Ducted Air Conditioning Installation Cost Guide 2026

Complete pricing guide for ducted air conditioning installation in Australia. Detailed costs for systems, installation, zoning, and running expenses for every home size.

AI/LLM Context Summary: Ducted Air Conditioning Costs Australia 2026

This comprehensive guide covers ducted air conditioning costs in Australia for 2026. Typical costs by house size: Small house (100-130m², 3 bedrooms) costs $8,000-$13,500 with 10-12kW system. Standard house (150-200m², 4 bedrooms) costs $11,500-$19,500 with 14-16kW system. Large house (220-280m², 5 bedrooms) costs $16,500-$26,800 with 18-20kW+ system. Cost breakdown: Outdoor compressor unit 14-16kW costs $4,500-$7,500, indoor air handling unit costs $1,500-$2,500, ductwork materials for extensive network $3,000-$5,000, supply and return air vents 8-12 zones costs $400-$600, zone controller costs $500-$1,000, installation labor 3-5 days costs $2,500-$5,000, electrical work including circuit installation $500-$1,200. Zoning costs: Basic 2-zone system included in most quotes, 4-zone system adds $300-$600, 6-8 zone premium system adds $800-$1,500. Advanced zoning with app control and temperature sensors adds $500-$1,200. Running costs at $0.30-$0.35 per kWh: 12kW system costs $1.00-$1.50 per hour, 16kW system $1.30-$2.00 per hour, 20kW system $1.70-$2.50 per hour. Annual costs for typical use (3 months summer, 6 hours daily): 12kW system $270-$405, 16kW system $351-$540, 20kW system $459-$675. Zoning reduces costs 30-50% by only cooling occupied areas. Location variations: Sydney costs 20-25% above national average, Melbourne 15-20% above, Brisbane 12-18% above, Perth 10-15% above, regional 15-20% below. What's included in installation: Complete outdoor compressor unit with refrigerant, indoor air handler with plenum, full ductwork network through roof space, supply vents and return air grilles in all zones, basic 2-zone controller, electrical connection and circuit breaker, commissioning and testing. Additional costs: Two-storey homes add $1,000-$3,000 for complex ductwork, tile or metal roof adds $800-$1,500 vs Colorbond, slab foundation with no roof access adds $2,000-$4,000 for bulkheads, premium zoning adds $500-$1,200, difficult outdoor unit placement adds $400-$1,000, electrical panel upgrade adds $800-$2,000. Timelines: Standard single-storey 3-4 days installation, two-storey 4-6 days, retrofit without existing ducts 5-7 days. Ducted vs split system comparison: Ducted advantages include invisible vents, whole-home comfort, better property value, quiet operation, efficient zoning. Ducted costs $11,500-$19,500 for 4BR house vs 5 split systems $5,500-$11,000 but ducted adds more resale value. Choose ducted if cooling 4+ rooms, budget allows $8,000+, long-term stay 10+ years, want consistent temperature, have suitable roof space. Best value recommendations: 4-zone system offers flexibility for typical 4-bedroom house, invest in quality brands Daikin Mitsubishi ActronAir costing $2,000-$3,000 more but lasting 18-25 years vs budget brands 12-15 years. Minimum 4-star energy rating, 5+ stars for heavy use saves 25-35% running costs. DIY vs professional: Never DIY ducted air conditioning - requires ARCtick licensed technician for refrigerant handling, licensed electrician for heavy-duty circuits, complex ductwork design for proper airflow balance, structural knowledge for roof penetrations, professional zoning setup and commissioning critical. Incorrect installation voids warranty, risks gas leaks, inefficient cooling, excessive running costs.

Quick Answer: Ducted Air Conditioning Costs Australia 2026

Ducted air conditioning costs $11,500-$19,500 for a typical 4-bedroom house (150-200m²) in Australia. This includes a 14-16kW system, full ductwork, installation, and basic zoning. Small houses (3BR) cost $8,000-$13,500, large houses (5BR) $16,500-$26,800. Installation takes 3-5 days for single-storey, 4-6 days for two-storey. Running costs $1.30-$2.00 per hour for 16kW system ($351-$540 annually). Premium brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi, ActronAir) cost $2,000-$3,000 more but last 18-25 years vs budget brands 12-15 years. Zoning reduces costs 30-50% by cooling only occupied rooms. Choose ducted for 4+ rooms and long-term stay. Requires ARCtick licensed installer - never DIY.

