How Much Does A Ducted Air Conditioner Cost
Welcome to the most detailed ducted air conditioning price guide Australia.
If you have ever endured an Australian summer, you will understand the absolute need for a good air conditioning system to make your living and working space comfortable. One of the most efficient and discreet systems available today is ducted air conditioning. But the great aircon systems like this one are usually expensive when compared to other air conditioning systems. So, here a very common question that many people ask is: how much does ducted air conditioning cost to install?
Let’s break it down in simple terms, this guide explains to you the main installation cost of the ducted aircon involved and elements that affect the price in all over Australia, assisting you to get real about what to expect.
What Exactly Is Ducted Air Conditioning?
Imagine a single, powerful unit (usually tucked in your roof space or outside) sending chilled air through ducts hidden in your ceiling. Each room gets even airflow, no bulky wall units, no noisy fans. Just comfortable, even cooling (or heating) throughout the entire space. This is actually what a ducted air conditioner is.
Ducted air conditioning is a centralized heating or cooling system that is perfect for those who want sleek comfort without the visual clutter. Homeowners love it. Business owners rely on it.
Why Choose it?
Ducted air conditioning is a go-to choice for many Australian homeowners and businesses—and for good reason:
- Whole-home comfort: Unlike standard units that cool just one room, ducted systems distribute air throughout the entire house via hidden vents, ensuring consistent temperature in every space.
- Easy temperature control: One central controller lets you adjust the heating or cooling for different rooms, thanks to smart motorised ducts.
- Zoning flexibility: Want to cool only the living room during the day and bedrooms at night? With zoning, you can switch areas on or off, helping reduce energy use and save money.
- Unobtrusive design: Installed in the ceiling, ducted systems stay out of sight and don’t interfere with your interior décor.
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What’s the Ducted Air Conditioner Installation Cost in Australia?
Alright, let’s get to the question everyone’s asking: what will it actually cost me to install a ducted air conditioner?
The answer isn’t a simple flat fee because pricing varies dramatically based on your home or business size, the type of system, and the complexity of the installation. The ducted air conditioner installation cost can start at around $6,000 and go beyond $25,000. That sounds like a huge gap because it is. Costs vary based on several factors (which we’ll cover next), but here’s a rough idea:
- Small Homes (1–2 bedrooms): Expect to pay anywhere between $6,000 and $9,000. These setups usually involve a basic, single-phase unit and minimal zoning.
- Medium Homes (3–4 bedrooms): These installations fall into the $9,000 to $14,000 bracket. You’ll likely need more ducting, extra ceiling vents, and potentially a more powerful outdoor unit.
- Larger Homes (6–7 bedrooms): The installation cost for large, multi-storey homes is around $15,000 to $20,000. These large setups usually involve a complex layout, multi-phase unit and multiple zoning.
- Commercial Premises: These are the big-ticket projects, often costing $15,000 to $25,000+. You’re dealing with complex layouts, multiple zones, commercial-grade systems, and possibly three-phase power.
But again, to get the exact ducted aircon price, you must have all the specific details needed for your calculation. These estimates typically include the system and installation cost. Beyond the property size and number of zones, also consider the number of power outlets and residents, construction material type, insulation quality and other factors.
Some companies quote low upfront and hit you later with added labour or electrical costs, always get everything in writing first to avoid unexpected charges. While we will do our best to help you estimate a reasonable price, consulting a trusted professional supplier is still your best option.
Ducted Heating and Cooling System Price Guide
Whether you have got your eye on a particular model or brand or are still comparing options, below is a table outlines the average price range of the most popular ducted air conditioning brands:
| Name of Brand | Small Home (2–3 beds, single-storey) | Medium Home (3–5 beds, single-storey) | Large Home (4–6 beds, multi-storey) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | $2,805 | $4,300 | $5,373 |
| Hitachi | $2,245 | $3,210 | $5,989 |
| Fujitsu | $2,480 | $3,755 | $8,329 |
| Daikin | $3,801 | $3,972 | $6,141 |
| Samsung | $3,105 | $3,693 | $7,999 |
| Panasonic | $3,150 | $3,880 | $5,135 |
| LG | $2,999 | $3,240 | $3,985 |
Key Takeaways:
- Small homes: Daikin ducted air conditioning system is the most expensive at $3,801, while Hitachi offer the most budget-friend;y option at $2,245.
- Medium homes: Mitsubishi tops the price range at $4,300. Whereas, the most affordable in this group is Hitachi at $3,210.
- Large homes: Fujitsu ducted air conditioning priciest at $8,329. While, an LG ducted air conditioning system priced at $3,985 is the most affordable one.
These prices mentioned in the above table are estimates only, just to give you a general idea of how much each brand costs. Actual quotes by the suppliers may vary based on model, features, and promotions. The figures above reflect unit costs only and do not include installation. Always confirm final pricing with your supplier, as additional components or labor may affect the total expense.
