Hi All. Ducted air-con in a single level house of mine has died of old age. I have a quote to replace and it is cool $7,800 (pun intended!) I think it's the compressor that's gone, so is it possible just to replace that unit and keep all the existing ducting etc, keeping the cost down? A lot less manual installation work? Does $7.8k sound right? Full quote below: Quote - Daikin Ducted Air Con Supply & Installation of Daikin 14kW Ducted System FDYQN140 Remove and replace existing faulty Carrier Ducted system. Replace return air ducts and return air grille/filter. Replace all refrigerant pipings and drains. Price inclusive of all parts including; Daikin controller, cable, refrigerant pipe, ducting, vents, return air grille, and labour. Daikin 5 years warranty on parts & labour.
New system would be much more efficient than the old one. If the system is old, then a compatible compressor may not be available.
How big is the house? I'm looking to do a 2 bedroom house and wondering what sort of ballpark figure to expect.
If its JUST the compressor it may be possible to replace the damaged parts but that rare if its a "old unit" There are three primary elements to ducted AC. The ductwork could be fine (or need some repairs) or it may be completely beyond use. The compressor and fan unit (condersor) and the interior (evaporator and filters) etc are typically a pair and it unusual to replace just one and not the other. A cable runs from that unit to the controller inside and modern controllers may include things like wifi etc. Its already "wired" but may need to be replaced. Its possible one, two sections or all the system needs to be replaced and any quotes should certainly guide this. If the system has been open the pipe work may need to be replaced as contaminants will harm or damage the new system. Question ? Does the quote include a new "pan" under the evap in the roof or not ? You dont a rusted pan to leak later. Installing a pan can be a PITA. You DONT want it to rust out. If the pipework is OK it shouldnt need replacing but its possible better to start from scratch to avoid issues. Are they quoting work they wont do ? Same as electrical wiring is already insitu. Removing and disposal or the old units adds a bit of extra work and cost too v a clean install which may need new circuits and new ducting esp a two level dwelling. Cheapest of the lot is a new build with access to site prior to gyprock.
When our ducted air-con packed it in (probably over 18 years old) we thought we could re-use the "in roof" ducts etc. We were told to just start again (by someone we trusted). We have four ceiling outlets upstairs and one dropped through a cupboard into a living room downstairs. Cost us about $8k to replace it all and the new one is so much quieter and energy efficient.