For larger homes, office spaces, or industrial buildings, ducted air conditioning systems are the perfect solution for bringing cool or warm air indoors and providing year-round comfort.
But how much does it cost to install ducted air conditioning? That’s what we’re going to explore today! Below, you’ll find information on the price of different units, average installation costs, ongoing costs, and more, giving you a clearer idea of how much you need to budget.
What Will the Cost of Ducted System Installation Be for My Home?
Due to the intricacy involved with installing ducted air conditioning, costs can be higher than installing other air conditioning systems. But, there are several factors that will determine the overall price, including:
- Brand
- Model
- Capacity
- Room Size
- Current Ductwork
- Complexity of Installation Location
- Your Home’s Electrical System
- Number of Materials Needed
The simplest way of looking at the total cost is this: a smaller space requiring less installation work will cost less than a larger space.
To give you an average idea, installing ducted air conditioning in a small, single-storey home with 2-3 bedrooms would cost around $9,000-$11,500. Whereas the installation cost of ducted air conditioning systems in larger, multi-storey homes can cost up to $20,000.
Ducted System Air Conditioner Unit Costs By Brand
There are many things that will impact the overall cost of ducted air conditioning system installation, and one of the biggest is the brand you choose. More reputable brands will come with a higher price tag, and this is often with good reason, as they boast energy efficient features and will have been rigorously tested for performance and durability.
To help make things a bit clearer, we’ve put together a list of prices for some of the most popular ducted air conditioning system brands, along with their capacities:
Fujitsu Ducted System:
Hitachi Ducted System:
Daikin Ducted System:
Carrier Ducted System:
Mitsubishi Electric Ducted System:
Temper Zone Ducted System:
ActronAir Ducted System:
Panasonic Ducted System:
Teco Ducted System:
Samsung Ducted System:
Midea Ducted System:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ducted System:
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Ducted System Air Conditioner in Brisbane?
Now you know how much you might expect to pay depending on what ducted air conditioning brand you choose. But how much does it cost to install ducted air conditioning?
This will ultimately vary depending on a few different factors, including the type of ducted systems, capacity, house size, ductwork, and more. We’ll look into each of these in more detail next, but to give you a basic idea, installing ducted air conditioning will cost between $X & $Y (leave these prices blank, will get client to complete)
What Impacts the Cost of Ducted Air Conditioning Installation?
As we mentioned above, there are several factors that impact the overall cost of ducted air conditioning installation. Here, we’ll take a look at what these are and why they have such an effect on costs.
Size of Your Home
One of the things that will impact the cost of installing ducted air conditioning is the size of your home and the number of zones you want heating and cooling. Larger homes with extensive ductwork and more complex zoning requirements are likely to have higher installation costs than smaller homes.
Type of Ducted Systems
There are different systems to choose from when looking at ducted air conditioning, including single-zone and multi-zone systems, and the type you choose will also impact the installation cost. For example, a multi-zone system, which allows for independent temperature control, will have a higher upfront cost than a single-zone system.
System Capacity
The cooling and heating capacity of your chosen ducted air conditioning system will also influence the cost, and systems with a higher capacity tend to have a higher upfront cost than those with smaller capacities.
Ductwork
The installation of ductwork throughout your home or building is a hugely significant factor in the cost of ducted air conditioning installation, too. Factors such as the length of duct runs, the number of vents, and any modifications needed to accommodate the system will all impact the overall cost.
Additional Components
Depending on your specific requirements, additional components such as zoning controls, smart thermostats, upgraded air filters, or advanced air purification systems may also be added to the installation, increasing the total cost in the process.
Energy Efficiency Rating
You’ll also need to consider the energy efficiency star rating when choosing a ducted air conditioning system, as this will impact not only the upfront costs but also the running costs. Ducted air conditioners with a higher star rating will cost more upfront but save you money in the long run, while lower star ratings can create a false economy by saving you money on the initial cost but not on your energy bills.
Location and Accessibility
It’s quite possible that the price you’re quoted for ducted air conditioning installation will also be affected by the location where the system is being installed, as difficult-to-reach areas may require extra time or additional equipment.
Can I Install Ducted Air Conditioning Units Myself to Reduce Costs?
It’s only natural that you’re going to try to save money wherever you can when having ducted air conditioning installed. After all, it’s an expensive investment. But installing it yourself is never a good idea, and there are a few good reasons why.
Firstly, ducted air conditioning installation is extremely complex and requires specialised skills and knowledge, including designing and installing ductwork throughout the building, connecting the indoor and outdoor units, and configuring the system for optimal performance.
Trying to attempt this yourself isn’t only dangerous but can result in efficiencies, air leaks, and system malfunctions, all of which come with costly repairs.
Similarly, many manufacturers require professional installation by a qualified technician in order to maintain the warranty on the system. So, if you try to install ducted air conditioning yourself, you’re likely to void any warranties and should anything go wrong, you’ll be liable for repair costs.
