Understanding ducted air conditioning systems

From popular window units to advanced and ducted air conditioning systems, the world of air conditioners offers a wide variety, which can be overwhelming for newcomers and veterans alike. One popular choice is ducted air conditioning, also known as central conditioning.

This system efficiently heats and cools your entire home or workplace – you’ve likely encountered them in offices or malls. If you’re unfamiliar with how they work, this guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of ducted air conditioning systems.

Introduction and overview of how ducted ACs work

Just like any other air conditioning system, ducted air conditioning uses ducts and vents to distribute conditioned air throughout a building, rather than directly blowing cool air. It’s a common choice for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in both commercial buildings and homes and provides a way to deliver conditioned indoor air to spaces where it’s needed most while keeping other areas of the house cool.

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Unlike window units that cool a single room, ducted systems use a network of ducts to distribute cool air throughout the house. Ducted systems can be energy efficient, especially in larger homes, but may lose some efficiency due to heat transfer in the ducts compared to ductless systems.

Here's a simplified look at the cooling process:

1. Warm air is drawn in: The indoor unit’s fan pulls warm air from inside your home.

2. Heat removal: This air passes over the evaporator coil, which is chilled by refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down.

3. Cool air distribution: The cooled air is then blown through the ducts and vents into different rooms.

4. Warm refrigerant: As the refrigerant absorbs heat indoors, it warms up and travels outside.

5. Heat release: In the outdoor unit, the hot refrigerant passes through the condenser coil. The condenser fan blows air over the coil, releasing the heat extracted from your home into the outside environment.

6. Cooled refrigerant cycle: The cooled refrigerant then travels back inside to the evaporator coil, ready to absorb more heat and repeat the cycle.

Components of ducted AC systems

1. Indoor Unit (Air Handler):

– It is located inside your home, usually in a basement, attic, or closet.

– Houses the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the indoor air.

– Contains a blower fan that pushes air over the evaporator coil and through the ductwork.

– May also include features like air filtration and humidification.

2. Ductwork:

– A network of insulated pipes that distribute conditioned air throughout your house.

– Ducts can be made of metal or flexible materials like fiberglass.

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– Proper duct design and installation are crucial for efficient airflow.

3. Vents and Grilles:

– Vents and grilles are the openings in your walls or ceilings where conditioned air enters and exits each room.

– Vents allow conditioned air to flow out of the ducts.

– Grilles cover the vents and can be adjusted to direct airflow.

4. Thermostat:

– The control center of your AC system.

– You set your desired temperature on the thermostat.

– The thermostat sends a signal to the air handler to turn on or off when needed to maintain the set temperature.

Types of ducted AC units and different applications

1. Central air conditioning systems 

These are the most common type of ducted AC. They use a single outdoor unit that cools the air, which is then distributed throughout your entire home via a network of ducts. This is a good option for homes, for maintaining a consistent temperature throughout a house, especially larger ones.

2. Multi-zone mini-split systems

These function similarly to central air conditioning, but with more flexibility. They have one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units in different zones of your house. Each zone can have its own temperature control.

This is a good option for:

– Homes: Especially those with uneven heating/cooling needs in different areas or where existing ductwork isn’t present.

– Offices: Allows for creating zones with different temperature preferences, like a cool server room and a warmer lobby area.

Ducted AC installation process

Designing the ductwork layout

1. Inspection: Before installation, professionals will inspect your attic or crawlspace to assess the existing space for ductwork.

2. Planning: They will then design a layout that efficiently routes cool air throughout your home. This considers factors like room size, desired temperature control, and minimizing noise.

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3. Proper sizing and placement of vents: Vents are sized based on airflow requirements for each room. Improper sizing can lead to uneven cooling or airflow issues.

4. Location is Key: Vents are typically placed on walls or ceilings to ensure proper air circulation. Placement considers furniture layout and avoiding drafts.

5. Return Air Vents: These vents allow warm air back into the system for cooling. They are usually placed on opposite walls from supply vents.

6. Integration with existing HVAC systems (if applicable)

7. Compatibility Check: The new ducting and AC unit need to be compatible with your existing heating system if you want year-round climate control.

8. Duct Modification: Existing ductwork might need adjustments to integrate with the new AC unit. In some cases, additional ductwork might be required.

9. Electrical Integration: The new AC unit’s electrical wiring needs to be safely connected to your existing electrical system.

Ducted AC maintenance tips

1. Clear out the dust: Dirty ducts and vents can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Aim to clean them every 1-2 years, especially if you have pets or allergies.

2. DIY or go professional- You can vacuum vent covers and dust around them. For thorough duct cleaning, professional services are recommended. They use specialized equipment to remove dust and debris built up within the ductwork.

3. Changing air filters: Regularly change your air filters, as they may become less and less effective over time.

4. Clear out any dust or dirt: Air filters capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles before they enter your home’s air supply. Make sure to clean air filters regularly to avoid excessive dirt and dust build-up.

5. Cleaning or Replacing: The frequency depends on usage and household factors. Generally, clean reusable filters monthly and replace disposable filters every 2-3 months.

6. Upgrade Option: Consider high-efficiency filters (HEPA) for better air quality, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

7. Professional inspection and tune-up Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up for your ducted AC system at least once a year, ideally before the peak cooling season. A technician can check for potential problems, clean internal components, lubricate moving parts, and ensure optimal performance. This proactive approach can help identify and address minor issues before they turn into major repairs.

Energy efficiency considerations

1. Ductwork Insulation: Leaks and inadequate insulation allow cool air to absorb heat as it travels, forcing the AC unit to work harder. Proper fiberglass or closed-cell foam insulation minimizes this thermal transfer, reducing energy consumption.

2. Zoning Systems: Traditional systems cool the entire home, wasting energy in unoccupied areas. Zoning allows for independent temperature control in different zones, focusing cooling on occupied areas and saving significant energy.

3. Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats enable setting different temperatures at various times. Lower temperatures during peak usage and higher settings, when the house is empty or during sleep hours, reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ducted air conditioning? 

Ducted air conditioning is a central air conditioning system that utilizes a network of ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout a building. The conditioned air is produced by a central air handling unit and then delivered to individual rooms via strategically placed vents. This system offers a discreet and efficient way to cool your entire home.

2. Can ducted AC be installed in existing homes? 

Yes, but it depends on your existing setup. Installing ducts can involve opening up walls and ceilings, so it’s a bigger project.  Consider consulting an HVAC professional to see if your home is a good fit for ducted AC.

ALSO READ: Here’s how central AC systems work and how to maintain them

3. How often should ducted AC systems be serviced? 

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your cool air flowing smoothly. Industry standards recommend scheduling annual servicing, ideally before the peak cooling season. This routine maintenance typically involves cleaning the air filters and coils, inspecting the ductwork for any leaks or blockages, and verifying the overall functionality of the system. This helps ensure efficient operation and prevents potential problems down the road.

That is all you need to know about ducted air conditioning systems. Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for deeper dives into cooling systems and other appliances.