If you’re planning to install an air-conditioning system in the Caribbean, the cost can vary widely depending on your island, the complexity of the installation, and the type of system you choose. Unlike North America, the Caribbean has unique labour markets, construction styles, and environmental conditions; all of which influence pricing.
This guide breaks down realistic Caribbean installation costs, with special focus on Dominica and the wider OECS region.
Typical AC Installation Costs in the Caribbean
Across most Caribbean islands, labour-only installation for a standard 12,000–18,000 BTU wall-mounted mini split generally ranges between:
EC$350 – EC$850 (labour only)
This includes:
- Mounting indoor & outdoor units
- Standard 6–10 ft copper line set
- Drainage connection
- Basic electrical tie-in
- Vacuum & commissioning
Example: Clim8 A/C Ltd in Dominica charges EC$750, reflecting high workmanship standards and proper commissioning.
Why Online Estimates Look Much Higher Than Caribbean Reality
Online search results often show EC$2,500–$6,500 as installation-only pricing.
This is NOT accurate for Dominica or most OECS islands.
These higher prices apply mainly to:
- Cayman Islands
- Turks & Caicos
- The Bahamas
- Barbados (premium tier)
- Trinidad (for large or multi-split systems)
In those markets, labour can start at EC$1,500+ and full installations often run EC$2,500–$6,500.
Why These Prices Do Not Apply to Dominica & the OECS
In Dominica, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Kitts, labour is significantly more affordable.
High pricing in these islands typically includes:
- The AC unit plus installation
- Complex or non-standard installations
Examples:
- Long copper runs
- Rooftop or high-wall placement
- Conduit concealment
- New electrical circuits
- Multi-zone systems
OECS Pricing Snapshot (Labour Only)
- Dominica: EC$350 – EC$850
- St. Lucia: EC$400 – EC$700
- Grenada: EC$300 – EC$600
- Antigua: EC$400 – EC$800
- Barbados (standard): EC$600 – EC$1,200
- Barbados (premium): EC$1,500 – EC$2,000+
- Trinidad: EC$800 – EC$2,500
- Cayman Islands: EC$1,500 – EC$3,000
- Turks & Caicos: EC$1,800 – EC$3,200
- Bahamas: EC$1,300 – EC$2,800
Extended or Complex Installations
Extended installation work typically costs:
EC$1,000 – EC$2,500+
For:
- Long copper lines
- Breaker upgrades
- Hard-to-access areas
- Conduit concealment
- Inverter commissioning
Multi-Split & Commercial Installations
Typical range:
EC$2,500 – EC$8,000+ (labour only)
Depending on system size and building complexity.
Why Clim8’s Pricing Sits at the Higher End in Dominica
Clim8 isn’t the cheapest installer, and that’s by design.
Clients choose Clim8 because they want a reliable, professional, long-term AC partner, not just a one-time installation.
Clim8 provides:
- Consistent, trained workmanship
- Reliable appointment keeping & post-install support
- Proper system sizing and placement
- Safe, clean, property-conscious installations
- Ethical recommendations with no upselling
- Full documentation and warranty support
-
Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- Registered, insured, accountable business operations
These factors matter far more to home, and business, owners than “just hanging a unit,” which is why Clim8 remains the trusted premium option in Dominica.
What Should You Budget?
- Basic Install: EC$350 – EC$850
- 24k–36k Install: EC$700 – EC$1,400
- Extended Install: EC$1,000 – EC$2,500+
- Multi-Split: EC$2,500 – EC$8,000+
- Commercial: EC$3,000 – EC$12,000+
AC installation costs vary widely across the Caribbean. Dominica remains one of the more affordable islands for labour-only installations. Understanding the differences helps avoid confusion created by online quotes based on Cayman, Bahamas, or TCI pricing.
Clim8 continues to set the benchmark for quality installations, providing transparency, engineering precision, and long-term reliability.
