Installing ducted air conditioning is a great idea if you want greater comfort at home for you and your family. It will also increase the value of your property and make you feel confident that any problem regarding extreme temperatures will be solved.
Remember that air conditioning and heating units can make a huge difference when it is particularly hot or cold outside. Also, if you have an old unit installed, changing it to a new ducted air conditioning system will result in fewer safety concerns. You can also find a range of energy-efficient systems in the market to consider and acquire.
However, there are a lot of different types of air conditioning systems to consider. A decision should be made according to the size of your home, the rooms you want to heat up or cool down, your budget, and other factors that are important to you.
If you are thinking about installing any type of air conditioner, it is a smart move to make sure you do your research first. By doing this, you will be able to think critically and make a truly informed decision based on your needs and wants.
To help your decision-making process, we will go through six key factors to consider before installing systems like a ducted aircon in your home or business.
What is a Ducted air conditioning system?
A ducted air conditioning installation is made up of an air distribution system. Air is carried out through a series of ducts usually installed in the ceiling of a home or building.
One of its greatest advantages, therefore, is that it is practically invisible aesthetically. Typically, the only visible things indoors are the air grilles (in the ceilings, walls or floors) and wall controller.
Ducted air conditioning is controlled via a programmable system. When strategically and cleverly installed, the ducted aircon will regulate airflow in each room.
These ducted air conditioning systems typically facilitate temperature change through an air-cooled heat pump or fan coil. Therefore, both energy consumption and efficiency will largely depend on the type of system chosen.
What factors to consider?
The size of your home or building
If your home or business is of significantly size, you should ask yourself if you are willing to make a considerable investment. This is because the cost of a ducted air conditioning system depends largely on the size and number of rooms you want to warm or cool down.
To do the measurement you have to consider the size of your premises, the size and location of the windows, the height of your ceilings, and even the direction your house is facing.
Furthermore, if you are more conscious of price in the long term, consider the energy costs involved. Energy expenditure may be the main factor that dictates your use of the AC system.
The airflow and levels of insulation
It is possible to install air conditioning only in certain areas of the house. However, before considering this, you have to inspect your building, existing airflows, and insulation.
- Where are windows in each room located?
- Are you able to use natural breezes at all?
- Are there areas in your home or business that are cool enough?
- It is just bedrooms that may need a more advanced cooling and heating system?
- How are people in the building are able to get warm when they need to?
- Can you use any of what you already have in place?
This will allow you to select and use a new air conditioner to the full advantage and also help save you money. Remember to make smart decisions and choose your aircon system wisely.
Perhaps it is not necessary to install a complex ducted air conditioner. Alternatively, it may be exactly what you were looking for and need.
Also, when choosing an air conditioning system, you must take into account the level of energy efficiency that the installation guarantees. This includes the air conditioner as well as the associated components.
To achieve greater efficiency, the installed ducts must have proper insulation and airtightness. This prevents energy losses and guarantees adequate thermal comfort. This will also help you save energy and money in the long run.
The people and items in each room
Think about all the people that live or work in the building, as well as how they and your belongings occupy the space.
- How many people use each room every day?
- What do they do in those rooms?
- How many hours a day do they spend in those rooms?
- How much space is furniture and other items taking up in each room?
- What is the heat load of the items in each room?
This is a great way to help you know exactly how many rooms you need to air condition and to what extent.
The materials the building is made of
The materials used to build your house or office have an impact on the type of air conditioner you will need. Also, if you are going to install ducted air conditioning, you need significant space in the ceiling.
Furthermore, you have to consider proximity with your neighbours because a large system can produce external noises that your neighbours may have an issue with. So be sure you have enough space between your building and your neighbours’ for aircon to be installed.
Your budget
A ducted air conditioner means comfort, peace of mind, and typically a good return on investment. However, before installing it, you should ask yourself if you have the budget to make this investment. Money may not be the main factor, but of course, it is an important one.
If the answer is yes, then you will have to ask yourself (and/or ask the opinion of a professional) three questions;
- Is this the best solution for your home or business?
- Will this make your premises more desirable when you go to sell in the future?
- Is installing ducted air conditioning in keeping with the rest of your building?
Maintenance and cleaning
If you are going to invest in a ducted air conditioning system you must be rigorous about cleaning and maintenance of the system. This is important because if you do not perform regular maintenance your system may become damaged by dust and harmful particles that can accumulate in the ducts and internal components.
However, you do not have to stress too much about this. Just having it in the back of your mind and attended to it routinely is often sufficient. This is because there are modern cleaning method for air conditioning that will help make your life so much easier and help maintain the system.
Remember that regardless of the decision you make, you can not skip the research stage to know what system suits best for you and your needs. If you need any help in the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
