Ducted air conditioning is popular for those seeking a seamless, efficient, and comprehensive cooling and heating solution.
Unlike traditional split systems, ducted air conditioning offers whole-home temperature control to ensure consistent comfort throughout your space.
In this blog post, our air conditioning experts in Logan explore how ducted AC works. We look at key components that make it so effective, top benefits, and much more.
Read on to discover more, or call us today to request a quote!
How ducted air conditioning works
What is ducted air conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning is a centralised system designed to regulate the temperature of an entire home or building.
Unlike split systems, which usually cool or heat individual rooms, ducted air conditioning operates through a single, concealed central unit connected to a network of ducts. If you’d like to compare to split AC, explore further in our guide on the main components of a split air conditioning system.
These ducts distribute warm or cool air evenly across multiple rooms or zones within your home, allowing for comprehensive climate control. The key to an efficient ducted solution is an appropriately-sized system. Learn more about what size ducted aircon you need in this blog post.
Centralised cooling and heating mechanism
At the heart of ducted air conditioning is its centralised cooling and heating mechanism.
The system’s central unit is often installed in the ceiling or under the floor. Its primary purpose is to cool and heat air that is then pushed through insulated ducts.
These ducts are strategically positioned to deliver air via discreet vents or grilles, ensuring that every part of the home maintains a consistent and comfortable temperature.
The central unit works with both indoor and outdoor components to efficiently manage the air temperature throughout the entire space.
The indoor unit is hidden away and houses the cooling and heating element. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, which plays a crucial role in the cooling and heating process.
Reverse cycle technology
Reverse cycle technology is what allows ducted air conditioning systems to both cool and heat your home.
By reversing the flow of refrigerant, the system can extract heat from the outdoor air in winter and deliver it indoors, while in summer, it removes heat to cool the space.
This innovative feature eliminates the need for two separate heating and cooling systems, providing year-round comfort with a single system. It’s an energy-efficient, all-in-one solution that ensures your home remains comfortable, no matter the season!
What are the key components of a ducted air conditioning system?
Your ducted air conditioning unit is made up of several key components. Each plays its part to provide consistent and efficient cooling and heating throughout your home. Here’s a closer look at the main elements:
Central unit
The central unit is the heart of the system, usually hidden in the ceiling or under the floor. It contains the evaporator coil, fan, and air handler, which work together to cool or heat and circulate air.
Ductwork
Insulated ducts run from the central unit to various rooms or zones in your home. These ducts are responsible for distributing warmed or cooled air evenly.
Vents or grilles
Strategically placed in each room, these outlets allow air to enter the space. They can often be adjusted to control the flow and direction of the air.
Indoor unit
The essential cooling and heating components like the evaporator coil and air handler are usually integrated with the central unit.
Outdoor unit
Located outside the building, this unit contains the compressor and condenser coil. It plays a crucial role in the cooling and heating exchange process, working with the indoor unit to maintain the desired indoor temperature.
How does ducted AC work? Step-by-step guide
1. Air intake
The system begins by drawing warm air from your home into the central unit through return air grilles. In cooling mode, warm air is pulled in, while in heating mode, cooler air is drawn.
2. Cooling and heating process
Inside the central unit, air passes over the evaporator coil for cooling or the condenser coil for heating, depending on the mode. The refrigerant either absorbs or releases heat, cooling the air in summer or warming it in winter, thanks to reverse cycle technology.
3. Air distribution
The conditioned air – whether heated or cooled – is then circulated through insulated ductwork. This network of ducts is strategically placed within your home to ensure even, consistent air distribution in every room or zone.
4. Zoning
Some modern systems can be fitted with zoning capabilities. This allows you to control the flow of air and temperature in specific areas of your home independently. Zoning is a clever ducted AC feature that enhances energy efficiency by allowing you to cool or heat only the areas you use.
5. Ventilation
The conditioned air is then delivered into each room or zone through vents or grilles. Depending on your home’s design, these outlets are typically located in the ceiling, floor, or walls.
6. Thermostat control
A thermostat monitors your home’s temperature and signals the system to adjust the heating or cooling process as needed. This ensures a consistent and comfortable indoor climate, regardless of the weather outside.
7. Continuous cycle
The system continuously cycles air from the home, cooling it in summer or heating it in winter, and redistributes it. This ongoing process maintains the desired temperature throughout the entire space, ensuring year-round comfort.
Benefits of ducted air conditioning
Comprehensive cooling
One of the key benefits of ducted air conditioning is its ability to provide whole-home heating and cooling. Unlike other systems that heat or cool individual rooms, ducted air conditioning ensures every room in your home maintains a consistent temperature.
This creates a more comfortable living environment, as you won’t experience hot or cold spots when moving from one area to another.
Energy efficiency
With reverse cycle technology and the option to create zones within your home, ducted air conditioning allows you to cool or heat only the areas in use, significantly reducing energy consumption
This zoning capability enhances the system’s efficiency, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. To compare energy efficiency between ducted and split systems, check out our ducted vs split air conditioning blog.
Aesthetic appeal
Ducted systems are discreet, with only the vents visible in each room.
This maintains the aesthetic integrity of your home, as the main unit and ductwork are concealed within the ceiling or under the floor, unlike wall-mounted units that can be more obtrusive.
Common misconceptions about ducted air conditioning
Myth: Ducted air con is difficult to install
Ducted systems are often seen as difficult to install, but professional installers can efficiently integrate ductwork with minimal disruption.
Modern techniques have streamlined the process, often completing installations within a few days, depending on your home’s size.
Myth: Ducted air conditioning is too expensive
While ducted systems have a higher upfront cost, they can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Thanks to energy-efficient reverse cycle technology and zoning options, you can heat or cool only the spaces you’re using, leading to significant energy savings that offset the initial investment over time.
Myth: Ducted systems consume too much energy
Ducted systems are now designed to be energy-efficient, especially when paired with zoning. This allows you to cool or heat only the necessary areas and reduce overall energy consumption and costs, making them a smart investment for comprehensive home cooling or heating.
Interested in a ducted air conditioner system for your home?
Ducted air conditioning stands out as a versatile and efficient solution for whole-home heating or cooling, offering both comfort and aesthetic appeal for year-round comfort.
Its ability to maintain consistent temperatures and the energy-saving benefits of zoning make it a smart investment in your family’s comfort!
We hope this guide has provided you with useful information to help you make a more informed decision. If you’d like to speak to an air conditioning expert, contact the REPARE team today – we’d love to chat! Call (07) 3209 8006 or enquire online.
