If you’re thinking of replacing your air conditioner, check out the current cost of a ducted system before shelling out for a new one. In most cases, there’s no compelling reason to go down this route unless it’s already been installed or is very old and inefficient.
Ducted air conditioning systems are an inevitable part of Australian summers, but they come at a price. Not only do you have to pay for installation, but they can also be quite costly to run. But how much could you save if you went with another type of cooling system?
Is It time to Replace Your Ducted System?
Ducted air conditioners use a central compressor and air ducts to deliver cooled air to various parts of a building. This means that, unlike a split system or a window unit, the entire house gets the same temperature.
Split system air conditioners are generally more efficient than their ducted counterparts because they have an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. However, there is no single standard for measuring energy efficiency in Australia, so it’s hard to directly compare different models from different brands. In order to be meaningful, any cost comparison could consider factors such as the size of property and hours of use, which can vary widely depending on your circumstances. Aspects like noise levels may also need to be taken into account while choosing the best system.
Split systems can be used to cool a room or individual zones within a larger space, which makes them more flexible than ducted systems. In fact, if you have two rooms that need different levels of cooling at different times it’s usually cheaper and easier to install separate split systems rather than use ducting.
The Noise Concerns of Ducted Air Conditioning
If noise is an issue, window air conditioners are the most popular option for Australian homes since they’re relatively affordable and easy to install so just ensure that the air conditioning light is not blinking. However, these units only work well in cooler weather, during summer they tend to struggle with very hot conditions outside and can’t keep up inside if several people occupy a room simultaneously. They also need proper ventilation for safe installation so you’ll need to factor this into your cost.
The New Air Conditioner
In short, unless your ducted air conditioning is very old or you use a lot of energy every day, replacing it with another method might not be the most efficient way to reduce costs. In fact, running costs for split systems and window units are often higher than those of a standard centralised air conditioning system, as they have more components that need servicing over their lifespan.
When installing ducted air conditioning, it’s important to choose a reputable installer and get quotes from more air conditioning services. A ducted air conditioning system doesn’t generally need major repairs, so you’ll spend less time and money on servicing overall, making the ducted air-con very cost-effective.
Factors Affecting the Price of Ducted Air Conditioning
The cost of a new ducted air conditioning system can vary significantly depending on the model and installation location. While you’ll get different quotes from various providers regarding many ducted air conditioning options, there are some factors that can influence prices across the board.
Energy Efficiency
One key factor to consider when choosing ducted air conditioning is how efficient it is. As such, it’s recommended to pay more for a unit with higher efficiency ratings than looking for cheap deals. The air conditioner energy rating label can be found either on the front or back of an appliance and shows its relative performance in relation to other models within its category (i.e., size and type). This information is defined according to Australian standards by the National Australian Conformity (NAC) mark.
Installation Requirements
While most new ducted air conditioning units may either come with detailed installation instructions or require professional assistance, this is often an added cost that you could factor into your budget. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a technician, ensure that you have all the information on hand so as not to pay for unnecessary labour, but do keep in mind that a ducted air conditioner is tricky to install.
Ducted Air Conditioning Cost
Installing a centralised system can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $12,000 depending on size and location (e.g., whether it’s installed indoors or outdoors). Unsurprisingly, most homeowners spend approximately $5,500 for a ducted air conditioning installation.
If replacing a ducted air conditioner is what you’re after then expect to pay around $3,550 on average. This type of installation usually takes about 4 to 5 hours and involves transferring the internal components of your previous system into the new one. Ducted air conditioning usually includes supply and installation, while split system replacement requires additional labour.
A ducted air conditioning service usually costs between $80 and $120 but you’ll pay an average of $110 for this service.
Ducted Air Conditioning System Major Benefit
Ducted air conditioning systems are ideal for larger homes because they’re capable of cooling different zones simultaneously. Split systems can also be more flexible in terms of where you install them, but they tend to struggle with hot weather and may require separate units to cool each room effectively (unless you opt for expensive multi-split models). Ducted air conditioning is noted for its quiet operation, as most split systems make a significant amount of noise.
