The most comprehensive ducted air conditioning price guide
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Your Comprehensive Ducted Air Conditioning Cost Guide
Ducted air conditioning is undoubtedly one of the most efficient heating and cooling options on the market. However, great air conditioning such as this usually comes at a higher cost when compared to other air conditioning systems.
For example, in the ducted aircon vs split system cost comparison, ducted air conditioning remains to be the higher-priced type.
But how much, exactly, does ducted air conditioning cost?
In this post, we put together information on the cost of ducted air conditioning in Perth or wherever you are located in Australia, including the costs of installing and running it in your home.
For example, in the ducted aircon vs split system cost comparison, ducted air conditioning remains to be the higher-priced type.
But how much, exactly, does ducted air conditioning cost?
In this post, we put together information on the cost of ducted air conditioning in Perth or wherever you are located in Australia, including the costs of installing and running it in your home.
Why Consider a Ducted Air Conditioning System
There are a couple of reasons why some home and business owners opt for ducted air conditioning systems, such as the following:
Comprehensive cooling/heating: Most conventional air conditioners can only cool/heat one or two rooms. But, since ducted air conditioning systems use vents or ducts, they can distribute the conditioned air to every room in the house, ensuring even cooling or heating.
Temperature control: Whether you need cooling in the summer or heating in the winter, you can control the temperature in different rooms using a single point of control. This is made possible with the regulating motor, which communicates with every duct comprising the system.
Air conditioning zoning: The zoning feature in ducted air conditioners allows for greater flexibility and individual customisation through the manual control of thermostats, clocks and switches. So, if you want the air conditioning running in your living room but not in your bedroom, it’s entirely possible with ducted air conditioners. This feature makes ducted air conditioning system energy efficient, as you can control which zones in your home are to be cooled or heated.
Seamless integration: Since ducted air conditioning systems only require a single spot in the roof or ceiling of your home, it can blend into the roof seamlessly. It also won’t stand out or interrupt the overall look and feel of your home interior design.
The above reasons plus the power and durability of ducted air conditioners are usually enough to justify the cost of ducted air conditioning in Australia. But keep reading and see for yourself.
Comprehensive cooling/heating: Most conventional air conditioners can only cool/heat one or two rooms. But, since ducted air conditioning systems use vents or ducts, they can distribute the conditioned air to every room in the house, ensuring even cooling or heating.
Temperature control: Whether you need cooling in the summer or heating in the winter, you can control the temperature in different rooms using a single point of control. This is made possible with the regulating motor, which communicates with every duct comprising the system.
Air conditioning zoning: The zoning feature in ducted air conditioners allows for greater flexibility and individual customisation through the manual control of thermostats, clocks and switches. So, if you want the air conditioning running in your living room but not in your bedroom, it’s entirely possible with ducted air conditioners. This feature makes ducted air conditioning system energy efficient, as you can control which zones in your home are to be cooled or heated.
Seamless integration: Since ducted air conditioning systems only require a single spot in the roof or ceiling of your home, it can blend into the roof seamlessly. It also won’t stand out or interrupt the overall look and feel of your home interior design.
The above reasons plus the power and durability of ducted air conditioners are usually enough to justify the cost of ducted air conditioning in Australia. But keep reading and see for yourself.
How Much Is Ducted Air Conditioning?
So, how much does ducted air conditioning cost?
In calculating the cost of ducted air conditioning, a number of factors come into play, such as the size of your property, the model or brand, installation fees, running costs and so on.
In calculating the cost of ducted air conditioning, a number of factors come into play, such as the size of your property, the model or brand, installation fees, running costs and so on.
Ducted Air Conditioning Prices
Ducted air conditioning prices tend to be on the higher side. So, in general, homes with a higher number of zones would have a higher total cost, too.
To have a fair idea of the average price for ducted air conditioning, check out the following general quotes based on the number of zones in a home:
To have a fair idea of the average price for ducted air conditioning, check out the following general quotes based on the number of zones in a home:
- • Small, single-storey home with 2 to 3 bedrooms: Approximately $9,000 to $11,500
- • Medium, single-storey home with 3 to 5 bedrooms: Approximately $12,000 to $14,500
- • Large, multi-storey home with 4 to 6 bedrooms: Approximately $15,000 to $20,000
But again, to come up with the exact ducted aircon price, you need to have all the specific details required for your calculation. Aside from the property size and number of zones in your home, you should also consider how many power outlets and residents there are, the construction material type, level of home insulation and so on.
