Ducted Heating and Cooling Systems: How Good Are They?

According to a recent survey of 1,000 Australian homeowners, about 3 in every 5 (61%) struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

This struggle is a familiar issue across much of the country, and it is easy to see why. 

Firstly, Australia experiences one of the most unpredictable weather patterns in the world. 

A mild morning can quickly become a scorching afternoon, followed by a cool change in the evening.

In most instances, these weather swings often catch Australian homeowners off guard, leaving homes either too warm or too cold.

Secondly, most Australian homes were not built with insulation or energy efficiency in mind. 

They thus tend to lose heat in winter and absorb excess heat in summer, making it even harder to manage the desired indoor comfort.

Tired of these challenges, most Australian homeowners want to know: What are the best solutions available?

Is there a reliable, efficient solution that can maintain home comfort all the time, no matter the season or sudden weather changes?

The answer is yes.

Ducted heating and cooling systems can keep your home temperature comfortable, whether you need cooling or heating.

In this guide, we will introduce ducted heating and cooling systems, telling you what they are, how they work, the benefits they offer, and when you should consider getting one for your home. 

Let’s start. 

What Is Ducted Heating and Cooling?

Ducted heating and cooling is an air conditioning system that has the capability to cool or heat a house from a single, centralised unit.

The system conditions the air at the central unit and uses a network of ducts (insulated tubes or pipes) to move it to the desired rooms or zones in your home.

The air is released to these targeted areas via vents that are located within the walls, floors, or ceiling.  

Key Components of Ducted AC:

• Central Unit: This is where the heating or cooling of air occurs. This part is usually mounted on the roof cavity or outside your home. 

• Ductwork: This refers to a series of insulated tubes or pipes that carry the warm or cooled air throughout your home.

• Vents: These are the outlets or openings through which the conditioned air distributed through the ductwork enters the rooms.

• Thermostat: This is the interface that allows you to set the functioning of your ducted AC.

How Ducted AC Systems Work

As aforementioned, a ducted AC offers both the comfort of hot and cold air. 

When you need cooling, you just switch to cooling mode, and the AC will lower the temperature in your space.

If it’s cold and you need to stay warm, you simply switch to heating mode, and the AC delivers warm air throughout the home. 

But how does it do all this? Well, let’s find out how everything works. 

✔️ Cooling Mode:

Warm air within the room is drawn into the return vents by the AC.

This air is then passed over an evaporator coil filled with a cold refrigerant.

Due to the temperature difference between the warm air and cold refrigerant, the principles of thermodynamics set in, and the heat moves to the refrigerant. 

The now-heated refrigerant moves to the outdoor unit.

A heat exchanger releases the absorbed heat into the outside air.

This cools down the refrigerant, which is then circulated back to the indoor unit.

The cooled air is distributed to every room through ducts.

The process keeps recurring until the thermostat temperature settings are met.

✔️ Heating Mode (Reverse Cycle)

• In heating mode, the system does the exact opposite of cooling mode.
• It will draw warm air from the outside.
• This warm air then passes over the evaporator coil containing cold refrigerant.
• Temperature differences set in again, and the refrigerant takes the heat from the air. 
• The refrigerant gets warm and is pushed to the compressor, raising its temperature further.
• The hot refrigerant now moves to the condenser coil. Here, it releases its heat into the air. 
• The warmed air is distributed to the desired regions through ducts.
• The cooled refrigerant cycles back to start the process again.

Types of Ducted Heating and Cooling Systems

Reverse Cycle Ducted Systems

These are the types that have both heating and cooling components within a single electric device.

The double functionality makes them ideal options for homes in areas that have both winter and summer seasons.

The systems are widely used in Australia as they are more energy efficient using heat pump technology. 

They are also loved for their zoning technology, which limits energy wastage and allows better control.

Ducted Electric Heating

Ducted Electric works by using electric resistance heating elements that are installed in the ducts. 

As air passes through these heated elements, it warms up and is then distributed throughout the space. 

This system is often the best choice for smaller homes or areas where natural gas is unavailable. 

While it is relatively easy to install and operate, it tends to be more expensive to run compared to gas-based heating systems.

Gas Ducted Heating

Gas systems use natural gas or LPG for heat generation. A gas burner warms air within a heat exchanger, and a blower blows it along the ducts after it’s heated. 

Gas ducted units are quicker to heat up and are widely used in the southern, colder parts of Australia. 

With them, you can install an add-on refrigerated cooling module to deliver year-round climate control.

Evaporative Cooling Systems

Evaporative cooling systems work by using water to cool the air. 

Warm outside air is drawn into the unit and passed over water-soaked pads. 

As the air moves through, the water evaporates, which naturally cools the air.

That cool, fresh air is then blown into your space. 

Evaporative cooling systems work best in dry climates because they add moisture to the air during the cooling process.

The main drawback is that they draw air continuously from outside, so they need windows or doors to be mostly open for airflow. 

This can be a limitation in certain environments, so factor this in when considering them.

Why Over 60% of Australian Homes Have Ducted Systems

• Whole-home comfort: Ducted systems distribute warmth or cooling evenly in the entire space, ensuring a consistent indoor temperature.   

• Energy efficiency: The zoning options in modern AC mean you can heat or cool only the required rooms and avoid wasting energy in other rooms.

• Climate adaptability: Most regions of Australia experience both summer and winter. The ducted AC systems offer comfort in both seasons.

