How much does a Ducted Air Conditioner cost?

A ducted air conditioning system is convenient and is often less obtrusive than other air conditioning options. Ducted air conditioning installation cost can vary depending on whether the home is new or whether an older system requires retrofitting. Ducted air conditioning prices begin at around $2,400 and can be as much as $10,000 for a larger home. 

Several factors affect ducted air conditioning installation cost. Understanding these factors can help you make the best decision on the type of system that you wish to have installed. 

• Brand. The brand can make a big difference in price. When comparing brands, make sure that you are comparing units of the same size and with the same features. You can expect to spend more on a name brand, but you want to make sure that it is reliable. 
• Size of unit. The size of the unit needed can affect ducted air conditioner system cost. You can expect to pay more for a larger unit than a smaller one. It is vital to make sure that you have a properly sized system for your home. The average 130 square metre home will require a 24,000 BTU unit.  
• Size of home. Of course, a larger home requires a larger unit and more ductwork. A 371 square metre home will require a 66,000 BTU unit and will be much more expensive than for a smaller home. 
• Installation. Several factors affect the cost of installation besides labour rates. The complexity of the job affects cost. For instance, whether the installation is for a new home or retrofitting an existing unit will affect the cost of the project. Access to areas of the house, such as crawl space and attics, will also affect the cost of the job. 
• Reverse cycle or Not. Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning cost can be much less than multi-head systems. The reason for this is that both heating and cooling can operate using the same set of ductwork. There is no need to install two sets of ductwork. 

Several types of ducted systems exist and can affect the cost of the system. Here are a few examples of how certain factors can affect the price. 

• Cost of ducted air conditioning. The cost of ducted air conditioning is significantly higher than for ductless systems. The amount of ductwork needed is one factor, but you might also need a plumber or electrician, depending on the home. 
• Cost of ducted reverse cycle air conditioning. Reverse Cycle air conditioning can be a cost-effective option. A reverse cycle system uses the same coolant to heat and cool. The flow direction of the coolant is reversed, depending on the system type. These often range between $600-$750 for smaller units. 
• Ductless air conditioning cost. If you choose a ductless system, you will save on both the unit and installation costs. Even for a larger split system, it costs less than for a smaller ducted system. It is generally between $600 to $2,300 for a ductless system. 
• Mitsubishi ducted air conditioning cost. A Mitsubishi C8.0kW H9.0kW reverse cycle split system will cost about $2,400. 
• Daikin ducted air conditioning cost. On average, it will cost $7,000 for a Daikin 14kw ducted inverter split air conditioner. This includes the unit and installation. 

Ducted aircon cost estimates for installation might vary from location to location. However, it is important to understand that the installation of ducted air conditioning systems requires a license by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). There are likely to be more of them in urban areas than in rural areas, which means better prices can often be found in cities. Here are some examples of base prices in various cities in Australia.

As you can see, many factors affect the price of ducted aircon, and you want to be sure that you are not in for any surprises. There are several ways that you can help ensure that the installer provides you with an accurate estimate.

• Knowing what you want is the most important factor. Clearly state your expectations from the beginning. 
• There are different approaches to the design and installation of a ducted system. Be sure to have several contractors out before you make a decision. 
• Know the size of your house and the height of your ceilings. This will help the contractor be able to have an idea before they see the house for the first time. 
• Tell the contractor whether you need to have ductwork installed, or whether you will be hooking into an existing system.

You might also like: What is ducted air conditioning?

The cost of ducted aircon makes it an expensive endeavour. You want to make sure that you hire a professional who can do the job right the first time. Keep in mind that the professional you hire must be licensed by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). Furthermore, you might need the services of a plumber or electrician. Some air conditioning installers have all the necessary licenses to do the job from start to finish. Others will need to use subcontractors to complete a portion of the work. Be sure to ask which category your candidate falls into before you hire them. 

• Get a few quotes. It pays to shop around, so call a few different installers to get quotes. Be sure to check what is included in the quote. Some lower bids might not include everything that is needed or might have different packages offered. Be sure that all of the quotes are for like services. 
• Find someone local. Hiring someone local can save on transportation costs. They are also often good at sourcing local supplies and additional labour cheaply. This can save you money in the end. Some installers also include maintenance and service packages, which is an excellent reason to hire someone local.
• Consider large company installers. Both large and small companies have advantages and disadvantages. Larger companies often have a larger pool of employees to draw from, which means that you can get the job done more quickly. They can often get discounts on parts and units because they can buy in bulk. However, there is something to be said for smaller providers, too. They usually have more flexibility in accommodating your needs. Their reputation depends on making every customer happy, and they often take exceptional pride in their work.

Looking to install or repair your air conditioning? Get a free quote from top rated and reviewed air conditioning installers and repair near you.

Of course, everyone wants to save a little money when hiring an installer. Here are some suggestions for getting the best price possible for your job. 

• Comparison shop. Be sure to compare the costs of different units. Check around with various suppliers to see which one has the best deal. A little bit of extra attention to this, in the beginning, can add up to considerable savings. 
• Be clear. Ask lots of questions and make sure that everything is clear before the job begins. Confusion and misunderstandings can mean the difference between a job that you are happy with and the costs of having to have something reworked. 
• Ask about long-term costs. Always consider the long-term costs of maintenance and operation of the unit. Sometimes, you can save big by purchasing a maintenance plan from the installer. 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources