Heating & Cooling
Services Australia

HVAC costs vary by system type: Split system air conditioning $800-$2,500 per unit (most popular for single rooms), ducted air conditioning $7,000-$15,000 (whole home premium solution), ducted heating $4,000-$10,000 (efficient heating), and reverse cycle systems $1,000-$3,500 (heating + cooling combined). Installation is included. Final costs depend on capacity, brand, home size, installation complexity, and whether electrical upgrades are needed.

Split systems are room-based units ($800-$2,500 per unit) with an indoor wall unit and outdoor compressor - ideal for single rooms or targeted cooling. Ducted systems ($7,000-$15,000) provide whole-home climate control through ceiling vents, are completely invisible except for grilles, offer zoning capabilities, and add property value. Split systems are perfect for budget-conscious buyers or renters, while ducted is premium for whole-home comfort and aesthetics. Compare air conditioning installation quotes to find the right solution.

Running costs vary significantly: Split systems cost $0.25-$0.50 per hour (energy efficient for single rooms), ducted air conditioning $1-$3 per hour (depending on home size and zones used), ducted heating $0.80-$1.50 per hour (very efficient in cold climates), reverse cycle heating $0.30-$0.80 per hour (3-4x more efficient than electric heaters). Higher star ratings (5+ stars) reduce running costs by 30-50%. Using zoning and smart thermostats can significantly reduce costs.

Sizing is critical for efficiency and comfort. For split systems: small bedroom (15-20m²) needs 2.5-3.5kW, large bedroom/lounge (25-40m²) needs 5-6kW, open plan living (50m²+) needs 7-10kW. For ducted systems: small home (100-120m²) needs 10-12kW, medium home (150-180m²) needs 14-16kW, large home (200m²+) needs 18-24kW. Professional assessment considers ceiling height, insulation, window area, orientation, climate zone, and occupancy. Undersized systems struggle to cool/heat; oversized systems waste energy and don't dehumidify properly.

Installation timeframes vary by system complexity: Split systems take 3-6 hours (usually same day installation), multi-split systems 1-2 days (multiple indoor units), ducted air conditioning 2-5 days (requires ductwork installation in ceiling), ducted heating 2-4 days (ductwork installation), reverse cycle systems 4-8 hours (similar to split systems). Additional time may be needed for electrical upgrades (1-2 days), structural modifications, or difficult access. Most installers will provide a specific timeline after site inspection.

Reverse cycle systems provide both heating and cooling in one unit using heat pump technology - they extract heat from outside air even in cold weather (efficient down to -15°C). They cost only $200-$400 more than cooling-only units but provide year-round comfort. Reverse cycle heating is 3-4x more energy efficient than electric heaters and cheaper to run than gas in many areas. Separate systems mean buying dedicated heaters (gas, electric) plus air conditioners, doubling equipment costs and maintenance. Reverse cycle is the smart choice for most Australian climates.

Ducted heating ($4,000-$10,000) provides powerful, fast heating ideal for very cold climates like Melbourne, Canberra, and Tasmania. It offers efficient whole-home heating through ceiling vents. However, it only heats (no cooling). Reverse cycle ducted ($7,000-$15,000) provides both heating and cooling, is highly energy efficient in most climates, and offers year-round comfort in one system. Choose ducted heating if you have extremely cold winters and already have separate cooling. Choose reverse cycle for year-round comfort, moderate climates, and all-in-one convenience.

Zoning divides your home into separate climate zones (typically 3-8 zones) with independent control, allowing you to heat/cool only occupied rooms. Benefits include 30-40% lower running costs, personalised comfort (different temperatures in bedrooms vs living areas), reduced wear on the system, and faster heating/cooling of targeted areas. Zoning adds $800-$2,500 to ducted system costs but pays for itself through energy savings within 2-4 years. Highly recommended for homes over 150m², multi-story homes, or if rooms are used at different times. Basic 2-zone systems are standard on most modern ducted installations.

