• Home
  • What is Ducted Vs Ductless Air Conditioning?

What is Ducted Vs Ductless Air Conditioning?

What is Ducted Vs Ductless Air Conditioning?

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.

Understanding Ducted Air Conditioning

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.

Benefits of Ducted Air Conditioning

  1. Whole-Building Comfort: With a ducted system, however, each room can be at a different temperature, unlike with a ductless AC which is effectively one unit per space.
  1. Aesthetic Appeal: The concealed ducting allows simple minimalist interiors without bulky units on walls or windows.
  1. Energy Efficiency: Modern ducted systems may have zoning so you cool or heat only those spaces that are being used – saving energy costs.
  1. Quiet Operation: Ducted systems are quieter than many other cooling options, providing a peaceful indoor environment.
  1. Customisable Zones: You can make temperature zones for different tastes and use them in family homes or offices.

Downsides of Ducted Air Conditioning

  • Higher Installation Costs: A ducted air conditioning system usually requires high upfront costs because ductwork must be laid out across the building. This is often labor-(and time-) intensive and adds to the cost.
  • Energy Losses Through Ductwork: Leaks or poor insulation in the ducts can cause ducted systems to be energy inefficient. These issues can cause the conditioned air to escape before reaching the intended spaces, degrading system efficiency.
  • Space Constraints: The need for extensive ductwork means ducted systems are not always appropriate for buildings with limited ceiling or wall space. In such situations, the ducting may not be available for installation making ducted systems less practical.

Understanding Ductless Air Conditioning

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.

Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning

  1. Targeted Comfort: Unlike ducted air conditioning which has centralised temperature control, ductless systems can be customised room by room.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Whereas a ducted aircon loses up to 30% of energy through leaks in ducts, ductless systems bring air directly into the room and are therefore more economical.
  3. Easy Installation: Ductless air conditioning installation is quicker and less expensive than ducting a ducted AC unit.
  4. Compact and Versatile Design: Ductless systems are small and sleek – they match interiors.
  5. Zone Control: Like zoning in a ducted air conditioning system, ductless systems have individual control for each indoor unit.

Downsides of Ductless

  • Higher Initial Investment: Ductless mini-split systems typically cost more upfront per unit than traditional HVAC systems. They might save you energy over time but the initial cost to some homeowners might be prohibitive.
  • Aesthetic Considerations: In a ductless system, the indoor units are mounted on a wall or ceiling and are often more glaring than the discreet vents of ducted systems. That visibility might not jive with everyone’s interior design aesthetic.
  • Regular Maintenance Requirements: Ductless systems need to be maintained, cleaned or replaced filters and refrigerant levels checked regularly. Neglecting these tasks may decrease efficiency or cause system malfunction, therefore regular upkeep is necessary.

How to Decide: Ducted or Ductless Air Conditioning?

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.

Conclusion: Why Choose Ducted Air Conditioning?

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.  

Matthew Connery
By: Matthew Connery

Matthew Connery is the Director of Hamilton Air Conditioning in London. He is a skilled Business Strategist who delivers energy-efficient and cost-saving solutions to commercial and domestic clients from leading air conditioning brands. 

Dec 16 2024