Split System AC
Single rooms, bedrooms, offices and targeted comfort.
$800-$3,500
- Lowest upfront cost
- Fast install
- Visible wall unit
Ducted AC Specialists
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Compare up to 3 competitive quotes for whole-home ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, zoning, ductwork, grilles and commissioning.
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$10k-$30k+ installed range
2-8 zone options
2-5 days typical install
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Quick answer
Ducted AC Costs at a Glance
Ducted air conditioning installation costs $10,000-$30,000+ in Australia in 2026. Most family homes fall between $15,000 and $22,000 depending on capacity, roof access, zones, electrical work, brand and commissioning.
Zoning is one of the highest-value inclusions. It usually adds upfront cost, but can reduce energy use by only conditioning occupied areas.
1
Whole-home comfort
A concealed ducted system heats and cools the whole home through ceiling grilles.
2
Zoning matters
2-8 zones let you condition occupied areas only, often reducing running costs by 30-40%.
3
Reverse cycle is standard
Most new systems provide both cooling and heating from one premium installation.
4
Install time
Most homes take 2-5 days from electrical preparation through commissioning.
5
Brand and install quality
ActronAir, Daikin, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu can all perform well when sized and installed correctly.
6
Compare quote scope
Check ductwork, grilles, zones, electrical work, commissioning, warranty and cleanup are included.
Cost guide
Ducted AC Costs by Home Size
Indicative installed prices including ductwork, grilles, zoning controls and commissioning.
| Home size | Area | System size | Zones | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small home | 100-150m2 | 10-12kW | 2-4 zones | $10,000-$15,000 |
| Medium home | 150-200m2 | 14-16kW | 4-6 zones | $15,000-$18,000 |
| Large home | 200-250m2 | 18-20kW | 5-7 zones | $18,000-$22,000 |
| Extra large home | 250m2+ | 20kW+ | 6-8 zones | $22,000-$30,000+ |
Premium brands, difficult access, multi-storey homes and electrical upgrades can increase pricing.
Free Ducted AC Size Calculator
What Size Ducted AC Do You Need?
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Tell us about your home:
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Your Recommendation
Recommended Capacity
21 kW
System Size: 18-20kW+
Est. Investment
$20,000-$25,000+
Zones
6-8
Best for
Large homes (250m²+)
Reverse cycle
Zoning control
5-10 yr warranty
Whole-home
* Estimate only. Professional assessment recommended.
System options
Ducted vs Split System Air Conditioning
Compare the practical differences before choosing a whole-home ducted system.
Multi-Split System
Multiple rooms with one outdoor unit and individual indoor heads.
$4,000-$12,000
- Room-by-room control
- Cleaner exterior
- More complex install
Ducted AC
Whole-home climate control with concealed ducts, grilles and zoning.
$10,000-$30,000+
- Premium finish
- Best for whole home
- Needs roof cavity access
Quote scope
Check my quote scope What's Included in Ducted AC Installation
A professional ducted quote should clearly list the equipment, controls, trades and commissioning work.
AC units
Indoor fan coil and outdoor condenser selected for capacity, energy efficiency and warranty support.
Ductwork system
Custom insulated duct layout in the roof cavity with sealed joins and balanced airflow.
Ceiling grilles
Discreet outlets positioned for even air distribution and a clean interior finish.
Zoning controls
Motorised dampers, wall controller and optional Wi-Fi or smart-home control.
Electrical work
Licensed electrical connection, isolators, circuit checks and compliance documentation.
Commissioning
Refrigerant testing, airflow balancing, zone checks, user handover and warranty registration.
Installation timeline
Ducted AC Installation Timeline
Most ducted installations take 3-5 days once equipment, access and electrical requirements are confirmed.
1 1-2 days
Site assessment and quote
Installer checks roof cavity clearance, home size, insulation, electrical capacity, unit placement, duct layout and zoning options.
2 Day 1
Electrical preparation
A licensed electrician confirms circuits, isolators, switchboard capacity and safe connection requirements.
