We feel that ducted air conditioning is the ultimate climate control solution for your whole home as there is an even dispersion of airflow throughout the house, in every single room so everyone is comfortable without having one area being colder than the other. Aesthetically, it is also appealing as ducted systems are relatively unobtrusive with the conditioned air being disbursed through ducts hidden in the roof space to outlets in the ceiling of each room. It looks flush and discreet including the noise.
Some of the benefits of using ducted air conditioning are:
- Every room individually air conditioned based on preferences.
- It has a central temperature and zone control with set and forget timers.
- Different brands will provide you a different amount of zones you can control with just a single system. In the long run, it provides flexibility and saves cost.
- There is an even amount of air distribution; no hot or cold spots in your home.
- Aesthetically, only grilles mounted in the ceiling or floor are visible, ducted systems do not intrude into the overall look of your rooms.
- Ducted air conditioning is the most noise efficient system. This is because the equipment is placed in the ceiling, under the floor or outside the house.
- When it comes to value, it is by far cheaper to install ducted air conditioning than a wall split in each and every room.
- In the long run, if you are thinking of selling your house, installing a ducted air conditioning system can add to the overall sale value.
At the end of the day, one of the more important features of ducted air conditioning is that consumers save cost simply by the fact that you can turn off the system in rooms which are not being used.
Speaking of savings, like anything, prolonged usage of the ducted air conditioning will require maintenance on your part. By following some easy rules, you can fully maximise your air conditioning unit, learn how to maintain it and reduce running costs: Here are some tips and tricks:
- Aside from a more efficient air delivery system, ducted air conditioning can also be programmed to use less energy in certain parts of your home. This concept also allows you to program your system to run less during the day and more when the family is home.
- A ducted system can be split up into several zones, and each zone can have its own temperature setting. Instead of having to cool the entire house when the family is home, you can choose to cool the main rooms in the home more than rooms you do not use.
- Shade your windows during hot summer days (to keep the heat out) and during cold nights (to keep the heat in). In the summer, use shades or curtains to cover windows in the house to reduce heat absorption by up to 80%. In winter, use heavy linen curtains to trap heat.
- When you are expecting a hot day, it is a good idea to turn on your air conditioner early instead of waiting until your home is already hot. Similarly, start heating your home early when expecting a cold day. In the long run, this will ensure the efficiency of your unit.
- Place the outdoor component of split systems in a shady area as direct sunshine and restriction of air access will reduce the air conditioner’s performance. Adequate clearance from obstructions is essential to ensure that exhaust air is not re-circulated back through the outdoor coil.
- Balancing between comfort and efficiency of your system is key. Generally the best temperature to set your air conditioning to is around 24 – 25°C in summer and 17 – 19°C in winter. You can save considerably on the amount of energy consumed for each 1°C of cooling or heating that you do without.
- Check filters once a fortnight and replace the batteries in your remote control once a year. At the same time check the outdoor unit is clear of leaves, shrubs or dirt build up to maintain the overall performance of the air conditioner. It is recommended that you replace the filter in a ducted system every year and in a split system every two years.
- Proper insulation in the ceiling or building will also help in keeping the cool in and heat out. Remember, the easier you make it for your ducted air conditioner to run, the less it costs.
- Seal any openings such as doors because any air coming in makes it harder for your ducted air conditioner to work effectively and efficiently.
Other things to consider:
- Make sure the system you select will do the areas you require as a ducted air conditioning system is very expensive to replace if it’s too small.
- Ensure your ducted reverse cycle air conditioning system meets MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard).
- Check the person designing the ductwork and size of unit is correctly licensed.
- Make sure that a licensed electrician carries out the electrical components such as the circuit from the switchboard to the condenser.
- A licensed tradesmen must do the refrigeration and electrical components to ensure your warranty is valid.