Ducted Air Conditioning Installation Prices
$150 – $30,000
Typical range · Updated March 2026
Real pricing data for ducted reverse cycle systems, gas heating, evaporative cooling, zone controllers, ductwork replacement, servicing, repairs, and unit replacements. Know what you should pay before you install.
How we get these prices: we review 200+ ducted air conditioning project quotes across reverse cycle systems, gas heating, evaporative cooling, zone controllers, ductwork replacement, and servicing, then adjust for home size, system type, number of zones, existing infrastructure, and location so the totals stay comparable.
Choose Your Country
Select a country to see detailed ducted air conditioning pricing by city
Australia
ducted air conditioning installation
From $150
12 services · 10 cities with data
8 regions covered
View Australia prices →
United Kingdom
ducted air conditioning installation
From £105
12 services · 8 cities with data
4 regions covered
View United Kingdom prices →
United States
central air conditioning installation
From $120
12 services · 10 cities with data
12 regions covered
View United States prices →
Canada
central air conditioning installation
From C$135
12 services · 6 cities with data
6 regions covered
View Canada prices →
New Zealand
ducted heat pump installation
From NZ$142
12 services · 5 cities with data
5 regions covered
View New Zealand prices →
Ducted Air Conditioning Prices by Service Type — Australia
National average prices — including labour, equipment, and GST
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted Reverse Cycle (Small Home, up to 150sqm) | /system | $8,000 | $10,500 | $14,000 |
| Ducted Reverse Cycle (Medium Home, 150–250sqm) | /system | $12,000 | $15,500 | $20,000 |
| Ducted Reverse Cycle (Large Home, 250sqm+) | /system | $18,000 | $23,000 | $30,000 |
| Ducted Gas Heating + Evaporative Cooling | /system | $6,000 | $8,500 | $12,000 |
| Ducted Evaporative Cooling Only | /system | $4,000 | $5,800 | $8,000 |
| Ducted Gas Heating Only | /system | $4,500 | $6,500 | $9,000 |
| Zone Controller System (Add-on) | /system | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Ductwork Replacement | /system | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Ducted System Service/Maintenance | /service | $150 | $220 | $350 |
| Ducted System Repair | /repair | $250 | $450 | $800 |
| Indoor Unit Replacement | /unit | $3,000 | $4,200 | $6,000 |
| Outdoor Unit Replacement | /unit | $3,500 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
Based on verified quotes from licensed HVAC installers and electricians. All prices AUD including GST. Last updated March 2026.
Common Ducted Air Conditioning Jobs and What They Cost
Real project costs based on complete scope — including equipment, installation, and commissioning.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install ducted reverse cycle in a 3-bedroom home | Supply and install a ducted reverse cycle air conditioning system for a 3-bedroom home (approx. 140sqm) — includes indoor unit, outdoor unit, ductwork to all rooms, basic zone controller, and commissioning | $8,000–$14,000 | 1–2 days on site |
| Install ducted reverse cycle in a 4–5 bedroom home | Supply and install a ducted reverse cycle system for a 4–5 bedroom home (approx. 200sqm) — includes indoor unit, outdoor unit, full ductwork, multi-zone controller with 4+ zones, and commissioning | $14,000–$22,000 | 2–3 days on site |
| Replace existing ducted AC system (like-for-like) | Remove old ducted AC system and install new indoor and outdoor units using existing ductwork — includes removal, supply, installation, refrigerant charge, and commissioning | $6,500–$13,000 | 1–2 days on site |
| Add zone control to existing ducted system | Retrofit a zone control system to an existing ducted AC — includes zone motors on each duct run, smart controller panel, room sensors, and programming | $2,000–$4,500 | 4–8 hours on site |
| Install ducted gas heating + evaporative cooling | Supply and install a ducted gas furnace with add-on rooftop evaporative cooler — includes gas connection, ductwork, thermostat, evaporative unit, and commissioning | $6,000–$12,000 | 1–2 days on site |
| Annual ducted AC service and maintenance | Complete annual service of a ducted system — includes filter clean/replace, refrigerant pressure check, electrical connection inspection, drain line clearance, and full performance test | $150–$350 | 1–2 hours on site |
What Affects the Price of Ducted Air Conditioning?
