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Ducted air conditioning: what it is, how it works, advantages and disadvantages
Sometimes comfort and efficiency go unnoticed, and this is the case with ducted air conditioning—an unobtrusive, attractive system with great capacity for distributing cool air during the hottest months of the year. It is ideal for cooling large spaces and for the comprehensive and uniform control of the indoor climate at home or in the office. We will explain how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, and help you choose the best option to suit to your needs.
What is ducted air conditioning?
It is a centralised system commonly found in detached homes, offices, and commercial premises, responsible for distributing cold or hot air (if equipped with a heat pump) through a network of internal ducts hidden in “false ceilings” that span the space. It features several vent outlets with grilles through which the air is expelled, strategically located in different areas of the premises, allowing them to be climate-controlled simultaneously.
Modern and minimalist-style constructions, including houses and apartments, commercial spaces, and buildings, often incorporate ducted air conditioning due to its discrete appearance and its capacity to regulate the conditions evenly in large areas.
How does ducted air conditioning work?
A ducted air-conditioning system features an internal unit or module, usually located over the "false ceiling" in bathrooms or hallways of the property. The unit is not placed in bedrooms because it requires regular maintenance by a technical team, so it is not practical to install it in private areas.
When the air conditioning is turned on, this module captures the indoor air, cools or heats it according to the needs, and distributes it through various ducts to each of the vent outlets with grilles installed in ceilings or walls. To regulate temperature and airflow, it is equipped with a central or zoned thermostat, and some systems offer the option to control airflow by zone through automated dampers that help regulate airflow. This allows each room to be climate-controlled differently, according to its size or the individual’s preference.
Adapting this type of air conditioning requires prior construction work and a design tailored to the size and features of the building, which can increase the budget. However, the system’s efficiency and aesthetic appeal usually outweigh this additional cost.
What are the advantages of ducted air conditioning?
It provides uniform climate control
Thanks to the network of ducts it uses, it ensures that the temperature is even, homogeneous, and constant across all zones and rooms of the space. This prevents temperature differences between rooms, which often occur with split units or individual appliances. It is the most suitable system for climate-controlling large houses or apartments, as well as offices and premises divided into multiple areas.
Unobtrusive and attractive
The installation is hidden; there are no visible outdoor units or modules on the walls, only ventilation grilles. Everything is concealed within the "false ceiling," which adds to the visual harmony and aesthetics of the space by not interfering with the décor.
Energy savings
You can optimise your energy consumption by making the most of the ducted air conditioning system, applying good insulation to the home or office spaces, and "zoning" the climate control by opening only the grilles in rooms where cooling or heating is needed, and at specific times. Some models offer zoned thermostats to regulate temperature independently in each area.
What are the drawbacks?
Complex installation
Adapting ducted air conditioning to a building requires careful design and prior assessment to determine where to place the ducts and the false ceiling that will enclose them. For this reason, it is often installed in properties undergoing renovation or in new constructions. This can sometimes be a limitation, as some homes or commercial premises are not compatible with this type of climate control system, and others require costly building work.
High initial investment
The initial investment is always higher than that of a split unit or individual air conditioning, but it can be more economical and efficient in the long run. As previously mentioned, installing it involves a prior study of the project; the property may need renovations to adapt to the structure, and maintenance and repairs tend to be more expensive than those for a conventional system.
Less flexible adaptation
If internal changes are planned within the home, such as redistributing spaces and rooms, adapting this type of air conditioning becomes more complicated. Building work will be necessary. Also, it is sometimes impossible to install in small or old properties due to a lack of space for the ducts or main module.
Ducted air conditioning versus Other climate control systems
| System |
|
Initial investment | Energy efficiency | Zoned control | Ideal property | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducts | High | High | High | Yes (with zoning) | Large homes, offices and commercial premises | |
| Portable | Low | Low | Low | No (by unit) | Small rooms | |
| Split | Average | Average | Average/High | No (by unit) | Houses, flats and small spaces | |
| Multisplit | Average | High | High | No (by unit) | Medium-sized homes with several zones or rooms |
How to choose the best air-conditioning system
When selecting a ducted air-conditioning system for your home or other property, it is important to consider factors such as space, intended use, and budget, among other details:
- Property size: For large homes or spaces with multiple zones and rooms, a ducted system is ideal because it provides optimal air distribution. For small rooms or compact spaces, a split or multisplit system will be the better choice.
- Property under construction or old: It is easier to install ducts if the property is a new build or under construction.In old apartments or houses where the goal is only to adapt the existing air conditioning, this can be a limitation due to space constraints and the building’s structure, which may require renovations.
- Budget assessment: The initial investment for a ducted air conditioning system is higher than for a single or split unit; however, energy consumption may be lower in the long term.
- Comfort and aesthetics: The hidden ducts within the walls are unobtrusive and do not affect the interior decoration. The only visible parts of this system are the ventilation grilles. Therefore, this system is an ideal option for those wanting a neat, good-looking space and uniform climate control.
Efficiency, performance, aesthetics, modernity and comfort are just some of the many advantages of installing a ducted air-conditioning system in a property. Yes, the initial investment is usually considerable, but as previously mentioned, the long-term savings and energy efficiency will offset that upfront cost.
At Endesa, air conditioning is an important part of our range of promotions and tariffs, just like the maintenance service we offer for a variety of high-efficiency air-conditioning units and boilers featured in our catalogues, which are ideal for reducing electricity consumption. That’s why we invite you to discover the discounts, flexible financing plans, and technical support and advice services we have available for you.
Find the perfect balance between savings, efficiency, and comfort with each of the climate-control solutions Endesa offers to every customer.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Comparison of Electricity and Gas Tariffs
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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