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.best through wall ac unit 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.ac unit running but no cool air #hiptip: All tradies who install air conditioning need to be licensed to carry this work out in your homelist of ac unit brands

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. For an idea of prices (excluding installation) for a variety of systems, expect to pay in the region: #hiptip: Always get at least three written quotes before you decide to hire a business 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? Wall air conditioners offer the same benefits as room air conditioners and don’t require that you have a conveniently-placed window in which to install a unit. Wall air conditioners are less expensive than central air conditioning units, provide cooling capabilities of up to 18,000 BTU/hour, and can cool a room as large as 1,000 square feet. Some wall air conditioners are even large enough to cool an entire small house, provided that properly-placed, portable fans and appropriate insulation are used. A wall-mounted air conditioner works in the same way as window air conditioners. Two fans blow air over hot and cold Freon-filled coils. The hot coils condense the Freon into a liquid, which then runs through an expansion valve and evaporates, which creates cold Freon gas. The cold gas absorbs warm outside air, cooling it and blowing it into the room to lower the room’s temperature.

As a by-product of this process, the air conditioner also removes excess humidity from the room, making it feel even cooler and more comfortable. A wall-mounted air conditioner preserves your window view and allows you to open the window when it’s cool enough outside that air conditioning is unnecessary. Also, because wall air conditioners stay in place year-round, they offer easy, one-time installation. Finally, because it never leaves the wall, there’s no need to store a bulky AC unit in another location such as your attic or basement during the off-season. This makes a wall-mounted AC a particularly good option in regions that experience all four seasons. Wall air conditioners provide more installation options than window units. Place a wall-mounted AC unit on any outside-facing, sheetrock wall that does not have any existing pipes or electrical lines running through it. With the help of a qualified electrician, it’s even possible to move electrical lines to accommodate an AC unit if necessary.