How Much Will It Cost Me To Run Ducted Air Conditioning?

Ducted Refrigerated Air Conditioning Running Costs Melbourne

A standard ducted air conditioning unit in Melbourne can cost you around $1.5/hour to cool your home in summer, and it could reduce to $1.2/hour to warm up your place in winter. However, the exact running costs may vary depending on factors, which we will discuss later in this blog post.

It would be best to set your AC unit between 22^oC and 24^oC in the summer. You may even save 10% running cost by setting the AC unit every 1^oC higher. Please read this informative piece on how to reduce your air conditioning bill in summer.

How To Calculate Your Ducted Air Conditioning Costs

Instead of installing a new unit to determine ducted air conditioning running costs, you can easily calculate estimated costs yourself. You can use one of the following equations to calculate your ducted refrigerated air conditioning running cost per hour:

1. Multiply power input (kW) with kilowatt-hour cost (kWh) to get your running cost per hour
2. Multiply E.R. (Energy Efficient Ratio) / cooling capacity (kW) with kilowatt-hour cost (kWh) to get your running cost per hour

You can easily find the kilowatt-hour cost from your recent electricity bill and E.E.R. The power input (kW) can be found in the system’s specifications or the Energy Star Label.

Example:

Suppose that you are considering purchasing a Ducted Air Con System with a 22 kW cooling capacity and 3.19 E.E.R. The power input will be 22 kW/3.19 = 6.89 kW. So, if your local electricity cost is 35 cents per kWh, the running cost of your system could be: 6.89 x 0.35 = $2.4 per hour.

It is important to note that this is just an estimated cost as the actual running cost could be influenced by several factors such as home size, zoning capability, insulation, temperature setting, and others.

Key Factors That Affect Your Ducted Air Conditioning Running Costs

As there is no one-size-fits-all ducted air conditioning, the running costs vary from one household to another. Here are a few factors that could affect your ducted refrigerated AC running cost in Melbourne:

FACTOR #1: System Size and Cooling Capacity

Having a larger space means that you’ll require a bigger ducted refrigerated AC unit with greater cooling capacity (kW). After all, cooling down three rooms will have lower running costs than 5-6 rooms.

FACTOR #2: Energy Star Rating

The more energy-efficient your system, the less you will pay in energy costs over time. Although systems with higher energy star rating cost more, they have the potential to save a lot of money in the long run. Read this to know more about why it is worth buying an energy-efficient air conditioning.

FACTOR #3: Zoning Capability

With zoning, you can cool or heat specific rooms instead of the entire house. It could help save energy costs as zoning allows you to shut off cooling to particular rooms. Without it, you could end up paying a lot more.

FACTOR #4: Insulation

Insulation also plays a vital role in determining the running costs of ducted air conditioning. The system will have to run more if there is poor insulation, which will inevitably increase running costs.

FACTOR #5: The Thermostat Temperature

If you set your AC unit at 16^oC and 18^oC in the summer, it will cost more. However, you may save up to 10% for every degree rise of the thermostat in summer.

FACTOR #6: Lack of Maintenance

One of the primary reasons for increased running costs is lack of maintenance. It is because the system starts to lose its efficiency without regular ducted heating and cooling service. Please read this informative piece on how you can maintain your ducted air conditioning system.

Other factors that could also influence the running cost of your ducted aircon are:

• At what time do you operate your ducted refrigerated air conditioning system, and for how long you use it
• The material used to construct your home
• Number of floors and outlets
• The height of your ceilings
• Number of people living in the home
• Improper system installation
• The system is 10-15 years old

How To Reduce Your Ducted Air Conditioning Bills?

Here are some tips that can help minimise energy wastage and keep the air conditioning bills from shooting up:

• Have the system installed by professionals
• Set your AC between 22^oC and 24^oC
• Close the blinds and adequately insulate your home
• Go with AC + Fan for reduced energy consumption because the fan can help circulate the cool air
• Never underestimate the power of regular servicing as it can significantly reduce running costs

So, Is Ducted Air Conditioning Expensive To Run?

A ducted aircon can be more cost-effective to run if you play it right. It is essential to know that even split system air conditioning can cost a lot without proper maintenance or a temperature setting of 18^oC. Ducted air conditioning can become more energy-efficient with zoning and regular servicing. For an old ducted aircon in the house, consider ducted air conditioning replacement.

If you have any queries related to ducted aircon installation or running costs, please feel free to contact ComfyHome.