What is a ducted air conditioning system?

Ducted refrigerated air conditioners consist of one outdoor unit (the condenser) servicing a fan coil which is located inside the roof or under the floor. There is usually a return air grill, which filters the air and feeds the air back into the fan coil. The air is then heated, cooled and cleaned by the ducted refrigerated system, then supplied to each space via insulated flexible or solid ductwork to diffusers, where the air comes out.

Depending on the capacity and brand, a ducted air conditioning system can range from 3.5kW single phase systems right up to 3 Phase, 40kW. The air diffusers (where the air comes out) also come in many different options, from the round (Jet) type, to square MDO (Multi-directional Outlet) to ‘Linear Slot’ (Long skinny diffusers) and customised bar grilles.

Ducted air conditioning systems are connected by refrigeration piping, communication cabling and power supply, similar to single head split systems, however the lineset is a much larger diameter, to allow for larger flows of refrigerant.

All ducted air conditioning systems are reverse cycle, which means they heat as well as cool and all ducted air conditioners installed by EZYAIR have inverter technology and variable speed compressors which make them supremely energy efficient, quiet and reliable.

Ducted air conditioning systems are an excellent choice for heating and cooling multiple rooms at the same time - or a large space but do not want split systems in each room or multiple condensers on the property.

How do Ducted Air Conditioning Systems work?

Ducted air conditioning systems heat, cool and purify air through the vapour compression refrigeration cycle.

Ducted air conditioning systems are usually larger capacity compared to single head split systems as ducted air conditioning systems often will heat and cool larger spaces.

Ducted refrigerated air conditioning installed by EZYAIR operates on the vapour compression process. A thermodynamic process of a refrigerant changing state (from a liquid to a vapour - then from a vapour back to a liquid again) to enable it to absorb and reject heat.

How energy efficient are Ducted Air Conditioning Systems?

Ducted air conditioning systems are one of the most energy efficient forms of heating and cooling available.

As the thermodynamic process of absorbing and rejecting heat is naturally done by the refrigerant changing state, electricity simply runs the sensors, fans and compressor.

As a result, ducted refrigerated air conditioners are more energy efficient than burning gas for heat and can be run on renewable energy, such as solar and batteries.

Why choose a Ducted Air Conditioning System?

Ducted air conditioning system air conditioners are perfect to heat and cool large areas without bulky indoor units in each room

Reverse Cycle

• All ducted air conditioning systems can heat as well as cool and are often more efficient in heating than burning fossil fuels.

Energy Efficient

• Further efficiencies can be gained by the use of ITC (Independent Temperature control), which means that ducted air conditioners can be split into temperature controlled zones so the ducted system will only output the energy required to heat and cool each individual room.

Precise Temperature Control

• All ducted reverse cycle systems have inverters and variable speed compressors which allows the air conditioner to provide higher efficiency and less temperature fluctuation, allowing for better human comfort.

Super Quiet

• Ducted systems have brushless DC motors and fans, which reduces vibration, extends lifespan and makes them very quiet to operate.

Air Purification

• EZYAIR can supply and install REME HALO whole home air purification systems into their ducted systems. The REME HALO reduces bacteria, viruses, odours and mould spores in the air and on surfaces. For more information on EZYAIR’s air purification services, please click here.

How much does it cost to supply and install a Ducted Air Conditioning System?

The typical cost for the supply and installation of a ducted refrigerated air conditioning system should range between $8000 and $30,000.

The exact cost to supply and install a ducted air conditioning system in Melbourne depends on a few factors:

The capacity of the air conditioner

• Ducted air conditioners are specified by the capacity of the compressor. For example if the total thermal load for all separate rooms added together may be 16kW, you may select an 12kW system if you think it is unlikely you will be heating and cooling every room at the same time, saving you money on your original purchase. If you think you will want to heat and cool all rooms at the same time, then purchasing a 16kW compressor would be more expensive than the 12kW, but the capacity would then be correct for the air conditioner's use.

The indoor unit mounting location

• If the indoor unit is mounted inside a large roof cavity with lots of space, then installing the ducted fan coil and associated ducting would be less complex to install. If the indoor unit is to be installed in a small environment it will contribute not only to a longer installation, but to more complex solutions to overcome the lack of space

The total refrigerant piping distance.

• The further the indoor and outdoor units are away from each other, the more refrigeration lineset, cabling, labour and refrigerant is required for the system to run at the optimal temperature. The closer they are, the less materials and time is required to install.

The condenser mounting type

• If a condenser can be installed in an easily accessible location, then the cost would be lower if compared to a condenser which needs to be mounted high on a roof with a complicated mounting system.

The Switchboard Location

• If your switchboard is close to the location of the condenser, then a power supply can be run quickly and easily. If the switchboard is on the other side of the property, more time and materials is required to a dedicated electrical circuit which is required for all ducted refrigerated air conditioners.

The make and model of the ducted system

• As EZYAIR supply and install a wide range of split systems. As EZYAIR supply and install a wide range of ducted air conditioning systems, there are many different brands on models which all have differing features which affect the price. Contact the friendly team who will be able to help you select the right product for your needs.