Investing in ducted air conditioning is the ultimate way to stay comfortable in the scorching Brisbane heat. It gives you silent, whole-home cooling that is unmatched by individual units.
But when you start searching for prices, the answer is frustrating: you’ll see quotes that range from $8,000$ to over $25,000. That’s a huge difference!
So, what’s the real cost? The truth is, the final price for a fully installed ducted system in Brisbane comes down to two main things: the size of the unit (kW) and the complexity of the installation in your home’s roof space.
This guide breaks down the estimated costs for different Brisbane homes and explains the key factors that can add to your quote, ensuring you set a realistic budget before you even call for a quote.
Ducted AC Price Guide by Brisbane Home Size
To give you a straight answer, here is the estimated total price (including the unit, supply, materials, and professional installation) for typical Brisbane homes in 2025.
| Home Size / Type | Typical System Size (kW) | Estimated Total Installation Price Range (Brisbane) |
| Small Home or Apartment (2–3 bedrooms) | $7kW to 10kW | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Medium Single-Storey (3–4 bedrooms) | $10kW to 14kW | $11,000 – $15,000 |
| Large / Multi-Storey Home (4+ bedrooms) | $14kW to 18kW | $15,000 – $25,000 |
These are estimated starting points. The biggest cost factor within these ranges is often how many separate zones you want.
Breakdown: What Makes Up the Final Price?
Your final quote is split into two major categories: the Hardware (the actual equipment) and the Labour (the professional installation). Knowing this helps you understand where your money is going.
Cost Factor 1: The Size of the Unit (kW Capacity)
The size of your aircon system is measured in kilowatts (kW) which is its cooling power. The bigger the area you need to cool, the higher the (kW) capacity you need, and the more the unit costs.
- A 7kW system might only cool a small apartment or a very small house.
- A 14kW system is powerful enough to handle a typical four-bedroom family home in the Brisbane heat.
An expert technician must perform a heat load calculation for your specific home (factoring in window size, insulation, and orientation to the sun) to find the correct (kW) size . Buying a unit that is too small (undersized) might save you money upfront, but it will struggle to cool the house and cost you more to run.
Read how you can choose the best ac unit for small rooms.
Cost Factor 2: Brand Choice (Premium vs. Value)
Just like cars, air conditioning brands come at different price points. Premium brands generally cost more initially but often offer higher energy efficiency and longer warranties.
- Premium Brands (Higher Cost): Brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Actron Air are known for advanced technology, energy efficiency (better star ratings), and quieter operation. Expect to pay 10% to 30% more for these.
- Value Brands (Mid-Range Cost): Brands like Samsung, Panasonic, and LG still offer excellent performance and are a great balance of features and cost for the typical Brisbane home.
The Hidden Costs of Installation Complexity
The difference between two similar homes can be thousands of dollars, simply because of the installation difficulty. These are the factors that increase the labour time and the materials needed.
Multi-Storey vs. Single-Storey Installation
Installing ducted aircon in a single-storey home is generally simpler because the entire system can usually be placed in the roof space with easy access.
Multi-storey homes are far more complex and more expensive. Technicians often need specialised equipment (like scaffolding) and must use internal wall cavities or specific ceiling voids for ducting, which requires more labour time and complex planning. This complexity can easily add $2,000 to $5,000 to your total installation bill.
Electrical Upgrades (1-Phase vs. 3-Phase)
Most standard Australian homes run on single-phase power. However, very large ducted systems (often 15kW or higher) require a heavy-duty three-phase power supply to run efficiently.
If your home doesn’t have existing three-phase power, you will need an electrical switchboard upgrade and new wiring run from the street. This necessary electrical work can easily add between $1,000 and $2,000 to your final quote.
The Zoning Question: Cost vs. Savings
A major cost driver in ducted air conditioning is zoning. Zoning allows you to turn the air conditioning on only in the rooms you are using (e.g., cooling the bedrooms at night but turning off the living areas).
How Much Does Zoning Add to the Cost?
Every zone requires additional ductwork, an electronic damper (a butterfly valve in the duct), and a control box. This is why zoning adds to the final price.
Cost Per Zone: Expect to pay an additional $500$ to $1,500 per zone beyond the basic installation package.
The Long-Term Savings of Zoning
While the upfront cost for zoning is higher, it is one of the best investments you can make for efficiency in Brisbane. A system without zoning cools every room simultaneously, wasting energy on empty spaces. Zoning allows you to run only the parts of the house you need, saving you money every time you turn the system on.
Total Cost of Ownership (Running & Maintenance)
Beyond the initial installation cost, you need to factor in the long-term running and maintenance costs.
How Much Does Ducted AC Cost to Run Per Hour?
The hourly cost depends heavily on your unit’s efficiency and your electricity provider’s rate. However, a modern, efficient ducted system running at full capacity generally costs between $0.80 and $1.50 per hour in Brisbane.
Keep in mind that this covers your whole home. When compared to running several old or inefficient split systems across multiple rooms, a ducted system with good zoning is often the most cost-effective solution for whole-home comfort.
Replacement vs. New Installation & Servicing
Replacement Cost: If you are only replacing the main unit (keeping the existing ducts and vents), the cost ranges from $8,000$ to $15,000.
Annual Servicing: To keep your system running efficiently, it needs a professional check-up every 12 months. Expect to pay between $150 and $350 for routine annual servicing. Skipping this can lead to system failures that cost thousands to fix later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ducted air conditioning cheaper to run than multiple split systems?
In the long run, yes, often it is, if you have good zoning. While the initial cost is higher, a modern, correctly-sized ducted inverter system with zoning (allowing you to turn off empty rooms) is generally more energy efficient for cooling an entire house than running five or six individual split units.
How much does zoning add to the total cost of a ducted AC system?
Zoning typically adds an extra $500 to $1,500 per zone to the final installation price. This covers the cost of electronic dampers, controllers, and the extra labour needed to run the specific ductwork.
Are there any government rebates or incentives for installing ducted AC in Queensland?
Rebates and incentives change often. Currently, QLD does not have a broad state-level rebate for standard ducted AC, but there may be local council or specific Federal schemes for energy efficiency upgrades. Always check the latest state and federal government websites or ask your installer.
What is the price difference between 1-phase and 3-phase ducted air conditioning systems?
The unit hardware cost is often similar. The main price difference comes from the electrical work. If your home only has single-phase power, upgrading to three-phase to support a larger ducted unit can add an extra $1,000 to $2,000 to the installation bill for the electrical switchboard upgrade.
Is a Ducted System cheaper to install in a new home build or an existing Brisbane house?
Installation is almost always cheaper and easier in a new build because the ducts and main unit can be integrated into the structure before the ceilings are put up. Retrofitting into an existing home (especially multi-storey) takes longer and involves more labour to deal with limited roof access.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The ducted air conditioning cost for your home is unique. There is no flat fee that covers every Brisbane property.
You can set a realistic budget by knowing that the price is driven by the kW size, the brand, and your home’s complexity (especially if it is multi-storey or requires many zones).
To get an accurate, fixed quote for your specific Brisbane home, you need an on-site inspection. Schedule yours.
