Ducted Air Conditioning: Definition, Working principle, Pros and Cons, Cost and Facts

Follow these key steps to determine the appropriate cooling capacity for a ducted air conditioning system:
A standard split system has one indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit, and is the most common type used in homes.

Step 1: Calculate total floor area

• Measure length and width of each room and use formula: Area (m2) = Length (m) x Width (m)
• Add areas of all rooms that need cooling

Step 2: Consider heating load factors

• Windows (glass, shading), ceiling insulation, room usage/occupancy
• Direction of sunlight - North, East facing rooms have higher load

Step 3: Select a suitable Fan Coil Unit (FCU) size for each zone

• Bedrooms - 2.5kW to 3.5kW
• Living rooms - 3.5kW to 8kW
• Total minimum cooling capacity needed is the sum of all zones in kW if using the system with 100% coverage

The cooling capacity, measured in kW (or BTU/h), must match the expected heat load. An undersized system will not cool properly while an oversized one wastes energy and money.

Hence getting ducted system sizing right by an air conditioning expert is vital for effective cooling, comfort and operating cost through optimal energy efficiency.

Common installation errors involve not calculating room sizes accurately, not considering insulation and windows, mismatching indoor and outdoor units, and lack of zoning in larger homes.

The main pros and advantages of installing a ducted air conditioning system are:

So ducted systems offer whole home climate control, customised comfort, advanced capabilities and aesthetic appeal compared to other types.

The average sound rating of a ducted air conditioning system is around 50 to 65 dB depending on model and speed settings. This is much lower than traditional split systems which can be as high as 70+ dB.

Low noise is important for homeowner comfort. Ducted systems have less disturbances as the compressor sits outdoors while only fans operate inside. Insulated ducting also dampens air turbulence noises.

Compared to a single head split system, ducted air conditioners have lower noise levels due to the central air handler linked to multiple vents. Responsible installation also reduces vibration and noise disturbances dramatically

The main disadvantages or negatives of installing ducted air conditioning are:

So key cons include major home modifications, higher costs, complex setup and repairs and increased energy usage versus other types.

Yes, ducted air conditioning systems are well-suited for residential buildings as they allow zoned climate control in different rooms as per specific comfort needs. Ducted systems with good insulation also retain heat during Melbourne's cold winters.

Yes, ducted units are ideal for commercial buildings as well due to flexibility in heating and cooling different office areas or hotel rooms independently. Ducted systems also centralise maintenance operations. Large variable capacity units also save energy in commercial buildings with changing occupancy levels.

Yes, ducted air conditioning is well-suited to handle Melbourne's climate with reliably hot summers, cold and damp winters and transitional seasons.

Melbourne experiences sustained peak summer temperatures averaging over 30°C needing extensive cooling. Ducted systems with zoning efficiently control temperatures across entire homes during such extended heatwaves.

Winters are cold with average lows of 6°C, made worse by wet weather. Ducted reverse cycle units provide effective whole home heating by circulating warm air through ducts into all rooms.

Transitional seasons see wide daily extremes from below 10°C nights to above 25°C afternoons. Ducted systems allow simultaneously cooling some zones while heating others as per comfort needs.

So ducted air conditioners capably meet Melbourne's diverse heating and cooling requirements across seasons with customised room-by-room climate control unavailable in single split systems.

Based on reliability, performance and warranty - Daikin is considered the best ducted air conditioning system brand in the Australian market.

Daikin ducted systems feature the latest heating and cooling technology for energy efficiency. Using advanced inverter compressors and refrigerants, they have excellent energy ratings across operating modes.

Daikin offers 10 years compressor and 5 years parts warranties on their premium ducted models showing long-term reliability. Their units deliver powerful air circulation and low noise operation. Zoned systems provide customised climate control in different areas.

Other leading ducted brands in Australia are:

So with innovative features, proven reliability and long warranties - Daikin ducted air conditioners deliver the best combination of performance, efficiency and longevity among competitors. Their installation quality also largely determines system lifespan.

The average cost of a ducted air conditioning system is determined by -

The purchase cost of equipment is:

The installation cost is:

Ongoing ducted system maintenance costs involve:

Installation and equipment costs vary based on factors like brand, size, zones, features and home construction. Multi-head systems for larger, 2-storey houses also cost more in materials and labour.

Getting recommendations from several suppliers and installers is advisable before finalising a suitable ducted system based on budget.

The average installation cost for a ducted air conditioning system ranges from $5,500 to $10,000 depending on the:

Unit Size and Capacity:

Home Size and Layout:

Ductwork:

We at Oz Air Group offer certified and insured installation of quality ducted air conditioning systems across Melbourne homes and suburbs. Our experts handle end-to-end works - consultation, system design, supply, installation and maintenance.

The average warranty period on branded ducted air conditioning systems in Australia is 5 years on the product and 6 years on the installation.

Yes, periodic maintenance is required for efficient functioning of ducted systems. Signs indicating maintenance needs are reduced cooling, increased noise and fluctuating temperatures.

Statistics indicate that on average, yearly or bi-yearly scheduled maintenance is recommended for ducted systems. Usage levels, environmental factors like pollen/dust levels, installation quality determine frequency.

It needs more maintenance compared to portable units but less than evaporative cooling systems. Key tasks involve checking refrigerant, filter, coil and duct hygiene, drainage and ventilation.

Professionally cleaning ducted filters, vents, coils yearly improves air quality, reduces running costs and lengthens system lifespan. Neglected maintenance causes deteriorating performance and higher breakdowns.

Follow these steps for proper ducted air conditioning maintenance:

Following the manufacturer servicing schedule is also advised for long-term operation.

The average lifespan of a quality ducted air condition system is 15-20 years. Well-maintained units can even operate reliably for over 20 years.

Factors affecting longevity:

High-end brands like Daikin with robust components, regular maintenance and responsible installation can provide over 20 years of dependable heating and cooling with minor part replacements.

The main alternatives to ducted air conditioning systems are -

For Melbourne's climate, energy-efficient split systems with heating and cooling are suitable alternatives for affordable air conditioning.

The main difference between ducted and split air conditioners is that ducted systems have a central outdoor unit connected by ducting to condition multiple indoor zones, while split systems have individual outdoor units cooling separate rooms.

Ducted air conditioning provides whole home heating and cooling more suitable for Melbourne's extreme summers and winters. But split systems have lower upfront costs for cooling specific spaces.

Yes, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning is the most effective heating and cooling system for Melbourne's seasonal extremes in large homes and commercial spaces needing zoned climate control.

Ducted systems capably meet Melbourne's diverse needs - cooling entire houses during hot summers while heating multiple rooms in cold and damp winters.