This means that although we’ll try to provide you as much information as possible for you to come up with a reasonable price estimate, a professional supplier is still your best resource.
This means that although we’ll try to provide you as much information as possible for you to come up with a reasonable price estimate, a professional supplier is still your best resource.
Ducted Heating and Cooling System Prices
Whether you’re interested in a particular model or brand or you’re still shopping around, below is a table summarising the prices of the most popular air conditioning brands:
| Brand | Avg. Price - Small House (Single storey with 2-3 bedrooms) | Avg. Price - Medium Size House (Single storey with 3-5 bedrooms) | Avg. Price - Large House (Two or more storeys with 4-6 bedrooms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | $2,805 | $4,300 | $5,373 |
| Fujitsu | $2,480 | $3,755 | $8,329 |
| Hitachi | $2,245 | $3,210 | $5,989 |
| Daikin | $3,801 | $3,972 | $6,141 |
| Panasonic | $3,150 | $3,880 | $5,135 |
| Samsung | $3,105 | $3,693 | $7,999 |
| LG | $2,999 | $3,240 | $3,985 |
| Toshiba | $3,290 | $3,757 | $4,595 |
• Among those units ideal for small homes, Daikin ducted air conditioning costs a lot more than other brands at $3,801. Hitachi has the lowest price at $2,245.
• When it comes to systems recommended for medium-sized residences, Mitsubishi costs the most at $4,300. Conversely, the most affordable in this group is Hitachi at $3,210.
• For large homes, the cost of Fujitsu ducted air conditioning tops the rest at $8,329. Meanwhile, an LG ducted air conditioning unit priced at $3,985 is the most affordable.
• When it comes to systems recommended for medium-sized residences, Mitsubishi costs the most at $4,300. Conversely, the most affordable in this group is Hitachi at $3,210.
• For large homes, the cost of Fujitsu ducted air conditioning tops the rest at $8,329. Meanwhile, an LG ducted air conditioning unit priced at $3,985 is the most affordable.
However, it must be noted that these prices are not absolute, as suppliers quote prices differently depending on the model, features, add-ons or freebies.
If anything, the above table can be used as an indicator of how much you can expect to spend on a ducted air conditioner based on the brand. The quoted prices above do not include the cost of installation – just the price of the unit itself.
If anything, the above table can be used as an indicator of how much you can expect to spend on a ducted air conditioner based on the brand. The quoted prices above do not include the cost of installation – just the price of the unit itself.
Ducted Air Conditioning Installation Cost
Without a doubt, it’s the ducted air conditioning installation cost that usually scares some people off when they’re unaware of the benefits of choosing such a system for their home.
However, calculating the cost to install ducted air conditioning in a house isn’t an exact science, as it depends on several factors.
However, calculating the cost to install ducted air conditioning in a house isn’t an exact science, as it depends on several factors.
Location: If your property is in a hard-to-reach or remote area, you may need to pay a higher-than-average installation fee.
Unit type: Ducted reverse cycle units tend to cost more to install than conventional ducted systems.
Property size: The number of ducts and vent grilles needed during installation depends on how big (or small) your property is. The more rooms or zones there are to be cooled or heated, the more ductwork will be necessary. The number of floors in your home also determines how many vertical duct lines or droppers are needed for the installation. Aside from increasing the cost of materials needed, property size also affects the amount of labour (work hours) required to finish a job.
Zoning the system: Although initially, zoning your ducted air conditioning system increases the cost of installation, this is actually an energy-efficient move in the long run. Dividing your home into zones helps you control the costs of running your system, as your air conditioning doesn’t have to be turned on completely all the time.
Roof size and layout: Depending on the roof space and structure, installers might need to adjust the roof trusses if there isn’t enough space to access it and install the ducts. This means additional work and costs.
Distance between the indoor and outdoor unit: The lower the distance between the indoor and outdoor unit, the lesser the materials required. This can also reduce the cost of installation.
Unit type: Ducted reverse cycle units tend to cost more to install than conventional ducted systems.
Property size: The number of ducts and vent grilles needed during installation depends on how big (or small) your property is. The more rooms or zones there are to be cooled or heated, the more ductwork will be necessary. The number of floors in your home also determines how many vertical duct lines or droppers are needed for the installation. Aside from increasing the cost of materials needed, property size also affects the amount of labour (work hours) required to finish a job.
Zoning the system: Although initially, zoning your ducted air conditioning system increases the cost of installation, this is actually an energy-efficient move in the long run. Dividing your home into zones helps you control the costs of running your system, as your air conditioning doesn’t have to be turned on completely all the time.
