Buying a new aircond in Malaysia involves more than just the price of the unit itself. Installation costs can add RM300 to RM1,500 or more to your total bill depending on the complexity of the job. Many homeowners are surprised by these additional costs because they are not always clearly communicated upfront.
In this guide, we will break down every cost component involved in aircond installation so you can budget accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises on installation day.
Total Cost Overview: Unit + Installation
Here is what a complete aircond purchase and installation typically costs in Malaysia as of 2025:
Wall-Mounted Split Units (Most Common)
| Horsepower | Unit Cost (Inverter) | Standard Installation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 HP | RM1,200 - RM1,800 | RM300 - RM500 | RM1,500 - RM2,300 |
| 1.5 HP | RM1,500 - RM2,400 | RM350 - RM550 | RM1,850 - RM2,950 |
| 2.0 HP | RM2,000 - RM3,000 | RM400 - RM600 | RM2,400 - RM3,600 |
| 2.5 HP | RM2,500 - RM3,800 | RM450 - RM700 | RM2,950 - RM4,500 |
Ceiling Cassette Units
| Horsepower | Unit Cost | Installation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 HP | RM3,500 - RM5,000 | RM800 - RM1,200 | RM4,300 - RM6,200 |
| 3.0 HP | RM4,500 - RM6,500 | RM900 - RM1,500 | RM5,400 - RM8,000 |
| 5.0 HP | RM6,000 - RM9,000 | RM1,000 - RM1,800 | RM7,000 - RM10,800 |
Prices are estimates and vary by brand, retailer, and installation complexity.
What Is Included in “Standard Installation”?
When an aircond retailer or installer quotes a “standard installation” price, it typically includes:
- Wall bracket and mounting for the indoor unit
- Outdoor unit placement on a flat surface or simple bracket
- Copper piping up to 10 feet (approximately 3 metres)
- Drainage pipe up to 10 feet
- Basic electrical wiring from existing power point
- Insulation foam for the copper pipes
- Wall hole drilling for one hole to pass the pipes through
- Vacuuming the system to remove moisture and air
- Refrigerant charge (comes pre-charged in new units for standard pipe lengths)
- Pipe cover or trunking for a short run (some installers)
It is crucial to confirm exactly what is included before agreeing to the price, because the definition of “standard installation” varies between companies.
Additional Costs Beyond Standard Installation
This is where most of the “hidden” costs come from. Depending on your home’s layout and the installation location, you may encounter some or all of the following additional charges:
Extra Copper Piping
Standard installation includes about 10 feet (3 metres) of copper piping. If the distance between your indoor and outdoor units is longer, you will pay for extra piping.
| Pipe Size | Cost per Foot |
|---|---|
| 1/4” + 3/8” (1.0-1.5 HP) | RM12 - RM18 per foot |
| 1/4” + 1/2” (2.0-2.5 HP) | RM15 - RM22 per foot |
| 3/8” + 5/8” (3.0+ HP) | RM20 - RM30 per foot |
For a typical condominium in Petaling Jaya where the outdoor unit is on the balcony and the indoor unit is in the bedroom, you might need 15 to 25 feet of piping, adding RM60 to RM300 to your bill.
Extra Drainage Pipe
Similarly, if the drainage path is longer than the standard 10 feet, extra drainage pipe is charged at approximately RM5 to RM10 per foot.
Wall Hole Drilling
Standard installation includes one wall hole. Additional holes cost:
| Wall Type | Cost per Hole |
|---|---|
| Brick or concrete block | RM50 - RM80 |
| Reinforced concrete (RC) | RM80 - RM150 |
| Glass panel (special drill) | RM100 - RM200 |
Pipe Cover / Trunking
To conceal the copper pipes and drainage pipe running along exterior walls, PVC pipe covers (trunking) are used. Many installers include a short section, but longer runs cost extra:
| Type | Cost per Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard PVC trunking | RM8 - RM12 per foot |
| Decorative slim duct | RM15 - RM25 per foot |
Electrical Work
If there is no dedicated power outlet near the installation point, electrical work is needed:
| Electrical Work | Cost |
|---|---|
| New power point (nearby) | RM80 - RM150 |
| New power point (long wiring run) | RM150 - RM350 |
| New dedicated circuit from DB box | RM200 - RM500 |
| MCB/circuit breaker addition | RM50 - RM100 |
For units 2.0 HP and above, a dedicated circuit from the distribution board is recommended. This is not optional, it is a safety requirement that prevents circuit overloading.
