Ducted Air Conditioning: Definition, Working principle, Pros and Cons, Cost and Facts
Ducted air conditioning refers to a centralised cooling and heating system that circulates conditioned air through ductwork to multiple rooms in a home or building. It typically consists of an outdoor condenser unit connected to several indoor air handlers mounted in the ceiling or under the floor.
Ducted systems are commonly installed in Australian homes and commercial spaces like offices, hotels, schools etc. Statistics show that over 65% of new homes in Victoria have ducted air conditioning installed.
The main working principle involves a refrigeration cycle where refrigerant circulates in a closed loop, absorbing and releasing heat to provide cooling or heating. The refrigerant evaporates and condenses continuously between the indoor and outdoor units. Fans circulate this cool or warm air to multiple rooms via ducts.
Key advantages of ducted air con include even distribution of conditioned air, individual zoning control, aesthetic appeal due to hidden indoor units and simultaneous heating and cooling capability. However, it requires major renovations, has higher upfront costs and consumes more energy than split systems.
Average installation costs for ducted systems range from $,7500-15,000+ for a small 3-bedroom home to $10,000-50,000+ for larger commercial spaces. Operating costs are also higher compared to other types of air conditioning. Regular maintenance of filters and cleaning of ducts is essential for optimal performance.
What is a Ducted Air conditioning system?
A ducted air conditioning system, also known as central air conditioning or climate control system, provides heating and cooling to an entire building from a central unit. The conditioned air is circulated through ductwork to vents in different rooms.
While the origins are unclear, modern central air conditioning technology is often credited to Willis Carrier who launched the air con industry in 1902. His company Carrier Corporation later introduced central air conditioning systems for homes in the 1950s.
Ducted air conditioning is most popular in the United States and Australia. Statistics from 2018 indicate that over 60% of Australian homes have ducted systems installed. In the US, over 90 million central air conditioning units are installed.
The key components of a ducted system include an outdoor condenser/compressor, indoor air handling unit with cooling/heating coil, thermostat, supply and return ductwork with vents. The entire setup requires professional installation and maintenance.
The main difference compared to split system air conditioning units is that ducted systems can connect one outdoor unit to multiple indoor units, enabling temperature control across different zones in a building.
What is a ducted air conditioning unit?
A ducted air conditioning unit refers specifically to the centrally installed system that delivers conditioned air through ductwork. It includes an indoor air handler unit and outdoor condenser linked by refrigerant pipes and electricity cables.
Ducted systems with vents and ductwork are commonly installed in the ceilings or floors of homes and buildings to distribute air efficiently while keeping the units concealed.
The main purpose of a ducted unit is to provide even and consistent heating and cooling throughout multiple rooms or zones via conditioned air rather than cooling single rooms like split systems.
Who invented the ducted air conditioning unit?
While Willis Carrier is considered the father of modern air conditioning with his 1902 invention, the first central air conditioning unit designed for home use is credited to the Carrier Corporation which introduced the Weathermaker in the 1950s.
So while Carrier did not directly invent the first home ducted systems, his revolutionary cooling technology and founding of the company that launched residential central air conditioning units entitle him credit as the pioneer of modern ducted air conditioning.
How does ducted air conditioning work?
A ducted air conditioning system works on the basic refrigeration cycle principle to provide heating and cooling across multiple rooms. The main components involved are -
- An outdoor condenser/compressor unit
- Indoor air handlers with cooling/heating coil
- Refrigerant pipes to connect the indoor and outdoor units
- Ductwork and vents to supply conditioned air
- Thermostat and controls
The refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air passing over the cooled coil, thereby providing cool air. It releases this heat outdoors at the condenser and compressor, where hot air is expelled outside. The thermostat controls this heating/cooling cycle to maintain the desired temperature.
Ducted systems circulate this conditioned air evenly across rooms via ceiling, floor or wall vents connected by ductwork. Zoning can help control different areas independently.
What are the ducted air conditioning Components?
The main components of ducted air conditioning can be divided into -
Indoor components
- Air handler unit - houses cooling/heating coil and blower fan
- Supply ducts - carries cool/warm air into rooms
- Return ducts - brings back air to air handler unit
- Registers/vents - mounted in walls/ceilings to circulate conditioned air
- Filters - filters dust particles from recirculated indoor air
- Zoning systems - controls temperature of different areas
Outdoor components
- Condenser/compressor unit - houses compressor, condenser coil and fans
- Refrigerant pipes - transfer refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units
- Electrical controls - connects system and regulates operation
- Condensate drain pipe - drains moisture from evaporator coil
Proper installation and regular maintenance of filters, coils, drainage and ducts is vital for efficient working of a ducted air conditioning system.
What are the ducted air conditioning Types?
