Adding air conditioning to an apartment or townhouse in Brisbane is a different job from fitting a freestanding house. Where the outdoor unit goes, how refrigerant pipes run and what your body corporate allows all shape the quote. Here is what to sort out before you book an installer.
Planning a new air conditioner? Split systems supplied and installed from $1,500 inc GST by our licensed electrical and refrigeration team. Get a fixed-price quote or call 0400 775 002.
Start with body corporate approval
In Queensland, most units sit under a community titles scheme. Installing an outdoor unit usually affects common property, such as an external wall, balcony or roof, so you generally need approval before work starts. Check your by-laws, as many schemes have standard conditions covering unit appearance, noise, licensed installers and insurance. Some require a committee or general meeting resolution, so allow several weeks.
A typical application includes the system model and noise rating, a site plan showing where the outdoor unit and pipework will sit, the installer’s licence and insurance details, and a statement on who is responsible for future maintenance and any damage.
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Common options for apartments are:
- Balcony: simple pipe runs, but check space, drainage and any restrictions on balcony items
- Dedicated plant area or ledge: often the body corporate’s preferred location
- Roof or podium: common in townhouses, with longer pipe runs
- Courtyard or ground level: straightforward in ground-floor units
Noise matters in close quarters. Neighbours and by-laws may limit where units can sit, so read our guide on outdoor unit placement and noise rules in Brisbane.
System choices for units
A single split system suits a living area or main bedroom and is usually the most economical option. For two or three rooms, a multi-head split system serves several indoor units from one outdoor unit, which is useful when space for outdoor units is limited. Larger townhouses with ceiling space may suit ducted air conditioning. If you are weighing options, our split vs ducted guide compares them.
Getting the size right matters, especially in apartments with large west-facing glass. See what size air conditioner you need.
Electrical considerations
Older apartment blocks may have small switchboards with limited spare capacity, and the air conditioner may need its own circuit with a safety switch. A licensed electrician can check your board before installation. Where the board is full, a switchboard upgrade may be needed, subject to body corporate rules on common wiring.
Costs
A standard split system installation in Brisbane starts from about $1,500 including GST for a straightforward install. Apartments often add cost for longer pipe runs, wall or slab penetrations, cranes or rope access for higher levels, condensate drainage and extra electrical work. Multi-head and ducted systems cost more and vary widely with the layout. A site visit gives you a firm price.
Renting or leasing?
Tenants cannot install air conditioning without the owner’s written consent, and the body corporate approval still applies. Owners considering the work as an investment should also see our guide to landlord electrical safety obligations in Queensland.
Checklist before you book
- Read your by-laws and lodge the body corporate request
- Confirm the outdoor unit location and noise rating
- Choose a licensed installer holding the QBCC licence and ARCtick refrigerant handling licence
- Confirm switchboard capacity
- Get a written, itemised quote
Get a quote for your unit
Integrated Trade Services installs split, multi-head and ducted systems across Brisbane and Moreton Bay, and can supply the licence and insurance details your body corporate asks for. See our air conditioning services, then request a free quote or call 0400 775 002.
Planning a new or replacement system? See our air conditioning installation page for typical prices, or our full range of air conditioning services.