- Ultimate Guide -
Ducted Air Conditioning Cost
Understanding ducted air conditioning costs is key when planning a whole-home cooling and heating solution. Prices can vary depending on the size of your home, brand, system capacity and installation requirements. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay and the factors that influence the final cost.
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?
Ducted air conditioning costs, including system and installation, typically range from around $6,000 to $20,000, with most homes falling between $9,000 and $15,000.
Final pricing will vary depending on the brand, system size, property layout and installation complexity, with larger or multi-storey homes and premium systems typically costing more.
In this guide, we take a closer look at ducted air conditioning costs, including installation and ongoing running expenses for your home.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Ducted Air Conditioning
- How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost
- Ducted Aircon Prices by Home Size
- Ducted Aircon System Prices by Brand
- Aircon Smart Controller Cost
- Ducted Aircon Installation Costs
- Ducted Aircon Running Costs
- Ducted Aircon Service Costs
- Ducted Aircon Finance Options
- Get a Quote From Global Cool Air
Note: All prices in this guide are based on our experience and research at the time of writing. Prices may vary over time and can be influenced by a range of factors, so they should be used as a general guide only.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ducted Air Conditioning Prices by Home Size
Ducted air conditioning systems tend to be a higher-end solution, with pricing increasing as the number of zones and overall system size grows.
Ducted air conditioning systems, including installation, typically range from around $6,000 to $20,000+, depending on the brand, system size, property layout and installation complexity.
To give you a clearer idea of fully installed costs, the estimates below are based on typical home sizes and layouts:
Approximately $6,000 to $11,500
Medium, Single-Storey Home (3 to 5 Bedrooms)
Approximately $12,000 to $14,500
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.
Ducted Heating and Cooling System Prices by Brand
Whether you’re interested in a particular model or brand or you’re still comparing options, the table below summarises typical system-only pricing for some of the most popular ducted air conditioning brands.
Across most brands, ducted air conditioning systems, excluding installation, generally range from around $2,800 to $10,000+, depending on the system size and capacity required. Smaller homes typically sit at the lower end of the range, while larger or multi-storey homes require higher-capacity systems, increasing the overall cost.
To compare how ducted air conditioning pricing varies across brands and home sizes, take a closer look at the price ranges in the table below (installation costs excluded).
Mitsubishi Electric
Fujitsu
Hitachi
Daikin
Panasonic
Samsung
LG
Hisense
Bonaire
Braemar
Among systems suited for small homes, Panasonic and Mitsubishi Electric sit at the higher end, with prices reaching up to ~$4,610 and ~$4,399 respectively. In contrast, Hitachi and Samsung offer some of the most affordable entry points, starting from around ~$2,830 and ~$2,869.
For medium-sized homes, Panasonic again stands out as one of the more premium options, with prices exceeding ~$5,600. Meanwhile, Samsung and Hisense remain among the most budget-friendly in this category, generally staying under ~$4,000.
When it comes to large homes, Bonaire and Braemar are positioned at the top end of the market, with systems reaching approximately ~$10,000+. On the other hand, brands like Hisense and Samsung offer more accessible options, with some large-capacity systems available from under ~$4,000–$5,500.
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.
Aircon Control Systems & Smart Controller Costs
Most ducted air conditioning systems come with a standard wall-mounted controller, which allows you to turn the system on or off and adjust the temperature across the home.
However, many homeowners now choose to upgrade to a smart zoning controller such as AirTouch 5 or similar systems.
While these systems offer greater convenience and control, they are typically an additional cost, often ranging from around $1,200 to $2,500+ depending on the setup and number of zones.
Here are some of the key features of modern smart control systems:
For larger homes or households looking to reduce running costs, a smart controller can be a worthwhile long-term investment.
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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.
As a general guide, ducted air conditioning installation costs typically range from around $2,500 for smaller homes up to $5,000 or more for larger or multi-storey properties. This is in addition to the cost of the system itself and can vary depending on factors such as roof access, layout complexity and zoning requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who Can Install a Ducted Air Conditioner?
Installing a ducted air conditioning system is a complex task that requires professional expertise. Typically, licensed HVAC technicians or air conditioning specialists are the primary tradespeople responsible for the installation. However, in some cases, electricians may also be involved in the process, particularly for the electrical wiring and connection of the system. It’s important to note that electricians may need additional licenses or certifications specific to air conditioning installations, depending on the state or territory. Always ensure that the installer is properly licensed and qualified to meet local regulations and industry standards.
With over 15 years of experience, Global Cool Air is trusted for high-quality air conditioning installations across Perth. Our team works with leading brands and ensures every system is tailored to your home and budget.
Learn more about our aircon installation service and get expert advice on the right solution for your home.
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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 20kW ducted air conditioner with a system divided into six zones and a 6kW average cooling output. Their system is utilised for 80 hours every quarter, and they pay 24 cents per kWh of electricity use.
Although the system won’t run at full capacity all the time, a 6kW cooling output typically only requires around 1.7 to 2.0kW of electricity due to efficiency. This results in approximately 150–160kWh per quarter, or around $35–$40 per quarter ($140–$160 per year).
Actual running costs will vary depending on usage, zoning and conditions.
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Your Estimated Running Cost
Based on a home and an estimated ducted system.
Ducted Aircon Service Cost – What to Expect
There are a couple of reasons why some home and business owners opt for ducted air conditioning systems, such as the following:
Average Ducted Air Conditioning Service Costs
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.
For ducted systems, servicing costs can vary depending on system size, number of zones and ease of roof access. Larger or more complex setups typically require more time to inspect and test, which can increase the overall service cost compared to smaller, single-zone systems.
At Global Cool Air, a ducted air conditioning service typically includes:
Learn more about our air conditioning servicing or get a free quote today to keep your system running at its best.
Finance Options for Ducted Air Conditioning Systems & Installation
Installing a ducted air conditioning system is a larger investment, as it provides whole-home cooling and requires more extensive setup. To make this more manageable, a range of flexible financing options are available to help spread the cost.
Here are four options to consider:
Split the cost into smaller repayments with a buy now, pay later option. Interest-free plans are available, with flexible weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.
Ideal for higher-value purchases, with flexible repayment plans. Choose from short-term interest-free options or longer-term payment arrangements.
Many ducted air conditioning providers offer in-house or partner finance solutions. This allows you to bundle the system and installation into one structured payment plan.
Access funds through a personal loan or your home loan/redraw facility. Often suited to ducted systems, with predictable repayments over a longer term.
Considering the cost of a ducted air conditioning system? Get in touch with our team to discuss flexible finance options and find a solution that works for your home and budget.
Why Choose Global Cool Air for Ducted Air Conditioning
At Global Cool Air, we help Perth homeowners make informed decisions when it comes to ducted air conditioning costs. From system selection to installation, we provide honest advice, transparent pricing and tailored solutions to suit your home and budget.
Whether you're comparing options or ready to move forward, our team is here to ensure you get the right system with long-term efficiency and value in mind.
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Expert Guidance on Choosing the Right Ducted System
Our experienced Perth-based team works with all leading air conditioning brands and can help you compare ducted aircon costs, running costs and system performance based on your layout, insulation and budget.
From initial advice through to supply and professional installation, we make the process clear, transparent and tailored to your needs, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
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If you are comparing ducted air conditioning prices or ready to move forward, speak with our team for personalised advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
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