Selecting the right ducted air conditioning system for your home or office space is crucial for ensuring optimal comfort and efficiency. However, with a plethora of options available to choose from, navigating through different models and features can become pretty overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to help! Below, you’ll find everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the best ducted air conditioning for your needs. From cooling capacity to smart features and everything in between, we’ll dive into the essential considerations and lay everything out simplistically, helping guide you towards finding the perfect ducted system for your space.
What is Ducted Air Conditioning?
Let’s start by taking a moment to explain what ducted air conditioning is and how it works. Ducted air conditioning is essentially a centralised cooling and heating system that operates through a network of ducts installed within the floor, wall, or ceiling of a building.
It works by drawing air from the interior space, cooling it through a central unit, and then distributing the conditioned air through the ductwork into various rooms and zones throughout your home.
This may seem like a pretty simple explanation, but that’s because it’s a simple process. The air within your home gets pulled into the system, cooled down, and redistributed at the perfect temperature.
Is Ducted Air Conditioning the Right Choice for My Home?
As you can see, there isn’t much rocket science behind how a ducted system works. But is it the right choice for your home?
Firstly, you’ll need to consider the size and layout of your home, as ducted systems are ideal for larger spaces with multiple rooms or zones that require consistent temperature control. Smaller homes or single rooms don’t necessarily need a ducted system.
This is just one of the things you’ll need to consider when deciding if a ducted air conditioning system is the right choice for your home, and we’ll walk you through other considerations a little further down the page.
What Are the Different Types of Ducted Air Conditioners?
Before we dive into those considerations, however, let’s look at the different types of ducted air conditioners that could be a good choice for your home. There are quite a few to choose from, and each is tailored to meet different needs and preferences.
Standard Ducted Systems
A standard ducted system consists of a central indoor unit that connects to a network of ducts installed throughout a building. This is the most common type of ducted air conditioning system, and it is ideal for providing cooling and heating to multiple rooms that are controlled by a central thermostat.
Inverter Ducted Systems
With an inverter ducted air conditioner, special inverter technology allows the compressor to adjust its speed automatically based on the cooling or heating requirements of a space. This results in precise temperature control, easy usability, and increased energy efficiency.
Commercial Ducted Systems
Designed for use in larger spaces, including commercial or industrial units, commercial ducted systems feature higher cooling and heating capacities than their residential counterparts. They also tend to have advanced control options and can be integrated into existing building management systems.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Ducted Systems
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Ducted Systems use advanced technology to vary the flow of refrigerant based on demand, which allows for simultaneous cooling and heating in different areas throughout your home. This is a great option for family homes with multiple temperature preferences, as well as giving you precise temperate control all year round.
Ducted Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Now you know the type of ducted system that might work best for your space and for your needs, you can start looking at other considerations that won’t only help you find the best air conditioner but will ultimately determine whether a ducted system is right for your home.
Cooling Capacity
When purchasing a ducted air conditioning system, it’s crucial to consider cooling capacity, as this will determine the system’s ability to effectively cool the intended space.
Think about the size of the room, what insulation it has, and the ceiling height, and then consider whether the unit you’re thinking of buying is powerful enough to effectively cool the space without using too much energy.
Put simply, a unit that is too small will struggle to cool the space and will use a lot of energy in trying to do so. Likewise, an oversized unit may lead to excessive energy consumption while providing inconsistent cooling performance.
Energy Efficiency
Considering energy efficiency has two benefits: keeping your energy bills low and reducing your environmental impact. To make sure you get a ducted air conditioner that is highly energy efficient, look for a model that has a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, as this means it will use a smaller amount of energy without compromising on performance.
There are also some excellent features you can look out for when considering energy efficiency as well, including advanced inverter technology, special “Eco Modes”, and the ability to set schedules.
Zoning Options
Zoning allows for individualised temperature control in different areas of your home, so by choosing a ducted system with this ability, you’ll be able to keep everyone happy and comfortable!
Some ducted systems also allow you to cool and heat different zones at the same time, which isn’t only ideal for family homes with multiple temperature preferences, but boosts its year-round performance.
Noise Level
High noise levels can be disruptive, especially in residential settings, so make sure you look at the decibel (dB) rating when you’re choosing your ducted air conditioner. The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the overall system will be.
You should also take a moment to look at noise-dampening features offered by some ducted systems, which include Whisper-Quiet Modes and advanced compressor technology that ensure all noise is kept to a minimum. In turn, you get precise temperature control without any loud or annoying sounds!
Smart Technology Integration
Like many home appliances, some ducted systems now feature smart technology integration that makes using them easier than ever. Features such as wifi connectivity and voice control settings mean that you’re able to activate the unit and adjust settings using your smartphone or virtual home assistant.
