Air conditioning quotes from registered installers
New split units, multi-split systems, replacements and servicing. Tell us about the rooms and up to 3 air conditioning installers quote.
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How it works
Tell us about the job
A few questions about what you need and where you are. There's no account to create.
Get up to 3 quotes
Air conditioning installers that work in your area contact you with a price.
Compare and choose
Weigh up price, timing and what's included. Accept the one that suits you, or none.
Types of air conditioner
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted split | An indoor unit on the wall, connected by pipes to an outdoor unit | Most homes: one unit per room |
| Multi-split | Several indoor units sharing one outdoor unit | Cooling several rooms where there's limited space outside |
| Ducted | A hidden unit in the ceiling, with ducts to vents in each room | New builds and renovations; invisible but more expensive |
| Portable | A self-contained unit on wheels, venting through a window | Temporary use; noisier and less efficient than a split |
Inverter or fixed speed?
A fixed-speed air conditioner switches its compressor fully on and off to hold the temperature. An inverter unit slows its compressor down once the room reaches temperature and keeps it ticking over. Inverters are quieter, hold a steadier temperature and use noticeably less electricity, especially if the unit runs for long periods. They cost more to buy, but for daily use they are usually the better choice.
Most modern units also heat. In winter, a heat-pump air conditioner is one of the most efficient ways to heat a room with electricity, far cheaper to run than a bar heater or oil heater.
Getting the size right
Air conditioners are sized by cooling capacity in BTU per hour. As a very rough guide, small bedrooms need around 9,000 BTU, larger rooms 12,000, and open-plan living areas 18,000 or more. But the right size depends on more than floor area: ceiling height, how many windows face the afternoon sun, roof insulation, and how many people use the room.
An undersized unit runs flat out and never cools the room properly; an oversized one cools in short bursts and leaves the air clammy. A good installer works out the size from your actual room, not just its dimensions.
Installation details that matter
- The outdoor unit needs airflow, a solid wall or base, and a spot where its noise and warm air won't bother you or the neighbours. Complexes and estates often have rules about where units may go.
- Pipe runs between the indoor and outdoor units should be as short and neat as practical. Long runs reduce efficiency and may need extra refrigerant.
- The condensate drain carries water away from the indoor unit. If it isn't routed properly, it drips down walls or onto paving.
- The electrical supply should be a dedicated, correctly rated circuit.
What air conditioning costs
A typical bedroom or small lounge unit of **12,000 BTU** costs about **R6,500 to R14,000** supplied and installed in 2026. Smaller 9,000 BTU units start around R5,500, while a 24,000 BTU unit for a big open-plan room runs about R12,000 to R22,000. Long pipe runs, a new electrical circuit and ducted systems cost extra.
- 9,000 BTU split, supplied and installed
- R5,500–R11,000 per unit
- 12,000 BTU split, supplied and installed
- R6,500–R14,000 per unit
- 18,000 BTU split, supplied and installed
- R9,000–R18,000 per unit
- 24,000 BTU split, supplied and installed
- R12,000–R22,000 per unit
See the full air conditioning cost guideGet exact prices
Estimates only, last checked 28 October 2026. Get quotes for an accurate price for your job.
Before you hire: a air conditioning checklist
Air conditioning installation involves refrigerant gases under pressure, which is regulated work in South Africa.
Check the installer is an Authorised Refrigeration Practitioner
Under the Pressure Equipment Regulations, people installing and working on air conditioning refrigerant systems must be registered with SAQCC Gas as authorised persons. Ask for their registration card.
Ask for the Certificate of Conformity
A registered refrigeration practitioner should issue a Certificate of Conformity on completing an installation. Make sure it's included.
Get the electrical connection certified
The new circuit for the unit should be installed by a qualified electrician and covered by an electrical certificate of compliance.
Ask how they sized the unit
Ask what BTU rating they recommend for each room, and why. A quote that just lists "12,000 BTU" for every room hasn't been thought through.
Agree where the outdoor unit and drain go
Confirm the outdoor unit position, the route of the pipes and where the condensate drain will run before installation starts.
Check the warranty and servicing terms
Ask how often the unit should be serviced, and whether skipping services affects the warranty.
Where these rules come from
- Guide to registration as an authorised refrigeration practitioner, SAQCC Gas
- Issuing a Certificate of Conformity, Barney Richardson, RACA Journal, July 2022 (archived copy; quotes Pressure Equipment Regulations reg 17(3))
Before you request quotes
The questions people ask us most.
Is it really free?
Yes. Requesting quotes costs you nothing. The providers pay to receive requests, which is how the service is funded.
Will I be flooded with calls?
No. Your details go only to the providers quoting on your job, up to 3 of them.
Do I have to accept a quote?
No. Compare the quotes, ask questions, and accept one if it suits you. If none do, you don't have to go ahead.
Are the providers any good?
More than 200 registered service providers quote through our network. Compare quotes carefully, ask for references and photos of past work, and use the checklist on each service page before you hire.
How quickly will I hear back?
The air conditioning installers who quote on your job contact you directly by phone or email.
What if I'm not happy with any of the quotes?
You don't have to accept any of them. If the prices are all higher than you expected, ask each provider what's driving the cost. The answers often show what the job really needs.
Is my information safe?
We handle your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and share it only with the providers quoting on your job, up to 3 of them. Our privacy policy explains what we collect and your rights.
Air Conditioning questions, answered
What size air conditioner do I need?
As a rough guide, about 9,000 BTU for a small bedroom, 12,000 for a larger room and 18,000 or more for open-plan areas. Ceiling height, sun exposure and insulation all change the answer, so ask an installer to assess the room.
Is an inverter air conditioner worth the extra cost?
For daily use, usually yes. Inverter units use noticeably less electricity, are quieter and hold a steadier temperature than fixed-speed units.
Does my aircon installer need to be registered?
Yes. Under the Pressure Equipment Regulations, people working on air conditioning refrigerant systems must be registered with SAQCC Gas as authorised refrigeration practitioners, and should issue a Certificate of Conformity.
Can an air conditioner heat my home in winter?
Most modern split units can heat as well as cool, and they're one of the most efficient ways to heat a room with electricity.
How often should an air conditioner be serviced?
Clean the filters regularly yourself, and have the unit professionally serviced as the manufacturer recommends, typically at least once a year for units in regular use.
Why is my aircon dripping water?
Usually because the condensate drain is blocked or badly routed. A technician can clear or reroute it.
Related services
- Electrical WorkWiring, DB boards, fault finding and electrical certificates of compliance.
- Solar PowerSolar panels, inverters and batteries for backup power and lower electricity bills.
- CeilingsNew ceilings, ceiling repairs, bulkheads and insulation.
- Heat PumpsHeat pumps for hot water and pool heating that use far less electricity than a geyser element.
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