Many customers and prospects ask us how much ducted air conditioning costs to run. Managing air conditioning running costs is a high priority for many of you.
In Brisbane, here is the average annual running cost of ducted air conditioning:
- Cooling your home – $1964
- Heating your home – $97
The higher cooling cost makes sense with our hot Brisbane summers.
Let’s take a closer look at ducted air conditioning running costs, the factors affecting your bills, and tips for reducing your ducted running costs.
- How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost to Run?
- How to Calculate Air Conditioning Running Costs
- Ducted vs. Split System Running Cost
- 10 Factors Affecting Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs
- 5 Tips for Reducing Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs
- Booking Your Air Conditioner Installation With Hewitt Trade Services
- Related Articles
How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost to Run?
As stated above, the average annual ducted air con running cost in Brisbane is around $2000 for cooling your home and about $100 for heating.
This cost estimate is based on a reverse cycle, ducted, single-split system with an average electricity usage rate of 31.2c/kWh. The running cost will vary depending on your usage rate, among other factors (which we’ll cover below).
How to Calculate Air Conditioning Running Costs
You can calculate ducted air conditioning running costs before you buy a system. Getting an estimated running cost is quite easy.
You need to know the:
- Power input
- Electricity cost
The calculation is: Power input x electricity cost = running cost
The power input should be stated clearly on the ducted air conditioning specifications. If it’s not, you need to calculate the power output using the rated capacity and the energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the air con system.
The calculation is: Rated capacity / EER = Power input
Here’s a quick example of calculating the power input:
- Rated capacity = 10 kW
- EER = 3.2
- 10 / 3.2 = 3.125
So, a 10 kW ducted system with an EER of 3.2 has a power input of 3.1.
You use this power input (3.1) to calculate the estimated running cost for this 10 kW system. Let’s say your electricity cost is 35 cents per kWh.
Here’s how you calculate the estimated running cost per hour:
- Power input x electricity cost = running cost
- 3.1 x 0.35 = 1.085
At an electricity rate of 35 cents per kilowatt-hour, the 10 kW ducted system in our example costs $1.085 to run per hour.
Calculating Annual Ducted Air Con Running Costs
You can calculate your annual ducted air conditioning running costs after you estimate the cost per hour. Say you only use your system for 6 hours every day during the hottest 3 months in Brisbane (December, January and February) and don’t use your air con at any other times.
Simply add up your total usage in hours and multiply it by the electricity cost per hour.
- Total annual usage in hours x electricity cost per hour = annual running cost
Let’s calculate the total usage in hours:
- December (31 days)
- January (31 days)
- February (28 days)
- Total = 90 days
Annually, you use your ducted air conditioning for 6 hours each day over these 90 days.
- 6 x 90 = 540
- Annual usage = 540 hours
Let’s multiply your total annual usage in hours by the electricity cost per hour in our previous example to get your annual running cost.
- Total annual usage in hours x electricity cost per hour = annual running cost
- 540 x 1.085 = 585.9
Your annual ducted air conditioning running cost for the 10 kW system in this example is $585.90.
Ducted vs. Split System Running Cost
On the surface, a ducted air conditioning system looks more expensive to run than a split system one. Here are the average annual running costs for Brisbane based on an electricity cost of 31.2c/kWh:
- Split System: Large room – $396 for cooling – $30 for heating
- Ducted: Whole home – $1964 for cooling – $97 for heating
The ducted air con running cost is for your entire home while the split system cost is for a large room only. So, let’s take that into account.
Say you have a standard 3-bedroom home with a separate kitchen and lounge room (5 rooms total). To cover every room with split system air conditioning, you’d need 5 separate units.
The annual running cost would be $1980 ($396 x 5) for cooling and $150 ($30 x 5) for heating. In this case, the split system running costs are actually higher.
10 Factors Affecting Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs
Ducted air conditioning running costs depend on various factors, from the unit’s efficiency and size to how and when it’s used. Here’s a breakdown of 10 factors affecting the operating costs of ducted air conditioning:
1. System Size and Capacity
The larger the capacity (measured in kilowatts, or kW), the more power the system consumes. Systems struggle to maintain the desired temperature when they’re undersized or oversized, leading to inefficiency and increased energy consumption.
Choose a system that matches your home’s size and insulation level. The experts at Hewitt Trade Services can help determine the right unit size.
2. Energy Efficiency (SEER and EER Ratings)
Systems with higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings use less energy to produce the same cooling or heating output, lowering operating costs. Investing in a higher-efficiency unit may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run.
3. Thermostat Settings
Lowering the thermostat by even a few degrees can increase running costs significantly, especially during extreme temperatures.
Setting the thermostat to an efficient but comfortable level, such as 24–26°C in summer, can save energy. Programmable or smart thermostats also let you regulate temperatures based on occupancy to save on costs.
4. Usage Patterns and Duration
Longer and more frequent operation increases energy consumption, leading to higher costs. Limiting usage to necessary periods can help save money.
5. Zoning System
Zoning allows you to independently cool or heat different areas of your home. This reduces energy usage by only conditioning occupied spaces.
Installing a zoned ducted system or upgrading an existing one with zoning controls lowers running costs, especially in larger homes.
6. Home Insulation and Sealing
Poorly insulated homes lose conditioned air more quickly. The system will run longer and use more energy to reach and maintain the desired temperature.