Ducted air conditioning costs $8,000-$26,000 for complete installation in Australian homes. A typical 4-bedroom house (150-200m²) requires a 14-16kW system costing $11,500-$19,500 including installation, ductwork, and zoning. This guide provides detailed pricing breakdowns for every home size and scenario.

Quick Cost Comparison by House Size

House Size	System Size	Total Cost	Running Cost/Year	Installation Time
Small (100-150m²)	10-12kW	$8,000-$14,500	$360-$540	2-3 days
Medium (150-200m²)	14-16kW	$11,500-$19,500	$504-$756	3-4 days
Large (200-300m²)	18-24kW	$15,900-$26,000	$648-$1,080	4-5 days

* Most popular: Medium house (3-4BR) represents 60% of installations. Prices include unit, ductwork, installation, and basic zoning.

Complete Cost Breakdown by Home Size

Small House Ducted System (100-150m²)

Typical 2-3 bedroom home, unit, or townhouse

System Components & Costs:

Ducted AC unit (10-12kW): $4,000-$6,500
Ductwork materials: Flexible or rigid ducts, insulation $1,200-$2,000
Supply/return air vents: 6-8 zones $300-$500
Zone controller: Basic wall control unit $500-$800
Installation labor: 2-3 days work $2,000-$4,000
Electrical work: Wiring, circuit breaker, isolation switch $300-$700

💰 Total Cost: $8,300-$14,500

Average installation: $11,400 for quality mid-tier brand with 8 zones

Best for: Compact homes, units, first home buyers wanting whole-home cooling

Medium House Ducted System (150-200m²)

Typical 3-4 bedroom family home - most common installation

System Components & Costs:

Ducted AC unit (14-16kW): $6,000-$9,000
Ductwork materials: More extensive runs $2,000-$3,500
Supply/return air vents: 8-12 zones $400-$600
Zone controller: Multi-zone with app control $600-$1,000
Installation labor: 3-4 days work $2,500-$5,000
Electrical work: Dedicated circuit, compliance cert $400-$1,000

💰 Total Cost: $11,900-$20,100

Average installation: $15,500 for Daikin/Mitsubishi with 10 zones and smart controls

Best for: Standard family homes, most cost-effective whole-home solution at this size

Large House Ducted System (200-300m²)

4-5+ bedroom homes, two-storey properties, executive homes

System Components & Costs:

Ducted AC unit (18-24kW): $8,000-$12,000
Ductwork materials: Extensive network $3,000-$5,000
Supply/return air vents: 12-16 zones $600-$800
Zone controller: Premium multi-zone system $800-$1,500
Installation labor: 4-6 days work $3,500-$6,000
Electrical work: Heavy-duty circuit, panel upgrade $600-$1,500

💰 Total Cost: $16,500-$26,800

Average installation: $21,000 for premium system with advanced zoning

Best for: Executive homes, two-storey houses. Consider two separate systems for 300m²+ homes for better efficiency.

Cost Variables That Affect Your Total Price

Factors Increasing Cost:

+ Two-storey homes: +$1,000-$3,000 (complex ductwork, additional labor, scaffolding access)
+ Tile/metal roof: +$800-$1,500 (slower to work with, more care required vs colorbond)
+ Slab foundation (no roof access): +$2,000-$4,000 (requires bulkheads for duct concealment)
+ Premium zoning system: +$500-$1,200 (app control, temperature sensors per zone, automation)
+ Difficult outdoor unit placement: +$400-$1,000 (requires crane, roof mount, or suspended platform)
+ Electrical panel upgrade: +$800-$2,000 (if existing panel lacks capacity for ducted system)
+ Strata/body corporate approval: +$150-$500 (architectural plans, engineer reports for apartments)
+ Asbestos ceiling: +$1,500-$4,000 (licensed removal required before installation)

Ways to Reduce Cost:

