Ducted air conditioners are ideal for controlling your entire home’s environment. These systems preserve wall design, ensuring comfort and optimal temperature through floor or ceiling ducts.
If ducted systems are the gold standard for whole-home temperature control, why doesn’t everyone buy one? There are several factors, which is why you need clear answers to the key question: where can you install ducted air conditioners?
We have prepared a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. In this blog post, we will give you a room-by-room guide to help you decide whether a ducted air conditioner is the right choice for your place. We will also break down installation suitability for different property types.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a Ducted Air Conditioner?
A ducted air conditioning system is a whole-home temperature control solution that operates from a single unit. Unlike wall-mounted air conditioners that target one room at a time, a ducted system heats or cools the entire house using a network of ducts from a central location. Another benefit is that you don’t have to compromise on the interior design of your space.
A ducted air conditioning system consists of three main components: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and ductwork. The indoor unit is the air handler. It is usually placed under the floor, in your roof, or even in a cupboard. The outdoor unit features the compressor and condenser for extracting or releasing heat. The last is a network of concealed ducts that run from the indoor unit to each room in your space. These ducts are conditioned air outlets. There is also a separate return air grille that draws the air back for conditioning.
Benefits of a Ducted Air Conditioning System
If you are wondering why you should choose a ducted system, then keep reading for the answer.
- The first and foremost is that you get to keep the aesthetic appeal of your interior. Unlike wall-mounted or portable air conditioning systems, you don’t have to deal with unsightly white boxes against your designed and coloured walls.
- It is a centralised solution that offers consistent temperatures. You won’t have to deal with cold or hot spots in your room anymore, as it delivers even air distribution.
- Modern ducted systems feature zoning capabilities and inverter technology for energy efficiency, which eventually leads to reduced energy bills.
- Zoning capabilities actually allow you to set temperatures for each zone as per your liking. You can choose to cool or heat occupied rooms for efficient energy consumption.
Where Can You Install Ducted Air Conditioners?
Single-Storey Homes
If you live in a single-storey property, consider installing a ducted system, as you are an ideal candidate. Single-storey homes typically offer ample roof space, which is essential for installing a ducted air conditioner. This makes it easier for technicians to run ductwork in various directions, ensuring even air distribution and consistent temperature control throughout your home. Be sure to consult your technician about the most efficient ductwork layout and optimal system placement for maximum performance and efficiency.
Double-Storey Homes
Double-storey homes can be a challenging task for ducted systems, but if the installation is done properly, it can be a comfortable experience for everyone. The key is to create zones for each floor so that cooling or heating is evenly distributed. Setting independent zones leads to optimal temperatures. However, installation of ducted systems in two-storey homes is complex and requires precision and expertise for even airflow.
Townhouses
Townhouses have complex roof structures due to shared walls. If there is sufficient ceiling space and roof cavity, a ducted air conditioning system will be a good choice. If not, then you can opt for a multi-head split system, as it is the preferred choice of many townhouse owners.
Apartment or Condos
Old condos and apartments often lack ceiling depth, making ductwork impossible. Moreover, apartments have insufficient ceiling cavity and indoor space to house a ducted system. The installation of these systems is only possible when the ceiling is high enough, and there is a dedicated space to keep a ducted system. However, please note that the installation will be trickier and more challenging. If you live in an apartment or a condo with sufficient space, get in touch with Surrey Air technicians for a seamless installation service.
Final Thoughts
Ducted systems are an excellent choice for central air conditioning. Single-storey homes are ideal for the installation of these systems due to ample space. Ducted systems can also fit in double-storey properties if technicians have properly zoned both floors. However, townhouses are complex due to shared walls, but simple roof structures can still make room for a ducted system.
One thing to note is that the key to successful installation is professionalism, expertise, and skills. If technicians are capable of assessing, evaluating, and measuring to design a tailored solution, everything is good to go.