Home size and layout
The floor area and number of rooms are the primary cost drivers. A small 3-bedroom home (up to 150sqm) costs $8,000–$14,000 for a ducted reverse cycle system. A large 5+ bedroom home (250sqm+) costs $18,000–$30,000+. Multi-storey homes often require separate systems per floor, effectively doubling the cost. Open-plan living areas require larger capacity units and wider ductwork to deliver adequate airflow.
System type
Ducted reverse cycle (refrigerated) systems cost the most upfront ($8,000–$30,000) but provide both heating and cooling from one system with the lowest running costs. Ducted gas heating with evaporative cooling ($6,000–$12,000) is a cheaper upfront option popular in dry climates but has higher running costs. Evaporative cooling alone ($4,000–$8,000) is the cheapest but only works effectively in dry, low-humidity climates.
Number of zones
A basic ducted system without zone control treats the entire home as one area. Adding zone control ($2,000–$4,500) divides the home into independently controlled zones, allowing you to heat or cool only the rooms in use. Zone control reduces running costs by 20–30% and is strongly recommended for homes with 4+ bedrooms. Premium smart zone controllers from brands like Advantage Air, iZone, and AirTouch cost more but offer app control, scheduling, and individual room temperature sensors.
Existing infrastructure
New installations in homes without existing ductwork cost more than replacing an existing system. If the home has an accessible ceiling void, ductwork installation is straightforward. Homes without ceiling space may require bulkheads, false ceilings, or under-floor ducting — adding $2,000–$8,000 to the project. Replacing existing ductwork due to damage, age, or poor installation costs $3,000–$8,000 on top of the system cost.
Ducted Air Conditioning Systems Compared
Compare ducted reverse cycle, gas + evaporative, VRV/VRF, and high wall split systems
| System Type | Price Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted Reverse Cycle | $8,000–$30,000 | Heats and cools from one system, most energy-efficient running costs, works in all climates, dehumidifies in cooling mode | Highest upfront cost, outdoor unit generates some noise, requires professional refrigerant handling for all servicing | Most Australian homes — the all-in-one solution with the lowest lifetime cost and year-round comfort |
| Ducted Gas + Evaporative | $6,000–$12,000 | Lower upfront cost, fast gas heating, evaporative cooling adds moisture to dry air, lower electricity consumption for cooling | Two separate systems to maintain, evaporative cooling ineffective in humid climates, higher combined running costs than reverse cycle | Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth homes in dry climates where low upfront cost is a priority and humidity is consistently low |
| VRV/VRF Multi-Zone | $20,000–$50,000+ | Individual room temperature control, can heat and cool different rooms simultaneously, very energy efficient, quiet operation | Very expensive, complex installation requiring specialist contractor, higher servicing costs, overkill for most residential homes | Large luxury homes, multi-level properties, and commercial applications where individual room control is essential |
| High Wall Split Systems (per room) | $1,800–$4,000/unit | Lowest cost per room, simple installation, independent control per room, no ductwork required | Multiple outdoor units (one per 1–2 indoor units), visible wall-mounted units in each room, not whole-home solution, cluttered appearance | Homes needing AC in only 1–3 rooms, rental properties, apartments, or as a supplement to ducted systems in problem rooms |
What's Included vs What Costs Extra
Usually Included in a Ducted AC Quote
- ✓ Indoor unit (fan coil) supply and installation in ceiling void
- ✓ Outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) supply and installation on concrete pad or wall bracket
- ✓ Flexible ductwork to all nominated rooms with ceiling diffusers
- ✓ Basic zone controller or thermostat
- ✓ Electrical connection to dedicated circuit by licensed electrician
- ✓ System commissioning, refrigerant charge verification, and performance testing
Often Costs Extra
- ✗ Smart zone controller upgrade — iZone, Advantage Air, AirTouch ($1,500–$3,500 additional)
- ✗ Ceiling void access modifications or bulkhead construction ($1,000–$4,000)
- ✗ Electrical switchboard upgrade if existing board lacks capacity ($500–$1,500)
- ✗ Concrete pad for outdoor unit if no suitable surface exists ($200–$600)
How to Get Ducted Air Conditioning Installed
Step-by-step guide from assessment and design to commissioning
Assessment and system design
A qualified HVAC technician inspects your home to assess the floor area, ceiling void access, insulation levels, window exposure, and number of rooms. They calculate the heating and cooling load to determine the correct system capacity (in kilowatts). Undersizing results in poor comfort; oversizing wastes energy and money. The technician recommends the system type, capacity, number of zones, and ductwork routing.
