How Much Does A Ducted Air Conditioner Cost
Summer feels like it’s right upon us! Whenever Summer rolls around, often people are left scratching their heads about how much they should budget for a new air conditioning system. Let us explain exactly how much ducted air conditioning costs in Perth so that you can make the right choice and beat the Summer rush.
Ducted air conditioning is without question one of the best ways to create a cool and comfortable home in Summer. In Perth, and throughout Western Australia, Summer days are often about 35°C for hours on end. A ducted air conditioner provides discreet comfort to almost all rooms in your home. But…
- How much does something like this cost?
- How much should I budget for a new ducted air conditioner?
- Is ducted air conditioning more expensive in Summer?
Let us answer these questions
How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost?
From $8,000*. As a ballpark figure, this is the price for a basic reverse cycle ducted air conditioner for a single storey home in Perth, Western Australia in 2021. For this price, you will receive a fully zoned system that allows you to turn off and on separate parts of your home, adjustable outlets (vents) in the ceiling, and reverse cycle technology that provides cool air in summer and warm air in winter. For a more defined price, use our online quoting form here
The more zones you have for your air conditioner, the more it will cost. A zone is a type of barrel that is installed in the roof space of your home, and allows for approximate airflow adjustments. In some cases, adjustments can be made in 5% increments, meaning the perfect air flow to each room exactly when you need it. If you’d like to add more zones to your standard ducted air conditioner, we recommend using the button below to speak with one of our Design Consultants.
The standard outlets are what we call Multi Directional Outlets (MDOs). These allow for full adjustability in four ways, meaning airflow can be direct to exactly where you need it in that room. Don’t like feeling the draft whilst sleeping? Easy! Adjust the angle of the outlets to direct the air away from your bed. Enjoy feeling the gush of cool air when you enter the room? Easy! Adjust the outlets so they direct the air straight to the door. MDOs allow for full adjustability for the user, without requiring a service technician to attend the property.
Reverse cycle simply means that the air conditioner provides both heating and cooling functionality. In Winter, select heating (often the sun icon on the controller) to bathe in the warmth. In Summer, select cooling (often the snowflake on the controller) to relax and stay refreshed.
How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost for a 2 Storey Home
A two storey home is a little bit more complex to install, but no challenge for Powerband Electrical Air Conditioning. For a two storey home, a reverse cycle ducted air conditioner begins from $13,000*. As mentioned above, this will be for a basic zoned reverse cycle ducted air conditioner.
Air conditioning for a two story home in Perth is more expensive than a single storey equivalent due to the challenge of running the ducting from the upper floor to the lower floor. Sometimes, and depending on whether the air conditioning is for an existing home or a new home build, we may have to customize part of the installation to suit the job. Architecturally designed two and three storey homes are no issue for Powerband, in-fact we’re the air conditioning company of choice for some of Perth’s most recognisable builders and architects.
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Is Ducted Air Conditioning More Expensive in Summer?
The purchase price of an air conditioner doesn’t rise throughout the year; however, Summer is our busiest time of the year. This means that there can be a shortage of air conditioners available for the WA market. We also suggest to customers that if they’re looking to purchase a new air conditioner, begin enquiring in Spring before the weather gets too hot. Why do we suggest this?
There will be less of a rush and less demand for air conditioning, meaning our Design Consultants may be able to provide a quote quicker, the installation may be done sooner, and you can be comfortable sooner.
Key Factors That Affect Your Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs
As there is no one-size-fits-all ducted air conditioning, the running costs vary from one household to another. Here are a few factors that could affect your ducted refrigerated AC running cost in Melbourne:
FACTOR #1: System Size and Cooling Capacity
Having a larger space means that you’ll require a bigger ducted refrigerated AC unit with greater cooling capacity (kW). After all, cooling down three rooms will have lower running costs than 5-6 rooms.
FACTOR #2: Energy Star Rating
The more energy-efficient your system, the less you will pay in energy costs over time. Although systems with higher energy star rating cost more, they have the potential to save a lot of money in the long run. Read this to know more about why it is worth buying an energy-efficient air conditioning.
FACTOR #3: Zoning Capability
With zoning, you can cool or heat specific rooms instead of the entire house. It could help save energy costs as zoning allows you to shut off cooling to particular rooms. Without it, you could end up paying a lot more.
FACTOR #4: Insulation
Insulation also plays a vital role in determining the running costs of ducted air conditioning. The system will have to run more if there is poor insulation, which will inevitably increase running costs.
FACTOR #5: The Thermostat Temperature
If you set your AC unit at 16oC and 18oC in the summer, it will cost more. However, you may save up to 10% for every degree rise of the thermostat in summer.
FACTOR #6: Lack of Maintenance
One of the primary reasons for increased running costs is lack of maintenance. It is because the system starts to lose its efficiency without regular ducted heating and cooling service. Please read this informative piece on how you can maintain your ducted air conditioning system.
Other factors that could also influence the running cost of your ducted aircon are:
- At what time do you operate your ducted refrigerated air conditioning system, and for how long you use it.
- The material used to construct your home.
- Number of floors and outlets.
- The height of your ceilings.
- Number of people living in the home.
- Improper system installation.
- The system is 10-15 years old.
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How Do I Finance a Ducted Air Conditioner?
Powerband electrical have many finance options available for those looking to buy ducted air conditioning in Perth. Powerband has partnered with Zip, Humm90 and Handepay. Take a moment to browse our Finance page below. Using finance for a new air conditioner is a sensible way of purchasing the system. There won’t be as much of a burden on your families’ cashflow, and funds will be freed up for more of life’s unexpected expenses. Plus, you can use the finance to purchase a more advanced air conditioner, adding value to your property and providing even more comfort in summer.
FAQs
On average, ducted air conditioning systems cost between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on the size of your home, the number of zones, and the brand. Installation complexity and ceiling space access can also impact the total cost.
Absolutely. A small 2-bedroom home might cost around $6,000–$8,000, while a large 4–5 bedroom home could cost $10,000 or more. Powerband Electrical provides tailored quotes based on your home’s layout and insulation.
Yes, ducted systems typically have a higher upfront cost than split systems but offer whole-home climate control and better aesthetics. They’re ideal for large homes or multi-room use and may be more energy-efficient long-term when zoned properly.
Some state-based energy efficiency programs or solar-integrated ducted heat pump systems may qualify for rebates or incentives. Ask Powerband Electrical about current offers available in your area.
Running costs depend on energy efficiency, usage habits, and how well-zoned your system is. A well-installed ducted system can cost $1.50–$3.50 per hour to run. Smart zoning and insulation significantly reduce costs.