At a Glance
Sydney homeowners pay $8,000–$22,000 per system for ducted air conditioning, with the range driven by house size, roof cavity access, and whether the home needs a three-phase power upgrade. Older suburbs with terracotta tile roofs and generous cavities are ideal for ducted. Apartments are generally ruled out.
What's Included in the Price
- Supply and install of outdoor compressor and indoor fan coil unit
- Ductwork fabrication and installation to AS 4254.1 Ductwork for Air-Handling Systems
- Ceiling diffusers, return air grilles, and zone dampers (if multi-zone)
- Refrigerant piping and drainage
- Electrical connection and dedicated circuit wiring to AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
- Controller installation, system commissioning, and airflow balancing
- Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) for the electrical component
Materials typically account for 50–60% of the total. The remainder is labour, electrical work, refrigerant handling, and commissioning.
What Affects the Cost
- House size and zones. A 3-bedroom home with a single zone is a straightforward job. A 5-bedroom home across two storeys with 4-zone control is substantially more complex and expensive.
- Roof cavity clearance. The indoor unit needs at least 500mm of clearance. Many older Sydney homes have adequate cavity under terracotta tiles, but low-pitch roofs in some newer builds can be problematic.
- New install vs replacement. Replacing an existing ducted system reuses duct routes and penetrations, typically saving 30–40%. But ductwork over 15 years old may need replacing due to degraded insulation.
- Three-phase power. Systems above 12kW need three-phase. Many larger Sydney homes already have it, but if yours does not, the upgrade is a significant additional cost handled by a separate electrician and Ausgrid.
- Zoning. Multi-zone control adds 20–30% to the install cost but pays for itself through reduced running costs. Essential for two-storey homes where you do not want to cool empty bedrooms during the day.
- Brand and efficiency. Premium inverter units (Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric) cost more upfront but deliver better humidity control and lower running costs — both important in Sydney's climate.
- Strata restrictions. Apartment and townhouse installations may require body corporate approval, restricted installation hours, and specific outdoor unit placement — all of which add time and potentially cost.
A replacement system in a single-storey, 3-bedroom brick veneer home with good roof access, existing ductwork, and single-zone control sits toward $8,000. A new installation in a 5-bedroom, two-storey home in Strathfield or Epping with 4-zone control, three-phase upgrade, premium brand, and complex duct runs pushes toward $22,000.
Sydney-Specific Considerations
Sydney's established suburbs tell two different ducted aircon stories. Inner-west terraces and semi-detached homes (Marrickville, Leichhardt, Newtown) often have low-pitch or skillion roofs with minimal cavity — making ducted installation difficult or impossible without significant structural modifications. These areas tend to favour split systems instead.
The middle-ring suburbs are where ducted systems thrive. Strathfield, Epping, Ryde, and similar areas have generous terracotta tile roofs with ample cavity space. Post-war brick veneer construction makes cable and pipework routing straightforward. Many of these homes already have ducted systems from the 1990s or early 2000s that are now due for replacement.
Western Sydney's newer estates (Kellyville, Marsden Park, Oran Park) are often designed with ducted aircon in mind. Open-plan layouts, high ceilings, and pre-wired electrical make installation faster and cheaper. Builders frequently offer ducted as a standard inclusion or upgrade option.
For apartments, ducted air conditioning is rarely feasible. The lack of roof cavity or ceiling void eliminates the ductwork option in most Sydney apartment buildings. Some newer developments include bulkhead spaces that can accommodate slim-line ducted units, but this requires confirmation from the building manager before proceeding.
Hiring a Licensed Air Conditioning Technician in NSW
Ducted air conditioning installation requires two licences. The installer must hold an ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council) authorisation to handle refrigerant gases. The electrical work must be performed by an electrician licensed through NSW Fair Trading. Many aircon companies employ both, but verify both credentials.
The electrician must issue a CCEW (Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work) for any new circuits or switchboard modifications. Ask for the ARC authorisation number and the CCEW before making final payment. You can verify licences on the NSW Fair Trading and ARCtick websites.
Get at least three quotes. A reputable installer will conduct a site inspection — measuring roof cavity clearance, assessing insulation, checking electrical capacity, and discussing zoning options — before providing a fixed-price quote. Be wary of quotes given over the phone without a site visit.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on surveyed trade rates for licensed air conditioning technicians in the Sydney metro area, adjusted for property type and system complexity. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential ducted air conditioning systems. Commercial installations are not included.