Smart technology is limited to this, though, and some ducted air conditioners feature smart sensors that automatically adjust settings based on room occupancy or environmental conditions. You can also check your energy usage, set schedules, look at the overall health of the system, and more.
Air Quality Features
Some ducted systems are capable of cleaning the air in your home as well as controlling the temperature, and this is great for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies.
Look for models equipped with advanced filtration systems that capture dust, allergens, and other airborne particles if you want to make sure the air in your home is as clean as possible.
You can also look for features such as built-in dehumidifiers that further help eliminate pollutants in your home, as well controlling the moisture levels, reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth in the process.
Maintenance
From time to time, your ducted air conditioner is going to need cleaning, so it’s a good idea to look for features that make this as easy as possible. This could be self-cleaning functions or easy access to parts that can be removed, cleaned, and replaced.
Doing this will also mean that, should your ducted system need repairing at any point, an engineer will have a much easier time accessing the fault. This could even save you money as the repair work may not be as extensive.
Budget
You’ll also need to think about how much of a budget you have available for a ducted system. This isn’t only true for the upfront costs, but also for the long-term expenses of running the air conditioner.
For example, opting for a highly energy-efficient model may cost more initially but can result in significant savings over time as your energy bills will be lower.
Installing a Ducted Air Conditioner
You might be tempted to save some money by installing a ducted air conditioner yourself, but ducted air conditioning is extremely tricky to install and is best done by a professional who has the technical expertise and experience required.
At Sun City Air, we offer an installation service along with expert consultation on which ducted air conditioner would be the best choice for your home. Our installers are also QBCC licensed, and we provide a full 5-year warranty for parts and labour.
Contact us today for a quote on installing a split system air conditioner in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
How Do Ducted Air Conditioners Compare to Split Systems?
You’ll come up against two types of systems when looking into air conditioning for your home: ducted and split system. But what’s the difference between the two? To make things clearer, we’ve outlined the benefits and drawbacks of each below.
Benefits of Ducted Systems
Some of the benefits of choosing a ducted system for your home include:
- Large Capacity: Compared to some split system air conditioners, ducted systems are capable of cooling and heating a large space while using less energy.
- Whole-Home Heating and Cooling: A ducted system is capable of producing the perfect temperature throughout your whole home using a single unit, whereas a split system requires multiple indoor units (one for each zone).
- Noise Reduction: Ducted air conditioners are typically quieter than split systems as the compressor and fan are located outside your home.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ducted systems also have less visible parts than split systems, so they’re a good choice for installing in homes without spoiling the aesthetics of your interior design theme.
Drawbacks of Ducted Systems
Potential drawbacks of ducted systems include:
- Complex Installation: While you should always use a professional installation service for both ducted and split systems air conditioners, ducted systems are much more complex to install. As such, the overall installation time could take longer.
- Air Loss: Over time, some leaks can start appearing through aging or poorly insulated ductwork. This can result in inefficient performance and more energy being used.
Benefits of Split Systems
These are some of the things that might make a split system a better choice for your home:
- Zoning Flexibility: Split systems allow for individual temperature control in each room that houses an indoor unit, which means you’re able to heat specific areas in the home. Ducted systems, on the other hand, typically provide uniform temperature throughout the entire space.
- Energy Efficiency: Another benefit of a split system is that these air conditioners are considered among the most energy-efficient on the market. This isn’t just because of zoning controls but also through specialised features and components.
- Space-Efficient: The compact indoor units of split systems also make them highly space-efficient, which, along with their zoning flexibility, means they are ideal for smaller rooms or homes where retaining as much available space as possible is crucial.
Drawbacks of Split Systems
Compared to ducted systems, the drawbacks of a split system include:
- Regular Maintenance: Compared to ducted systems, split systems need cleaning and maintenance much more regularly. Some models do have features that make this easier, but you’ll need to consider if your lifestyle allows for such regular maintenance.
FAQs
Are ducted systems good for large spaces?
Yes, ducted systems are suitable for large spaces as they can efficiently cool or heat multiple rooms or zones simultaneously, providing consistent temperature control throughout your entire home.
Can ducted systems heat as well as cool?
Ducted systems are capable of cooling and heating a space. Some models, such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) ducted systems, also offer the ability to cool and heat different zones within the home simultaneously.
How do I determine the right size and capacity of a ducted system for my space?
To do this, you’ll need to consider the size of the area, any current insulation in the building, the ceiling height, and any other additional cooling or heating sources you have. You can use a cooling capacity calculator to do this, but it’s best to talk with an air conditioner supplier to get an exact idea of what you need.
Are ducted systems energy efficient?
Ducted systems are considered energy efficient, and many are equipped with features that ensure as little energy is being used as possible while still delivering outstanding heating and cooling performance.
