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What is ducted air conditioning?

The ultimate guide to ducted air conditioning for Australian homes.

Australians have to deal with scorching summers and chilling winters, so ensuring the family home stays comfortable all year round becomes a top priority.

While there are several air conditioning options available, ducted air conditioning systems stand out as a superior choice for many Australian homeowners. In this article, we'll explore what ducted air conditioning is, how it works, and why it is often considered a better option compared to split system air conditioners.

What exactly is a ducted air conditioning system?

What exactly is a ducted air conditioning system?

Ducted air conditioning is a type of central air conditioning system designed to cool or heat an entire home. It consists of a central unit, typically installed in the roof space or outside, connected to a series of ducts that run through the home. These ducts distribute conditioned air through vents located in each room, allowing for consistent temperature control throughout the entire house.

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How does ducted air conditioning work?

How does ducted air conditioning work?

  1. Central Unit: The heart of a ducted air conditioning system is the central unit, which contains the compressor, evaporator coil, and a fan. This unit is responsible for cooling or heating the air.
  2. Ductwork: Insulated ducts run from the central unit to various rooms in the house. These ducts are typically installed in the ceiling or under the floor.
  3. Vents: Air is distributed through vents or diffusers in each room. These can be adjustable to control the flow of air.
  4. Control System: A central thermostat or a series of zoned thermostats control the temperature settings for the entire home or specific areas (zones) within the home.

The process begins when the thermostat detects that the indoor temperature has deviated from the set point. The central unit then draws in air from inside the house, cools or heats it as needed, and distributes it through the ductwork to the various rooms. The conditioned air is released through vents, creating a comfortable and consistent indoor climate.

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How much does ducted air conditioning cost?

How much does ducted air conditioning cost?

The cost of ducted air conditioning depends on the size of your home, the number of areas to be cooled or heated, and the brand and model of the unit. Larger homes with more rooms require bigger, more expensive units, and the installation can be more complex, especially in multi-storey homes.

Running costs increase with the number of serviced rooms, but good thermal insulation can reduce these costs by minimizing the reliance on air conditioning. Therefore, effective insulation is recommended to keep expenses low and allow targeted cooling or heating.

Different models vary in price and efficiency. More efficient units use less power, saving money in the long run. Reverse cycle systems, which offer both heating and cooling, are also worth considering. For an accurate estimate, request a custom quote.

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Why is ducted air conditioning better than split systems?

1. Whole-home comfort

  • Ducted Systems — Provide consistent temperature control throughout the entire home. With a single central unit, you can cool or heat multiple rooms simultaneously, ensuring every corner of your house remains comfortable.
  • Split Systems — Typically designed to cool or heat individual rooms. This means you would need multiple units to achieve the same level of comfort throughout the house, which can be less efficient and more costly.

2. Aesthetics and space saving

  • Ducted Systems — Are discreet, with only the vents visible in each room. The central unit and ductwork are hidden in the ceiling, under the floor, or in the walls, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home.
  • Split Systems — Require wall-mounted units in each room, which can be bulky and disrupt the interior design.

3. Energy efficiency

  • Ducted Systems — Modern ducted air conditioning systems are designed to be highly energy-efficient, especially when equipped with zoning capabilities. Zoning allows you to cool or heat only the rooms you are using, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
  • Split Systems — While also energy-efficient, split systems can become less efficient if multiple units are needed to cool or heat an entire house.

4. Noise levels

  • Ducted Systems — The central unit is usually installed in a location that minimizes noise disruption, such as the roof space or outside. The indoor environment remains quiet and peaceful.
  • Split Systems — Each wall-mounted unit generates some level of noise, which can be noticeable and potentially disruptive.

5. Control and convenience

  • Ducted Systems — Offer advanced control options, including smartphone apps and integration with home automation systems. This allows you to adjust the temperature and settings from anywhere, providing ultimate convenience.
  • Split Systems — While some models offer remote control options, they generally do not provide the same level of centralised control as ducted systems.

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What are the pros and cons of reverse cycle ducted air conditioning?

Pros

  • Year-Round Comfort Provides both heating and cooling, ensuring comfort in all seasons.
  • Whole-House Solution Conditions the air throughout the entire home, maintaining a consistent temperature.
  • Energy Efficiency Modern systems are designed to be highly efficient, often leading to lower energy bills, especially with zoning capabilities.
  • Aesthetic Appeal Discreet installation with only vents visible, preserving the home's interior design.
  • Noise Reduction Central unit is typically installed in a location that minimizes indoor noise.
  • Advanced Control Features like smartphone apps and home automation integration offer convenient control.
  • Value Addition Can increase the resale value of the property due to the desirable and efficient climate control.
  • Air Quality Often includes filters that improve indoor air quality by removing dust and allergens.

Cons

  • Initial Cost Higher upfront installation cost compared to split air conditioning systems.
  • Installation Complexity Installation is complex and takes significantly longer than split air conditioning units. Most systems will take up to one day to install for an experienced team of installers.
  • Energy Consumption Poorly designed ducted zoning systems can increase running cost when compared to single room solutions.
  • Single Point of Failure If a ducted system fails it will affect the comfort of the whole house.

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Ducted air conditioning is the best solution for whole home comfort

For Australian homeowners seeking a reliable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution to keep their homes comfortable year-round, ducted air conditioning is an excellent choice. Its ability to provide whole-house comfort, energy efficiency, and advanced control options make it a superior option compared to split system air conditioners. Investing in a ducted air conditioning system ensures your home remains a cool sanctuary during the hottest summer days and a cozy retreat during the chillier months.

Experience the ultimate in home comfort with ducted air conditioning and enjoy the benefits of a perfectly climate-controlled home, no matter the season. Ask us about ducted air conditioning systems for your home.

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