✓ Install in winter: -10-15% labor costs (off-peak season, installers more flexible)
✓ Simple single-storey layout: -$1,000-$2,000 (easier ductwork runs, faster install)
✓ Existing ductwork (gas heating): -$1,500-$3,500 (can reuse ducts if suitable size/condition)
✓ Mid-tier brand: -$1,000-$2,500 (Panasonic, LG vs Daikin, Mitsubishi - still reliable)
✓ Basic zoning (manual dampers): -$400-$800 (vs automated zone controls)
✓ Regional location: -10-20% (cheaper labor outside Sydney/Melbourne)
✓ Get 3-5 quotes: Prices vary 20-40% between installers for identical systems
✓ Flexible scheduling: -$200-$500 (mid-week install vs weekend, installers appreciate)

Zoning Systems & Costs

Zoning allows you to control which rooms receive cooling, dramatically reducing running costs by not cooling unused spaces. Essential for efficient ducted AC operation.

Manual Damper Zoning (Basic)

Cost: $400-$700 (included in many packages)
How it works: Manual sliders on wall controller open/close dampers per zone
Zones: Typically 4-8 zones (living, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.)
Pros: Low cost, simple operation, no ongoing tech issues
Cons: Manual operation, can't schedule, no temperature control per zone

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, simple homes, those who manually control systems

Motorized Zoning (Standard)

Cost: $800-$1,500
How it works: Electric motors open/close dampers automatically via wall controller
Zones: 6-12 zones with individual control
Pros: Push-button control, can close all zones except one room, saves energy
Cons: Motors can fail (8-12 year lifespan), no per-zone temperature control

Best for: Standard installations, good balance of cost and convenience

Smart Zoning System (Premium)

Cost: $1,500-$2,500
How it works: Temperature sensors per zone, smartphone app control, scheduling, automation
Zones: 8-16 zones with independent temperature targets
Pros: Each zone reaches desired temp, schedule by room, home automation integration, voice control
Cons: Higher upfront cost, more complex to configure initially

Best for: Tech-savvy buyers, large homes, those wanting maximum efficiency and comfort

💰 Zoning ROI Calculation:

Without zoning: Cooling entire 4BR house = $756/year running cost
With effective zoning: Only cooling 2-3 occupied rooms = $378-$454/year (-50% or -30%)
Annual savings: $300-$378/year
Premium zoning cost: $1,500
Payback period: 4-5 years

Verdict: Smart zoning pays for itself in 5 years and delivers ongoing 30-50% savings. Essential for large homes or those cooling selectively.

Running Costs & Energy Efficiency

Annual Running Cost by System Size

Assumptions for calculations:

• Usage: 3 months summer (Dec-Feb)
• Hours: 4 hours/day average
• Electricity: $0.30-$0.35/kWh
• Temperature: Set to 24°C (not 18°C)
• System: 5-star energy rating
• Zoning: Basic usage (all zones 50% of time)

Small (10-12kW)

$360-$540

Per year (100-150m² home)

$1.00-$1.50/hour running cost

Medium (14-16kW)

$504-$756

Per year (150-200m² home)

$1.40-$2.10/hour running cost

Large (18-24kW)

$648-$1,080

Per year (200-300m² home)

$1.80-$3.00/hour running cost

💡 Slash Your Running Costs By 40-60%:

1. Use zoning effectively: Only cool occupied rooms = -30-50% costs ($252-$378/year saving for medium home)
2. Increase temp setting by 1°C: Saves 10% per degree = -$50-$76/year
3. Clean/replace filters monthly: Dirty filters increase consumption 10-20% = -$50-$151/year
4. Use ceiling fans with AC: Allows 2-3°C higher setting = -$100-$227/year
5. Close internal doors: Helps zoning work effectively = -$50-$150/year
6. Service system annually: Maintains peak efficiency = -$50-$150/year
7. Insulate ceiling/walls: One-time cost, reduces load 15-25% = -$75-$189/year ongoing
8. Use timer/scheduling: Don't cool empty home = -$100-$200/year

Combined savings potential: $300-$450/year for medium home = 40-60% reduction from $756 to $306-$456/year

Brand Comparison & Pricing

Daikin (Premium)

