How Does Ducted Air Conditioning Work?

Ducted air conditioning systems are increasingly popular in Toowoomba homes due to their energy efficiency and ability to maintain consistent temperatures throughout living spaces. In this article, we'll explore how ducted air conditioning works, the main components involved and the benefits of ducted reverse cycle systems. 

Ducted air conditioning is a climate control system that evenly distributes cool or warm air through a series of concealed ducts within a building. It's an ideal solution for maintaining a comfortable temperature in large spaces, as it can cover multiple rooms simultaneously.

Ducted air conditioning systems consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser, while the indoor unit contains the evaporator coil and air handling unit. These components work together to cool, dehumidify and circulate air throughout your home. When on cooling mode, the refrigeration process works like this:

• Evaporator: A blower extracts warm air from your home and channels it through ducts to the evaporator coils located in the indoor unit. These coils contain cold, low-pressure refrigerant that absorbs heat from the warm air, converting it into high-pressure gas. As the home's warm air passes over the evaporator coils, it cools down and is then distributed back into your home via vents or diffusers in the ceiling.
• Compressor: The high-pressure refrigerant gas travels to the compressor located in the outdoor unit. The compressor's function is to pressurise the gas, condensing it into liquid form.
• Condenser: The liquid refrigerant then flows to the condenser coils, also situated in the outdoor unit. A fan blows air over these coils, helping to dissipate some of the heat from the liquid refrigerant inside. Afterward, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which further depressurises and cools it. The refrigerant then returns to the evaporator to restart the cycle.

Most ducted air conditioners have reverse cycle capability which means it offers both cooling and heating capabilities. During the cooling cycle, the system works as described above. In heating mode, the condenser becomes an evaporator and cool air is pulled into the system and converted to heat. It is then distributed through ducts to warm your home.

By reversing the flow of refrigerant, the system can switch between cooling and heating modes, providing year-round comfort. This means you can stay cool in the summer heat and toasty during those icy Toowoomba winters. 

The outdoor unit should be installed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and obstructions, to ensure efficient heat exchange. The indoor unit is typically installed in the roof or under the floor, depending on the available space and your home’s design. Ducts are then run between the indoor unit and the various rooms, concealed within walls, ceilings or floors.

Ducted air conditioning is the perfect way to regulate your home’s temperature all year round. If you're considering installing a ducted air conditioner in Toowoomba, you can trust ACR Solutions. Our team of experts consider building size, layout and existing insulation before working with you to design and install the perfect system for your home. Contact us today for a quote!