Improving insulation in walls, ceilings, floors, and ductwork helps reduce energy loss and lower operating costs.
7. Duct Condition and Airflow
Leaky, blocked, or poorly insulated ducts lead to air loss. This forces the system to work harder to reach the desired temperature and increases energy usage.
Regular inspection and maintenance of ductwork, including sealing leaks and cleaning, optimises airflow and efficiency.
8. Maintenance and Filters
Clogged filters and unmaintained units decrease airflow. Systems work harder to cool or heat the space, increasing energy consumption.
Regular maintenance – including changing or cleaning filters, cleaning coils, and inspecting components – keeps your system running efficiently.
9. Local Climate
In areas like Brisbane, with extreme heat and humidity, air conditioners naturally work harder. Systems like Daikin ducted, ones well-suited to the local Brisbane climate, help reduce the strain on your air con.
10. Electricity Tariffs and Peak Demand
Electricity costs vary by location, provider, and time of day. Running air conditioning during peak hours can significantly raise running costs.
Using a programmable thermostat to cool the home during off-peak hours or finding an electricity plan with lower off-peak rates can lower costs.
5 Tips for Reducing Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs
Use the Correct Size for Your Home
Your conditioning system’s capacity should match your needs. If the system is undersized, it will struggle to cool the area, leading to prolonged running times and higher energy costs. Conversely, an oversized system may cycle on and off frequently, resulting in wasted energy and uneven temperature control.
Our professionals can perform a load calculation – which accounts for home size, insulation levels, layout, number of windows, and local climate. We help determine the correct capacity for optimal performance and efficiency. Investing in a properly sized unit upfront helps you save money over the system’s lifespan.
Set the Thermostat to an Efficient Temperature
Lowering the thermostat by just a few degrees can substantially increase energy use. For example, setting it to 18°C instead of 24°C requires the system to work harder and costs more. Similarly, frequent temperature changes can put additional strain on the unit.
For optimal energy efficiency, set the thermostat to around 24–26°C in summer and 18–20°C in winter. Use programmable or smart thermostats to set automatic schedules based on occupancy patterns and peak usage times.
Use Zoning Controls to Cool Only Occupied Areas
Zoning divides the home into separate areas or “zones.” Each zone has its own temperature control, letting you cool or heat only the occupied areas of your home to reduce energy usage.
Many modern ducted systems come with zoning options. Existing systems can sometimes be retrofitted with zoning controls. Experts like us can help you set up zones based on usage patterns.
For instance, you might zone bedrooms separately from living areas. This means you can cool just the living areas during the day and the bedrooms at night. Adding a smart zoning system can further optimise energy savings by giving you precise control over each zone’s temperature.
Regularly Maintain the System
Routine maintenance is essential for any ducted system to run efficiently. Dirty filters, clogged ducts, and worn-out components can obstruct airflow, so the system must work harder to reach the desired temperature, which uses more energy.
Check and clean filters every one to three months, especially during heavy use periods. Scheduling annual maintenance with a professional technician helps identify and fix minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs or inefficiencies. Technicians also clean the system’s internal components – such as coils, fans, and ducts – to improve airflow and performance.
Ensure Adequate Insulation and Well-Sealed Ducts
Insulation helps maintain the indoor temperature by preventing cool or warm air from escaping. Well-sealed ducts ensure that conditioned air reaches the intended rooms efficiently. Poor insulation or leaky ducts mean the system has to run longer to compensate, which wastes energy and drives up costs.
Professionals can add or upgrade insulation in the attic, walls, and floors to reduce temperature transfer. They check for air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings before sealing them as needed. Additionally, a technician can inspect your ductwork for leaks or damage and repair or insulate the ducts if necessary. This can prevent air loss and improve the system’s efficiency.
Booking Your Air Conditioner Installation With Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the air conditioning installation business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common air conditioning challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast.
Our 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google proves it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote, and make informed decisions about installing your air conditioner. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient air conditioner for years to come.
Are you ready to make an informed decision about your air conditioner installation, ensuring comfort and efficiency in your home or business for the years to come?
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Air Conditioning Albion – Air Conditioning Amberly – Air Conditioning Annerley – Air Conditioning Anstead – Air Conditioning Ascot – Air Conditioning Ashgrove – Air Conditioning Aspley – Air Conditioning Augustine Heights – Air Conditioning Bellbowrie – Air Conditioning Boondall – Air Conditioning Booval – Air Conditioning Bowen Hills – Air Conditioning Bracken Ridge – Air Conditioning Bridgeman Downs –Air Conditioning Brisbane – Air Conditioning Brookfield – Air Conditioning Brookside Centre – Air Conditioning Brookwater – Air Conditioning Carole Park – Air Conditioning Carseldine – Air Conditioning Chapel Hill – Air Conditioning Chermside – Air Conditioning Clayfield – Air Conditioning Collingwood Park – Air Conditioning Enoggera – Air Conditioning Everton Park, Air Conditioning Fig Tree Pocket – Air Conditioning Forest Lake – Air Conditioning Gaythorne – Air Conditioning Geebung – Air Conditioning Gordon Park – Air Conditioning Hamilton – Air Conditioning Hendra – Air Conditioning Indooroopilly
