Last updated on August 18, 2025
Selecting the best ducted air conditioning brand is crucial for ensuring you get the best performance and value for your money. High quality air conditioning solutions will provide even cooling throughout your home, operate quietly, and keep your energy bills in check.
On the other hand, choosing the wrong brand could mean frequent breakdowns, high electricity costs, and an inefficient system that struggles to keep up with extreme temperatures.
In this helpful guide, we’ll review a range of ducted international brands and local options in Australia, and break down the key factors to consider so you can budget with confidence.
| Brand & Model | Equipment-Only Price (AUD) | Cooling Capacity | Durability | Parts and Labour Warranty | Noise Level (dB) | Energy Rating | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikin Premium Inverter FDYA and FDYQ Series | $5,179 – $5,635 | 12.5 – 14.0kW | Excellent – Japanese engineering, proven reliability | 5 years parts & labour(Premium: 12 years) | Moderate – Quiet operation; larger units can be louder | High – MEPS compliant, Energy Star rated | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mitsubishi Electric PUHZ-RP125V/PEA Series | $5,500 – $7,500 | 12.1 – 13.4kW | Excellent – Known for reliability, fewer service calls | 5 years parts & labour | Very Quiet – Industry-leading low noise, low-speed fans | High – Energy label A rating, efficient inverter | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Panasonic NX Series S-1014PF3E Series | $5,099 – $5,765 | 12.5 – 14.0kW | Very Good – Solid build quality, good longevity | 5 years parts & labour | Quiet – Designed for quiet operation | Very High – Most efficient; 487kWh less annually vs Daikin | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Panasonic NX Adaptive Deluxe | $6,280 – $6,845 | Similar capacity | Very Good – Advanced features and energy savings | 5 years parts & labour | Quiet – Enhanced sound insulation | Very High – Adaptive inverter and zone control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Actron Air Aires/ESP Series 2 | N/A | 12.0 – 15.0kW | Excellent – Locally made for Australian harsh weather conditions | 5 years parts & labour | Quiet – Sound reduction system; quieter than traditional units | High – MEPS compliant; up to 60% energy savings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
*Price range varies by retailer and configuration
Why Buy: Daikin offers the most competitive equipment pricing at $5,179-$5,635 for 12.5-14kW models while maintaining quality Japanese engineering. Features R32 refrigerant and compact design ideal for tight roof spaces.
Best For: Perfect for straightforward installations where basic ducted heating and cooling is the priority, without complex zoning requirements.
Why Buy: Advanced nanoe X air purification technology and ultra-quiet 22 dB(A) cooling and heating operation. Equipment priced competitively at $5,099-$5,765, offering premium features at mid-range pricing.
Best For: Health-conscious families wanting air purification, quiet operation for bedrooms, and energy efficiency. Ideal for homes with air quality concerns or noise-sensitive environments.
Why Buy: Panasonic ducted high-quality air conditioning unit including nanoe X Mark2, IoT controller, vertical installation capability, and deluxe twin fan design. Equipment priced at $6,280-$6,845 for comprehensive comfort control.
Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners wanting smart home integration, maximum flexibility in installation, and the highest level of air purification. Perfect for modern homes with advanced automation systems.
Why Buy: Unique 2-piece construction makes installation easier in existing homes. High static pressure capability (150Pa) and optional zoning for 4 or 8 zones. Equipment priced $5,500-$7,500.
Best For: Renovation projects and existing homes where ducted ac installation is challenging. It’s the best system for families wanting precise zone control for different areas and those prioritising installation flexibility over lowest price.
Ducted air conditioning uses a central unit to cool or heat air. This air travels through a network of ducts hidden in the ceiling or under the floor.
Vents in different rooms let the conditioned air flow into the space. The system can cool or heat the whole house or building from one central point, controlled by a thermostat.
Not sure if a ducted air conditioner is right for you? Check out our post on the different types of air conditioners.
Ducted systems are a fantastic choice for larger homes, offices, and new builds.
They work best when you want to cool or heat multiple rooms or your property as a whole.
Key Features of Ducted Systems
Ducted air conditioning is usually more expensive to install than split system air conditioners. This is because it needs ductwork through the ceiling or under the floor, more labour, and often more planning.
Of course, this means paying a higher upfront cost. An installer will usually quote from $11,000 to $15,000 for system sizes of 10kW to 15.5kW. This generally includes the system, all labour, materials and electrical work.
While installation costs for a new ducted air conditioning option is important, it’s also worth finding out which of the modern ducted systems mentioned here will give you the best value for money in terms of running costs. After all, you’ll only pay for the installation once but the electricity costs will come in every month, plus you’ll have to pay a maintenance fee to keep the air purifiers and other features running smoothly.
We are proud to serve a wide range of locations across the Hunter Valley region. Whether you need air conditioning, refrigeration, or solar solutions, our expert team is ready to provide fast, reliable service. Explore the areas we cover below, and get in touch with us for tailored solutions designed to meet your needs, wherever you are.
