HVAC estimating software for splits, ducted and multi-head jobs
TradieTally is HVAC estimating software for air conditioning businesses that want the unit cost, install kit, pipe run, electrical and labour priced properly on every job, with the profit visible before the quote goes out.
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TradieTally is HVAC and air conditioning estimating software that prices split, multi-head and ducted installs from equipment costs, install materials, labour hours and a charge-out rate based on real business costs, then shows profit and margin before the estimate is sent.
HVAC estimating software for splits, ducted and multi-head jobs: step by step
- 1
Build your charge-out rate
Enter your vehicle, tools, recovery and vacuum gear, insurance and admin costs with your billable hours, then set a target margin.
- 2
Load units and install kits
Import indoor and outdoor units, pipe, cable, brackets and drain fittings into inventory with their suppliers and pricing history.
- 3
Estimate the crew's labour
Price labour for the crew you'll actually send, for example two techs for four hours each on a back-to-back.
- 4
Add the site variables
Extra pipe beyond your standard allowance, wall penetrations, roof or height access, a condensate pump and the dedicated circuit.
- 5
Check profit and margin
See the profit on the whole job. If an expensive unit has thinned the margin, the warning shows before you send.
Why air conditioning estimating software matters on equipment-heavy jobs
On a split install the unit is often the biggest single cost, which makes it easy to win the job and lose the money. Air conditioning estimating software keeps the unit, the install kit and the labour separate, so you can see where the profit is coming from and set your margin on the whole job rather than guessing.
TradieTally shows margin and markup side by side. If you're not sure why the difference matters, the charge-out rate and profit calculator explains it with your own numbers.
Estimating splits, multi-heads and ducted systems
Each system type has its own traps. TradieTally lets you build each one from line items, then save the common versions as Smart Bundles.
- Split back-to-back: unit, short pipe run, bracket or slab, drain and circuit
- Split standard install: your set pipe allowance plus extra metres as a line item
- Multi-head: outdoor unit sized for the combined heads, each indoor unit and its own pipe run
- Ducted: unit, ductwork, outlets, return air, controller and zone motors
- Ducted zone add: zone motor, extra outlet and duct, controller changes and labour
Pricing labour for two-tech crews and travel
Most installs need two people, and some sites need a long drive. Price labour per tech, and use productivity rates per hour or per km for travel to outlying jobs. Your charge-out rate already includes the cost of the van, the gear and the hours nobody bills for.
Want to see what slow estimating costs over a summer? Work it out with the quoting-time calculator.
Estimating ducted systems from plans
For now, ducted and larger commercial jobs are estimated line by line. The Project Estimator is coming soon: take off from the plans, build a bill of quantities and turn it into a quote. When the estimate is ready, the air conditioning quoting software handles sending and versions, and our guide to quoting a split system installation covers the details.
Example: back-to-back split system install
Example figures only, using a $95 an hour running cost per tech and a 35% target gross margin. Unit and material costs are illustrative.
| Split system unit (cost) | $1,450.00 |
|---|---|
| Install kit: pipe, cable, bracket, drain and sundries | $210.00 |
| Labour (2 techs × 4 hrs × $95) | $760.00 |
| Total cost | $2,420.00 |
| Price ex GST at 35% margin ($2,420 ÷ 0.65) | $3,723.08 |
| GST (10%) | $372.31 |
| Price inc GST | $4,095.39 |
| Profit | $1,303.08 |
Example figures. The dedicated circuit is not included here; add it as its own Smart Bundle or as your electrician's price.
Estimating software for air conditioning: FAQs
How do I price extra pipe length on a split system estimate?
Keep your standard install bundle with its normal pipe allowance, then add a per-metre line item for anything beyond it. Include the extra pipe, insulation, cable and any extra gas charge in that rate so long runs are always covered.
Should I put margin on the air conditioning unit itself?
Most businesses do, because the unit carries warranty risk, handling and the cost of the money tied up in stock. TradieTally lets you set your margin across the whole job and shows the profit before you send, so you can decide what's right for your market.
Can I estimate a multi-head system with different indoor unit sizes?
Yes. Add the outdoor unit, then each indoor unit as its own line with its own pipe run and labour. The estimate totals the job and shows the overall profit and margin.
How do I cost a two-person install crew in TradieTally?
Add a labour line for each tech, or one line with the combined hours, priced from your charge-out rate. The rate already covers your running costs, so the profit you see is real profit.
Can TradieTally estimate a ducted system from house plans?
Not yet. The Project Estimator for take-offs from plans is coming soon. Until then, ducted systems are estimated line by line with your equipment, ductwork and labour items.
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Stop quoting at the kitchen table.
Price every job from your real costs, see the profit before you hit send, and run the whole job from one app. Built by a sparky for electricians, security techs and A/C contractors.