How Much Does Commercial Air Conditioning Cost in Sydney?

A commercial unit can be a significant investment. It’s important, then, for you to understand all of the commercial air conditioning costs before you pull the trigger on this purchase.

Air conditioner is an essential part of any commercial space, especially during Sydney’s warmer summer months.

Without proper AC, not only can your office or commercial space get warm, but the heat can also impact employee safety, employee morale, and the air quality of your space. In fact, studies show hot weather can drop productivity by 4% for every degree!

In contrast, commercial air con units can lead to cost savings, increased energy efficiency, and more overall comfort.

In short, the stakes are high.

Here are all the factors that come into play when it comes to commercial AC cost.

First thing’s first: what exactly classifies a commercial AC system?

Well, while residential air con systems can be either ducted or ductless, commercial systems generally consist of a centralised cooling system that distributes cold air through a sophisticated system. This system generally requires thermostats, temperature sensors, and air quality monitors to run effectively.

Alright, enough theory. Let’s dive deeper into some of the challenges that modern commercial AC units can help you and your company solve.

Assessing whether a new commercial AC system is worth it will come down to the needs of your working space and staff.

As a rule of thumb, you should replace your commercial HVAC system once every ten years. Waiting any longer than that, and you experience issues like:

✘ Difficulty cooling your entire office, resulting in a less comfortable environment
✘ More frequent and costly repairs and services which sting your bottom line
✘ Higher electricity bills as the unit ages and becomes less energy efficient
✘ Inconsistent temperatures throughout the office or between rooms
✘ Strange noises, including grinding, squeaking, rattling, clunking, or hissing sounds
✘ Low air quality, including higher than average humidity levels, mould, and mildew

If you notice any of these issues, a new system could be a worthwhile investment. Looking to extend the life of your A/C unit? Learn more about our Commercial AC Maintenance.

• Lower operating costs: Energy is one of the biggest investments for any Sydney business – and, in today’s volatile energy market, it can have an even bigger impact on the bottom line. Replacing an old energy system with a more modern, energy-efficient unit can reduce energy consumption and help you operate more “greenly.”
• Increase employee health and comfort: If your employees are physically uncomfortable, it can negatively impact morale, focus, and productivity. Additionally, low air quality and poorly filtered air can lead to an increase in sick days in your office. A new commercial air con unit can help resolve both concerns.
• Simplify maintenance: Constant repairs and maintenance requests can not only increase costs, but also impact productivity and take up time better spent on other tasks. A new commercial system can eliminate many of these worries and streamlining maintenance operations.

If you’re relying on an old or less robust system, then, replacement might be the right choice for you.

Worried about energy usage? Here’s how much power an A/C unit REALLY costs

There are many factors that will impact the final cost, including:

• Property size: As a rule of thumb, larger properties will require larger units, or more units. Additionally, multi-story properties will require at least a unit per zone. The size and number of floors in your property, then, will impact the final cost.
• Ceiling height: Generally, higher ceilings require better and bigger units to cool effectively.
• Number of windows: A space with many windows is generally more difficult to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These spaces will require bigger and better air con units.
• The type of unit: The size and type of air con unit that you ultimately choose will affect the overall commercial air conditioning cost.
• Service charges: Finally, there are the labour costs associated with installation and/or repair. Generally, air conditioner installers charge by the hour. This cost can range anywhere from $40 an hour for an inexperienced installer to $140 an hour for an expert. Keep in mind, though, that though an inexperienced, freshly licensed installer may be slow and make mistakes. A premium service, on the other hand, will be completely professional, smooth, and fast.

Be prepared >>> Learn About the Air Conditioning Installation Process

With all that in mind, here are some price ranges to expect and keep in mind. Overall, the average air con unit in Sydney can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $8,000. Keep in mind, this average figure will vary depending on the factors we’ve outlined above.

To compare commercial air conditioning costs against a few other industry averages, check out the table below.

NOTE: You’ll also need to factor in the cost of running the unit. Most commercial spaces require a ducted system. On average, these cost $2.30-$2.70 to run per hour.

Finally, when you install the right unit, how do you keep costs as low as possible? We recommend that you:

• Keep a consistent temperature
• Create some shade in your space
• Regularly maintain your air con unit
• Insulate your space

Following these tips will help keep your costs both low and consistent.

A new commercial air con system can make all the difference in your professional space, helping to improve the health of your employees, lower energy costs, increase comfort, and take your space to the next level.

The more you know about commercial air conditioning costs and types, the more prepared you will be to make an informed and appropriate purchase.

If you have any questions about air con types and prices – or whether or not it’s best that you repair your existing unit or install a new one – feel free to reach out to us directly by filling out the form here. You can also call us on 02 8283 1105.