Get quotes and compare options
Request written quotes from at least three licensed HVAC installers. Compare system brand and model, capacity (kW), energy star rating, number of zones included, controller type, and warranty terms. Ensure quotes are all-inclusive — covering indoor unit, outdoor unit, ductwork, controller, electrical connection, and commissioning. Prices for equivalent systems can vary by 20–30% between installers.
Installation
Installation typically takes 1–3 days depending on system size and complexity. The installer mounts the indoor unit in the ceiling void, runs ductwork to each room, installs ceiling diffusers, positions the outdoor unit, connects refrigerant piping, and wires the electrical connection. An electrician runs a dedicated circuit from the switchboard. The installer then charges the system with refrigerant and tests all connections.
Commissioning and handover
The installer commissions the system by testing heating and cooling operation in all zones, checking airflow from each diffuser, verifying refrigerant pressures, and confirming the controller is programmed correctly. You receive the warranty documentation, compliance certificates (electrical, refrigerant handling), and instructions for filter maintenance. Schedule your first annual service 12 months after installation.
How to Save Money on Ducted Air Conditioning
Choose the right system size — not bigger
An oversized ducted system costs more to buy and more to run. It short-cycles (turns on and off frequently), wears out components faster, and provides less consistent comfort. A properly sized system matched to your home's heating and cooling load is more efficient and costs less over its 15–20 year lifetime. Insist on a detailed load calculation rather than a rule-of-thumb estimate.
Invest in zone control from day one
A zone controller adds $2,000–$4,500 upfront but can reduce running costs by 20–30% by allowing you to heat or cool only the rooms you are using. Over a 15-year system life, zone control can save $5,000–$15,000 in electricity costs. It is far cheaper to install zone control during initial installation than to retrofit it later.
Install during the off-season
Ducted AC demand peaks from October to January in Australia. Booking installation during autumn or winter (April–August) gives you better installer availability, potentially shorter wait times, and some installers offer off-season pricing discounts of 5–15%. The system is ready to go when summer arrives.
Maintain your system annually
An annual service ($150–$350) extends system life by 3–5 years, maintains efficiency, and catches small problems before they become expensive repairs. A dirty filter alone can increase running costs by 15–25%. Most manufacturer warranties require annual servicing by a licensed technician to remain valid.
Ducted air conditioning costs in Australia range from $8,000–$14,000 for a small home (up to 150sqm), $12,000–$20,000 for a medium home (150–250sqm), and $18,000–$30,000 for a large home (250sqm+). These prices include the indoor unit, outdoor unit, ductwork, basic zone controller, electrical connection, and commissioning. Prices include GST.
Ducted reverse cycle is the better choice for most Australian homes. It provides both heating and cooling from one system, has lower running costs than gas heating, and is more energy-efficient (a reverse cycle system produces 3–5kW of heating for every 1kW of electricity consumed). Ducted gas heating with evaporative cooling costs less upfront but has higher combined running costs and the evaporative cooling is ineffective in humid climates.
A standard ducted AC installation takes 1–3 days depending on the home size, system complexity, and accessibility of the ceiling void. A straightforward installation in a single-storey home with good ceiling access typically takes 1–2 days. Larger or multi-storey homes, or installations requiring significant ductwork modifications, can take 2–3 days.
Ducted air conditioning should be professionally serviced at least once per year. Annual servicing costs $150–$350 and includes filter cleaning or replacement, refrigerant pressure check, electrical connection inspection, drain clearance, and a full performance test. Regular servicing extends system life by 3–5 years, maintains efficiency, and is typically required to maintain the manufacturer's warranty.
Zone control is not strictly necessary but is strongly recommended for homes with 4+ bedrooms. Without zone control, the ducted system heats or cools the entire home at once — including empty rooms. Zone control ($2,000–$4,500 installed) allows you to direct airflow only to the rooms in use, reducing running costs by 20–30%. Smart zone controllers from brands like Advantage Air, iZone, and AirTouch add app-based control and scheduling for even greater efficiency.
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