Ducted aircon installation on the Sunshine Coast costs between AUD$5,000 and AUD$15,000. Larger systems can cost up to AUD$25,000. A standard three-bedroom home needs AUD$6,000 to AUD$10,000 for installation, while four-bedroom properties require AUD$11,000 to AUD$25,000.
Your home’s size, system complexity, and specific installation needs affect the final cost by a lot. Homeowners need this information to make smart decisions about their cooling system investment.
This piece details the latest ducted air conditioning costs for 2025. You’ll learn what drives the prices, which hidden costs to look out for, and how to pick the right system size for your property.
Basic Ducted Air Con Costs in 2025
The cost of ducted air conditioning systems varies based on property size. Sunshine Coast homeowners will find different pricing tiers that reflect both system capacity and how complex the installation might be.
Small home installation costs (under 150m²)
Compact properties and apartments under 150m² need ducted air conditioning systems that cost between AUD$7,644 and AUD$13,760. These homes work best with units up to 10kW capacity that can cool 2-3 bedrooms. A simple 6.0kW system starts at AUD$6,712. Single-storey properties with 2-3 bedrooms have installation fees around AUD$3,822.
Medium home costs (150-250m²)
Medium-sized properties need strong cooling solutions. Houses between 150-250m² see costs ranging from AUD$12,231 to AUD$18,347. These homes usually need 10-15kW capacity units to provide balanced climate control across 3-5 bedrooms. Mid-range installations with advanced features and higher energy efficiency ratings cost between AUD$13,760 and AUD$18,347.
Large home installation pricing (250m²+)
Homes larger than 250m² need complete cooling solutions. Large home installation starts from AUD$15,289 and can reach AUD$27,521. These properties often need systems above 20kW capacity, especially with multi-storey layouts. Premium installations with advanced zoning and superior energy ratings can go up to AUD$38,224.
Base prices change depending on several factors. Multi-level properties cost more to install because they need extra ductwork. The number of zones affects the final price, and each extra zone adds to the overall cost.
System capacity is a vital factor in determining costs:
- 10-15kW systems: AUD$10,702 – AUD$18,347
- 15-20kW systems: AUD$13,760 – AUD$22,934
- 20kW+ systems: AUD$16,818 – AUD$27,521
Single-storey installations typically come with standard controllers and ground-level outdoor unit placement. All the same, prices can change based on specific installation needs and system details. A 12.5kW ducted system installation costs about AUD$19,112.
What Affects Your Installation Cost
The final cost of ducted air conditioning installations depends on several elements, and each project is unique based on property requirements.
Home design impact
Your property’s layout influences installation expenses. Multi-storey homes cost more, with prices between AUD$22,934 and AUD$30,579. The roof structure is vital since installers might need to adjust roof trusses when space is limited. The distance between indoor and outdoor units affects material needs and the overall costs.
System size requirements
Installation costs relate directly to the size and capacity of ducted systems. Every extra 50 square metres of space adds AUD$1,528 to AUD$7,644 to the cost. Each additional zone increases the total price by AUD$764 to AUD$2,293.
System capacity affects pricing in the following ways:
- Systems up to 10kW: AUD$7,644 – AUD$10,702
- Systems 10kW to 20kW: AUD$10,702 – AUD$15,289
- Systems over 20kW: AUD$15,289 – AUD$38,224
Access and installation complexity
Labour costs vary based on installation complexity and range from AUD$122 to AUD$183 per hour. Properties with difficult access points or complex designs need more time for ductwork installation. Inner-city areas often cost more due to access difficulties and parking restrictions.
Installation complexity depends on these factors:
- Existing infrastructure modifications: AUD$764 to AUD$3,057
- Extensive ductwork requirements: AUD$1,528 to AUD$4,586
- Outdoor unit placement challenges: AUD$764 to AUD$2,293
Remote properties might have higher installation fees due to travel time and logistics. Homes close to the coast need extra protective features against salt air corrosion, which increases system costs.
Choosing the Right System Size
Choosing the right size for your ducted air conditioning system will optimise performance and keep costs down. The wrong size can make your energy bills soar and leave you less comfortable.