• Perfect for larger homes: Ducted system suits larger homes in Australia in that it eliminates the need for multiple split units. This saves on costs and adds the convenience of operating a single device.

• Discreet design: With vents tucked into ceilings or floors, ducted systems offer climate control without cluttering your walls.

When Ducted Heating and Cooling Is the Best Option

Ducted systems are optimal for specific applications. 

Here’s when they’re an especially intelligent option:

• You want each room to be comfortable: If you require cooling or heating throughout the entire house, ducted is ideal because it reaches every room with concealed vents.

• You are building or undertaking major renovations: If you are doing new construction or simply remodelling, you may want to consider ducted AC. Why? Because the installation is much simpler when walls or ceilings are already open.

• You prefer a clean, neat appearance: The ducted systems are concealed within the roof or beneath the floor, so there will be no wall units protruding or occupying space.

• You want control over each space: Zoning allows you to heat or cool only the area that is being used, saving energy and money.

• You experience hot summers and freezing winters: Ducted reverse cycle units suit both, ensuring that there is a comfortable climate throughout the year.

• You’re thinking long-term: While ducted systems are more expensive initially, they may be less pricey to operate for large homes than using several individual units.

When Ducted Systems May Not Be the Best Choice

Ducted heating and cooling are not suitable for all homes. Here’s when it may not be the best choice:

• You own a small house where a single-room solution would be enough.
• Underfloor or roof access is limited, so ductwork is hard or costly to install.
• Financial constraints make initial installation costs a barrier.
• You reside in an area with little requirement for cooling or heating for most of the year.
• Your home is already finished, and there are no plans for extensive renovations.
• You are renting or want a temporary, portable solution.

Cost of Ducted Heating and Cooling in Australia

Upfront Costs

• Small-sized home (1-2 bedrooms): $6,000 – $9,000.
• Medium home (3-4 bedrooms): $9,000 – $14,000.
• Large home (5+ bedrooms): $14,000 – $20,000+.

Running Costs

• Reverse cycle systems: Expect to incur around $500 – $1,000 per year.
• Evaporative systems: $150 – $300 per year, thanks to lower power consumption.

Installation Costs

• Typically costs $2,000 – $5,000. You may pay more depending on the complexity and customisation needed.

Maintenance and Servicing Costs

• Annual servicing: Set aside $150 – $300 for inspection, cleaning, and performance tuning.
• Filter replacements: $20 – $80, depending on the model and type.
• Evaporative unit replacement: Set aside ~$100 – $300.

Installation Considerations

• Ductwork design: This must be laid out in a manner that prevents long, meandering routes, which compromise efficiency.

• Central unit location: Must be accessible for maintenance but well-ventilated and discreet.

• Zoning design: Configure zones based on usage (for example, living spaces versus bedrooms) to optimise comfort and energy efficiency.

• Building permits and regulations: Meet local building codes and energy requirements.

• Installer credentials: Hire a licensed HVAC professional with ducted system installation experience at all times.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings Tips for Ducted AC

If you make proper use of your ducted AC, it is possible to reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. Below is what you can do:

• Select a higher star-rated system: Choose only the star-rated systems, as they use less power. The more stars, the more energy-saving the unit will be.

• Use zoning features: Only cool or heat the desired rooms instead of all the rooms.

• Set and program your thermostat effectively: Program your system to match your daily routine so that it will not be running when no one is at home.

• Take advantage of offered rebates: Look for government rebates such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) or the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) to minimise installation or upgrade costs.

Maintenance and System Care

Regular Maintenance Checklist

• Bring in a professional to check the unit at least once a year.
• The filters must be kept clean. If they are worn out, consider a replacement.
• There must be proper insulation, especially for the ductwork.
• The thermostat must be recalibrated properly. You can test the settings and see if this step is needed.
• Keep an eye on the refrigerant level and ensure it is as needed. You can check the required level in your user manual.

Efficiency Tips

• Maintain recommended temperature ranges: 18-20°C in winter, 25-27°C in summer.
• Seal windows and doors to prevent conditioned air loss.
• Schedule system runtimes based on household activity.
• Ensure outdoor units are shaded and clear of debris.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When your ducted system isn’t working at its best, a couple of quick checks may indicate the cause:

• Poor air circulation: This may be caused by things like a blocked vent, dirty filters, and ductwork leaks. Look for any obstruction and keep the filters clean. 

• Strange sounds: If you hear a rattling or humming sound, it is likely that something is loose or that the motor requires service. Bring in a professional to check this.

• Inconsistent temperatures: This could mean something is wrong with your thermostat or zoning settings. Check them out.

• Water around the unit: It indicates a clogged drainage issue. Call professionals for inspections.

Tips for Extending System Lifespan

• Stick to a regular servicing routine.
• Avoid setting extreme temperatures that strain the compressor.
• Clear foliage and objects around the outdoor unit.
• Use the system during off-peak times when electricity is cheaper.

Ducted Heating and Cooling vs Other AC Systems

Common Myths About Ducted Heating and Cooling

• “Too costly to install”: Although it is a substantial up-front cost, long-term operating savings and added building value may be worth the expense.

• “Inefficient for Aussie climate”: Reverse cycle systems are designed to function effectively even under severe weather patterns that prevail in Australia.

• “Leaks energy”: Sealed and insulated ducts reduce heat loss to a minimum and provide maximum system efficiency.

• “Zoning isn’t helpful”: Advanced zoning systems save up to 30% on operating costs by conditioning only the occupied spaces.

Ducted Heating and Cooling Systems: Common Questions & Answers

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