The biggest decision when buying air conditioning in Australia isn't which brand — it's which system. Split systems are cheap to install and brilliant for one or two rooms. Ducted systems cool the whole house but cost several times more upfront: in our national table a basic ducted system is typically $11,000, about 6 times a small 2.5 kW split ($1,800). Here's what you'll pay for each, and how to decide.
Split System Cost — What You'll Actually Pay
A standard split system (one indoor head unit + one outdoor compressor) costs $1,200–$5,500 supplied and installed (2.5 kW to 9 kW). The price swings based on capacity and brand:
| Capacity | Suitable For | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kW | Small bedroom (up to 20m²) | $1,200–$2,500 |
| 3.5 kW | Medium bedroom / study (20–30m²) | $1,400–$2,800 |
| 5 kW | Large bedroom / small living (30–45m²) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| 7 kW | Open-plan living (45–65m²) | $2,200–$4,500 |
| 9 kW | Large open-plan living | $3,000–$5,500 |
| Multi-split (2 heads) | 2 indoor units, 1 outdoor | $4,000–$7,500 |
| Multi-split (4 heads) | 4 indoor units, 1 outdoor | $7,000–$12,000 |
Ducted System Cost — What You'll Actually Pay
Ducted air conditioning hides everything in the roof cavity and delivers conditioned air through ceiling vents. It's invisible, whole-home, and expensive:
| System | Typical | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted system (basic) | $11,000 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Ducted system (premium / zoned) | $16,000 | $12,000–$22,000 |
| Ducted system service (per system) | $330 | $200–$550 |
See ducted and split system prices in your city: ducted air conditioning cost in Melbourne · Sydney · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Gold Coast · Canberra · Hobart · Darwin · Newcastle · Geelong · Sunshine Coast · Townsville · Wollongong · Byron Bay · Central Coast · Cairns
The Real Cost Comparison
Here's how the typical prices in our national table compare for cooling a 4-bedroom home:
Typical installed prices from our national air conditioning table; the five splits are one 7 kW for the living area and four 2.5 kW for bedrooms.
Pros and Cons: Side by Side
✓ Split system strengths
- Low upfront cost ($1,200–$5,500 per room)
- Easy to install — no roof work needed
- Only cool the rooms you're using
- Easier and cheaper to repair
- Perfect for renters or apartments
✗ Split system weaknesses
- Visible indoor and outdoor units
- Multiple units = multiple electricity bills
- Clutters walls and outdoor areas
- Inefficient to cool many rooms separately
✓ Ducted system strengths
- Invisible — vents flush with ceiling
- Whole-home comfort from one system
- Adds significant resale value
- Quieter operation throughout home
- Zone control lets you isolate areas
✗ Ducted system weaknesses
- Expensive upfront ($8,000–$22,000)
- Major installation — requires roof access
- Not suitable for apartments or small homes
- Higher servicing costs annually
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Running Costs: Who Wins Long-Term?
Ducted systems are less efficient than inverter split systems — you're moving air through long duct runs which lose energy, and a ducted system conditions the whole zone whether or not each room is in use. Split systems running only in the rooms you use usually cost less to run; the gap narrows significantly with good zone control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add ducted to an existing home?
Yes, but it's more expensive than new builds — installers need to retrofit ducting through existing roof cavities and walls. Ask each installer to price the retrofit work separately from the system itself.
Is ducted air conditioning worth it for resale?
It can help. Ducted air conditioning is a feature many buyers look for, but how much it adds depends on the home and the suburb, so ask a local agent before counting on it.
How long does each system last?
A quality split system lasts 10–15 years. Ducted systems last 15–20 years when serviced annually. The compressor is the first thing to go on both — out of warranty, weigh a repair quote against replacing the unit.
What's the best brand for air conditioning in Australia?
Daikin and Fujitsu are consistently rated highest for reliability and efficiency. Mitsubishi Electric is also excellent. Avoid no-name brands sold through discount electrical retailers — parts availability is a serious issue after 5 years.
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