Choosing the right size ducted air conditioning system is crucial for optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
A system that’s too small may struggle to cool or heat your home, while one that’s too large can lead to wasted energy and higher costs.
In this blog post, our air conditioning experts in Logan will help you determine the perfect size for your ducted aircon. We’ll look at important factors like your home’s size, layout, insulation, and heating and cooling needs.
Why sizing matters in ducted air conditioning
Correctly sizing your ducted air conditioning system is essential for maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout your home.
The right-sized system operates more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills, fewer maintenance issues, and a longer lifespan.
If your system is too small, it will overwork itself to cool or heat your home, leading to increased wear and tear.
On the other hand, an oversized system will cycle on and off too frequently. This can result in higher energy consumption, increased wear on the system, and uneven cooling or heating, as the system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature.
What size ducted aircon do I need? 3 key factors your air conditioning expert will consider when sizing a ducted AC system
1. Your home’s size and layout
The size and layout of your home significantly impact the cooling or heating capacity required.
Larger homes or homes with multiple levels typically need more robust systems to ensure even heating and cooling throughout.
The number of rooms, ceiling height, and open spaces like hallways or atriums also play a role in determining the necessary system size.
Zoning is particularly beneficial for homes with complex layouts or multiple floors, allowing for targeted cooling or heating in specific areas.
2. Insulation, windows, and orientation
The level of insulation in your home, the type of windows, and the orientation of your property can significantly affect your needs.
Homes with good insulation and energy-efficient windows retain air more effectively, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system.
Orientation plays a crucial role as well. Homes with large windows facing the sun can experience higher heat loads, requiring a more powerful aircon system.
On the other hand, homes with less sun exposure or those designed to minimise direct sunlight may need a smaller system. If your home lacks insulation, has older windows, or faces significant sun exposure, you may require a larger system to maintain comfortable temperatures.
3. Local climate
Brisbane’s warm and humid climate is another key factor when sizing your ducted air conditioning system.
Hotter climates require systems with higher cooling capacities to effectively manage indoor temperatures during peak summer months.
The system size must be capable of handling the maximum expected heat load to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable, even during heatwaves.
Calculating the right size for your ducted air con
Calculating the correct size for your ducted system involves understanding your home’s total cooling or heating load. This load is typically measured in kilowatts (kW). It’s determined by factors like your home’s square footage, ceiling height, and heat load from sunlight and appliances.
A common rule of thumb is that you need about 0.12 to 0.15 kW of cooling/heating capacity per square metre of floor space. For example, a home with 150 square metres of living space would require a system with a capacity of approximately 18 to 22.5 kW.
However, this is just a starting point. For a more accurate calculation, we recommend getting in touch with an air conditioning expert! REPARE’s skilled team can accurately measure your space, assess your needs, and provide you with suitable recommendations.
Can zoning impact the size of my ducted AC?
Yes! Zoning is a clever ducted AC feature that allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently.
By dividing your home into “zones”, you can choose to cool or heat only the areas you are using, which can significantly reduce energy consumption. For example during summer, you might only cool the living areas during the day and the bedrooms at night.
Zoning can also influence the size of the system you need. Because you’re not cooling or heating the entire house simultaneously, a smaller system might be sufficient when zoning is used effectively.
This can lead to cost savings in terms of both the initial system purchase and ongoing energy bills.
Comparing ducted and split systems for size and efficiency
When deciding on the size of your air conditioning system, it’s helpful to compare ducted systems with split systems.
Split systems require individual units for each room or area you wish to cool or heat, which can add up in cost and may result in inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. Understanding the components of a split system can give you a clearer picture of how these units work and what you might need if you choose this option.
In contrast, a ducted system provides centralised cooling and heating, more consistent temperatures, and a cleaner aesthetic.
Ducted systems, particularly when combined with zoning, can be more energy-efficient in larger homes compared to multiple split systems. However, the upfront cost of a ducted system is typically higher.
Consider also comparing the running costs of ducted and split system air conditioning to determine which option may be more economical for you in the long run.
Choose the ideal ducted AC for your home
Selecting the right size ducted air conditioning system is key to maintaining comfort and efficiency in your home.
Expert air con specialists take into account your home’s layout, insulation, and the advantages of zoning to ensure optimal performance and cost savings.
For a deeper understanding of how ducted AC works, read our blog post.
For personalised advice and expert recommendations, contact the REPARE team today: we’re here to help you make the best choice! Call
