What Is Ducted Air Conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning is a whole-home cooling and heating system where a single central unit distributes conditioned air through a network of ducts hidden in the ceiling or under the floor. Unlike split systems which cool one room at a time, ducted systems can condition every room in the house simultaneously from a single controller.
How Ducted Air Conditioning Works
A ducted system has three main components:
- Outdoor unit — The condenser unit sits outside the home (usually on a slab or roof). It contains the compressor and releases heat outside
- Indoor unit — The air handling unit sits in the ceiling cavity or under the floor. It conditions the air
- Duct network and outlets — Flexible or rigid ducting runs through ceiling cavities to supply air through grilles in each room
A thermostat or controller (which can be wall-mounted, app-controlled or both) lets you set temperatures and in zoned systems, choose which rooms are active.
Zoning: The Key Feature
Most modern ducted systems support zoning — the ability to independently control airflow to different areas of the home. For example, you can cool the living areas during the day and switch to the bedrooms at night, without conditioning rooms that aren't in use. This significantly reduces running costs compared to running the system at full capacity throughout the home.
Ducted vs Split System: Comparison
| Feature | Ducted | Split System |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Whole home | Single room or area |
| Installation cost | High ($8,000–$20,000+) | Low–medium ($1,500–$5,000 installed) |
| Aesthetics | Ceiling grilles only; very discreet | Wall unit visible in room |
| Running cost | Can be efficient with zoning | Efficient per room |
| Best for | Larger homes, new builds | Apartments, single rooms, budget upgrades |
| Flexibility | Fixed once installed | Can add more units over time |
Is Ducted Right for Your Home?
Ducted air conditioning is typically best for:
- New builds where ductwork can be planned during construction
- Larger homes (3+ bedrooms) where multiple split systems would become expensive
- Homes where aesthetics are important and wall-mounted units are undesirable
- Homeowners who want whole-home comfort from a single system
It may not be the right choice for:
- Apartments or small homes where a couple of split systems will be more cost-effective
- Rental properties where installation cost is hard to justify
- Existing homes where ceiling cavity access for ductwork is limited
Major Brands for Ducted Systems
Leading ducted air conditioning brands available through Australian suppliers include Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Actron Air, Braemar and Carrier. Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are considered premium options with excellent reliability and efficiency ratings.
Oceania Appliances: Split Systems for Sydney Homes
We specialise in split system air conditioners — ideal for most Sydney homes. We stock Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric and Samsung reverse-cycle units as ex-display and graded stock at significant discounts. Free delivery across Sydney. Contact us or visit our Wetherill Park showroom.