In many modern cooling applications, ducted air conditioning systems are at the forefront of creating a comfortable indoor environment. This guide will explain what is ducted ac unit, how it works and why it may be the right choice for your space. Whether you’re doing a home renovation or upgrading your office cooling, knowing ducted systems can help you make decisions.
A ducted air conditioning system can cool or heat whole buildings. Unlike portable or even wall-mounted units that tend to target specific rooms, ducted systems are centralised with even temperature distribution. The basic components are an outdoor compressor, indoor air handler and concealed ductwork. With this setup, you get even airflow across multiple rooms or zones without losing the look.
Ducted air conditioning is common in large homes and offices and commercial buildings generally where an even temperature is required. Its versatility and the sophistication of zoning make it one of the most efficient and adaptive HVAC solutions.
A ductless air conditioning system or mini-split system requires no ductwork. Instead of using concealed ducts to distribute air throughout a building, ductless systems use an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air-handling units with refrigerant lines attached together. Each indoor unit can work independently to provide tailored comfort in rooms or zones. Ductless air conditioning systems work best in homes without ductwork, room additions or in locations where extending a central ducted AC unit is not possible.
The choice between ducted and ductless air conditioning depends upon your home’s layout, your infrastructure, your budget and personal preference. Here is some help in deciding which system may be right for you.
Factors | Ducted Air Conditioning | Ductless Air Conditioning |
Existing Ductwork | Uses existing ductwork, making it an economical choice if ducts are already installed. | Ideal for homes without existing ductwork; requires only a small conduit for refrigerant lines. |
Space Constraints | May not be suitable for homes with limited space or challenging architectural designs for duct installation. | A practical option for households with limited space or unusual architectural styles. |
Whole-Home Cooling | Provides consistent temperature control throughout several rooms. | Not appropriate for uniform cooling, but does focus on specific areas. |
Targeted Zoning | Does not provide individualised temperature settings across rooms. | Offers separate controls for each indoor unit, allowing personalised temperature settings and energy savings. |
Discreet Appearance | Components are hidden behind walls and ceilings with only small vents visible, ensuring a more polished interior. | Components are visible and may be less visually appealing in some interiors. |
Installation Simplicity | Installation may require extensive work, especially in homes without existing ductwork. | Faster and less invasive installation, particularly in homes without ducts. |
Initial Investment | Installing new ductwork is expensive and disruptive in existing homes. | Requires a lower initial investment compared to adding new ductwork. |
Maintenance | Requires regular ductwork cleaning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly. | Easier and less expensive to maintain as there are no ducts to clean. |
Knowing what is ducted air conditioning can help you value it for the effective, unobtrusive and flexible climate control it gives your premises. Ducted systems can update your home or outfit a commercial space. Hamilton Air Conditioning is your specialist for ducted air conditioning design & installations. Find out how we can turn your space into a haven for comfort and efficiency today – by getting in touch with one of our experts.