How much power is needed for a new air conditioner?

Home owners are often confused about how much power a new air conditioner will need.

New technology has made air conditioners rather efficient and therefore do not draw as much power as they once did. The installation of a new smaller air conditioner (usually 2.5KW – 3.5Kw) for a bedroom or office can often be a straight forward job and not require an increase in power capacity to the switchboard.

Another example: 7kw Air Conditioner may require 8.8  Amps for cooling, and 8.9 Amps for Heating.

Most switchboards which are newer and up to current Australian standards will have sufficient space and capacity.

Unfortunately though, sometimes when a home has an older switchboard, the owner may not be aware that it might require an upgrade or replacement to facilitate the installation of a new air conditioner. The good news is it is something which our Fully Wired Electrical team can assist with.

Do I need to upgrade my switchboard (meter board) if I get a new air conditioner?

 Not all switchboards will need to be upgraded when you install a new air conditioner, or other home improvement. Newer homes (built within the last 20yrs or so) will more likely be able to handle an additional circuit and the load that comes with the new appliance. Older homes with older switchboards which have not been updated recently and may require maintenance or replacement.

Things to consider which may result in the need for a switchboard upgrade:

 

  • Asbestos – Older switchboards which are made from asbestos put restrictions on what changes can be easily and safely made. All Switchboards made from asbestos need to be replaced.
  • Power capacity – There may be insufficient incoming power supply when installing a large air conditioner or multiple systems in an older home.
  • Switchboard space – Smaller switchboards simply don’t have enough room on them to place a new circuit for the new air conditioner. This would result in a switchboard upgrade.
  • Compliance and Safety – Switchboards which service older homes throughout Brisbane are simply no longer meeting the latest compliance and safety requirements. These reasons can range from location, access, materials, safety switches etc. Making any major changes to the power to you home warrants an investment in the switchboard and ensuring it is compliant and safe.

How do I know if I have enough power for my new air conditioner?

 Speaking to a trained and qualified electrician will help guide you and determine if you have enough power, and if there are any safety or extra requirements you need to consider. Our team often provide this assistance through just a phone conversation and a few photos. Please email any photos or questions you have to us at [email protected] or Contact Us Here.

If need be, we can visit your home and meet with you onsite to discuss your particular needs, future plans and budget.

 

Does my switchboard need to be upgraded?

 Similar to the above, we recommend you engage a qualified electrician such as one of our Fully Wired Electrical team members. Our electricians have worked on switchboards and homes for many years. You can read more about our us Here. At no cost, we will take a look at any photos you may have of your switchboard – Please complete this enquiry form and provide as many photos as you can – ENQUIRY FORM. From there, we can determine if we need to complete a more thorough switchboard inspection. More information regarding switchboards can be found Here.

Sending a photo can often be enough to provide advice or quotation for what you require.

Body Corporate Strata switchboard and electrical Maintenace electricians. Fully Wired Electrical are the trusted electricians.

What does it cost for a switchboard upgrade?

Not all homes are the same, so each switchboard upgrade needs to be quoted based on the unique requirements of the home.

As a pricing guide for a standard house, a switchboard upgrade (single phase upgrade) can cost between $3,000 – $5,000 + GST. A relocation and upgrade of a standard home switchboard can range between $4,500 – $10,000 + GST. The cost depends on factors such as the quantity of circuits needed, location variables and house design. Our electricians can provide you a firm quote to give you peace of mind.

 

Give our team at Fully Wired Electrical a call

 

Article Author:

Jay MacGechan

Qualified Electrician and Switchboard Specialist since 2006

LinkedIn Profile HERE