Compare Ducted Air Conditioning Quotes

Ducted air conditioning installation costs vary significantly based on home size, system capacity, and complexity. Small homes (100-150m²) typically cost $10,000-$15,000 for a 10-12kW system with 2-4 zones. Medium homes (150-250m²) range from $15,000-$20,000 for a 14-16kW system with 4-6 zones. Large homes (250m²+) cost $20,000-$25,000+ for an 18-20kW+ system with 6-8 zones. These prices include: ducted AC unit (indoor and outdoor), complete ductwork installation in roof cavity, ceiling grilles/outlets throughout home, zoning dampers and controls, electrical work and connection, system commissioning and testing, and basic controller/thermostat. Additional costs may include: upgraded smart controllers ($500-$1,500), difficult roof access surcharges ($1,000-$2,000), extensive electrical upgrades ($1,000-$3,000), and premium brands like ActronAir or Daikin (10-20% more than budget brands). Zoning is highly recommended as it allows independent temperature control in different areas and can reduce running costs by 30-40%. For smaller spaces or budget-conscious options, consider split system air conditioning which starts from $800-$3,500.

Ducted air conditioning installation takes 2-5 days depending on home size and complexity. Includes: indoor/outdoor unit installation, ductwork installation in roof cavity, ceiling grille installation, zoning setup, electrical work, commissioning, and testing.

Zoning is one of the most valuable features of ducted air conditioning, allowing you to control temperature independently in different areas (zones) of your home. Most systems offer 2-8 zones depending on home size and layout. Each zone has motorized dampers in the ductwork that open/close based on your settings, directing airflow only where needed. Benefits include: Running cost savings of 30-40% by cooling/heating only occupied rooms (e.g., bedrooms at night, living areas during day), personalised comfort allowing different family members to set their preferred temperatures in their zones, energy efficiency by preventing waste on unused areas, extended system lifespan by reducing overall workload, and smart home integration with many modern controllers. Common zoning configurations: 2-zone systems (living areas + bedrooms), 4-zone systems (master bedroom, other bedrooms, living, kitchen/dining), 6-8 zone systems for large homes with separate areas. Zoning typically adds $500-$2,000 to installation cost but pays for itself through reduced running costs within 2-4 years. Some premium systems offer per-room zoning with individual temperature sensors. Without zoning, you must cool/heat your entire home simultaneously, wasting energy and money. Most homeowners consider zoning essential for ducted AC - we strongly recommend it. Zone control can be managed via wall controllers, smartphone apps, or integrated with smart home systems like Google Home or Alexa.

Yes, ducted air conditioning can be retrofitted to existing homes if there's adequate roof cavity space (minimum 600mm clearance). Ceiling types (plaster, suspended, timber) don't affect installation. Two-storey homes may require additional ductwork considerations. For simpler installation options, compare split system air conditioning.

Sizing depends on home size: 10-12kW for 100-150m², 14-16kW for 150-200m², 18-20kW for 200-250m², 20kW+ for 250m²+. Professional assessment considers insulation, windows, ceiling height, climate, and room layout.

Running costs average $1.50-$3.00/hour for 14kW system, or $600-$1,500/year with moderate use. Zoning reduces costs by 30-40%. Inverter systems and high star ratings (5+) can save 30-50% on running costs. Insulation significantly affects efficiency.

Top ducted air conditioning brands in Australia each excel in different areas. Premium Australian tier: ActronAir (Australian-made in Sydney, designed for harsh Australian climates, industry-leading hot weather performance, excellent warranty and local support network, premium pricing 10-20% above imports). Premium international tier: Daikin (Japanese engineering, exceptional reliability, quiet operation, extensive 5-10 year warranties, strong dealer network), Mitsubishi Electric (superior build quality, advanced inverter technology, excellent for energy efficiency, comprehensive smart home integration). Mid-range quality tier: Fujitsu (best energy efficiency ratings in class, 5-6 star systems common, whisper-quiet operation, good value for money, strong warranty coverage), Panasonic (reliable Japanese engineering, good smart features, competitive pricing). Budget-conscious tier: Polyaire (Australian brand, basic but reliable, good for tight budgets, limited features, shorter warranties). Choose based on: Climate zone (ActronAir excels in extreme heat, Fujitsu better for temperate climates), budget (premium brands cost $2,000-$5,000 more but offer better warranties and lower running costs), energy efficiency (5-6 star systems save $300-$800/year vs 3-4 star), smart features (app control, scheduling, home automation), installer expertise (some installers specialize in certain brands offering better pricing and service), and warranty coverage (look for 5+ year compressor, 3-5 year parts). Running costs over 15 years often exceed purchase price, so prioritize efficiency. For ongoing care, regular air conditioning servicing maintains efficiency and warranty coverage.

Most ducted AC installations don't require council approval as they're exempt development. Exceptions: heritage areas, units visible from street, commercial installations. All electrical work must be done by licensed electrician. Check local council requirements.

Yes, upgrading from split systems to ducted AC is common. Requires: adequate roof cavity space, electrical capacity check, ductwork installation, system installation. Old splits can be removed or kept for supplementary cooling. Total cost $10,000-$25,000. For ongoing maintenance, see our AC service guide.

Yes! Ducted reverse cycle systems provide both powerful heating and cooling in one integrated system, making them the ultimate whole-home climate control solution. A ducted reverse cycle system costs only marginally more than cooling-only (typically $500-$1,500 extra) but provides year-round comfort. Ducted heating is incredibly efficient - reverse cycle heating is 3-4 times more energy efficient than traditional electric heaters and often more cost-effective than gas ducted heating in many areas, with running costs of $1-$2/hour for whole-home heating. Benefits over separate systems include: one system for all seasons (no need for separate heating), invisible operation (no wall units or heaters), zoned control for heating and cooling, consistent aesthetics, and simpler maintenance. For dedicated heating solutions or gas heating options, explore our comprehensive heating and cooling services including ducted gas heating, reverse cycle systems, and repair services. Most new ducted AC installations in Australia include reverse cycle capability as standard - we strongly recommend it for maximum flexibility and property value.

Ducted air conditioning systems are generally reliable but may eventually need repairs. Common issues include: refrigerant leaks (require licensed technician with ARCtick certification), faulty zone dampers (stuck open/closed affecting zoning), controller malfunctions, compressor failures (covered under warranty if under 5-7 years), and blocked filters/ducts reducing airflow. If your system stops working, starts making unusual noises, or doesn't cool/heat effectively, professional diagnosis is essential. Repair costs vary: minor repairs (controller, sensors) $200-$500, refrigerant regas $300-$600, zone damper replacement $400-$800, compressor replacement $1,500-$3,000. Many issues are covered under warranty if you've maintained regular servicing (required for warranty validity). Get air conditioning repair quotes from licensed technicians. Preventative annual servicing ($200-$400) prevents 80% of breakdowns and maintains warranty coverage.

Standard warranties: 5-7 years parts warranty, 1-2 years labor warranty, 5 years compressor warranty (some brands offer 10 years). Extended warranties available for purchase. Installation warranty from installer typically 12 months. Always register warranty after installation.