On the other hand, window air conditioners are often not capable of cooling the entire home unless several units are installed throughout, so their scope is generally limited to cooling individual rooms or zone within a space. As such, it’s best used when less coverage is required or if there are noise restrictions in place.
The Price of an Air Conditioning Unit is Entirely Unique to Your Home
It’s very unique and the requirements that you need it to fulfil. You could very well find yourself paying more for an air conditioning unit than your neighbour if they have particular needs (e.g., higher cooling capacity) or enjoy different benefits.
The installation cost is also unique to each home and every provider, as there are several factors that affect pricing (i.e., size of ducting, location of installation etc.). Generally, if you want to reduce costs then it’s best not to target the low-cost providers but instead ensure that you’re upfront about your desired specifications so they can give you a more accurate quote. This way you’ll be able to compare prices between various companies before coming to any decisions so as not to pay too much for services you don’t require.
With this in mind, the best way to determine the price of your new air conditioning system is by looking at quotes from reputable companies within your local area. By doing so, you’ll have a better idea of what’s available in terms of products and services while ensuring that you’re not paying too much for something that doesn’t meet your needs.
Increase Your Air Conditioning Energy Efficiency
AC units consume a lot of energy, so the more efficient they are the less you’ll be spending on electricity bills. Thus, if you have an older unit then it may be worth considering replacement. But simply switching from one model to another isn’t enough. You could also factor in a good design that complements your home and ensures that you’re getting optimal results for your money’s worth.
Many people don’t know this but efficiency is another reason why split systems tend to work better than window units, as their cooling capacity is generally larger and thus requires less energy to power them up (although there are exceptions). This means that although split systems tend to cost slightly more initially, their long-term costs may actually be lower as they’re more efficient. However, a ducted system is the most efficient overall as it’s capable of cooling multiple zones with one single unit.
Window Air Conditioning
Window units usually end up costing more in the long run, however, because of their limited capacity and smaller size (which means increased air conditioner repairs). For instance, if you have a larger house then you’ll probably need to invest in multiple units to get an equivalent level of cooling compared with what split systems provide. This leads to higher energy costs overall because your home requires more power to cool down.
On the other hand, window air conditioning units tend to be smaller and cheaper than split systems, making them ideal for homes where installation is easy but there are noise restrictions or limited coverage is required. Their compact design also makes them less likely to break down or cause problems even when used on a regular basis, which is a major reason why so many people prefer window units to split systems. When comparing a window unit with a ducted air conditioning service, you’ll typically find that the former costs less initially but is more expensive to maintain over time. It’s why the ducted air conditioning prices and overall air conditioning installation cost is much better in the long run.
What Could I Do When My AC Unit is Leaking?
The first thing you could do if your ducted system is leaking is to inspect the unit to determine where the leak came from. This may be important because it may help you decide whether or not you can repair the current damage or if it’s time to call for further assistance.
You can identify an AC leak by looking at things like wet spots or seeing water dripping from your equipment. If your unit has a condensation drain then this may also be the source of the leak, in addition to a pipe that’s loose or a fitting that’s not functioning properly. However, you shouldn’t attempt to fix it yourself because if the problem is more serious then you could end up causing further damage that would be more expensive to repair.
Once you’ve determined where the water is coming from then make sure that it’s turned off. Contact your local air conditioning service provider to find out whether they offer emergency repairs for water damage caused by AC leaks. If not, then you could do what you can on your own until the professionals arrive. This means
Reduce the Noise of Your Air Conditioner
If you live in close proximity to your neighbours, then the last thing that you want is for them to get annoyed and confront you about it. That’s why it’s important to do whatever you can to reduce the noise caused by your air conditioner, particularly if they’re mounted on the side of your house or outside where everyone can hear them.
Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce the noise coming from your unit. First, make sure that it’s positioned in an area where it’s not going to cause problems with traffic or passersby, but also where it’s exposed to wind for maximum ventilation. Failing to ventilate the unit could result in a build-up of condensation, which would lead to mould and water damage as well as a loud noise from the compressor. Additionally, you could check the unit itself to ensure that it’s not rattling or vibrating against something, as this can also cause a noise problem.
