Change Lights
Read More »
If you want to change lights in your home we can help. You should seek assistance from our team of dedicated professionals here at Same
Air Conditioning Replacement
G★★★★★
4.6 · 2,000+ Google reviews
4.6 · 2,000+ Google reviews
If your air conditioner is old, breaking down or costing a fortune to run, replacing it is often smarter than repairing it. Our ARC-licensed technicians remove your old unit and install an efficient new system, usually in a single visit.
We replace air conditioning across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, with an upfront fixed price.
Why choose Same Day Trades for air conditioning replacement?
We are licensed, ARC-certified technicians who install, service and repair air conditioning every day, with tidy workmanship and no surprises.
- ARC-licensed technicians
- Upfront fixed pricing before we start
- All brands installed, serviced and repaired
- Same-day service where we can
- Servicing Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide
Your system is left tested and running properly, every time.
Signs it is time to replace your air conditioner
Air conditioners do not last forever, and once they reach the end of their life, replacing is usually smarter than repeated repairs. Signs yours is due for replacement include:
- It is more than 10 to 15 years old
- Rising power bills as it works harder to cool or heat
- Frequent breakdowns and mounting repair costs
- It no longer cools or heats like it used to
- It uses old R22 refrigerant, now phased out and expensive
- Strange noises, leaks or constant running
If repairs are becoming frequent or costly on an older unit, a new, efficient system usually saves money within a few years through lower running and repair costs.
Repair or replace?
Not every fault means a new system. If your unit is under about 8 to 10 years old and the problem is a repairable component, a repair is usually the best value. But once a system is older, needing repeated repairs, losing efficiency, or running on phased-out R22 refrigerant, replacement makes more sense. A good rule of thumb: if a repair costs a large share of a new unit, or the system is old and inefficient, put the money toward a replacement that will run cheaper and more reliably. We give you an honest assessment and a price for both repair and replacement, so you can decide with all the facts.
Why old air conditioners cost more to run
An ageing air conditioner quietly costs you money every time it runs. As units age, components wear, refrigerant can be low, and coils lose efficiency, so the system works harder and longer to reach the set temperature, using more power for less comfort. Older units also predate modern inverter technology and higher efficiency standards, so even in good order they use far more energy than a new system doing the same job. Over a hot Australian summer, that difference shows up clearly on your power bill. Replacing a tired old unit with an efficient new one often pays back a meaningful part of its cost through running-cost savings alone.
The R22 refrigerant phase-out
If your air conditioner was installed more than about a decade ago, it may use R22 refrigerant, which has been phased out in Australia because of its environmental impact. The practical effect is that R22 is no longer manufactured and is increasingly scarce and expensive, so if an older R22 system develops a refrigerant leak, topping it up is costly and may not be possible at all. This makes repairing an R22 unit a poor investment. Modern systems use newer, more efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants. If your unit runs on R22, replacing it is usually the sensible choice rather than pouring money into a system you cannot easily service.
Choosing a replacement system
Replacing your air conditioner is the ideal time to get the right system for how you live now. We will help you choose between a split system for one room or open-plan area, a multi-head system for several rooms from one outdoor unit, or ducted air conditioning for whole-home comfort. We also help you pick the right capacity, brand and efficiency. If your needs have changed since the old unit went in, more rooms to cool, an extension, or a preference for whole-home ducted, replacement lets you upgrade to a system that genuinely suits your home rather than simply repeating what was there.
Getting the size right
Replacement is the moment to correct a system that was the wrong size. A unit too small for the space struggles and runs constantly; one too large wastes energy and cycles on and off. As a rough guide, 2.5 kW suits a small bedroom, 3.5 kW a medium room, 5 to 6 kW a large living area, and 7 to 9 kW a large open-plan space, with ceiling height, insulation, windows and aspect all affecting the result. If your old unit never quite coped, or was oversized and expensive to run, we will calculate the right capacity for the space so your new system is comfortable and efficient.
Reverse cycle and efficiency
Most modern replacements are reverse cycle, meaning the one unit both cools in summer and heats in winter, and reverse cycle is one of the cheapest, most efficient ways to heat a home. New systems also use inverter technology, which ramps the unit smoothly up and down instead of switching fully on and off, saving energy and holding a steadier temperature. Combined with higher energy star ratings, a new reverse cycle inverter system is dramatically more efficient than an old unit. If your old system was cooling-only, or an inefficient older model, upgrading gives you year-round comfort from one appliance at a much lower running cost.
Removing and disposing of your old unit
Replacing an air conditioner involves safely decommissioning and removing the old one, which must be done properly because the old refrigerant has to be recovered legally rather than released, and the unit disposed of responsibly. This is part of why replacement should be done by licensed, ARC-certified technicians. We handle the whole job: recovering the refrigerant from your old system, removing both the indoor and outdoor units, and disposing of or recycling them correctly. You do not have to arrange anything separately or deal with the old equipment yourself, we take it all away and leave the space clean and ready for your new system.
Reusing existing pipework and brackets
When replacing a split system, people often ask whether the existing pipework and brackets can be reused. Sometimes they can, if they are the right size and in good condition, which can reduce the cost and work. But existing refrigerant lines must be checked, flushed or replaced as appropriate, because residue or the wrong pipe size can harm a new system and void its warranty, and older R22 pipework may not suit a new refrigerant. We assess the existing installation and advise honestly whether it can be reused safely or should be replaced, so your new system performs properly and its warranty stays valid, rather than cutting a corner that causes problems later.