Room size calculations
The quickest way to determine your system size is to calculate the total floor area of daytime living spaces. Properties with standard 2.4-metre ceilings need their floor area multiplied by 150 watts. Spaces that have 2.7-metre ceilings need multiplication by 160 watts, while areas with 3-metre ceilings require 175 watts per square metre.
Here’s a simple calculation example:
- 100 square metres of living space × 0.15 = 15kW system requirement
Your home’s size determines the recommended cooling capacities:
- Small homes (up to 150m²): 5-8kW capacity
- Medium homes (150-300m²): 10-15kW capacity
- Large homes (300-450m²): 15-20kW capacity
- Extra-large homes (450m²+): 20kW or higher
Climate factors
Weather conditions affect system sizing by a lot. Air conditioning units become less efficient in temperatures above 35°C. A 14kW system might only deliver 10-12kW of cooling capacity during hot weather.
Your system size requirements depend on several factors:
- Insulation quality and roof ventilation
- Window size and sun exposure
- Construction materials (brick versus weatherboard)
- Number of occupants
- Lighting type and quantity
Experts suggest sizing systems to cool about 70% of your home at once, instead of the entire space. This approach will give a better efficiency and help manage airflow rates when cooling specific zones. Homes with good insulation can use smaller capacity units, while poorly insulated properties need larger systems.
Your system’s minimum cooling capacity matters just as much as its maximum output. Lower minimum capacities work better when cooling bedrooms at night as heat loads drop. The perfect system balances these requirements with your property’s unique features.
The simple installation costs are just the beginning. Homeowners need to plan for several additional expenses that affect the final ducted air conditioning budget.
Electrical upgrades
A ducted system needs significant electrical modifications. Properties that need switchboard upgrades can expect costs between AUD$764 and AUD$4,586. Systems larger than 18kW need three-phase power upgrades, which become vital electrical changes. The setup might also need dedicated circuits with extra wiring and circuit breaker installations.
Ductwork modifications
Changes to your home’s structure for ductwork placement can drive up costs. Existing ductwork changes typically cost between AUD$3,057 and AUD$7,644.
Older homes need more extensive changes, such as ceiling adjustments or extra insulation. The ductwork makes up about 30% of the system’s total purchase price.
Council approval fees
Local rules and compliance needs add another cost layer. You might need an acoustical survey before installation to match noise requirements. These surveys check background noise levels and predict sound pressure at property boundaries. Body corporate properties face unique challenges – improvements over AUD$4,586 need approval through ordinary resolution at general meetings.
Hidden expenses include:
- Travel and transportation costs for remote locations
- Removal and disposal fees for existing systems
- Structural reinforcements for walls or flooring
- Building code compliance assessments
Project timeframes affect costs too. Most installations take 1-3 days based on:
- Current wiring setup
- Wall and ceiling thickness
- How complex the ductwork installation is
Getting itemised quotes helps you compare products and installation expenses. Professional installation is vital since many manufacturers won’t honour warranties unless their certified teams do the work. Labour starts at AUD$84 per hour, but rates change based on installation complexity and location.
Conclusion
Ducted air conditioning costs Sunshine Coast homeowners between AUD$5,000 for simple setups and AUD$25,000 for detailed systems. These numbers might look high, but choosing the right size and getting professional installation ensures the best performance and value over time.
Property owners need to think over several vital factors before starting the installation. The final investment depends on system capacity needs, property layout, and unexpected costs. Crown Power, the Sunshine Coast’s ideal ducted air conditioning specialist, helps guide homeowners through these choices.
The ideal ducted system brings comfort and efficiency by controlling temperature precisely and managing zones effectively. Room sizes, climate patterns, and building features play a key role in the selection process. Of course, you should include costs like electrical upgrades, ductwork changes, and council approval fees to avoid budget issues later.
A successful ducted air conditioning installation needs careful planning and skilled execution. The right system choice paired with expert installation creates comfortable spaces and keeps running costs reasonable throughout its life.