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Factors That Influence Your Ducted Aircon Cost to Install
A few seemingly small things can make a big impact on your final bill. Here are those things:
1. Size & Layout of Your Property: Bigger houses need more ducting, more vents, and more powerful systems. Odd layouts or split-level homes? That adds complexity.
2. How Many Zones You Want: Want to cool your whole home at once? Or just the bedrooms at night and living spaces by day? More zones = higher cost, but better energy control.
3. Brand of System: Not all air con units are created equal. Premium brands like Daikin, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi Electric come with higher price tags—but also better warranties, energy ratings, and performance.
4. Installation Difficulty: Tight ceiling spaces? Old buildings with tricky access points? All this makes your job harder (and pricier). Installers charge more when the job is complex.
5. Where You Live in Australia: City installations are often cheaper than rural ones. Regional properties may face added freight and labour charges.
6. Electrical Work: If your current switchboard isn’t up to scratch, you might need an upgrade—which can cost an extra $1,000–$2,000 or more.
Ducted Air conditioning Cost on Government Rebates
Government rebates can significantly reduce the cost of a new ducted air conditioning system. Here’s what you need to know:
Depending on your location, some states offer energy efficiency rebates for upgrading or installing high-performance HVAC systems. It’s worth checking local schemes. For instance, Victoria has had programs that subsidise certain installations. Ask your installer, they usually know the latest.
1. Typical Ducted System Costs (Before Rebates)
| Home Size | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Small home (2–3 bedrooms) | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Medium home (3–5 bedrooms) | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Large home (4–6+ bedrooms) | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
(Exact prices depend on brand, capacity, and installation complexity.)
2. Available Rebates & Savings
| Incentive Type | Details | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Federal/State Incentives | Rebates for energy-efficient systems | $500 – $2,000+ |
| Renewable Energy Schemes | Discounts for solar-compatible systems | Varies |
| STC (Small-scale Technology Certificates) | Government-backed energy credits | $300 – $1,000 |
3. How to Check Your Rebate Eligibility
- Visit your state/territory energy authority website (e.g., Victoria’s VEEC, NSW’s Energy Savings Scheme).
- Ask your installer, many suppliers handle rebate paperwork for you.
4. Final Cost After Rebates
With rebates, your out-of-pocket cost could be 10–30% lower than the original price.
Example:
- System price: $6,000
- Rebates: -$1,200
- Your cost: ~$4,800
Pro Tip: Always confirm rebate details before purchasing, rules change often!
Is Ducted AC Worth It?
If your budget allows, absolutely. The benefits include:
- Best for whole-home comfort, consistent temperature across every room
- No visual eyesores like wall units
- Smart zoning for energy efficiency
- Quiet & energy-efficient (long-term savings)
- Higher property resale value
Wrap Up to How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost to Install?
Ducted air conditioning installation costs typically range from $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on your home size, brand choice, and system efficiency.
Modern ducted aircon systems have come a long way. Look for high energy star ratings, inverter technology, and smart zoning. These features help slash your power bills. And if you’ve got solar? Even better, you can offset a big chunk of your cooling costs. The upfront ducted air conditioning cost is higher but you’re investing in comfort, lower running costs, and property value.
What Should You Do Next?
Get a professional quote, in fact, get three. Ask detailed questions and make sure everything (including electrical and removal of old systems) is clearly itemised. If you’re in Australia and want an honest, hassle-free quote, our team at Powerband Electrical is ready to help. We install, repair, and maintain ducted air conditioning systems for homes and businesses.
We’re local. We’re experienced. We don’t play pricing games. Contact Powerband Electrical for a no-obligation quote on ducted air conditioner installation cost, expert advice, and premium service, backed by genuine experience and real customer reviews. Let’s make your summer cooler without the stress.
FAQs
Ducted air conditioning costs between $5,000−$9,000 for a small home (2-3 bedrooms), $8,000−$15,000 for medium homes (3-5 bedrooms), and $12,000−$25,000+ for large homes (4-6+ bedrooms). These are estimated prices and may vary based on brand, system size, and installation requirements.
Yes. Even smaller properties can benefit from ducted systems, especially if you’re aiming for consistent temperature control across multiple rooms.
The installation process of the ducted aircon system typically takes 1–3 days, depending on property size and system complexity.
Split systems are cheaper and easier to install. But they only cool one area at a time, and they hang on your walls like mini-fridges. Ducted air conditioning, on the other hand, provides invisible, whole-home comfort. It’s a bigger investment but arguably a better long-term solution. If you’re building or renovating, a ducted system makes even more sense. Retrofitting can be done, but it’ll cost more.
Many installers offer payment plans or financing. It’s worth asking during your quote. If you have more questions? Contact Powerband Electrical today, we’re happy to help.