How much does ducted air conditioning cost to install?

Hire a professional installer to set up the system correctly and ensure it performs at maximum capability.Ducted air conditioning for your home or office is a popular choice for new homes and retrofits across Adelaide and South Australia at large. Designed to climate control properties and to condition the air, ducted air conditioning is the premium air conditioning option for property owners and takes the edge off Adelaide harsh heat and cool winters. While it is a premium air conditioning option, it can be difficult to find information on the cost for ducted air conditioning for installation.
>In this article, we explore the benefits of ducted air conditioning, the steps for installing ducted air conditioning and the cost for installation.</p>

Ducted air conditioning video

Benefits of ducted air conditioning systems for your property

If you’re not a fan of the super hot days and the ultra chilly days, a ducted air conditioning system could be a great idea for covering multiple areas at the same time.<br />Benefits of ducted air conditioning include:
– The ability to be used in hotels, multi-storey buildings, houses, shopping centres, schools and any complex for that matter. Whether it is a home or a commercial property, ducted air conditioning can be ducted throughout any property. Ideally installed during a build, ducted air conditioning distributed cold or heated air-conditioned air when and where you need it.
– All air conditioning can be temperature controlled to suit the environment, and the temperature is controlled via one central controller, which is usually placed in a main room, hall or entrance to the property.
– Zoning the air allows for certain rooms to be conditioned and others to be left without air conditioning when the room is not being used. This allows for heating and cooling to only be used in certain spaces and saves on overall energy efficiency and running costs.
– The air is filtered and conditioned and is suitable for individuals with respiratory illnesses such as asthma,

<h2>How to choose the right ducted air conditioning system

ducted air conditioning for heating and cooling

Key Considerations Before Choosing a Ducted Air Conditioner

There are several factors to consider before choosing a ducted system—budget, home layout, and heating or cooling needs.

These three basics usually drive decisions, but system cost is often the final factor when choosing ducted air conditioning.

Cooling Capacity

Check the cooling capacity to choose a system size that suits your room size, ceiling height, and shade availability.

Consider floor plan, total square metres, insulation, sunlight, and seasonal extremes before deciding on kW requirements.

Noise Levels

Noise levels matter, especially in homes or offices where systems run year-round or during sleeping hours.

Many top ducted systems advertise whisper-quiet operation to ensure maximum comfort in residential and commercial environments.

Prioritize quiet models to enhance comfort and reduce unwanted distractions throughout the day or night.

Compliance

Check if the system complies with MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) for better energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Only choose ducted systems that meet Australian energy regulations and provide superior savings over time.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

Qualified technicians explain the system, give maintenance tips, and advise on zoning, controls, and temperature settings.

Maintenance Requirements

Avoid systems requiring frequent maintenance beyond the annual service unless there’s a breakdown.

Yearly maintenance typically keeps ducted systems running efficiently over their lifespan and protects your investment.

Steps for Installing Ducted Air Conditioning

Before the installation, property owners should:

  • Choose an outdoor unit location—avoid bedrooms, outdoor living areas, and ensure proximity to switchboard and power.

  • Select the location for the central controller—typically the main living space or office foyer for convenient access.

On the Day of Installation

Technicians inspect the roof cavity and plan where to place the indoor and outdoor units.

They cut a ceiling hole for the return air grille.

Installers fit the indoor unit into the ceiling and add a safety tray.

They position the outdoor unit and connect it to the indoor unit using pipes and cables.

They cut holes and install diffusers in the designated rooms.

Installers lay air ducts and connect them to the indoor unit and branch points.

They run control cables to power the zone motors and wall controllers.

Technicians switch on the system and test all functions to ensure everything works correctly.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Ducted Air Conditioning?

Ducted air conditioning system prices vary based on size, brand, features, and whether it includes heating and cooling.

Systems generally start at $5,000 including installation and can go up to $12,000–$15,000 for large, multi-level homes.

Four-bedroom home systems typically average around $8,000, depending on brand and efficiency.

Running Cost Considerations

Ongoing running costs depend on:

  • System type and size

  • Star rating (energy efficiency)

  • How often you use the system

  • Home layout and insulation

  • Electricity tariff in your area

  • Temperature settings and duration of use

Choose a cost-effective, energy-efficient model to minimize power bills and improve performance.

Engage regular servicing to keep your system running efficiently and to reduce long-term running costs.

For more information, please visit our ducted air conditioning page.