There’s also a huge safety risk with installing ducted air conditioning as a DIY project, as it requires handling electrical components, refrigerants, and heavy equipment. Mishandling can result in electric shock or exposure to harmful chemicals, but a qualified installer will be trained and have the correct tools to mitigate these risks.
Are There Any Additional Costs I Should Be Aware Of?
It’s easy to think that purchasing and installing ducted air conditioning in your home is the extent of the costs involved, but there are a couple of ongoing costs that you need to consider as well when looking at your overall budget.
Ongoing Maintenance and Servicing of Your Ducted Air Conditioning System
The first thing you need to think about when it comes to budgeting for the ongoing costs of a ducted air conditioner is maintenance and servicing. Compared to some other air conditioners, such as split systems, maintenance doesn’t have to be carried out as regularly, but it does require professional help.
This includes inspecting and cleaning condenser coils and the evaporator, as well as checking refrigerant levels, ductwork, and vents for signs of leaks or damage. Each of these things needs to be done by a qualified technician once a year, adding to your overall running costs.
There are also some additional maintenance costs that don’t require the help of a professional but still come with a price tag, nonetheless, including replacing air filters and batteries in wireless thermostats. Of course, these are model-dependent but still worth considering if you’ve chosen a ducted air conditioner with these features.
Running Costs of Ducted Air Conditioners
It isn’t only maintenance and servicing you need to think about. You also need to consider how much it will cost to run your chosen ducted air conditioner, and as always, there are certain things that impact this.
The biggest of these is the way in which you use the system. Running a ducted air conditioner for a long period of time is going to result in higher running costs simply through your usage patterns. This is where size matters, as choosing the right capacity for your space will cut out the need for constant running, bringing your energy usage and running costs down.
You can also improve your running costs by choosing an energy efficient system with features designed to keep energy usage in check, including eco modes, scheduling, or automatic temperature adjustments.
Of course, local electricity prices play a large part in your running costs, but by choosing a ducted air conditioner with the right capacity, and with energy efficient features, you stand a much better chance of keeping your bills as low as possible.
How Does the Cost Of Ducted Air Conditioning Compare to a Split System Air Conditioning System?
The first thing to note here is that installing ducted air conditioning is generally more expensive than installing split systems. This is because extensive ductwork is often required, whereas installing a split system involves mounting an indoor and outdoor unit.
Ducted air conditioning can also have a higher operating cost compared to a split system, and whether you’ve chosen single-zone or multi-zone, the fact that a ducted system is designed to heat or cool an entire home uniformly brings the total running cost up.
Because of their complex installation and extensive ductwork, the maintenance costs of ducted air conditioning are often higher than split system air conditioning, too. This is true for repairs as well, as split systems generally have fewer components to worry about.
Key Questions to Ask a Ducted System Air Conditioner Installer
Whether you have experience of having air conditioning installed or not, knowing what to ask to ensure you get the best price and service possible is essential. Below, you’ll find a list of questions you can ask installers:
How much experience do you have with installing ducted air conditioning?
This is a really important question to ask, as installing ducted air conditioning is really complex, so you’ll want to feel assured that your installer knows exactly what they’re doing, and you’ll be left with top-quality work.
Are you licensed and insured?
You should also ask whether the installer holds the correct license for installing ducted air conditioning and whether they are insured. This helps to keep you protected from any costly damage should there be an issue with anything during the installation process.
Do you offer a warranty on installation work?
Asking this not only ensures you are covered for any repairs that might be needed following installation but also gives you peace of mind that the work will be high-quality, as an inexperienced installer is unlikely to offer a warranty.
What is the timeline for installation?
Since installing ducted air conditioning is such a complex process, it’s totally fair to ask how long you can expect the work to take. This allows you to plan accordingly and offers you the opportunity to step away from your home while work is being done should you want to.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance and servicing?
As with installation warranties, asking whether your installer offers ongoing maintenance and servicing gives you peace of mind over any potential future repairs. It also means that you don’t have to worry about finding someone else to carry out maintenance, and it will be done by an installer that is familiar with both the system and your home.
What is the total cost to install ducted air conditioning, including parts and labour?
Don’t be afraid to ask how much everything will come to as a total price, including parts and labour. This allows you to budget more efficiently and stops any nasty, costly surprises from popping up along the way!
Why Trust Sun City Air?
At Sun City Air, we’re passionate about installing ducted air conditioning into homes, offices, or any other spaces, and we do so with the highest level of professionalism. Our team of experts also have decades of experience with installing air conditioning, so you can rest assured you’ll be in safe hands.
We’ll also make the whole process as easy as possible for you and offer expert advice, including the best ducted air conditioner for your needs, taking into account ongoing costs and energy efficient performance.
We offer a five year warranty for parts and labour, too, so you can rest assured that in the unlikely event of something going wrong, you’ll be covered! Contact us today for a quote on installing a ducted air conditioning unit in your home.