Ducted air conditioning systems are categorised by their working principle, zoning capability and compliance with Australian regulations -
Reverse Cycle Ducted Systems
- Working Principle - Can provide both heating and cooling by reversing refrigerant flow direction
- Usage - Used widely across Australian homes and buildings
- Installation - Requires both indoor and properly matched outdoor units
- Compliant with MEPS and energy efficiency regulations
Evaporative Ducted Systems
- Working Principle - Cools air through water evaporation, no heating mode
- Usage - Used mainly in dry climates like Western Australia
- Installation - Requires roof ducting, pumps and filters
- Compliant with water restrictions in some councils
Single Zone Ducted Systems
- Working Principle - Condition single zone, less controls
- Usage - Smaller homes and spaces with single temperature need
- Installation - Basic condenser and air handler setup
- Compliant with national regulations
Multi-Zone Ducted Systems
- Working Principle - Condition multiple zones, advanced controls
- Usage - Larger homes, allows zoning rooms independently
- Installation - Needs zoned dampers and control systems
- Compliant but higher energy consumption
Ducted VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow)
- Working Principle - Variable capacity cooling, inverter systems
- Usage - Commercial spaces like offices, multi-family homes
- Installation - Needs advanced VRF outdoor and zone controllers
- Highly energy efficient and compliant
How to calculate the size of ducted air conditioning
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.
What are the Benefits of Installing Ducted Air Conditioners?
The main pros and advantages of installing a ducted air conditioning system are:
- Enables Whole Home Cooling - Covers all rooms evenly unlike wall or floor units
- Provides Effective Zoning - Different areas can be controlled independently for optimal comfort
- Allows Simultaneous Heating and Cooling - With advanced zoned systems
- Offers Healthier Air Quality - Centralised air filtration removes dust/pollen
- Presents Clean Look - Indoor units concealed, only discreet ceiling vents visible
- Saves Space - No wall or window units occupying room space
- Adds Resale Value - Ducted air con considered premium home feature
So ducted systems offer whole home climate control, customised comfort, advanced capabilities and aesthetic appeal compared to other types.
What is the noise level (dB) of a ducted air conditioner?
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.
What are the Cons of Installing a ducted air conditioner system?
The main disadvantages or negatives of installing ducted air conditioning are:
- Requires Major Renovations - Ducts need space to be installed in ceilings and floors
- Has High Upfront Costs - Complete system and installation is expensive
- Involves Complex Installation - Needs expert structural, electrical and refrigerant works
- Presents Maintenance Difficulties - Hard to access unit parts concealed in ducts
- Causes Higher Energy Bills - Larger systems consume more electricity
So key cons include major home modifications, higher costs, complex setup and repairs and increased energy usage versus other types.
Is a ducted air conditioner system good for residential buildings?
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.
Is a ducted air conditioner good for commercial buildings?
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.
Is ducted air conditioner Good for Melbourne Climate?
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.
What is the best ducted air conditioner Brand in Australia?
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:
- Fujitsu - Good value for money, reliable, energy efficient
- Mitsubishi Electric - Established name, quiet and smart tech
- Panasonic - Premium quality, quiet inverter systems
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.
How much does a ducted air conditioner cost? Unit cost
The average cost of a ducted air conditioning system is determined by -
The purchase cost of equipment is:
- $3,000 to $5,500+ for a reliable mid-range branded unit
- $5,500 to $8,500+ for a premium high-efficiency inverter model
- $8,000+ for an expensive commercial grade unit
The installation cost is:
- $3,000 to $5,000 for a small 3-bedroom house
- $5,000 to $8,000 for a large 2-storey, 5 bedroom house
- $8,000+ for a complex multi-zoned commercial setup
Ongoing ducted system maintenance costs involve:
- $250 to $550 yearly filter cleaning and servicing
- Energy bills - running an efficient 5kW system for 6 hours per day all year can cost AUD $800+ annually
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.
How much does it cost to Install a ducted air conditioner?
The average installation cost for a ducted air conditioning system ranges from $5,500 to $10,000 depending on the:
Unit Size and Capacity:
- Smaller 3-7kW systems: $4,500 - $6,000
- Larger 8-10kW multi-head units: $8,000 - $10,000+
- High-end commercial grade systems: $10,000+
Home Size and Layout:
- Single storey houses: Lower cost
- Multi-level houses: Higher cost due to more ductwork
Ductwork:
- Electrical upgrades if required
- Permits and council fees if lanes, paths or roads need to be blocked off for any works related to the installation
- Annual maintenance costs
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.
What is the warranty period of a ducted air conditioner?
The average warranty period on branded ducted air conditioning systems in Australia is:
- 5 years on the product and 6 years on the installatio
Does a ducted air conditioner require maintenance?
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.
How to Maintain a ducted air conditioner Units
Follow these steps for proper ducted air conditioning maintenance:
- Check and change filters every 6 months or as needed
- Get yearly professional cleaning of indoor unit coils
- Clean the outdoor unit coils and fins if dirty
- Ensure unobstructed airflow around indoor and outdoor units
- Check temperature differences across supply and return vents
- Inspect the condensate drain line for clogs annually
- Get refrigerant levels and electricals checked by technician
Following the manufacturer servicing schedule is also advised for long-term operation.
How long does a ducted air conditioner last?
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:
- Brand and Build Quality
- Usage Levels
- Environmental Factors
- Maintenance Frequency
- Installation Method
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.
What are the alternatives to a ducted air conditioner?
The main alternatives to ducted air conditioning systems are -
- Split System Air Conditioners - Wall or floor mounted units for single rooms
- Evaporative Air Cooling - Whole home cooling using water evaporation
- Portable Air Conditioners - Free Standing machines moved room to room
For Melbourne's climate, energy-efficient split systems with heating and cooling are suitable alternatives for affordable air conditioning.
What is the difference between ducted air conditioning vs split system?
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.
Is the ducted air conditioner the best solution for Melbourne Climate?
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.
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