3 Days 2-4
System and duct installation
Indoor and outdoor units, refrigerant lines, ductwork, grilles, zone dampers and controls are installed.
4 Day 4-5
Testing and handover
The system is commissioned, zones are tested, airflow is balanced and the homeowner is shown how to use the controller.
Premium comfort
Why Choose Ducted Air Conditioning?
Ducted AC is the premium option when you want concealed whole-home heating and cooling, a clean interior finish and zone-by-zone comfort.
Whole-home comfort
Consistent heating and cooling across living areas and bedrooms.
Invisible design
Only discreet ceiling grilles are visible inside the home.
Zoned control
Condition different parts of the home at different times.
Reverse cycle
Heating and cooling from one installed system.
Property value
A premium feature for larger homes, renovations and new builds.
Quiet operation
Indoor components are concealed away from living spaces.
Smart control
Many systems support app control, timers and smart integrations.
Energy efficiency
Inverter technology and zoning help control running costs.
Brand guide
Best Ducted Air Conditioning Brands Australia
Compare quality, warranties and installer support from leading ducted AC manufacturers.
ActronAir
Australian-made premium
Designed for Australian heat, strong local support and premium zoning options.
Price: $$$$
Warranty: 5-10 years
Daikin
Japanese engineering
Reliable, quiet and widely supported through a large installer network.
Price: $$$
Warranty: 5-10 years
Mitsubishi Electric
High-efficiency performance
Strong build quality, inverter technology and smart-home integration.
Price: $$$
Warranty: 5 years
Fujitsu
Value premium
Efficient, quiet and commonly chosen for balanced price and performance.
Price: $$
Warranty: 5 years
Installer tip: installation quality over brand
A well-sized system with sealed ductwork, balanced airflow and careful commissioning will outperform a premium unit installed poorly. Ask every installer how they calculate capacity and design the duct layout.
Running costs
Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs
Operating costs depend heavily on insulation, energy tariffs, weather, star rating and how well zoning is used.
| System type | Cost per hour | Annual cost | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted reverse cycle with zoning | $1.00-$2.00 | $600-$1,200 | Best |
| Multiple split systems across 5 rooms | $1.50-$3.00 | $900-$1,800 | Good |
| Gas ducted heating plus evaporative cooling | $1.50-$2.50 | $900-$1,500 | Fair |
| Gas ducted heating only | $2.00-$3.50 | $1,200-$2,100 | Poor |
Annual figures assume moderate use across heating and cooling seasons. Without zoning, ducted AC costs can increase 30-40%.
Comparison guide
Ducted AC vs Multiple Split Systems
Ducted suits premium whole-home comfort. Split systems can still be better for smaller or staged projects.
| Factor | Ducted AC | Multiple split systems |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost for a 4-bedroom home | $15,000-$20,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Aesthetics | Invisible ceiling grilles only | Visible wall units in each room |
| Running costs | 30-40% lower with zones used well | Higher if several rooms run at once |
| Property value | Premium whole-home feature | Useful but less integrated |
| Control and flexibility | Whole-home system with zones | Independent control per indoor unit |
| Installation requirement | Roof cavity access and duct layout needed | Easier retrofit for selected rooms |
| Maintenance | One system to service | Multiple indoor units to clean and service |
Choose Ducted AC if:
- - You want a premium concealed finish
- - You have suitable roof cavity access
- - You are renovating, building or upgrading a larger home
- - You want whole-home comfort from one system
- - You value zoning, quiet operation and property appeal
Choose Split Systems if:
- - You only need 1-3 rooms conditioned
- - Your budget is tighter
- - Roof cavity access is limited
- - You want the fastest retrofit
- - You rent or may move soon
Troubleshooting guide
Ducted Air Conditioning Problems & Repairs
Understand common issues, likely causes and how annual servicing helps prevent bigger repair bills.
Zoning issues or dampers not working
$400-$800 per damperCause: Faulty dampers, wiring or controller issues.
Solution: Damper repair, replacement or controller recalibration.
Weak airflow from outlets
$200-$900+Cause: Dirty filters, duct leaks, undersized equipment or poor duct design.
