What can a floor plan tell you about an air conditioning quote?
A floor plan gives a good first read on size. It shows room areas, layout, window sizes and which way the house faces. That is enough to start working out the heat load.
Delta Temp adds up the heat load of every zoned room at about 150 W per square metre. We then size the system at about 70% of that total, because the zones are never all running flat out at once. In practice a 12.5 kW system suits 5 zones (4 bedrooms plus an open kitchen, living and dining), about 120 m2 of zoned rooms. A 14 kW suits 6 zones (the same plus a media room or similar), about 130 m2. A plan gets you to a ballpark system size. It does not get you to a price you can rely on.
Why does ducted air conditioning need a site inspection?
Because the biggest cost drivers are not on the plan. The ducts run through the roof space, so access, clearance, framing and what is already up there all matter. A tight or awkward roof space takes more labour than a roomy one.
The inspection also adjusts the size for insulation, glass, ceiling height and orientation. It checks where the return air grille can go. As a rule of thumb, a 10 to 14 kW ducted system takes a 900 x 500 return grille, and 16 kW and above takes a 900 x 550. That grille needs a spot in the house, and plans rarely settle it.
What if my house is still being built?
Talk to us early. Ducted work is easiest while the roof frame is open and before the ceilings are lined. Planning the zones, the unit position and the return air grille at that stage saves you from awkward bulkheads or compromises later.
Send your plans if you have them. They are a useful starting point for a conversation about zones and system size. Just treat any figure based on plans alone as an estimate, not a fixed price. If someone gives you a firm ducted price without ever looking at the job, ask what they have assumed about the roof space.
Is it different for split systems?
Split systems are simpler, so the range is tighter. Most single splits land between $2,000 and $3,700 installed, and the largest 8 to 9.5 kW units reach about $5,200, depending on size, brand and the install. Those figures include GST and a standard install.
The words that matter there are standard install. Pipe run length, wall type, where the outdoor unit sits and the electrical side can all change the final number. Ask exactly what a quote includes, whether it comes from plans, photos or a visit.
How does Delta Temp handle it?
For ducted systems, the site inspection is free and happens before we quote. The quote is fixed after the inspection, so the number you get is the number you pay for that scope. We service the Sunshine Coast from Caboolture to Noosa, and we have installed more than 1,000 systems across the region.
We are QBCC licensed (15415739) and ARCtick authorised (AU 59733), and we install Fujitsu and Hisense. The manufacturer warranty is 5 years parts and labour on Fujitsu and 7 years on Hisense. Our 10 year workmanship warranty covers defects in our installation work only. It does not cover equipment faults, fair wear and tear or lack of servicing. Full terms are at deltatemp.com.au/warranty/.
Keep reading
- Why isn't my air conditioner cooling properly or blowing cold air?
- Should I choose ducted or split air conditioning, and what is the best option for my home?
- Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
- Why is my air conditioner leaking water or causing moisture indoors?
- What do error codes on my air conditioner mean?
