How much does ducted air conditioning cost? [2025]
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How much does ducted air conditioning cost?
How much does ducted air conditioning cost? The cost of installing a ducted air conditioning system typically ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on factors such as your home’s size, layout, and specific system requirements.
Ducted air conditioning is one of the most efficient ways to maintain a comfortable indoor climate year-round. These systems distribute cooled or heated air through vents in the ceiling or walls, ensuring even temperature control throughout your home. Many models also offer zoning capabilities, allowing you to set different temperatures in various rooms to suit individual preferences.
In this guide to ducted air conditioning prices, we explore:
- Ducted air conditioning cost
- Types of ducted aircon systems
- Benefits of installing ducted air conditioning
- Factors affecting the cost of ducted air conditioning
- How to get ducted air conditioner installation quotes, and more.
Want to find an air conditioning installer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Australia?
The cost of installing ducted air conditioning in Australia varies depending on factors such as the size of your home and the number of zones required. On average, you can expect to pay between $12,000 and $16,000 for a complete installation.
Here’s a general price guide based on home size (including unit and installation):
- Small home or apartment – $8,000 to $12,000
- Medium-size, single-storey home – $12,000 to $14,500
- Large home or multi-storey – $14,000 to $25,000+
Several factors can impact the final cost, including the system type, energy efficiency rating, brand, and installation complexity. To get the best deal, compare quotes from multiple local suppliers and inquire about pricing differences across various models and features.
Ducted air conditioning cost – 3 bedroom house
The cost of installing ducted air conditioning in a 3-bedroom house typically ranges between $10,000 and $14,000, depending on several factors such as the home size and layout, number of zones, system type and brand, and more.
Ducted air conditioning cost 4 bedroom house
The cost of installing ducted air conditioning in a 4-bedroom house in Australia typically ranges between $12,000 and $16,000,
To get the best value, it’s recommended to compare quotes from multiple installers and discuss system options that suit your budget and cooling needs.
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Types of ducted air conditioning systems and prices
How much does ducted air conditioning cost? The price of a ducted air conditioning system depends on the brand, capacity, and features. Unit costs typically range from $2,200 to $8,500, excluding installation. The final price also varies based on the energy rating, zoning capabilities, and supplier pricing.
Estimated prices for popular brands in Australia (unit only)
| Brand | Small Unit | Medium Unit | Large Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Ducted air conditioning prices can vary between suppliers, so it’s essential to shop around and obtain multiple quotes. While the prices provided above offer a general idea of market rates for different brands, they do not include installation costs. For a more accurate and reliable quote, it’s recommended to consult with a local air conditioning expert who can assess your home’s specific needs and provide a tailored estimate.
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 of installing ducted air conditioning can vary depending on factors like home size, complexity of the installation, and the system’s capacity. However, a general price range for ducted air conditioning installation in Australia typically falls between $2,500 and $5,000.
Cost breakdown by property size:
- Small Single-Storey Home (2-3 bedrooms): Expect installation costs around $2,500.
- Medium Single-Storey Home (3-5 bedrooms): Installation typically costs around $3,500.
- Large Multi-Storey Home (4-6 bedrooms): For larger homes, installation costs can reach approximately $5,000.
The final price can be influenced by factors such as the complexity of ductwork, the number of zones, and whether the installation is a retrofit or part of new construction.
For a precise and tailored quote, it’s best to consult with local air conditioning professionals, who can assess your home’s unique requirements.
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Benefits of ducted air conditioning
Ducted air conditioning is a smart, efficient solution for keeping your home or business comfortable year-round. Here’s why it’s a great investment:
1. Whole-home comfort
Ducted systems distribute air evenly throughout your home, maintaining a consistent temperature in every room.
2. Zoning capabilities
Many ducted systems allow for zoning, meaning you can set different temperatures in different areas of your home. This not only enhances comfort but also improves energy efficiency.
3. Aesthetic appeal
Unlike bulky wall-mounted units, ducted air conditioning is discreet, with only vents visible in the ceiling or walls, maintaining a sleek and uncluttered look.
