A ducted air conditioner is one of the most efficient and popular types of AC systems for businesses. Whilst there are some limitations to this type of system they are by far and away the most powerful of choices for businesses. However, owing to this, and the installation requirements, they are also one of the most expensive AC options on the market. This not only includes the initial purchase, but also the installation and running costs of the system. To understand more about the financial side of these systems, this piece will look at typical costs of a ducted air conditioning system.
Purchase Costs
The purchase cost of a ducted system will come down to where the system is purchased, and which brand and model is chosen. There are various characteristics which play a role in the price difference between different units, including the reputation of the brand and the performance of the system. Other factors include how powerful the ducted AC system is, how energy efficient it is and durability, which has a direct impact on overall product life. The cost of a ducted system for a business can be anywhere from $20,000 – $50,000, depending on the size of the business and the desired system requirements.
Installation Costs
A large portion of ducted air conditioning cost is down to the installation, which can vary greatly depending on the size of the building, the kilowatt requirements and, in some cases, how the building was constructed. On average, a medium sized office space can expect to incur costs of approximately $23,400 for the installation of a ducted system. This is a complicated installation and one which requires a great deal of invasive work, which is why the cost can often be so high. A key factor when looking into the installation of a ducted system is the potential indirect issues that it could cause the business such as a loss in sales, should a business need to close during installation.
The Cost of Running A Ducted System
Compared with a split system air conditioner, the ducted system is far superior in terms of power and efficiency. But this extra power comes at a cost and ducted systems can be one of the most expensive AC systems to run. Hourly cooling costs can run pretty high and easily reach figures of $3 per hour and given that so many companies use AC for at least 8 hours per day, that is a daily cost of $24 and a weekly cost of $120 (assuming that the business is only open for 5 days).
Maintenance
The final additional cost which business owners must also consider is maintenance, with filters needing to be replaced and cleaned on a regular basis. These systems also have essential parts such as coils and drains, which will also need to be serviced on an annual basis. On average new filters cost $25 and an annual service plan could easily set a company back $500 depending on the size of the system.
The ducted air conditioning system is by far the most efficient for businesses. But be wary of all the costs that come with this system, to make sure you make the most appropriate choice for your business.
