Thinking of installing air conditioning or replacing your existing system? With rising electricity prices, keeping a cap on your air conditioning running costs are an important consideration. You also need to factor in the cost of purchasing a unit of the correct size and work out how much installation will be. So how much does air conditioning installation cost? This article will give you an idea of who can legally install your system and what they may charge. There are basically three types of air conditioning systems on the market: Portable: portable air con units are versatile in that they can be placed anywhere with a plug/power outlet. They are however limited in their output and generally only suitable for a single room. Split systems: the most common type of air con system, which consist of an (internal) head unit and (external) condensor/compressor. These are relatively affordable though coverage is on a per room basis. Split air conditioning unit © Evolve Air Conditioning

Ducted systems: these are integrated into your home’s ceiling and wall cavity, and are designed for whole home heating & cooling. They are visually less intrusive than a split system, but do cost more to purchase and install. Read more: Ducted Air Con vs Split Systems Ducted air conditioning outlet integrated into a wall © Air Elite Airconditioning and Electrical Services You will need to work out what capacity air conditioner you need. Factors to consider include: The size of your home: The larger the floor area, the larger capacity your unit will need to be. If you have a multi-storey home then may require a number of units for different zones, which will add to the total cost. Ceiling height: If you have high ceilings your unit will need to generate enough cool air to maintain a comfortable temperature in each room. Number of windows: Windows can account for up to 40 per cent of a home’s heat loss, so you need to account for this when choosing an air conditioning system.

Read more: How much does air conditioning cost to run?Because air conditioning installers handle refrigerants, the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) requires all installers and technicians to hold either a full Refrigeration & Air Conditioning licence or a restricted licence that allows them to only install split system air conditioners. A number of different tradies could undertake an installation for you, including dedicated ducted air conditioning installers, licensed plumbers who can install, maintain and repair piping, ducting as well as licensed electricians who can install the master control panels and any wiring that is required. #hiptip: All tradies who install air conditioning need to be licensed to carry this work out in your home Roof-mounted compressor unit © Air Elite Airconditioning and Electrical Services A number of factors will influence your final quote, specifically the: Expect to spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars or more for an air conditioning unit.

A portable unit may cost around $500, while a new split system unit can start from $900. The price you pay depends on the unit’s kilowatt capacity. If the unit has a higher energy output, it will cost more than a unit with a lower output. If you live in a small space – such as a studio apartment – a portable unit can be more affordable than a split system.ac unit not working at all For an idea of prices (excluding installation) for a variety of systems, expect to pay in the region:best mobile ac unit #hiptip: Always get at least three written quotes before you decide to hire a businesswho makes the best ac window units Installing a wall-mounted head unit Once you’ve chosen your air conditioner, you’ll need to get it installed.

The rate you pay depends on several factors, including where you live, the air conditioner you’ve chosen, how many units you’re installing and the ease of access on your property. Air conditioning installers charge by the hour - expect to be charged anywhere from $60 - $110 per hour + GST for domestic air conditioning and $80 - $140 per hour + GST for commercial units. For a wall hung split type air conditioning system, expect to be charged: If you are installing a reverse ducted air conditioning system, some typical prices quoted online (unit + installation) are: Before hiring an air conditioning installer, it’s wise to get quotes from several providers. After you’ve compared quotes, ensure you understand how much the installer is going to charge. And given the importance of correct installation, always choose a reputable air conditioner installer who is licensed, insured and can provide referrals. The best way of finding out the cost of your air con project is to get quotes from local air conditioning installers.

This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are. * All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide. Ducted Air Con FAQ, How Does Solar Air Conditioning Work? How many solar panels do I need on my house to become energy independent?Unfortunately, there will come a time when even the most properly maintained furnace or air conditioner can go on no longer. According to a recent American Home Comfort Study, the lifespans of different equipment tend to hover around the same marks. maintained and installed furnace can last 20 years while an air conditioner and heat pump can last around 16 years and 14 years, respectively (on average). imagine, heating and cooling technology progresses immensely over such a long periodHere are some reasons why you should replace your old HVAC system if it is approaching the end of its lifespan.

Old systems most likely use R-22, an ozone-depleting refrigerant that was recently named harmful for the environment. Manufacturers are slowly phasing-out the use of R-22 and creating units that are compatible with R-410A. Initially R-410A was more expensive than R-22 but that gap has closed. Switch to R-410A now and save later. Replacing your old unit with a new unit will result in greater home comfort throughoutIt’s not that your old unit wasn’t originally a quality system at its time, but it is just that newer systems have surpassed the technology that was available when your old unit was produced. indoor air quality features that can help you reduce allergens, volatile organic compounds and other indoor air contaminants so that you canThis is all available, plus you can potentially save bundles of money on your monthly utility bills when compared to the costs of operating your old unit. Old units may get, for lack of a better word, clunky as they age.

All of those years of hard work and exposure to either outdoor elements or poorly insulated interior spaces (i.e. basements, attics and crawlspaces) can take their toll on even the highest-qualityWhile regular preventative maintenance might help stave off the effects of the elements on your unit, eventually it may start becoming loud while it operates. system will not have those problems because they are, of course, brand new and contain additional system features that can help reduce noise. Our iQ Drive air conditioners and heat pumps are some of the quietest systems in the industry – down to 59 decibels. minimum efficiency air conditioner or furnace can be a significant jumpThe old furnace in your basement may only be originally rated at 60% toIn order to comply with national regulations, furnaces manufactured today have to be rated at a minimum of 80% AFUE. This is a 10% to 20% increase in efficiency, and we are not even taking into account that your old furnace may have even become less efficient

The same goes for air conditioners. Old efficiency requirements were setNowadays, air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER. That is a 30% increase in efficiency just by switching to a minimum efficiency system. that reach the pinnacle of HVAC system efficiency – the 25.5-SEER iQ Drive® air conditioner 97% AFUE iQ Drive modulating gas furnace. Think of the energy savings you will see when you replace an old air conditioner or furnace with one of these Frigidaire air conditioner, heat pumps and furnaces are all covered by an outstanding 10-Year Limited All Parts Warranty when the unit is registered. talk to your local HVAC system replacement contractor. If you are looking for an HVAC professional in your area, turn to the Frigidaire dealer locator. Still need help deciding whether it is time for you to replace your old air conditioner orContact your local Frigidaire contractor. Use the Frigidaire dealer locator to find a local professional.