4. Energy efficiency
Modern ducted systems come with inverter technology, allowing them to adjust power usage based on demand, which helps reduce electricity bills over time.
5. Quiet operation
Since the main unit is usually installed outside or in the roof space, ducted systems operate much more quietly than split-system air conditioners.
6. Increased property value
A well-installed ducted system can add value to your home, making it a more attractive option for potential buyers.
7. Suitable for large homes
Ducted air conditioning is ideal for larger homes or multi-room spaces, offering better climate control than multiple split systems.
8. Reverse cycle functionality
Most ducted systems offer both heating and cooling, making them a versatile, year-round solution for temperature control.
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Factors that affect the cost of ducted air conditioning
When estimating the cost of installing ducted air conditioning, there are several factors to consider in order to get an accurate quote for your system. These include:
- Location: Costs can vary depending on where you live due to regional pricing differences and availability of suppliers.
- Type of unit: The brand, capacity, and energy efficiency of the system you choose will directly impact the price.
- Property size and number of storeys: Larger properties or multi-storey homes require more extensive ductwork and larger systems, increasing the installation cost.
- Insulation level: Homes with poor insulation may require a more powerful system to maintain comfortable temperatures.
- Zoning: Opting for zoning systems (which allow different areas of the house to be heated or cooled independently) adds to the cost, particularly depending on how many zones you need.
- Distance between indoor and outdoor units: Longer distances between the indoor and outdoor units will increase installation complexity and cost.
- Roof space: Sufficient space in your roof for the ductwork is essential; tight or difficult-to-access spaces can add to installation costs.
Other factors such as the number of people in your household and the construction type of your home (e.g., brick vs. timber) can also influence the final cost.
For the most accurate pricing, it’s recommended to request a tailored quote from a professional air conditioning supplier who can assess your home’s unique needs.
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How much does it cost to run ducted air conditioning per hour?
The running cost of ducted air conditioning in Australia typically ranges between $60 and $840 per month. However, the actual cost will depend on several factors, including your energy provider’s tariff, the size of your system, and how often you use the air conditioning.
Electricity costs for operating ducted aircon are generally as follows:
- Cooling: Around $1.50 to $3.00 per hour
- Heating: Roughly $1.20 to $1.85 per hour
In addition to electricity rates, factors such as the energy efficiency of your system, the size and insulation of your home, and the temperature settings you choose will also influence the overall running cost. For example, well-maintained systems with higher energy ratings will typically cost less to operate. Regularly cleaning your air conditioning filters also helps improve efficiency and keep costs down.
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Who installs ducted air conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning systems are typically installed by qualified professionals, including ducted air conditioning installers, electricians, or plumbers. It’s important to hire an installer who is licensed and experienced. Installers who work with refrigerants and install air conditioning units must hold a valid license from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) to ensure compliance with safety and industry standards. Always confirm the installer’s credentials before proceeding with installation.
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Getting ducted air conditioner installation quotes
To get quotes for ducted air conditioner installation, compare prices from local suppliers and installers. You can request multiple free quotes from air conditioning specialists in your area to gauge market rates and secure the best price.
While system prices may be similar across brands, don’t just opt for the lowest price. A more expensive, energy-efficient model may save you money over time. Be sure to check that your chosen system includes a solid warranty before purchasing.
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*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ducted Air Conditioning Cost Guide
Is ducted air conditioning 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 average cost of installing ducted air conditioning in your home is $12,000 to $16,000. 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 air conditioning 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.
How much does ducted air conditioning installation cost?
Installation alone typically ranges between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on your property's size and the system’s complexity.
How can I reduce my ducted air conditioning running costs?
To minimise costs, opt for an energy-efficient model, regularly clean your filters, set your thermostat to moderate temperatures, and limit usage to necessary times.
How long does ducted air conditioning installation take?
Installation typically takes 1-3 days, depending on the complexity of the system and the size of your home.