Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
The ultimate whole-home climate control solution. Discreet, powerful, and perfect for cooling or heating your entire home from one central system. Ideal for families who want consistent comfort in every room without visible wall units.
Why Choose Ducted Systems?
Ducted air conditioning is the premium choice for whole-home comfort. With discreet ceiling vents and powerful zoned control, you can maintain the perfect temperature in every room. Unlike split systems that cool individual spaces, ducted systems deliver consistent climate control throughout your entire home from a single, centrally located unit.
Modern ducted systems use inverter technology and smart zoning to deliver efficient performance. You only cool or heat the rooms you're using, which means lower running costs compared to running multiple split systems. The main unit sits quietly in your roof space or outside, so you enjoy comfort without the noise.
Whole Home Comfort
Cool or heat every room from one system. Perfect for open-plan living areas and multi-storey homes where consistent temperature matters.
Zoned Control
Control temperature in different areas independently. Turn off zones you're not using to save energy and reduce running costs.
Discreet Design
Only vents visible - no wall-mounted units. Maintains your home's aesthetic with minimal visual impact on walls and living spaces.
Adds Property Value
Increases your home's market appeal. Buyers actively seek homes with ducted air conditioning already installed.
Quiet Operation
Main unit in roof space or outside. Indoor noise is minimal - just the gentle sound of air flowing through vents.
Energy Efficient
Modern inverter systems with zone control. Only condition the spaces you're using, reducing energy waste and electricity bills.
How Ducted Systems Work
Understanding how ducted air conditioning works helps you appreciate why it's such an effective whole-home solution. The system has three main components working together to deliver consistent comfort.
Central Unit
The main air conditioning unit is installed in your roof space or outside. This powerful unit does all the cooling and heating work, processing air and distributing it throughout your home.
The unit size is carefully calculated based on your home's size, insulation, and climate to ensure optimal performance without oversizing.
Ductwork
Insulated ducts run through your roof space, distributing conditioned air to every room in your home. Proper insulation prevents energy loss and condensation.
Return air ducts pull air back to the central unit for reconditioning, creating a continuous circulation loop throughout your home.
Vents & Zones
Ceiling vents deliver air to each room. Zones allow you to control which areas are cooled or heated, giving you flexibility and energy savings.
Motorised dampers in the ductwork open and close to direct airflow only to the zones you want conditioned, controlled from your wall panel or smartphone.
Zoning Options
Control different areas of your home independently for maximum comfort and efficiency. Zoning lets you cool bedrooms at night while leaving living areas off, or heat only the spaces you're using during the day. This flexibility translates directly into lower energy bills.
Perfect for smaller homes or apartments
Living area + bedrooms
Ideal for homes up to 150m². Simple control with significant energy savings compared to whole-home operation.
Ideal for medium to large homes
Individual room control
Suits most family homes. Control bedrooms separately from living areas, or upstairs vs downstairs zones.
Ultimate control for large homes
Every room independently controlled
Maximum flexibility for large properties. Perfect for multi-storey homes or properties with separate living wings.
Is Ducted Right for You?
Ducted systems are ideal if you want whole-home comfort with a discreet appearance. They're perfect for new builds or major renovations where ductwork can be installed during construction. If you have adequate roof space and want to condition multiple rooms, ducted is often the most elegant solution.
Consider your home's layout, your budget, and how many rooms you need to condition. Ducted systems have higher upfront costs but deliver superior aesthetics and can be more cost-effective than multiple split systems if you're conditioning four or more rooms regularly.
