14 to 18 kW ducted air conditioners
165
models on the register
Short answer
165 14 to 18 kW ducted air conditioners are registered for sale in Australia in 2026, from 14.5 to 18 kW. Supplied and installed, most land between $10,000 to $17,000; up to three licensed local installers will quote your actual job.
Prices are estimates, not quotes (how we estimate them). Rebate rules checked September 2026.
Compare 3 quotes for my houseThe 14 to 18 kW class is four bedroom territory. A single storey four bedroom home with about 160 to 220 m² to condition usually needs 14 to 17 kW, depending on insulation, glass and ceiling height. Big three bedroom homes with large west-facing living areas end up here too.
The register lists 165 models in this class from 24 brands. At this size a few things change: more of the units need three-phase power, more still use the older refrigerant, and the outdoor unit is louder. The tables below list every model, and the notes cover what to watch.
At a glance
- Models165from 24 brands
- Installed, estimate$10,000–$17,000
- Most efficient (average zone)Rinnai DINLR14Z724 cooling stars, 14.5 kW
- Reverse cycle92%heat and cool
- R32 refrigerant79%the current low-GWP standard
14 to 18 kW
165 models · installed $10,000–$17,000
| Brand | Model (outdoor / indoor) | Type | Cool kW | Heat kW | Cool stars | Heat stars | Indoor dB | Installed, estimate | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai | DONSR14Z72/ DINLR14Z72 | Ducted | 14.5 | 17 | 4★ | 1.5★ | – | $10,000–$17,000 | Get quotes |
| Rinnai | DONSGHW18Z2/DINLR17Z72 +2 variants with the same ratings | Ducted | 17 | 17.5 | 4★ | 2★ | – | $10,000–$17,000 | Get quotes |
| ActronAir | LRC-170CS / LRE-170CS | Ducted | 16.6 | 17.6 | 3.5★ | 2.5★ | – | $10,000–$17,000 | Get quotes |
| ActronAir | LRC-170DS / LRE-170DS | Ducted | 17 | 18 | 3.5★ | 2.5★ | – | $10,000–$17,000 | Get quotes |
Every model on the Energy Rating register marked available in Australia. Stars are the zoned label for the average climate zone (average zone); indoor noise is the registered sound power level, measured the same way for every model. Installed prices are estimated 2026 supply-and-install ranges, not quotes (how we estimate them); your installer confirms the number. Browse and filter everything in the full catalogue.
What size ducted system does a 4 bedroom house need?
Most single storey four bedroom homes need about 14 to 17 kW. Two storey homes often do better with two smaller systems, one per floor, than one large unit fighting to push air upstairs. The common capacities on the register are below.
| Capacity | Models on the register | Typically suits |
|---|---|---|
| 14.5 to 15.5 kW | 42 | A compact four bedroom, or a big three bedroom with west living |
| 16 kW | 54 | A typical single storey four bedroom home |
| 17 to 18 kW | 60 | A large four bedroom or a small five bedroom, single storey |
Our sizing guide explains the method. If you're at the small end, compare the 10 to 14 kW class.
What to check on a 14 to 18 kW ducted quote
- Three-phase power. 64 of the 165 models, about 40 percent, need it. If your home is single phase, make sure the quote is for a single-phase model or includes the power upgrade.
- Refrigerant. 34 models, about one in five, still use R410A. R32 is the current standard; ask for it.
- Outdoor noise. The median outdoor unit in this class registers 73.4 dB(A). Placement matters for you and your neighbours.
- Stars. The median is 2.5 cooling stars in the average zone and 1.5 heating stars in the cold zone. The best rate 4 for cooling.
- Zoning. Four to six zones is normal in a four bedroom home, and it is what keeps a system this size affordable to run.
How much does a 14 to 18 kW ducted system cost installed?
Typically about $10,000 to $17,000 supplied and installed in 2026, as an estimate for a standard single-storey install. A single storey four bedroom home with good roof access sits toward the lower end; a low-pitched roof, long duct runs, extra zones and switchboard work push it toward the top.
ActronAir has the most models in this class, followed by Daikin, Panasonic, Samsung and Mitsubishi Electric. The ducted cost guide covers what moves the price. Get up to three local quotes and line up the zone plans, the capacity and the phase requirement before you look at the bottom line.
FAQ
14 to 18 kW ducted air conditioners: common questions
What size ducted air conditioner for a 4 bedroom house?
Most single storey four bedroom homes need about 14 to 17 kW. Insulation, glass, ceiling height and orientation matter more than the bedroom count, so ask the installer for a room-by-room heat load. A number off a chart is a guess.
Is one big ducted system or two smaller ones better for a two storey home?
Two systems are often better. Each floor gets its own unit and controls, upstairs doesn't have to fight the heat rising from downstairs, and if one unit fails you still have half the house. It usually costs more to install, so get up to three local quotes with both options priced.
Do I need three-phase power for 16 kW ducted?
Not necessarily. Plenty of 16 kW models run on single phase. About 40 percent of the models in this class need three phase, so check the specific model on each quote against your switchboard.
How much does a 14 to 18 kW ducted air conditioner cost installed?
Typically $10,000 to $17,000 supplied and installed in 2026, depending on size and the job. 14 to 18 kW: $10,000 to $17,000. Pipe runs, a new circuit or a second storey add to it. Get up to three local quotes for your actual job.
Which is the most energy efficient?
For the average climate zone, the Rinnai DINLR14Z72 (14.5 kW) has the highest cooling rating here at 4 stars. Star ratings on the zoned label run to 10, and a star is worth more in a hot zone than a mild one. For cold-climate heating, the Brivis AINXU18B1 leads at 2.5 stars.
What size ducted system do I need?
Most three-bedroom homes land around 10 to 14 kW and four-bedroom homes 14 to 18 kW, but insulation, ceiling height and zoning change it. Our sizing guide explains how installers work it out.
Get quotes for your air con
Free and takes about two minutes. Check your rebate, then up to three licensed local installers quote the job.
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