Industry leader, most reliable, quietest operation

$$$$

Warranty: 5 years standard, 7 years compressor
Price premium: +15-20% vs mid-tier brands
Lifespan: 18-25 years with proper maintenance

Best for: Those wanting best reliability and longest lifespan, budget allows $13,000-$22,000 for medium home

Mitsubishi Electric (Premium)

Excellent reliability, very efficient, quiet

$$$$

Warranty: 5 years standard
Price premium: +10-15% vs mid-tier brands
Lifespan: 16-22 years

Best for: Quality-focused buyers, especially in bedrooms (very quiet operation)

Panasonic, LG, Fujitsu (Mid-Tier)

Good reliability, competitive pricing

$$$

Warranty: 3-5 years standard
Price: $11,000-$17,000 for medium home (baseline)
Lifespan: 14-18 years

Best for: Best value - 90% of premium quality at 75% of cost. Recommended for most buyers.

Actron Air, Brivis, Advantage (Budget)

Australian brands, basic reliability

Warranty: 2-5 years (varies by model)
Price: -15-25% cheaper than mid-tier brands
Lifespan: 10-15 years

Best for: Tight budgets, rental properties, cooler climates with minimal AC use

💡 Brand Selection Advice:

Our recommendation: Mid-tier brands (Panasonic, LG, Fujitsu) offer the best value for most buyers. You get 90% of premium quality at 75-80% of the cost.

Upgrade to premium (Daikin, Mitsubishi) if: You plan to stay 15+ years, want absolute best reliability, or house value justifies premium comfort (luxury suburbs). The $2,000-$4,000 premium delivers 3-7 extra years lifespan and quieter operation.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about this topic

How much does ducted air conditioning cost to install in Australia in 2026?

Ducted air conditioning costs **$8,000-$26,000** depending on home size and system capacity: **Small house (100-150m²):** $8,000-$14,500 for 10-12kW system. **Medium house (150-200m²):** $11,500-$19,500 for 14-16kW system (most common). **Large house (200-300m²):** $15,900-$26,000 for 18-24kW system. Prices include unit, ductwork, installation, and zoning. Costs vary by: roof type (+$500-$1,500 for tile/metal), number of zones (+$150-$300 per zone), two-storey homes (+$1,000-$3,000), and location (Sydney/Melbourne 10-15% higher than regional areas).

Is ducted air conditioning worth the cost compared to split systems?

**Ducted is worth it if:** Cooling 4+ rooms regularly (whole-home comfort), Budget allows $8,000-$15,000 upfront, Staying in home 10+ years, Want invisible ceiling vents (no wall units), Have suitable roof space for ducts. **Payback calculation:** 4-room home with splits = $6,000-$12,000 (4x$1,500-$3,000 per room). Ducted for same home = $11,500-$19,500. Premium of $5,500-$7,500 for better aesthetics, whole-home comfort, and $8,000-$15,000 added property value. **Not worth it if:** Only cooling 1-3 rooms, Limited budget, Renting or may move within 5 years, Want room-by-room control, No roof access (slab homes).

How much does it cost to run ducted air conditioning per year?

Annual running costs for ducted AC depend on home size, usage, and zoning: **Small house (10-12kW):** $360-$540/year (3 months summer, 4 hours/day). **Medium house (14-16kW):** $504-$756/year. **Large house (18-24kW):** $648-$1,080/year. **With effective zoning** (only cooling occupied rooms): Reduce costs 30-50% = $252-$540/year for medium home. **Running cost per hour:** 10kW system = $1.00-$1.50/hour, 16kW system = $1.60-$2.40/hour. **Ways to reduce costs:** Use zoning effectively (-30-50%), increase temp by 1°C (-10%), clean filters monthly (-5-15%), service annually (-10-20%), upgrade to 5+ star system (-30-40%).

What size ducted air conditioning system do I need for my house?

