Air Conditioner Replacement Brisbane — Old Unit Out, New System In
Replacing an old, failing or R22 air conditioner in Brisbane? AH Air Conditioning removes the old unit, recovers the refrigerant and installs a correctly sized new split or ducted system — ARCtick-licensed installers based in Morningside.
Quick answer: new split systems from $1,660 per room fully installed, ducted from $11,000 for a 3-bed home (inc GST). Like-for-like split replacements take 4–6 hours; ducted 1–3 days.
When replacement beats repair
Air conditioners typically last 10 to 15 years in Brisbane’s climate. Replace rather than repair if:
- The system is 10–12+ years old
- It uses R22 refrigerant — R22 is no longer available in Australia, so repairs keep getting more expensive
- A major component has failed (compressor or PCB) and the repair is more than about 35–40% of the cost of a new system
- Power bills are rising and some rooms never get comfortable
- It has had frequent faults in the last 1–2 years
Not sure? Compare PCB repair vs a new unit or compressor vs system replacement.
Replacement prices
- Split system replacement — from $1,660 per room fully installed inc GST. See split system installation prices by brand.
- Ducted replacement — new ducted systems from $11,000 (3-bed), $13,200 (4-bed) and $15,800 (5-bed) fully installed. Reusable ductwork can reduce the work. See ducted air conditioning installation.
- Old unit removal — itemised in the same quote, no surprise fees.
We give an exact, itemised quote after a free on-site assessment: model numbers, inclusions, warranty and any electrical allowances.
What drives the cost
- Correct kW sizing — not just “same as the old one”
- Brand and efficiency level
- Access — roof space, double storey, tight outdoor unit position
- Electrical compliance — isolator, circuit and switchboard capacity
- Zoning and smart controls (ducted)
- Duct condition — reuse vs replace (ducted)
- Whether existing brackets, pipe runs and wall penetrations suit the new unit (splits)
What a proper replacement includes
- Assessment of your current system and a heat-load check for each room (not guesswork)
- Safe decommission and refrigerant recovery from the old unit
- Removal of the old indoor and outdoor units, brackets and pipework
- New pipework or ducts where required
- Installation of the new indoor and outdoor units, plus electrical upgrades if the new model needs them
- Pressure test, evacuation and full commissioning
- Controller setup, a walk-through, and warranty registration
Split system replacement
Most split replacements are like-for-like: the old wall unit comes down, the new one goes up, often in the same position. If the existing brackets and pipe penetrations suit the new unit the job is quicker; older installs may need new mounting and pipe runs. Modern inverter splits use noticeably less power than older fixed-speed units, and this is a good time to move off R22 onto an R32 system.
Ducted system replacement
Ductwork is a large part of the cost of a ducted install, so a ducted replacement is usually less work than a new install when the ducts are in good condition. We inspect the ducts, zone motors and return-air grille first, re-run the sizing for your home, and itemise what is kept and what is replaced. Many owners also upgrade to a newer zone controller at the same time.
Common questions
How much does air conditioner replacement cost in Brisbane?
It depends on what you are replacing it with. A new split system starts from $1,660 per room fully installed inc GST, and a ducted system from $11,000 for a 3-bed home. Old unit removal and disposal are itemised in the same quote, so there are no surprise fees.
How long does air conditioner replacement take?
A straightforward like-for-like split system replacement takes 4 to 6 hours, including removing the old unit, installing the new one and commissioning it. Ducted replacements take 1 to 3 days depending on whether ductwork changes are needed.
When should I replace my air conditioner instead of repairing it?
Consider replacement if the unit is 10–12+ years old, uses R22 refrigerant, has had frequent faults in the last 1–2 years, or needs a major repair (compressor or PCB) costing more than about 35–40% of a new system.
Can I keep my existing ductwork when replacing a ducted system?
Often, yes. We inspect the ducts, zone motors and grilles at the free on-site assessment, and the written quote itemises what is reused and what is replaced.
Do you take away my old air conditioner?
Yes. We safely decommission the old unit and recover the refrigerant (ARCtick compliant), remove the brackets and pipework, and take the unit away for recycling.
Can I change brands or system type when I replace?
Yes. Replacement doesn’t require matching the original brand. You can also move from wall splits to ducted, or from one large split to a multi-head system — we size the new system for your home rather than copying the old one.
AH Air Conditioning · 63 Britannia Ave, Morningside QLD 4170 · ARCtick licensed · Servicing Morningside, Coorparoo, Camp Hill, Cannon Hill, Tingalpa, Murarrie and greater Brisbane.