Energy ratings range from 1 to 10 stars (higher is better). Minimum recommendations: 3-4 stars for budget systems, 5-6 stars for balanced efficiency (recommended for most homes), 7+ stars for premium efficiency and maximum savings. A 6-star system uses 30-40% less energy than a 3-star system. Higher ratings cost $200-$800 more upfront but save $150-$400 per year in running costs. For systems used daily, 5+ stars pays for itself within 2-3 years. Look for inverter technology (adjusts power output), high COP ratings (Coefficient of Performance), and Energy Star certification. Ask installers to compare lifecycle costs, not just purchase price.

Annual professional servicing is recommended before peak season (spring for cooling, autumn for heating). DIY maintenance: Clean filters monthly (dirty filters reduce efficiency 15%), keep outdoor units clear of debris, check for leaks or unusual noises. Professional air conditioning service ($120-$250) includes refrigerant checks, electrical testing, deep cleaning, thermostat calibration, and identifying potential issues early. Regular maintenance extends system life 3-5 years, maintains efficiency (saving 15-25% on running costs), prevents expensive breakdowns, maintains warranty validity, and ensures safe operation. Ducted systems also need duct cleaning every 3-5 years ($300-$600) to remove dust and allergens.

Yes, all HVAC technicians in our network are ARCtick certified (required for refrigerant handling), hold electrical licenses, are licensed for gas work (if applicable), carry comprehensive public liability insurance (minimum $10 million), and have workers compensation insurance. We verify credentials before accepting technicians into our network. Australian law requires ARCtick certification for anyone working with refrigerants - ensure your installer has this. All installers provide warranty on workmanship (typically 5-6 years) in addition to manufacturer warranties.

No - HVAC installation must be performed by licensed professionals in Australia. It is illegal to handle refrigerants without ARCtick certification, electrical work requires electrical license, gas connections require gas fitting license, and improper installation voids manufacturer warranties, creates safety hazards (refrigerant leaks, electrical fires, gas leaks), and results in poor performance and efficiency. DIY installation can result in fines up to $13,200 for unlicensed refrigerant handling. The professional installation cost ($300-$800) is worth it for safety, compliance, warranty protection, and optimal performance. You can save money by getting multiple quotes, choosing off-peak installation times, and doing simple prep work.

For accurate quotes, provide: system type preference (split, ducted, reverse cycle), number of rooms to heat/cool, total home size (square metres), room dimensions for split systems, ceiling type and access (for ducted systems), existing electrical capacity, preferred brands or budget range, installation timeline, and photos of proposed installation areas. More details result in more accurate quotes and fewer surprises. Installers may request a site visit for ducted systems to assess ceiling space, ductwork routing, and electrical requirements before providing final quotes.

Most customers receive their first quote within 2-4 hours of submission. You'll typically have up to 3 quotes from verified HVAC technicians within 24 hours. Complex jobs (ducted systems, commercial installations) may take 24-48 hours if site visits are required. Response times are fastest during off-peak seasons (autumn, spring). Once you receive quotes, installers can usually schedule installation within 1-2 weeks for split systems, 2-4 weeks for ducted systems (subject to availability and peak season demand).

Yes, absolutely! Our service is 100% free for homeowners with no hidden fees, no obligation to accept any quote, and no pressure to proceed. We earn a small commission from HVAC specialists when you hire them, but this doesn't affect your quote price - you pay the same price as going direct (often less due to competition). You save time comparing multiple quotes in one place, avoid the hassle of calling multiple companies, get competitive pricing through comparison, and receive unbiased service (we don't favor any particular installer).

We have a network of HVAC specialists across all major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Geelong, Townsville, Cairns) and many regional areas. Coverage is strongest in metro areas and large regional centers. Enter your suburb in the quote form to check coverage in your area. If we don't currently service your area, we'll notify you and may be able to connect you with installers as our network expands.