How much does ducted air conditioning cost? [2024]

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Published in January 2024
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How much does ducted air conditioning cost? [2024]

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Published in January 2024
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How much does ducted air conditioning cost?

How much does ducted air conditioning cost? The cost of ducted air conditioning for the system and installation ranges between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the size of your home and many other factors.

Ducted heating and cooling is arguably one of the best ways to control the temperature of your home effectively. Ducted aircon systems use wall and ceiling vents to disperse conditioned air throughout your home. You usually also have the ability to ‘zone’ rooms so that you can set different temperatures in different rooms to keep the entire family happy.

So, how much is ducted air conditioning? In this article, we explore:

  • Ducted air conditioning prices
  • Factors that affect the cost of ducted aircon
  • Installation costs
  • Types of ducted aircon systems
  • Running costs
  • How to get ducted air conditioner installation quotes, and more.
Want to find an air conditioning installer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

ducted air conditioning cost

How much does ducted air conditioning cost?

How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Australia. The cost of ducted air conditioning will depend on the number of zones in your home. The average price you can expect to pay for a complete installation is between $12,000 and $16,000.

Here is a ducted ac price list estimate for homes of varying sizes (including unit and installation):

  • Small home or apartment ducted air con cost: $8,000 to $11,500
  • Medium-size, single-storey home (four bedrooms): $12,000 to $14,500
  • Large home or multi-storey: $14,000 to $25,000, or more.

A range of factors will influence the total price you pay for ducted aircon. Make sure to get multiple quotes from local suppliers and ask about different prices for different systems.

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Types of ducted air conditioning systems and prices

How much for ducted air conditioning in your home? Ducted aircon prices depend on the type of system you want and usually range from about $2,200 to $8,500 for popular brands. The unit price will depend on the brand and size of the system you require for your home. The energy rating of the unit will also affect the price.

Here are some typical ducted air conditioning prices for popular brands:

Mitsubishi: $2,805 for a small house, $4,300 for a medium house, $5,373 for a large house

Fujitsu: $2,480 for a small house, $3,755 for a medium house, $8,329 for a large house

Panasonic: $3,150 for a small house, $3,880 for a medium house, $5,135 for a large house

Daikon: $3,801 for a small house, $3,972 for a medium house, $6,141 for a large house

For a large unit, Fujitsu is the most expensive at $8,329, while their smaller unit is one of the more affordable options. Conversely, Daikon has one of the most expensive small units at $3,801, while it’s medium-sized unit is cheaper than the Mitsubishi.

Ducted aircon system prices can also fluctuate between suppliers. That’s why it’s important to shop around with multiple quotes. While the prices above can give you a good indication of market rates for different brands, they do not include installation. It’s best to speak to a local air conditioning expert for a reliable quote.

Want to find an air conditioning installer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

How much does it cost to install ducted air conditioning?

The cost to install ducted air conditioning is a big question for many people. There are many benefits to having ducted aircon installed, especially in larger homes.

So, how much does ducted air conditioning installation cost? Ducted ac installation will usually cost between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the size of your property.

A small single-storey dwelling with two to three bedrooms can cost about $2,500, while a medium single-storey house with three to five bedrooms can cost about $3,500 for installation. For a large multi-storey house with four to six bedrooms, you can expect to pay roughly $5,000 for the installation of a ducted system.

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How much does ducted air conditioner installation cost

What factors affect the cost of ducted air conditioning?

When calculating the cost of installing ducted air conditioning and the system you require, you will need to take into account a range of factors to get an accurate total price.

Factors to consider include:

  • Your location
  • The type of unit you select
  • The size of your property and number of storeys
  • The level of insulation in your home
  • Whether you opt for zoning of multiple areas and how many areas
  • The distance between the indoor and outdoor unit
  • The amount of roof space you have

There are other influences that can affect costs, such as how many people live in your home and the type of construction of your home. Due to all the variances, an individually tailored quote from a professional supplier is necessary.

Want to find an air conditioning installer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

What is the running cost of ducted aircon?

The running cost of ducted air conditioning is generally between $250 and $500 per year for the average household. Exact costs will be determined by the tariff structure of your particular electricity provider.

Typical electricity prices for running ducted air conditioning are:

  • 25 – 80 cents per hour to cool a room
  • 13 – 36 cents per hour to heat a room

Running costs are also influenced by the energy efficiency of your system, the size of your home, the level of insulation of your home, the temperature you set, and how often you actually use the ac. It also helps to regularly clean your ducted aircon filters.

Ducted air conditioning prices

What are the pros and cons of a ducted air conditioning system?

Ducted air conditioners are one of the most optimal ways to maintain ideal temperatures within your home, however, they’re not always the best solution. For homeowners, it’s better if the system is installed during the house build.

If you’re living in an already established house, the cost to install ducted aircon will be much higher and it could mean having parts of your ceiling and walls ripped out. This can be a big deterrent for many homeowners wanting to have a ducted air conditioning system.

The benefit of having ducted ac is that it’s a permanent and effective heating and cooling solution that is quieter and less noticeable than bulky split systems. They also offer you the ability to zone separate living areas, and for larger homes ducted air con can be a more economical heating and cooling option for both running costs and installation. Ducted air conditioning also adds value to your home.

Want to find an air conditioning installer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Who installs ducted aircon?

Ducted aircon is usually installed by a ducted air conditioning installer, an electrician or a plumber. Ensure you find a professional installer who is qualified and licensed for the job. Tradespeople who work with refrigerants and install ac units are required to obtain a license with the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

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Getting ducted air conditioner installation quotes

For ducted air conditioner installation quotes, compare prices from a professional supplier and installer with Yellow Pages. You can get multiple free quotes from local air conditioning specialists near you to understand current market rates and get the best price.

While system prices of the same capacity range across brands, make sure you study your quotes carefully before opting for the lowest price. A more expensive energy-efficient unit might save you more money in the long run to use than a basic, cheaper system. Before you buy, be sure to check that your system comes with a good warranty.

*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.

Ducted aircon cost FAQ

Is ducted air con worth it?

There are many benefits to having a ducted air conditioning system installed in your home, especially for larger properties. If you only want one or two rooms cooled, then a split system air conditioner might be a better choice. Ducted aircon can increase the value of your property, making it a good investment.

How much does ducted air con cost in Australia?

The cost of installing ducted air conditioning in your home ranges between $5,000 and $30,000 or more. The total cost will vary depending on the size of your home, the type of system you choose, whether you opt for zoning, and other factors.

Is ducted air conditioning more expensive than a split system?

Ducted aircon prices can be cheaper that a split system if you have a larger home. For those with large homes, having multiple split systems throughout different rooms will cost much more than implementing a ducted air conditioning system. An energy efficient system with zoning means you don't have to heat or cool rooms you're not using. This can be much cheaper in the long run than other alternatives.

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