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The average air conditioning cost sits between $2,000 to $8,000 (inc. unit and installation) but you can skew to either end of the range if you opt for a budget-friendly single-room unit or a more robust ducted system. Be sure to choose the right size unit for your space and keep in mind which rooms do or don’t need the help of an aircon during the hottest months.
If you want to learn more, check out our other resources:
1. How To Choose The Best Type Of Air Con
2. Pros and Cons of Air Con You Need to Know
4. What Size Air Con Do I Need?
5. How Much Power Does An Air Con Use?
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Let’s face it, summers without A/C can be tough.
There’s only so many day trips you can organise to Bondi Beach before you realise you need a way to cool your home that’s more effective than a fan.
As the mercury starts to rise, it’s essential to have some type of AC in your home, and thankfully the range of options on the table mean there’s something for every household budget.
Extreme heat calls for more than a sea breeze, and installing an AC that’s reliable and energy efficient can be just what you need to keep cool on those sweltering, scorching days.
But how much is a new A/C unit going to cost?
Well, this comes down to the type of air con system you get and how large the system is. This still leaves plenty of variation between the cheapest unit and the most premium residential system, but we’ve got you covered.
That’s why we’re breaking air conditioning costs as well as key considerations for your home. Ready to make the right choice for your home and cool off? Let’s get into it.
Is getting AC worth it?
The answer to this question is a personal decision.
If you’ve struggled through Sydney’s hotter months or ducked to the local Westfields just to enjoy a little A/C, then the answer is likely “yes”.
Going back a few years, many Australian homes were constructed without air conditioners. In Sydney in particular, where the climate isn’t just warm but humid, fans alone can’t always provide the levels of comfort you need – which has fuelled an explosion in A/C installation.
Keep in mind, an air con system does more than just cool things off. Here are a few other benefits that A/C can add to your home.
Asthma attack prevention
Running an aircon not only reduces humidity in your home, but it can also lower the amount of mould, mildew, and other airborne allergens such as pollen – all of which can cause asthma attacks.
A more secure home
Since you’ll be keeping your doors and windows closed when the air con is turned on, it becomes harder for someone to break in. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t get security services for your home, but this is just another reason to love A/C.
Improved air quality
Many modern air conditioners come with advanced filters that protect against pollutants, irritants and even small pests and parasites that can frustrate you and your pets.
Better sleep
Did you know people actually sleep better in colder conditions? We don’t need to tell you how important a good night’s sleep is to your general well-being, with a modern A/C unit helping you wake up feeling fresher and ready to take on the challenges of the day.
Keep your electronics cool
It’s not just your body that will thank you when the temperature drops, because the electronic gadgets and appliances in your house will work better in an air conditioned house, too. Electronics like computers, laptops, and TVs are prone to overheating, and that can damage their performance and efficiency.
What factors affect air conditioning costs in Sydney?
Here are some of the key factors that can affect the air conditioning cost:
Type of System
Ducted systems tend to be more expensive upfront due to the installation of ductwork, while split-systems are generally more affordable.
Size of the Area
Larger areas require more powerful and potentially more expensive systems.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient systems may have a higher upfront cost, but they can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time. Look for systems with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings.
Installation Complexity
If your home requires complex installation due to factors like limited space, difficult access, or specific architectural considerations, the installation costs could be higher.
Brand and Quality
Different brands offer varying levels of quality and features. Well-known brands might be more expensive, but they often come with better reliability and performance.
Thermostat and Controls
Advanced thermostats and control systems might have a higher upfront cost but can improve efficiency and comfort, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Location
The geographic location of your home in Sydney can affect the cooling requirements. Different areas have varying climate conditions that impact how often and how intensely you’ll need to run your air conditioner.
Government Incentives
At times, there might be government incentives, rebates, or subsidies for installing energy-efficient systems. These can help offset the upfront costs.