Solution: Filter replacement, duct sealing, balancing or duct repair.
Water leaks from indoor unit
$200-$500Cause: Blocked condensate drain, poor drainage fall or frozen coil.
Solution: Drain clean, pipe adjustment and refrigerant check.
Noisy operation or rattling
$300-$1,000Cause: Loose ductwork, fan vibration, bearings or airflow restrictions.
Solution: Secure ductwork, balance fan, repair bearings or redesign airflow.
Inconsistent room temperatures
$300-$2,000Cause: Poor duct design, unbalanced airflow, duct leaks or undersized system.
Solution: Airflow balancing, damper adjustment, sealing or extra outlets.
High running costs
Service $200-$400Cause: Poor insulation, unused zoning, oversized system or dirty filters.
Solution: Use zoning well, clean filters, improve insulation and service annually.
Prevent Costly Repairs
Annual professional servicing and proper filter maintenance can prevent most ducted AC problems and extend system life.
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Compare prices from licensed ducted air conditioning specialists Australia-wide. No obligation, 100% free.
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What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from real Australians who found their perfect tradie
5.0 out of 5
Based on 188 verified reviews
188 verified customer reviews with 5.0/5 average rating from real Australian customers.
SL
Sarah L.
Sydney, NSW
Got 3 quotes for ducted AC installation. Saved over $3,000! Installation took 3 days and the whole house stays comfortable year-round. Worth every penny!
Ducted Air Conditioning
MP
Mark P.
Melbourne, VIC
Upgraded from split systems to ducted AC. Installers were professional, work was clean, and the zoning control is fantastic. House value increased significantly!
Ducted AC Installation
JW
Jennifer W.
Brisbane, QLD
Excellent service from quote to completion. Ducted system keeps our large home cool efficiently. Zoning saves us money. Highly recommend using this service!
Ducted Air Conditioning
5.0/5 Average Rating 188 Customer Reviews Wombat™ Verified
Expert resources
View all guides
Ducted Air Conditioning Guides
Expert guides to help you choose, install, and maintain your ducted AC system
Ducted AC Cost Guide 2026
Comprehensive guide to ducted air conditioning costs, installation, and zoning options for whole-home comfort.
Read guide
Split System vs Ducted AC
Compare split and ducted air conditioning systems to find the best option for your home and budget.
Read guide
Air Conditioning Cost Guide 2026
Complete pricing breakdown for split systems, ducted AC, and multi-split installations across Australia.
Read guide
Heating System Comparison
Compare reverse cycle AC, gas heating, and heat pumps to choose the most efficient heating solution.
Read guideReady to Install Ducted Air Conditioning?
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions homeowners usually ask before comparing quotes.
1 How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Australia?
How much does ducted air conditioning cost in Australia?
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.
2 How long does ducted AC installation take?
How long does ducted AC installation take?
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.
3 What is zoning in ducted air conditioning?
What is zoning in ducted air conditioning?
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.
4 Can ducted AC be installed in existing homes?
Can ducted AC be installed in existing homes?
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.
5 What size ducted system do I need?
What size ducted system do I need?
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.
6 How much does ducted AC cost to run?
How much does ducted AC cost to run?
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.
7 What brands are best for ducted AC?
What brands are best for ducted AC?
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.
8 Do I need council approval for ducted AC?
Do I need council approval for ducted AC?
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.
9 Can I upgrade from split systems to ducted AC?
Can I upgrade from split systems to ducted AC?
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.
10 What about ducted heating? Can I get heating and cooling together?
What about ducted heating? Can I get heating and cooling together?
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-$900+ 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.
11 What if my ducted AC breaks down or needs repairs?
What if my ducted AC breaks down or needs repairs?
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.
12 What warranty comes with ducted AC?
What warranty comes with ducted AC?
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.
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Last updated: June 2026
Verified by licensed air conditioning and HVAC technicians
Australia-wide coverage
Prices are estimates based on market research and may vary by location, project size, site conditions, and specialist. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing. Air conditioning work requires licensed technicians and compliance with Australian Refrigerant Handling regulations.