The cost of having a new air conditioner in your home includes both the price of the system and the cost of Air conditioning installations. There are many factors to consider and various costs are involved. The cost of installation can range from $600 to $5400 and this depends on the type of unit selected and the complexity of the installation process. Smaller split systems can cost up to $750 while ducted systems and larger split systems can cost anything from $2400 to $5400 or even more.
In this guide, you can learn about the factors that influence the cost so that you can make an accurate estimate.
Cost Factors
The total cost of installing an Air conditioning Sydney involves the cost of labour and materials. The following sub-factors will influence both these cost factors:
- The type of air conditioning system
- The size or capacity of the system
- How many units are being installed?
- Required cable ducting
- Piping and interconnecting cables
- Need for upgrading the meter board
Where you live and how accessible is your property will also affect labour costs.
Type of Air Conditioning System
The type of air conditioning system is a major factor affecting the cost of installation. There are 3 common types of systems that are popular in the Australian market:
I. Split Air Con
These are the most popular types of air conditioners. They feature a condenser or compressor, and a head unit. They usually cover on a per room basis and are affordable.
ii. Portable Air Con
These are versatile systems, as they can be installed anywhere with a simple plug-power outlet. They are more suited for single rooms and have limited output capacities.
iii. Ducted Air Con
Air conditioning installations involving ducted systems are more complex. These systems are integrated into your home’s wall cavity and ceiling. They cool and heat the entire home, not just a single room. They are more expensive to buy and install.
Size of the System
The size of your air conditioning system will also have a significant impact on the cost of installation. You will have to determine the capacity of the system for your home or room. This decision will further be based on the following factors:
- Floor Area: A larger floor area means a larger cooling and heating capacity. Having multiple storeys can increase the number of units for different zones.
- Windows: The number of windows and their size will also affect the capacity of the air conditioning system. Keep in mind that windows can contribute up to 40% of your home’s heat loss.
- Ceiling Height: High ceilings mean that the system will have to produce more cool air to maintain the desired temperature. So ceiling height will also affect your system’s capacity.
Average Hourly Rate for Installers
You should also know about the pay guide for electricians set by the Fair Work Australia. The average hourly rate will also influence the cost of Air conditioning installation projects.
- Level 1: $33.28 per hour
- Level 2: $38.65 per hour
- Level 3: $41.34 per hour
- Level 4: $46.73 per hour
The rates for working on public holidays can be more than double these rates. All these rates are based on averages. The hourly rates for residential jobs and commercial jobs can be different. There are many factors influencing these rates including location, type, size, accessibility, and even the brand of the air conditioning system.