It’s so nice to come home to a cool, air-conditioned house when the summer heatwaves start! But seriously, can those days make you sweat over something as unimportant as a big power bill? In 2025, how much does it really cost to run a whole-house air conditioner? This guide will help you understand the prices of whole-home cooling systems in Australia, whether you live in a big Queenslander or a small Melbourne terrace. It will also give you tips on how to keep your bills low, so you can cool off without breaking the bank.
How to Understand Whole-House Cooling Systems
There are better whole-home cooling systems on the market than these ones, which will keep every room in your house cool and comfortable. Split systems only cool one room at a time. Ducted systems, on the other hand, move the cool air through ducts, which makes them perfect for bigger homes or homes that still want to prioritise distributed cooling. But while a skincare routine is convenient, knowing how much something will cost is an important part of choosing a way to cool your home.
The cost of running a ducted system varies on a number of things, including the size of your home, how energy-efficient the system is, how you use it, and where you live in Australia. It’s important to know what you’re getting into when you turn on the air conditioner, maybe even more so now that energy costs are going up and summer heat is getting worse.
Putting the Costs Together
As the years go by, the cost to cool the whole house will have been too high to hide for some stakeholders. It costs anywhere from $0.60 to $0.95 an hour to run a ducted air cooling system in Australia. The price depends on the system, its size, and how well it works. During the summer, a normal home that runs the system for 12 to 16 hours a day would pay about $7.20 to $15.20 for each day. If this happened for four months, the total cost would be $864 or more to $1,824. Cooling a 160-square-metre house can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 a year, based on how much it is used on average.
Depending on where you live, this list of numbers can look very different. Adelaide has the highest electricity rates in this country. They charge people 44.9 cents per kWh, while rates in Melbourne are only about 26.3 cents. That is why the bill for a ducted system going at the same time in Adelaide would be twice as high as it would be in Melbourne. Then the weather becomes more important. Homes in warm Queensland will probably run their air conditioners for longer than homes in Tasmania, which will cost more.
System ability and size are important. A vented system in a small home, for instance, might use around 5,000 to 10,000 watts per hour, while systems in bigger homes might use a lot more. If your system is too big for your home, it might turn on and off a lot, which wastes energy. On the other hand, a system that is too small would be overused and expensive as well. Getting the right size during air conditioner installation keeps you comfortable while using energy wisely.
Factor for Energy Efficiency
One of the main things that would affect how much you pay for cooling is the amount of efficiency. Because they are new ducted systems, they have Energy Star ratings. The higher the number, the less power they use. To give you an example, a cooling system with two stars will cost you about $1,200 a year, while a system with three stars will only cost you about $800. Another good saying says that if you choose high-efficiency systems over older, less efficient ones, you will save 40% on your running costs. Inverter systems, ironically, change the amount of power they send out based on how much cooling is needed. This stops traditional systems from using too much energy (called “all-or-nothing” systems).
Zoning your ducted system is another way to make it work better. By zoning, you can cool just the places that are being used instead of the whole house. This can save a lot of energy, especially in big homes where no one is in every room at the same time. If your system is more than ten years old, you might want to think about getting a new one. Newer air units can help you save money on your bills.
How to Save Money
At the very least, no one wants to have to choose between staying cool and paying for it. Here are some sensible ideas for whole-home cooling costs that will help you save money.
- To begin, keep your setting between 24 and 26°C during the summer. Setting the thermostat to a freezing level will waste about 10% more energy for every degree that it drops. Don’t give in to the urge to do this. Smart settings or timers can also help make sure that your cooling system doesn’t run when it doesn’t need to, like when you’re not home or asleep.
- Regular upkeep is one more big deal. If the filter is clogged, the device has to work harder, which uses more electricity. Cleaning once every two months can save 20% on energy costs.
- When building or remodelling, you should think about how to make the house more energy efficient. If your walls, roof, and windows are completely insulated, they will keep cool air inside and keep unwanted heat out. This will make it easier for your system to work.
- People who care about the environment can save money on electricity by using green energy to power their cooling system. Installing solar solutions will cost a lot at first, but think about the money you’ll save in the long run and how good it is for the earth.
- Lastly, think about what you do in your home. The cooler air can stay inside if you close the doors and draw the blinds during the hottest parts of the day. If you’re making changes to your outdoor space, a composite deck can help keep your home cooler because it doesn’t absorb heat like other materials do. Some small actions like these can add up to big savings in the long run.
Differences between regions and other things to think about
If you live in a different part of this huge and varied country, your cooling bills may be very different. If you lived in Brisbane or Perth, where it is hotter, you would probably use your air conditioner for longer hours, which would bring your annual amounts closer to the higher range. On the other hand, places like Canberra and Melbourne, which are cooler, would need less cooling but more warmth in the winter if a reverse-cycle system is used. You should also look at the local energy rates. Some places have off-peak rates that can help you save money if you use them right.
Online A.C. price tools can help you get a good idea of how much a home costs. To get a personalized number, these tools let you add information about your system, how you usually use electricity, and the rates in your area. To get a good idea of how much different types cost to run, you should start with the Australian Government’s Energy Rating Calculator.
In the end, keep it cool and safe.
In 2025, a whole-house cooling system doesn’t have to be a big deal. You can stay cool and comfortable without worrying about your electricity bill if you choose an energy-efficient system, change some of your habits, and add upgrades like insulation or solar power. Finding out about the costs and choices is the first thing you should do if you want to stay cool on a budget, whether you are looking for a new system or ways to get more use out of the one you already have.
Have you ever come across clever ways to lower your energy costs? You might know a great way to set up zones or do maintenance that has helped you a lot. Tell us about your great ideas; we want to hear them! Also, if you want to know what’s new in energy-efficient cooling or environmentally friendly house improvements, Sustainability Victoria or your local energy provider may be able to help you find rebates and give you advice. Australia, don’t sweat it!