✓ Great For:
- • New home builds where ductwork is installed during construction
- • Major renovations with ceiling access available
- • Homes with roof space access and adequate ceiling height
- • Families wanting whole-home comfort and consistent temperatures
- • Properties with multiple rooms requiring climate control
- • Homeowners prioritising aesthetics and property value
⚠ Consider Alternatives If:
- • Limited roof space or low ceiling clearance
- • Only need to cool 1-2 rooms occasionally
- • Tight budget (split systems have lower upfront costs)
- • Rental property where you can't modify structure
- • Existing home with difficult ductwork access
Benefits of Ducted AC
- Consistent temperature throughout home - no hot or cold spots
- No visible wall units - maintains clean interior aesthetics
- Increases property value - highly sought after by buyers
- Quiet operation - main unit away from living spaces
- Energy efficient with zoning - only condition rooms you use
- Year-round heating and cooling from one system
- Better air filtration - centralised filtering improves air quality
- Smart home integration - control via smartphone or voice
What to Expect
- Installation takes 2-3 days for typical homes
- Requires roof space access and adequate ceiling height
- Higher upfront cost than split systems but better long-term value
- Lower running costs with zoning compared to multiple splits
- Professional design and sizing ensures optimal performance
- Minimal ongoing maintenance - annual filter cleaning recommended
- Ductwork inspection every few years to check for leaks
- System lifespan of 15-20 years with proper maintenance
Common Questions About Ducted Systems
How much does ducted air conditioning cost to run?
Running costs depend on your system size, how many zones you use, and your electricity rates. With smart zoning, you only condition the rooms you're using, which significantly reduces energy consumption. Modern inverter ducted systems are far more efficient than older models. Most families find that zoning 2-3 rooms costs similar to running 2-3 split systems, but with better comfort and aesthetics.
Can ducted air conditioning be installed in an existing home?
Yes, but it depends on your roof space and ceiling access. Homes with accessible roof cavities and adequate ceiling height are good candidates. Installation in existing homes is more complex than new builds because ductwork must be routed around existing structures. A site assessment will determine if your home is suitable and identify any challenges. Some homes may need ceiling modifications or alternative duct routing.
How often does ducted air conditioning need servicing?
Annual servicing is recommended to maintain efficiency and prevent breakdowns. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork for leaks, and ensuring all zones operate correctly. Regular maintenance extends system life and keeps running costs low. Between services, you should clean return air filters every few months, especially if you have pets or live in a dusty area.
What size ducted system do I need?
System size depends on your home's floor area, ceiling height, insulation, window size and orientation, and local climate. Undersized systems struggle to maintain temperature, while oversized systems cycle on and off inefficiently. Professional sizing calculations account for all these factors. As a rough guide, homes typically need 120-150 watts of cooling per square metre, but proper assessment is essential for optimal performance.
Is ducted air conditioning noisy?
Ducted systems are generally very quiet inside your home. The main unit sits in the roof space or outside, so you only hear the gentle sound of air flowing through vents. Modern systems operate at around 30-40 decibels indoors, similar to a quiet library. The outdoor unit makes more noise but is positioned away from living areas. Proper installation with vibration dampening and quality ductwork ensures minimal noise transmission.
Can I control ducted air conditioning from my phone?
Most modern ducted systems offer smartphone control through manufacturer apps or third‑party smart home integration. You can adjust temperature, switch zones on or off, set schedules, and monitor energy usage from anywhere. Some systems integrate with Google Home or Amazon Alexa for voice control. Smart control adds convenience and helps reduce energy costs by ensuring you're not conditioning empty rooms.
What's the difference between ducted and split systems?
Ducted systems condition your whole home from one central unit with ceiling vents, while split systems have individual wall‑mounted units in each room. Ducted offers better aesthetics, consistent whole‑home comfort, and higher property value, but costs more upfront. Split systems are cheaper initially and easier to install in existing homes, but you'll see multiple wall units. For 4+ rooms, ducted often makes more sense. For 1‑3 rooms, splits may be more cost‑effective.
How long does a ducted system last?
With proper maintenance, ducted air conditioning systems typically last 15‑20 years. The ductwork itself can last even longer. Regular servicing, prompt repairs, and keeping filters clean all contribute to longevity. Coastal environments may require more frequent maintenance due to salt air exposure. Quality installation is crucial — poorly installed systems experience more problems and shorter lifespans. Investing in a reputable brand and professional installation pays off over time.
Free Home Assessment
Not sure if ducted is right for your home? We offer free home assessments to evaluate your property, discuss your needs, and recommend the best solution. We'll check your roof space, measure your home, discuss zoning options, and provide honest advice about whether ducted makes sense for your situation. No obligation, just expert advice from experienced technicians who understand local conditions.
Call 0402 135 423Coffs Harbour NSW 2450