Going with a cheap air conditioning quote can be tempting — especially during heatwaves or when energy bills are rising — but they often hide compromises that can cost homeowners more over time.
At Solar Choice, we regularly see cases where low upfront prices lead to poor performance, higher running costs, shortened system lifespan, or avoidable warranty disputes. This article outlines the five most common problems we see with cheap air conditioning quotes, and why it’s important to look beyond the headline price.
Why some air conditioning quotes are so cheap
In most cases, very low quotes are only possible because something has been left out or rushed. Common cost-cutting measures include:
- Minimal or no system sizing assessment
- Quick and low-quality installation (as they try to install 3 or 4 systems in one day)
- Use of cheap and poorly supported Air Conditioning products
- Electrical or refrigerant shortcuts
- Limited after-sales support
While all air conditioners sold in Australia must meet minimum efficiency standards, those standards don’t cover how well a system is designed or installed — which is where many problems begin.
For guidance on choosing between different brands and models, see Solar Choice’s independent air-conditioning reviews.
What actually counts as a “cheap” air conditioning quote?
In most cases, a “cheap” air conditioning quote isn’t defined by a small difference in price — it’s defined by a price that sits well below typical market costs for a compliant, properly installed system.
Generally most split system Air Conditioner installations will cost between $1,000 and $1,500. The cost may exceed this if there are longer cable or ducting lines to run, or additional switchboard works to enable the system.
Minimum costs to expect for standard Air Con sizes
| System Design | Minimum cost to expect (incl. installation)* |
| 2.5kW Split System | $2,200 |
| 6.5kW Split System | $3,000 |
| 10kW Ducted System | $10,000 |
If you have been quote a price below these figures then it is important to understand the below risks.
1. Undersized or incorrectly specified systems
One of the most common issues with cheap quotes is undersizing the air conditioner to reduce equipment costs. If your sales representative isn’t asking as many questions about the home requirements and size of the spaces you are trying to cool, then they may not be completing a thorough assessment on your needs.
A good consultant will talk through the pros and cons of a smaller or larger system and empower you to make the right decision for your own preferences.
A sub-optimal air conditioning system will result in higher costs to run the air conditioner and a shorter system lifespan, offsetting any upfront savings.
2. Inaccurately quoting the installation requirements
Additionally the installer will need to carefully understand the installation requirements to quote accurately. This includes understanding where the outdoor and indoor units will be mounted, where the condensation pipe will run to and what work will be required at your switchboard to enable the system. For more complicated jobs a site inspection is required.
A common tactic is to quote a lower price over the phone to win the work and then introduce a price variation when their installers get to site and identify installation requirements. This is the number one reason we observe customers leaving poor reviews for their installers as it customers have often already paid a deposit and feel obligated to continue the installation with the installers who are onsite.
3. Poor installation workmanship
There are of course many ways to cut corners on the installation to complete it quicker and cheaper. Here are some of the most common issues:
| Dangerously mounting compressor |  |
| Improper condensation drainpipe run-off |  |
| Uncovered pipe and electrical work |  |
| Using duct tape to seal of fix pipes |  |
Poor workmanship can lead to:
- Reduced efficiency
- Increased noise
- Water leaks
- Premature component failure and voiding manufacturer warranty
In many cases, faults blamed on “the air conditioning unit” are actually caused by installation issues.
4. Non-compliant installations
Air conditioners installers must have
- Electrical contractors licence issued by the relevant state authority
- Refrigerant handling licence (ARC-tick)
- Air conditioning trade licence
To try and lower the cost by installing more units per day, companies seeking a low-cost solution have been known to send apprentices or improperly qualified installers to complete the job.
Its always a good idea get the full names of the the installers that show up to site and check their qualifications if you have any concerns. Most states have publicly searchable databases where you can verify this information.
5. Weak after-sales support and warranty handling
Some very cheap quotes come from businesses with limited long-term support, including companies that:
- Rely heavily on subcontractors
- Offer minimal post-installation service
- Are difficult to contact after payment
If issues arise, customers may be left dealing directly with manufacturers or paying out-of-pocket for labour, diagnostics or follow-up visits.
Strong installers don’t just sell and install systems — they also help manage warranty claims and after-sales issues. Without that support, even a valid warranty can be frustrating and costly to use.
Tip: Look for a company with a long trading history (check via ABN Lookup) and demonstrated customer outcomes via reviews on third party review platforms like Solar Choice.
The bottom line
A cheap air conditioning quote may reduce the upfront price — but it often increases:
- Running costs
- Breakdown risk
- Warranty disputes
- Safety concerns
The goal isn’t to buy the most expensive system — it’s to choose a correctly sized, well-installed system backed by qualified trades and clear after-sales support.
Compare quotes from local, reputable Air Con installers
- The Top 5 Problems With Cheap Air Conditioning Quotes - 12 January, 2026
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