High-Floor or Difficult Access Surcharge
If the outdoor unit needs to be placed in a difficult location, expect additional charges:
| Scenario | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Outdoor unit on high-floor balcony with lift access | RM0 - RM50 |
| Outdoor unit requiring rope work or scaffolding | RM200 - RM500 |
| Outdoor unit on roof or elevated platform | RM150 - RM400 |
| Indoor unit on extra-high ceiling (above 12 feet) | RM100 - RM200 |
Old Unit Removal and Disposal
If you are replacing an existing aircond, the old unit needs to be removed:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Old unit removal (same location) | RM80 - RM150 |
| Old unit removal + disposal | RM100 - RM200 |
| Gas recovery from old unit | RM50 - RM80 |
Some installers offer a trade-in value for old units that are still in reasonable condition, which can offset some of the removal cost.
Condominium vs Landed Property: Cost Differences
Condominium Installation
Condominiums in Petaling Jaya (like those in Damansara Perdana, Kelana Jaya, or SS2) typically have:
- Shorter pipe runs because the outdoor unit goes on the balcony
- Pre-installed pipe sleeves in some newer developments
- Management restrictions that may require approved contractors
- Booking fees for service lifts or loading bays (RM50-100)
Total installation for a standard condo bedroom: RM350 to RM600
Landed Property Installation
Landed houses in areas like Taman SEA, SS3, or Damansara Utama often require:
- Longer pipe runs from upper-floor bedrooms to ground-level outdoor units
- More wall drilling through multiple walls
- Outdoor unit bracket on exterior wall (RM80-150)
- Longer trunking to maintain a neat appearance
Total installation for a landed house bedroom (first floor): RM500 to RM1,000
How to Save on Installation Costs
1. Buy During Sales Events
Major sales periods in Malaysia offer significant discounts on both units and installation:
- Chinese New Year (January-February): Many brands offer installation packages
- Hari Raya (April-May): Bundled deals with free installation promotions
- 11.11 and 12.12 Sales: Online platforms offer steep discounts
- Year-End Sales (November-December): Clearance of current year models
2. Install Multiple Units at Once
If you need airconds for multiple rooms, installing them all at the same time saves money. Installers offer multi-unit discounts because they only need to mobilise once. Savings of RM100 to RM300 per unit are common for 3 or more units.
3. Choose the Right Size
Oversizing your aircond wastes money on both the purchase and the electricity bill. Use this sizing guide for standard Malaysian homes:
| Room Type | Recommended HP |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom (under 150 sq ft) | 1.0 HP |
| Standard bedroom (150-200 sq ft) | 1.5 HP |
| Master bedroom (200-300 sq ft) | 1.5-2.0 HP |
| Living room (300-500 sq ft) | 2.0-2.5 HP |
| Large living room (500+ sq ft) | 2.5-3.0 HP or multi-split |
4. Plan the Installation Location
Discuss the installation location with your installer before the day of installation. Having a clear plan prevents last-minute changes that add to the cost. Ideally, the indoor and outdoor units should be as close together as possible to minimise piping costs.
5. Get Multiple Quotes
Always get quotes from at least 2-3 installers. Make sure each quote includes the same scope of work so you are comparing like for like. The cheapest quote is not always the best value. Look at the quality of materials, warranty terms, and the installer’s reputation.
What to Look for in a Good Installer
A quality installation affects the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of your aircond for years to come. Here is what separates a good installer from a mediocre one:
Proper vacuum procedure: Before commissioning the system, the installer should vacuum the refrigerant lines to remove moisture and air. This should take at least 15 to 20 minutes with a proper vacuum pump. Skipping this step can reduce efficiency and shorten compressor life.
Correct pipe bending: Copper pipes should be bent smoothly without kinks. Kinked pipes restrict refrigerant flow and reduce cooling efficiency.
Proper drainage slope: The drainage pipe must maintain a consistent downward slope from the indoor unit to the outlet. Improper drainage is the number one cause of post-installation water leaks.
Neat finishing: Pipe trunking should be straight and properly secured. Wall holes should be sealed with putty to prevent insects and water from entering.
System testing: The installer should run the unit for at least 15 to 20 minutes and verify that cooling performance, drainage, and all functions are working correctly before leaving.
Installation Warranty
A reputable installer should provide:
- Workmanship warranty: 6 to 12 months covering installation-related issues (leaks at joints, drainage problems, electrical connections)
- Product warranty: Typically provided by the aircond brand (1 year general, 5 years compressor)
Always get the warranty terms in writing. If a water leak develops within the first few months, it should be covered under the installer’s workmanship warranty at no additional cost.
Final Budgeting Tip
When budgeting for a new aircond in Malaysia, a safe rule of thumb is to add 25 to 40 percent on top of the unit price for installation costs. For a RM2,000 unit, budget RM2,500 to RM2,800 for the total installed cost. This gives you a buffer for any additional piping, electrical work, or other extras that may be needed.
At PJ Kool Aircond Service, we provide detailed, itemised quotes that cover every cost component before installation day. No surprises, no hidden charges. If you are planning a new aircond installation in Petaling Jaya or anywhere in the Klang Valley, contact us for a free consultation and quote.
See our full aircond installation service page for pricing, supported brands, and what is included in every installation.
