If you’re building a premium family home or planning a complete renovation, you’re almost certain to come across the option of a ducted air-conditioning system. And with good reason: this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing air-conditioning solutions, as the indoor unit remains completely concealed, with only discreet air vents visible in the rooms.
However, ducted air conditioning is not ideal for every property or every usage requirement. The system is more complex to install, the capital cost is higher, and certain compromises must be made – particularly if you wish to control the temperature in several rooms at different levels.
In this article, we explain how a ducted air-conditioning system works, what its advantages and disadvantages are, and we’ll help you decide whether this really is the best choice for a detached house.
What is ducted air conditioning?
A ducted air-conditioning system is an inverter-type air-conditioning system in which the indoor unit is not mounted on the wall but is concealed above the suspended ceiling, in the loft or in another plant room.
From here, insulated air ducts distribute the cooled or heated air to the individual rooms. All that can be seen in the rooms are elegant supply and extract air grilles, so the air-conditioning unit becomes virtually invisible. That is why many people refer to it as a concealed air-conditioning system or a built-in air-conditioning system.
However, it is important to take its space requirements into account right from the design stage. Generally, At least 25 cm of space is required above the suspended ceiling, or a loft of a suitable size, where both the indoor unit and the air ducts can be safely installed.
When is it worth choosing a ducted air-conditioning system?
In a newly built family home
The greatest advantage of ducted systems is that can be easily incorporated into the building services of a new building. In this case, it can be incorporated as early as the drafting of the architectural and mechanical engineering plans:
- the suspended ceiling
- the route of the air ducts
- the location of the air inlets
- access required for servicing
This means that the system remains almost completely invisible, whilst the rooms are kept at a consistent temperature.
If a minimalist interior design is important
Many people simply they don’t want to see wall-mounted indoor units in the living room or the bedroom: in such cases, a ducted air-conditioning system is almost unbeatable.
Benefits:
- there is no visible indoor unit
- ensures a consistent interior design scheme
- gives the property a premium feel
For the simultaneous cooling of multiple rooms
With appropriate sizing A single indoor unit can serve several rooms. The system is underpinned by a carefully designed ventilation system, which takes into account:
- the heat load of each room
- the air flow
- the airspeed
It is therefore particularly important that the design of the system to be carried out by an experienced building services engineer. Of course, correct sizing is also essential for determining the required power – we have written about this in detail in the What is BTU - what does it mean for air conditioners and how to calculate it? in our article entitled ….
When is this not the best choice?
When retrofitting air conditioning to an existing house
It can be done retrospectively, but involves a major overhaul. Typically, there is not enough space in the false ceiling, as it was not designed for this purpose, and there may be no usable loft space.
Because of the air ducts, in any case it needs to be dismantled, and it may also be necessary to install a new suspended ceiling, which will significantly construction costs are rising. In such cases, it is often more cost-effective to install several conventional split-system air-conditioners.
If we want a different temperature in every room
This is one of the main limitations of ducted air conditioning. In the standard configuration, the same treated air is distributed to all the rooms served by the system. If the ideal temperature were 22 °C in the bedroom, 24 °C in the children’s room and 26 °C in the study, then a complex zone control system would be required.
This usually includes:
- motorised air dampers
- sensors for each room
- intelligent control
- automated control
This significantly increases the investment cost.
If we are considering it as a primary heating system
Ducted air conditioning is an excellent cooling solution, and although also suitable for heating, however, if it controls several rooms at once, precise room-by-room control becomes much more complex. In order to be able to set a different temperature in each room, Advanced and costly control technology is required.
For this very reason, in many cases it may be more practical to consider other systems in detached houses if the main objective is to provide adequate heating.
The advantages and disadvantages of ducted air conditioning
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic, concealed design | Higher investment costs |
| There is no wall-mounted indoor unit | Complex ventilation system installation |
| A single system can serve several rooms | It is difficult to retrofit |
| Quiet operation in the rooms | Limited controllability without separate zone control |
| Premium look | Heating control is more complex |
How much space is needed for installation?
A ducted air-conditioning system is a complete ventilation system, and this requires a suitable location:
- approximately 25 cm of space above the suspended ceiling
- or a loft of a suitable size
- sufficient space for insulated air ducts
- Design of supply and extract air grilles
- access panels for maintenance
The system works really well when it is taken into account right from the building’s design stage.
How much does a ducted air-conditioning system cost?
There is no standard price for this, as every house is designed differently. The total cost of the project is determined by several factors:
- the chosen device
- the length of the air ducts
- the number of air inlets
- insulation of the ducts
- noise-reducing components
- control engineering
- fitting a suspended ceiling
- construction works
- commissioning
In the case of a ducted air-conditioning system, it is not the air-conditioning unit itself that constitutes the highest costbut rather the associated ventilation works.
Ducted air conditioning or a traditional split-system air conditioner?
| Criterion | Ducted air conditioning | Split air conditioning |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Outstanding | Visible indoor unit |
| Installation | Compound | Simpler |
| New build | An excellent choice | Also suitable |
| Renovation | Recommended only in certain cases | It’s usually simpler |
| Room-by-room control | Zone control only | Of course, it’s sorted |
| Capital expenditure | Higher | Lower |
| Cooling | Excellent | Excellent |
| Heating | It is feasible, but would require more complex regulations | It is easier to design |
If you’re curious about the benefits offered by modern premium appliances, it’s worth reading the Daikin ducted air conditioning - what are the benefits? our article entitled ….
And if you’re still considering a traditional split-system air conditioner, the following may be of help: Air conditioning in the home - where to put the indoor unit? our guide entitled ….
Frequently asked questions
Do all rooms need an air vent?
Yes. In every room that is air-conditioned by the system, appropriately sized air supply and, as a rule, exhaust vents must also be provided.
Can it be installed at a later date?
Yes, but only if there is enough space for the air ducts. In many existing houses, this involves major alterations.
How large a suspended ceiling is required?
In most cases, at least 25 cm, but the exact size depends on the appliance chosen and the layout of the air ducts.
Is it noisier than a split-system air conditioner?
Not necessarily. With the right design and noise reduction measures, the units can operate very quietly in the rooms.
Is it suitable for heating as well?
Yes, but if it serves several rooms, advanced automation is required to ensure comfortable and precise room-by-room control.
Is a single indoor unit enough for a whole house?
This depends on the size, floor plan and heat load of the house. A suitably sized system can serve several rooms, but for larger or more complex buildings, it may be necessary to install multiple systems.
Summary
Ducted air conditioning is an excellent solution for those who wish to achieve a high level of comfort and a sleek, uncluttered look in a newly built or fully refurbished detached house. The concealed design, quiet operation and seamless interior are undoubtedly the system’s greatest advantages.
At the same time, it is worth bearing in mind that a ducted air-conditioning system requires a greater initial investment, and – particularly when serving several rooms – its control system may be more complex than that of a conventional split system. It is therefore always advisable to have the system designed by a specialist to ensure that the solution implemented is truly best suited to the building’s characteristics and the needs of its occupants.