode outdoor units faster than down south. We include free anti-rust protection with every installation as standard, which helps extend the life of your outdoor unit.

A well-sized, well-maintained system makes a real difference to humidity and the mould it brings, which is a constant battle in FNQ. The key is correct sizing and regular cleaning. If your existing system is struggling, a hydro chemical clean or an efficient replacement usually sorts it out.

Yes. We install across all sorts of FNQ homes, including high-set Queenslanders, blockwork and modern builds. Older and high-set homes sometimes need extra planning around pipe runs and mounting, and we sort that at the site inspection.

A standard back-to-back split system usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Multi-split systems generally take a full day. Ducted installs typically take 2 to 3 days depending on the home and ducting layout. Commercial jobs vary with scope. We work cleanly, keep you in the loop, and leave the place tidy.

Yes. On a replacement we remove your old unit and dispose of it properly, including safe handling of refrigerant, so you're not left with anything to deal with.

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

At least once a year, and ideally every 6 to 12 months in the Cairns climate because of 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 residential and commercial maintenance plans across FNQ.

It's a professional deep clean that removes built-up mould, bacteria, dust and grime from inside your system. It's far more thorough than a basic filter clean and helps restore efficiency, improve air quality and reduce the health risks of airborne mould, which matters a lot in humid FNQ.

Yes. We service and repair most brands, not just the ones we've installed. If your system is playing up or due for a clean, we can help.

Yes. We set up tailored maintenance plans for offices, retail, hospitality, medical and industrial sites, and for property managers looking after multiple properties. Regular planned servicing keeps systems reliable and spreads the cost.

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

Yes, it's a big part of what we do. We keep to your program, communicate clearly and keep your project moving, whether you need a comparison quote, a reliable contractor for a build, or backup when your usual crew is stretched. See our Builders and Property Managers pages for more.

Yes. We offer flexible humm finance with no deposit and interest-free options on approved applications, for split, multi-split, cassette and ducted installs as well as larger projects. Speak with our team about what suits your project. Approved applicants only, fees, terms and conditions apply.

Yes. Every installation is backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty, kept in place when you have the system serviced by us each year, plus up to 7 years manufacturer parts and labour warranty depending on the brand. We stand behind our work and our systems.

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

We service the greater Cairns region, the Atherton Tablelands and Far North Queensland. That includes Cairns city and suburbs from Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches through to Edmonton, Mt Sheridan and Gordonvale, the Tablelands towns of Mareeba, Atherton, Kuranda and Yungaburra, and south to Innisfail, Babinda and Tully, and north to Mossman and Port Douglas.

We're a Cairns family business with over 25 years of local industry experience. The difference is clean workmanship, clear communication, premium brand options and a genuine focus on quality over volume. No marketplace installers, no revolving subcontractors and no shortcuts, just a respectful local team that does things properly the first time, backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty.