What Is Ducted Air Conditioning?

No matter the temperature outside, everyone should be able to relax and enjoy themselves in their own home or place of work. If you're tired of sweating through the summer, it's time to buy a good air conditioner. And ducted systems are unrivalled when it comes to cooling efficiency. The question is, what precisely is ducted air conditioning? 

Ducted air conditioners are becoming popular in residential settings, following their success in commercial and public buildings. This central air conditioning system is an attractive option to split systems because it cools the entire room with minimal visual impact and excellent efficiency (good news for your utility bill).

Understanding what ducted air conditioning is and how it functions is crucial before deciding if it is the right choice for your needs. Choosing the appropriate air conditioner is essential, so we'll guide you through the ins and outs of ducted systems below.

Understanding Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

One that can cool the entire house is called a "ducted air conditioner." If you have a central air conditioner, a compressor is installed in your attic or basement, and ducts distribute the cooled air throughout your home.

You can select a ducted air conditioner that solely provides cooling or a ducted air conditioner that provides heating and cooling. These are fantastic since they can both chill and heat your home. The central air conditioner units can be mounted above or below the floor or outside the house.

Inverters installed in ducted air conditioners significantly improve their energy efficiency by allowing the air conditioner to operate at the pace necessary to maintain a constant temperature. However, in order to sustain the same temperature, air conditioners without inverters have to turn on and off, wasting energy constantly.

The Advantages Of Ducted Air Conditioning

The weather in Australia can be unpredictable at best. During the summer, an effective air conditioner is a need no matter where you live. Quality ducted air conditioners with inverter technology are the best bet for bigger, multi-room houses and most offices. Let's explore the various benefits they offer:

Low Profile Looks

Ducted air conditioning is the greatest choice when the aesthetics of a room are a top consideration. Ducted air conditioning systems are sleek and discreet so that they won't clash with the décor of your home. The indoor unit is hidden away in the ceiling or wall, and air is ducted through discreet openings.

The fact that ducted air conditioners don't make your home look any different from the outside is the finest thing about them. Because the only modification that will be visible to you is the venting for the air conditioner, the interior of your home can keep its current look.

There is no bulky external unit required to cool your space, as there would be with a split air conditioner. Incorporating an air conditioner into your home's design is simple and won't interfere with your freedom of choice in interior decoration.

Heating And Cooling

The versatility of ducted air conditioners as heaters and coolers is a major selling point. You can use them at any time of year to regulate the temperature in your home. Regardless of the weather, you may always feel completely at ease.

There is no need to construct separate heating and cooling systems. Having only one system to worry about simplifies maintenance and reduces potential points of failure. Ducted air conditioners provide both cooling and heating in a single package, eliminating the need for a separate HVAC technician.

Flexible Zones

During the day, there's little point in keeping a room at a comfortable temperature if no one is present to enjoy it. You can independently control the temperature in each room or zone with a ducted air conditioning system. Turn off the air conditioning or heating in unoccupied rooms to save money on your energy bill.

In addition, it allows you to individually control the temperature in each zone to meet the people's needs. During the height of summer, you may devote more resources to cooling the living areas during the day and then switch to the bedrooms at night. Comfort and low energy use are guaranteed by this degree of regulation.

It May Be Less Expensive To Install.

There is no denying the benefits of hi-wall split system units. If you need to heat or cool more than one room in a building, you'll need to install more than one HVAC system, which can be prohibitively expensive.

On the other hand, if you go with ducted air conditioning, everything goes much more smoothly. A single centralised system can handle all the climate control for a large region. This is a time-saving perk that may also result in significant savings throughout the actual procedure of installation.

Cost-Effective

When it comes to cooling options, ducted air conditioners typically have a reputation for being the more pricey option. However, they are more expensive than a standard window or wall unit. However, when used properly, ducted air conditioners can save you money.

Initially, split air conditioners are less expensive, but ducted systems are preferable when cooling a large space. A ducted air conditioner is much more cost-effective than a multi-split system. A single split system unit may be less expensive to set up, but it needs to be more efficient for large rooms. 

It will cost much more than you think if you want to put it in multiple rooms, which adds up quickly. Instead of doing that, you could install ducted air conditioning throughout the entire home. Ducted air conditioners would be the more cost-effective option here due to their easier installation.

Long-term savings are greater with a ducted air conditioner that allows for separate temperature control in different rooms. If you decide to use zoning, you can save money by turning off the zones that aren't being used.

Creates Value For Your Home

A ducted air conditioner is an excellent investment that will pay for itself when you sell your property. Your home would be more appealing to buyers compared to similar homes that do not have ducted air conditioning. Before listing their homes for sale, many people have ducted air conditioners installed as part of their home improvement initiatives. As a result, their return on investment (ROI) improves significantly.

Quiet Operation

A good air conditioner should keep you cool without drawing too much attention to itself. This is why central air conditioning systems with ducts are so popular. You can get the comfort of climate control without having to put up with any obnoxious noise because of how quietly they run. 

In addition, the system's user-friendly remote controls provide complete control over the fans' speeds, allowing you to lower them to a whisper when silence is of the utmost importance. Ducted air conditioning is everything you need to create an atmosphere of ultimate comfort and calm because of its seamless balance of performance and delicacy.

Noise-Free

Nothing is more annoying than an air conditioner that runs all night and prevents you from sleeping. This is a common problem with window AC units. In contrast, ducted air conditioners are completely silent. Almost all ducted models are silent if you're worried about a noisy air conditioner keeping you up at night. After a tiring day at work, you'll appreciate the quiet and restful atmosphere.

Efficient

Energy costs can be significantly reduced by installing a ducted air conditioning system in a large, multi-room building. This benefit is amplified when you strategically employ the system's zoning features, which enable you to heat or cool only the rooms that are occupied.

How Does Ducted Air Conditioning Work?

When refrigerant is used in a ducted air conditioning system, the air temperature can be lowered or raised. When a refrigerant undergoes the phase transition from gas to liquid, it experiences a temperature drop. The ducted system sucks air from within the home and uses the temperature difference to cool or heat the air.

Refrigerated cooling systems primarily consist of compressors, evaporators, and condensers. The following is a simplified explanation of how a ducted refrigeration system functions when in cooling mode.

The evaporator coils in the interior unit receive warm air sucked out of your home by a blower and piped through ducts. The warm air is cooled by the low-pressure refrigerant in these coils, which expands as it absorbs the heat. Household heat is cooled as it passes through the evaporator coils and is then distributed throughout the home via vents and diffusers in the ceiling.

1. Condenser: The liquid then passes to the condenser coils located in the outdoor unit. A fan blows over the coils to remove some of the heat generated by the liquid refrigerant. The liquid is cooled further by passing it through an expansion valve and then back to the evaporator, where the process is repeated.
2. Compressor: High-pressure refrigerant gas is routed to the outdoor compressor. When the gas is subjected to high enough pressure, it condenses into a liquid in the compressor.

There are a few other key parts to a ducted Air conditioning system, and they are:

• The return air grille: This is the location where air is drawn into your home.
• Thermostat: The temperature of the space to be conditioned is detected by the thermostat (or sensor), and the system makes any necessary adjustments.
• Filter: The filter is housed in the return air grille and aids in the removal of dirt, dust, and other pollutants.
• Controllers: Wall-mounted controllers let you make adjustments to the system from a convenient location. If your ducted air conditioner has smart features, you can operate it from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Ducted Vs. Ductless Air Conditioning

Temperature Zoning

Air conditioning without ducts can be split into multiple zones, each of which can be conditioned independently. An individual indoor unit controls the temperature in each room. On the other hand, ducted air conditioning can be used to chill the entire building or just specific areas.

You can set the temperature in each room individually and choose when and where in the building to apply cooling. As a result, you can save money without sacrificing comfort by preventing unused rooms from squandering electricity.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Air conditioning systems, whether ducted or ductless, require frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Furthermore, improper upkeep might lead to the spread of microorganisms that can be hazardous.

Since there are fewer parts in a ducted air conditioning system, maintenance costs and downtime are typically lower. However, once a year, have a trained expert review both air conditioning systems. These experts can spot any problems and fix them to keep your system operating smoothly. 

Make sure your system is still functioning properly in between checkups. The filters in a ducted air conditioner should be changed at least twice a year, while the filters in a ductless split system should be cleaned and inspected regularly. 

Installation Process

Compared to installing a ductless air conditioning system, the method of installing a ducted one is very different. 

Ducted air conditioning necessitates not only the installation of vents in each zone and the placement of a central unit outdoors but also the availability of sufficient space for ducting throughout the entire building.

Therefore, it is not unexpected that ducted air conditioning system installation is a highly individualised process. Depending on the size of the unit, the number of vents needed, and the number of cooling zones, a professional installation is necessary.

However, ductless split systems often require less time, effort, and modification during installation because the internal units are connected by piping rather than ductwork. Therefore, a wall-mounted evaporator unit is required in every single room.

Overall, ducted systems have a higher initial cost and are more difficult to install than ductless ones, at least for smaller spaces. Larger structures with multiple rooms may benefit more financially from a centralised ducted system than multiple split systems.

Running Costs And Energy Efficiency

The size of a building is the primary factor in determining whether or not ducted or ductless air conditioning is less expensive to operate. Split systems are more cost-effective than ducted air conditioners since they use less electricity. Operating many split system units may be more expensive than a single ducted air conditioning system if you need to cool a whole building. 

Ducted air conditioning is prefered since it is seen to be more cost-effective in the long term when cooling larger spaces. This system's temperature zoning features allow you to cut costs by reducing heating and cooling usage in unoccupied areas. 

When it comes to cooling an entire building or large area, a ducted zone system is the way to go, but a split system air conditioner might be more cost-effective when only one or two rooms need to be cooled.

Conclusion 

Ducted air conditioning systems are becoming increasingly popular in residential settings and commercial and public buildings due to their superior cooling efficiency. These central air conditioning systems can be installed in attic or basements, and ducts distribute the cooled air throughout the home. They can be either solely cooling or heating and cooling, with the latter being more cost-effective due to their ability to maintain a constant temperature.

Ducted air conditioners offer several advantages, including low profile looks, versatility as heaters and coolers, flexible zones, less installation costs, cost-effectiveness, and increased value for your home. The indoor unit is hidden away in the ceiling or wall, and air is ducted through discreet openings. This allows you to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home without any noticeable changes.

Heating and cooling are also important features of ducted air conditioners. They provide both cooling and heating in a single package, eliminating the need for separate HVAC technicians. Ducted air conditioners can be used at any time of year to regulate the temperature in your home, simplifying maintenance and reducing potential failure points.

Flexible zones allow you to control the temperature in each room or zone independently, saving money on energy bills. Ducted air conditioning systems can be used to meet people's needs, such as cooling living areas during the day and bedrooms at night.

Installing ducted air conditioners can be less expensive than installing a multi-split system, but when used properly, they can save you money. Ducted air conditioners are more cost-effective than single split systems, but they are more efficient for large rooms.

In addition to cost-effectiveness, ducted air conditioners create value for your home. They are an excellent investment that will pay for itself when you sell your property, making it more appealing to buyers. Many people have ducted air conditioners installed as part of their home improvement initiatives, resulting in a significant return on investment (ROI).

Ducted air conditioning systems are popular due to their quiet operation, noise-free operation, and efficiency. They work by using refrigerant to lower or raise the air temperature, which is then used to cool or heat the air. The system consists of compressors, evaporators, and condensers, which work together to create a comfortable and quiet atmosphere.

Ducted air conditioning can be divided into multiple zones, each with its own temperature control. This allows for cost savings without sacrificing comfort by preventing unused rooms from wasting electricity. However, ducted air conditioning can be used to chill the entire building or specific areas, allowing for individual control over the temperature in each room.

Cleaning and maintenance are essential for both ducted and ductless air conditioning systems. Ducted systems require frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity, while ductless systems typically have lower maintenance costs and downtime. However, it is important to have a trained expert review both systems annually to spot any problems and fix them. Filters in ducted air conditioners should be changed at least twice a year, while filters in ductless split systems should be cleaned and inspected regularly.

Installation of ducted systems is more individualized than ductless systems, as it requires the installation of vents in each zone and the placement of a central unit outdoors. Ducted systems have a higher initial cost and are more difficult to install than ductless ones, especially for smaller spaces. Larger structures with multiple rooms may benefit more financially from a centralized ducted system than multiple split systems.

Running costs and energy efficiency are also factors to consider when choosing between ducted and ductless air conditioning systems. Split systems are more cost-effective than ducted air conditioners due to their use of less electricity. However, operating many split system units may be more expensive than a single ducted air conditioning system if cooling a whole building.

Ducted air conditioning is preferred for its long-term cost-effectiveness when cooling larger spaces, as its temperature zoning features allow for cost reduction in unoccupied areas. A ducted zone system is ideal for cooling an entire building or large area, but a split system air conditioner might be more cost-effective when only one or two rooms need to be cooled.

Content Summary: 

• If you're tired of sweating through the summer, it's time to buy a good air conditioner.
• And ducted systems are unrivalled when it comes to cooling efficiency.
• The question is, what precisely is ducted air conditioning?
• Choosing the appropriate air conditioner is essential, so we'll guide you through the ins and outs of ducted systems below.
• You can select a ducted air conditioner that solely provides cooling or a ducted air conditioner that provides heating and cooling.
• During the summer, an effective air conditioner is a need no matter where you live.
• Quality ducted air conditioners with inverter technology are the best bet for bigger, multi-room houses and most offices.
• Ducted air conditioning is the greatest choice when the aesthetics of a room are a top consideration.
• Because the only modification that will be visible to you is the venting for the air conditioner, the interior of your home can keep its current look.
• Incorporating an air conditioner into your home's design is simple and won't interfere with your freedom of choice in interior decoration.
• The versatility of ducted air conditioners as heaters and coolers is a major selling point.
• You can use them at any time of year to regulate the temperature in your home.
• Ducted air conditioners provide both cooling and heating in a single package, eliminating the need for a separate HVAC technician.
• You can independently control the temperature in each room or zone with a ducted air conditioning system.
• Turn off the air conditioning or heating in unoccupied rooms to save money on your energy bill.
• There is no denying the benefits of hi-wall split system units.
• If you need to heat or cool more than one room in a building, you'll need to install more than one HVAC system, which can be prohibitively expensive.
• On the other hand, if you go with ducted air conditioning, everything goes much more smoothly.
• A single centralised system can handle all the climate control for a large region.
• However, when used properly, ducted air conditioners can save you money.
• Initially, split air conditioners are less expensive, but ducted systems are preferable when cooling a large space.
• A ducted air conditioner is much more cost-effective than a multi-split system.
• A single split system unit may be less expensive to set up, but it needs to be more efficient for large rooms.
• Instead of doing that, you could install ducted air conditioning throughout the entire home.
• Long-term savings are greater with a ducted air conditioner that allows for separate temperature control in different rooms.
• A ducted air conditioner is an excellent investment that will pay for itself when you sell your property.
• Your home would be more appealing to buyers compared to similar homes that do not have ducted air conditioning.
• In contrast, ducted air conditioners are completely silent.
• Energy costs can be significantly reduced by installing a ducted air conditioning system in a large, multi-room building.
• When refrigerant is used in a ducted air conditioning system, the air temperature can be lowered or raised.
• The ducted system sucks air from within the home and uses the temperature difference to cool or heat the air.
• The following is a simplified explanation of how a ducted refrigeration system functions when in cooling mode.
• This is the location where air is drawn into your home.
• Air conditioning systems, whether ducted or ductless, require frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Since there are fewer parts in a ducted air conditioning system, maintenance costs and downtime are typically lower.
• However, once a year, have a trained expert review both air conditioning systems.
• Make sure your system is still functioning properly in between checkups.
• The filters in a ducted air conditioner should be changed at least twice a year, while the filters in a ductless split system should be cleaned and inspected regularly.
• Compared to installing a ductless air conditioning system, the method of installing a ducted one is very different.
• Ducted air conditioning necessitates not only the installation of vents in each zone and the placement of a central unit outdoors but also the availability of sufficient space for ducting throughout the entire building.
• Therefore, it is not unexpected that ducted air conditioning system installation is a highly individualised process.
• Depending on the size of the unit, the number of vents needed, and the number of cooling zones, a professional installation is necessary.
• Overall, ducted systems have a higher initial cost and are more difficult to install than ductless ones, at least for smaller spaces.
• Larger structures with multiple rooms may benefit more financially from a centralised ducted system than multiple split systems.
• The size of a building is the primary factor in determining whether or not ducted or ductless air conditioning is less expensive to operate.
• Operating many split system units may be more expensive than a single ducted air conditioning system if you need to cool a whole building.
• When it comes to cooling an entire building or large area, a ducted zone system is the way to go, but a split system air conditioner might be more cost-effective when only one or two rooms need to be cooled.