Roof size and layout: Depending on the roof space and structure, installers might need to adjust the roof trusses if there isn’t enough space to access it and install the ducts. This means additional work and costs.
Distance between the indoor and outdoor unit: The lower the distance between the indoor and outdoor unit, the lesser the materials required. This can also reduce the cost of installation.
So, how much does it cost to install a ducted air conditioning system?
There’s no exact or fixed cost. However, you can use the table of approximate costs below as a basis.
There’s no exact or fixed cost. However, you can use the table of approximate costs below as a basis.
| Size of the House | Approx. Cost for Ducted Aircon Installation |
|---|---|
| Small House (Single storey with 2-3 bedrooms) | $2,500 |
| Medium House (Single storey with 3-5 bedrooms) | $ 3,500 |
| Large House (Two or more storeys with 4-6 bedrooms) | $ 5,000 |
Although each ducted air conditioning installation project is unique, it helps to know industry averages. This way, you can come up with a reasonable project budget.
Cost to Run a Ducted Aircon – What to Expect
When the mercury rising in Australia, the cost to run a ducted aircon becomes a big concern, as cooling costs can accumulate quickly. And while you can enjoy the comfort air conditioning offers, it’s best to be aware of the cost of running a ducted aircon system.
In general, though, ducted systems are energy-efficient, as you are able to control temperature in zones. This allows you to turn the air conditioning on or off in a particular room or zone, as needed.
When it comes to determining the cost of running a ducted aircon, various factors can affect the overall outcome. This includes the size of the system, its energy efficiency, the usual thermostat temperature, the duration of operation and the quality of insulation.
Of course, your electricity provider and the tariff structure also affect total running costs.
To illustrate usage, let’s cite an example. A homeowner uses a 20 kW ducted air conditioner with a system divided into six zones and a 6 kW average air conditioning output. Their system is utilised for 80 hours every quarter, and they pay 24 cents per kWh of electricity use.
Although the maximum output is set at 20 kW for their ducted unit, it won’t be working at full capacity to cool their home, so the unit would be working intermittently to a 6 kW average capacity.
If they use their ducted unit modestly (approximately 80 hours every quarter), the system would be using a total of 480 kW per quarter. With the usage rate set at 24 cents per kWh, it would mean an added quarterly expense of $115.20 or a little over $450 per year.
What's worth to note, is that electricity prices vary between different Australian cities. For example, if you are moving to Perth from Melbourne, you will find that on average the Kilowatt-hour is nearly double as expensive.
In general, though, ducted systems are energy-efficient, as you are able to control temperature in zones. This allows you to turn the air conditioning on or off in a particular room or zone, as needed.
When it comes to determining the cost of running a ducted aircon, various factors can affect the overall outcome. This includes the size of the system, its energy efficiency, the usual thermostat temperature, the duration of operation and the quality of insulation.
Of course, your electricity provider and the tariff structure also affect total running costs.
To illustrate usage, let’s cite an example. A homeowner uses a 20 kW ducted air conditioner with a system divided into six zones and a 6 kW average air conditioning output. Their system is utilised for 80 hours every quarter, and they pay 24 cents per kWh of electricity use.
Although the maximum output is set at 20 kW for their ducted unit, it won’t be working at full capacity to cool their home, so the unit would be working intermittently to a 6 kW average capacity.
If they use their ducted unit modestly (approximately 80 hours every quarter), the system would be using a total of 480 kW per quarter. With the usage rate set at 24 cents per kWh, it would mean an added quarterly expense of $115.20 or a little over $450 per year.
What's worth to note, is that electricity prices vary between different Australian cities. For example, if you are moving to Perth from Melbourne, you will find that on average the Kilowatt-hour is nearly double as expensive.
Ducted Aircon Service Cost – What to Expect
To keep your ducted system in optimum running condition and ensure it remains energy-efficient, it’s crucial to have it serviced at least once every year.
At Global Cool Air, our ducted air conditioning service includes:
At Global Cool Air, our ducted air conditioning service includes:
• Cleaning or replacement of the return air filter grill material
• Checking of the refrigerant level and running pressure
• De-scaling and cleaning
• Temperature, air flow and motor zone operational checks
• Checking of the refrigerant level and running pressure
• De-scaling and cleaning
• Temperature, air flow and motor zone operational checks
Standard domestic ducted aircon service costs usually start at $350 (inclusive of GST). This quote does not include evaporator cleaning and does not reflect servicing expenses related to breakdowns or repair work.
Ducted Air Conditioning by Global Cool Air
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