Question 1

How much does it cost to replace ducted air conditioning in Australia?

Accepted Answer

hipages' 2026 cost guide puts a ducted system at $6,000–$10,000 for smaller homes and up to $30,000 for a larger home, with a typical single-storey home around $14,000 GST inclusive — so replacing a full ducted reverse-cycle system, reusing the existing ducts, lands near that figure. A single split system, or a standard-efficiency tier, costs less. Use the calculator above for a range matched to your home size, system type, and efficiency.

Question 2

Should I choose ducted refrigerated or split systems?

Accepted Answer

Ducted refrigerated (reverse-cycle) air conditioning conditions the whole home from one unit and suits medium-to-large houses, but costs the most to install. Split and multi-split systems are far cheaper per room and are the most common choice in Australian homes and apartments. Central gas heating is less common here — most Australian systems are reverse-cycle, heating and cooling from the same unit. Choose the system type that matches your home, and the calculator scales the estimate accordingly.

Question 3

Which efficiency tier should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Standard efficiency is the budget choice; high-efficiency (higher star-rated reverse-cycle equipment) is the durable mid-grade that lowers running costs; premium variable-speed inverter equipment sits at the top for comfort and the deepest energy savings — worth more in hot northern and inland climates where the unit runs hard for months. Pick the tier that suits your climate and budget and the calculator scales the estimate accordingly. Prices shown are GST inclusive.

Item	Estimate
Outdoor condenser unit	$4,050
Furnace / heating unit	$1,400
Evaporator coil / air handler	$1,575
Refrigerant lineset & connections	$900
Installation labor	$4,290
Permit, disposal & startup	$900
Subtotal	$13,115
VAT (10%)	$1,312
Total inc. VAT	$14,427

Air Conditioning (HVAC) Replacement Cost Calculator

Air Conditioning Replacement Cost by state