Our replacement process
We make replacement day straightforward:
- Assessment, we confirm the best system type, size and position, and check the existing install
- Removal, we recover the refrigerant and remove the old units
- Installation, we fit and connect the new system, with new or checked pipework and the electrical connection
- Commissioning, we vacuum, charge, and test heating and cooling
- Handover, we show you the controls and clean up
Where we have the right unit available, we can often complete a replacement the same day, so you are not left without cooling for long.
How much does replacement cost?
Replacement cost depends on the type and capacity of the new system and the complexity of the install. As a general guide, a single-head split supply-and-install usually runs around $1,100 to $3,700, multi-head systems $3,000 to over $6,000, and ducted systems considerably more depending on zones. Removing and disposing of the old unit, new pipework, and any electrical upgrades can add to it, though reusing sound existing infrastructure can reduce it. We assess your situation and give you an upfront fixed quote, including old-unit removal, so there are no surprises, and we will weigh the cost against the running-cost savings of a new efficient system.
Warranty and efficiency of a new system
A new air conditioner comes with a manufacturer warranty, typically several years on parts and the compressor, which is only valid when the system is installed by licensed, ARC-certified technicians to the manufacturer specifications, exactly what we provide. Beyond the warranty, a new system runs far more efficiently than the old one it replaces, cutting your running costs, and it comes with modern features like inverter control, better filtration and often Wi-Fi control. To keep it efficient and the warranty valid, we recommend a yearly service. We back our installation workmanship too, so your investment is protected.
Same-day replacement service
If your air conditioner has died in the middle of a heatwave, you do not want to wait weeks for a replacement. We carry common units and, where we have the right system available, can often remove your old unit and install a new one the same day across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Our phones are answered around the clock. We will assess your needs, recommend the right replacement, give you an upfront fixed price including removal of the old unit, and get your home comfortable again as quickly as possible, so you are not sweating it out waiting for an appointment.
Licensed, ARC-certified technicians
Replacing an air conditioner involves recovering old refrigerant, handling new refrigerant, and electrical work, so by law it must be done by qualified people. Our technicians hold the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) licence and the electrical qualifications required, so your old unit is decommissioned legally, your new system is installed correctly, your warranty stays valid, and the job meets Australian Standards. You get honest advice on repair versus replacement and the right new system, upfront fixed pricing, old-unit removal, and same-day service where we can. We replace split, multi-head and ducted systems across Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Air conditioning replacement FAQs
When should I replace my air conditioner instead of repairing it?
Replace if the unit is over 10 to 15 years old or a repair would cost more than half the price of a new system. Otherwise a repair or service is usually the better value.
How long does an air conditioner last?
Most systems last 10 to 20 years depending on use and maintenance. Regular servicing extends their life.
Will a new air conditioner lower my power bills?
Yes. Modern inverter units are far more efficient than older systems, so running costs usually drop noticeably after an upgrade.
Can you replace my unit the same day?
Often, yes, for a like-for-like swap. We carry common units and can usually remove the old one and install the new one in one visit.
Do you remove and dispose of the old unit?
Yes, that is included. We remove and responsibly dispose of your old system as part of the replacement.
Should I upgrade to a bigger unit?
Not necessarily, bigger is not always better. We size the new system to your space so it runs efficiently.
Can you replace a ducted system?
Yes. We replace split, multi-head and ducted systems. We will assess your existing setup and quote the best option.
Are your technicians licensed?
Yes. Our ARC-licensed technicians handle the refrigerant and electrical work so your new system is compliant and warranted.
TV Install
Read More »
Installing a TV can be quite a task, especially if you are new to it and have not installed one before. If you are looking
TV Antenna Issues
Read More »
To enjoy the best service on your TV, it is to correctly set your antenna. Installing an antenna can be easy, but the catch lies
Security Lights
Read More »
If lurking shadowy figures around your house bother you at night, it’s time to think about security lights. But not every security light can cater
Install Data Point
Read More »
It’s difficult to install data point and cables, mostly if you have never worked with electrical units before. Hence, you need a trustworthy service. To
Install Cable For NBN
Read More »
There’s a ton of wiring and connections to be made on both your home’s exterior and interiors to install cable for NBN. That’s why it’s
Install CCTV
Read More »
It’s easy to install CCTV cameras at home without the help of a professional technician. But for that, it’s crucial to know how to establish
New Data Cable In House
Read More »
Installing new data cable in house calls for the assistance of a professional service. Be it for new devices or upgrading the existing cabling, we
What our customers say?
Why choose us?
Trusted Tradesmen
With hundreds of 5 star reviews, we’re the local tradesmen you can trust.
Transparent Pricing
We make sure you know exactly what you are paying for ahead of time.
Licensed And Insured
You’re in safe hands as our tradesmen are fully licensed and insured to do your job.
Workmanship Guarantee
Our work will be free of defects in workmanship and workmanship will be warranted for life.
Convenient Bookings
We offer convenient booking times that can be worked around your schedule.
Available All Hours
We take calls 24 hours a day and 365 days a year so that we’re always available to be of service.
Trusted Tradesmen
With hundreds of 5 star reviews, we’re the local tradesmen you can trust.
Transparent Pricing
We make sure you know exactly what you are paying for ahead of time.
Licensed And Insured
You’re in safe hands as our tradesmen are fully licensed and insured to do your job.
Workmanship Guarantee
Our work will be free of defects in workmanship and workmanship will be warranted for life.
Convenient Bookings
We offer convenient booking times that can be worked around your schedule.
Available All Hours
We take calls 24 hours a day and 365 days a year so that we’re always available to be of service.