My family lived off the land and summer evening meals featured baked stuffed tomatoes, potato salad, corn on the cob, fresh shelled peas and homemade ice cream with strawberries from our garden. With no air conditioning in those days, the cool porch was the center of our universe after the scorching days.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.the best hvac books Read more: Ducted Air Con vs Split Systemscar ac repair in san jose Ducted air conditioning outlet integrated into a wall © Air Elite Airconditioning and Electrical Services2 ton window air conditioner price 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. 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?Comparing air conditioning quotations can be confusing. Simply choosing the quotation with the cheapest “bottom line” is, more often than not, a recipe for disaster. We have created this independent guide in the hope that it will help you to quickly assess your alternative quotations so as to determine which company is offering you the best equipment at the most competitive price. The main reasons for the disparity in pricing are, more often than not, either the quality and/or the power of the equipment being recommended. It is vital to check the kW or BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the units being suggested. Also, note that the higher the rating, the more powerful the cooling and heating output.

Unless the alternative quotations are all suggesting the same brand and power of equipment, it is important to understand that you are not comparing the quotations on a “like-for-like” basis. Bear in mind that leading brands (e.g. Daikin or Mitsubishi) will make a quote 8-10% more expensive. However, the installation of a leading brand becomes very evident after a few years when you realise that they increase the longevity factor by often at least twice the left expectancy of budget brands. We very much suggest that you consider this small price premium worth it. May we also add that trying to find spare parts for budget brands often proves far harder than getting parts for major manufacturers. It is also important to ensure that the companies you have requested alternative quotations from are also “like-for-like” companies. Comparing a quote from a “man and his van” operative against a specialist air conditioning company will not be helpful and can prove a false economy.

The larger air conditioning companies are generally fully insured in the event of any mishaps or design faults, should something “go wrong” with the installation. One of the reasons that large air conditioning companies with full teams of engineers find it difficult to compete with an engineer working from his home is the very fact that the cost of these insurances is very expensive (they are expensive because insurers know full well that mistakes can and do happen). The most important of these insurances is Professional Indemnity. This covers you or your business if any major structural faults have happened as a result of a poorly designed installation. Do not confuse (Professional Indemnity) Insurance for the Public Liability Insurance that every trader is legally bound to carry. This will not protect you against design problems. Of course, should you be willing to take the chance that “all will be fine” that’s your prerogative! It is also important to take into account that the after-sales services and warranties on offer from a one-man operation will be at a far lower level than when you are dealing with a large air conditioning company.

For example, a one-man operative will offer you either a 1 or (if you are lucky) a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, many of the larger air conditioning companies offer a minimum 3-year warranty and sometimes 5, 7 or even 10-year warranties. We strongly advise you to take into account the warranties on offer when making your decision. – Do the estimates you are comparing provide the same cooling/heating output? – Are electrical works and mains power included in each of the quotations? Many quotations do appear to be “all-inclusive”; however, it often emerges that crucial services including the provision of mains power have been omitted. – Are the alternative quotations offering units of the same type? For example, a wall-mounted unit is considerably cheaper than a ceiling cassette unit or a ducted system. – Check whether the price of Lifting and Access equipment is included if necessary. Do the companies offer showroom facilities? We believe it is very important that you see the units in operation, not just for aesthetic purposes but to check that the noise levels are acceptable especially in the case of residential installations.