Additional Features
Additional features like zoning (the ability to control different areas separately), air purifiers, humidity control, and noise reduction can impact air conditioning costs.
Warranty and Support
Systems with longer warranties might have higher upfront costs but can provide peace of mind and potential savings on future repairs.
It’s essential to thoroughly research and consider these factors when planning to install AC in Sydney. Get multiple quotes from reputable HVAC contractors, compare the features and benefits of different systems, and assess the long-term savings potential before making a decision.
How much does air conditioning cost?
We’ve summarised the average air conditioning cost for some of the most popular aircon types to help you budget for this home upgrade.
PLEASE NOTE: Installation is often charged separately and can cost on average $60 to $110 per hour.
| Air Con Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Portable (small space) | $200 to $400 |
| Portable (large space) | $600 to $1,400 |
| Ducted (small home) | $4,000 to $7,000 |
| Ducted (large one-storey home) | $7,000 to $10,000 |
| Ducted (two-storey home) | $9,000 to $15,000 |
| Split System | $1,700 to $5,500 |
To discover more about our range of air conditioning, call us on 02 8283 1105 or submit an online quote request here.
HUNTERCON TIP: The best way to know the cost for your home is to call a professional installation expert. They will be able to help you determine the best system type and size to most efficiently cool your home. In fact, undersizing your unit to save on upfront costs can actually cause it to work harder to cool your home, impacting your energy bill and putting extra wear and tear on the aircon itself.
What is the air conditioning cost for cooling?
Now that we’ve given you enough reasons to get excited about buying an aircon, let’s look at what it will cost you.
In the table below, we’ve broken out the average cost per hour for a variety of different room cooling methods. You’ll notice that the cost of running a fan is the cheapest, but the cooling and coverage is nowhere near to what you can get with even the smallest aircon. In contrast, you’ll pay for the convenience of a whole-house ducted system, but this could be a more efficient (and comfortable) option overall.
| Air Con Type and Room | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Reverse Cycle – 20 m2 room | $0.25 – $0.35 |
| Reverse Cycle – 36 m2 room | $0.36 – $0.70 |
| Reverse Cycle – 50 m2 room | $0.70 – $0.96 |
| Portable Refrigeration Device (any room size) | $0.45 – $0.55 |
| Variable Speed Fan (any room size) | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| Ducted Reverse Cycle (whole house) | $2.45 – $3.45 |
Wondering about which air con type is right for you? Check out our range of air conditioning solutions:
How much does air conditioning cost for heating?
Some aircon systems can also be used to warm spaces, which makes them more versatile in the cooler months when you’d rather heat things up.
In this table, we’re comparing some of the different heating costs by type to give you a better idea of the investment.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the pricier options are actually less efficient and less effective at warming larger spaces.
Wondering what is included in AC installation? Check out our installation page to learn more.
| Heater Type | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| AC | $0.13 – $0.36 |
| Electric Radiant Heater | $0.35 – $0.40 |
| Electric Panel Heater | $0.40 – $0.45 |
| Gas Heater | $0.43 – $0.51 |
| Ducted Heat (whole house) | $1.45 – $2.12 |
How to select the right AC for your Sydney home
With many options to choose from when it comes to air con, you can find the right system for your home and budget.
The average air conditioner cost works out to $2,000 to $8,000 and can skew toward either end of the range depending if you opt for a more budget-friendly portable or a more robust ducted system. Be sure to choose the right size unit for your space and keep in mind which rooms do or don’t need the help of an aircon during the hottest months.
If you’re not sure where to start or how to select the right unit for your home, talk to the pros at HunterCON Air. We’re the most trusted name for AC services. With 5 year warranties on the services and thousands of happy customers, there is no job too simple or too complicated for us when it comes to air-cons. We also offer commercial installations.
We’d be happy to answer any of your questions – just call us on 02 8283 1105. Or you can fill out our free quote form and share the details of your aircon project with us today!