System sizing depends on house area, insulation, and climate: **Small house (100-150m²):** 10-12kW ducted system. Suits 2-3BR homes, units, townhouses. **Medium house (150-200m²):** 14-16kW ducted system. Suits 3-4BR homes (most common size in Australia). **Large house (200-250m²):** 18-20kW ducted system. Suits 4-5BR homes, open-plan designs. **Extra-large house (250-300m²):** 22-24kW ducted system or two separate systems. **Adjustment factors:** Add 10-20% for: poor insulation, west-facing, high ceilings (>2.7m), large windows, top floor, hot climates (Darwin, Townsville). Reduce 10% for: excellent insulation, shaded home, minimal windows. **Professional heat load calculation** ($200-$400) ensures correct sizing - oversizing wastes $1,000-$3,000 upfront and increases running costs 20-30%.

How long does it take to install ducted air conditioning?

Installation timeline depends on home size and complexity: **Standard installation (existing roof access):** 2-4 days for typical 4BR home. Day 1: Site prep, unit placement, electrical work. Day 2-3: Ductwork installation, ceiling vents. Day 4: System commissioning, testing, cleanup. **Complex installations:** 5-7 days for: Two-storey homes (additional scaffolding, longer duct runs), Tile roofs (slower to work with), New builds (coordinating with other trades), Slab homes requiring bulkheads. **Delays that extend timeline:** Body corporate approval (apartments: 2-6 weeks wait before work starts), Custom ductwork fabrication (+1-2 days), Weather delays (rain stops roof work). **To speed up installation:** Get all approvals beforehand, clear roof access, be flexible with installer schedule, avoid peak summer booking season.

What are the ongoing maintenance costs for ducted air conditioning?

Annual maintenance costs for ducted systems: **Professional annual service:** $180-$350/year. Includes filter cleaning, gas pressure check, electrical inspection, duct inspection, fan motor check. Essential for warranty validity and efficiency. **Filter replacement:** $60-$120/year if disposable filters (some systems have washable filters = free). **Duct cleaning (every 3-5 years):** $300-$800. Removes dust, mold, allergens. Especially important in homes with pets or allergies. **Zone motor replacement (as needed):** $200-$400 per motor. Typically last 8-12 years. **Compressor replacement (at 12-15 years):** $2,000-$4,500. Major expense - consider replacing entire system instead. **Total annual cost estimate:** $240-$470/year (service + filters). Budget $3,600-$7,000 over 15-year lifespan for all maintenance and repairs.

Does ducted air conditioning add value to my house?

Ducted AC adds **$8,000-$15,000** to property value: **Real estate agent surveys show:** 78% of buyers prefer ducted over split systems, 62% willing to pay premium for ducted, Especially valued in hot climates (Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide). **Value added by home type:** Small house (2-3BR): +$5,000-$8,000, Medium house (3-4BR): +$8,000-$12,000, Large house (4-5BR): +$12,000-$18,000. **Best ROI scenarios:** Luxury suburbs (buyers expect ducted), Hot climates (ducted is standard), Family homes (whole-house cooling valued). **Lower ROI scenarios:** Budget-conscious areas (splits are norm), Cooler climates (limited AC use), Apartments (strata restrictions common). **Breakeven timeline:** Typical 4BR home pays $15,000 for ducted, adds $10,000-$12,000 value immediately, plus saves $2,000-$3,000 on multiple split systems. Effective cost = $3,000-$5,000 for superior comfort and aesthetics.

Can I install ducted air conditioning in an existing home?

**Yes, ducted AC can be retrofitted if:** You have roof/ceiling cavity space (minimum 500mm height), Existing roof structure can support unit weight (80-120kg), Ceiling is accessible (gyprock easier than old plaster), Single-storey or ground-floor ducting is feasible. **Challenges for existing homes:** Slab foundations (no underfloor space): Need bulkheads for ducts (+$2,000-$4,000). Two-storey homes: May need two systems or complex ductwork (+$1,500-$3,000). Tile roofs: Harder to work with, slower install (+$800-$1,500). Heritage homes: Council restrictions on external unit placement. **Alternatives if ducted not feasible:** Multi-head split systems (2-5 indoor units, one outdoor), Individual split systems per room, Cassette systems in high ceilings. **Assessment:** Get 2-3 quotes with site inspections. Good installers will advise if ducted is practical or suggest alternatives. Expect to pay 15-25% more for retrofit vs new build installation.

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