Selecting the ideal air conditioner for you can be genuinely challenging with such a wealth of options available. The goal of this article is to provide some insights and guidance related to different types of air conditioners, and some of the pros and cons to consider, and some comparisons between ducted and non-ducted air conditioners, so that you, the reader, can make better informed decisions, and choose a cooling system that is right for your needs.

Some of the several advantages offered by installing ducted air conditioning include:

  • You have complete control over the temperature – whether you prefer the same temperature throughout the building, or would prefer different temperatures in different rooms, you have complete control.
  • Cooling throughout the home – the ducts allow for the cooling of several rooms at the same time, and at the same setting. This means, you have the choice between a consistent temperature throughout, or different temperatures in different rooms (see previous point)
  • Energy – most modern systems tend to have settings that have changeable speeds (as well as the previously mentioned capability to have different temperatures in different rooms) which also help to lower energy us which, of course, keeps costs low.
  • They are quieter – the main unit is usually in a separate room, or outdoors, so noise levels are lower in the building, or inside any particular room in th building.
  • The ‘look’ – ducts can be hidden pretty much anywhere so they look far nicer than chunky and ‘in-your-face’ units.

Despite the fact that ducted air conditioners provide numerous benefits, a non-ducted alternative can suit certain needs better, depending on preferences. It is very important to consider your needs when revamping any home conditioning system. For example, non-ducted systems offer:

  • Easy installation – ductless systems have no need for ductwork (naturally), thus making them easier to install, especially in older or space-restricted buildings. They can also be retrofitted into existing buildings without any need for major renovations, making them very suitable for garages or extensions, for example.
  • Space saving design – these systems are far more compact, making them far more ideal for smaller homes, apartments, and any room that has limited space.
  • Reduced air loss and better energy efficiency – unlike ducted systems, these units eliminate air loss through poorly insulated ducts. Additionally, by only cooling occupied rooms, ductless systems conserve a lot of energy (though advanced ducted systems counter this with customisable options.)
  • Individualised temperature control – these systems allow temperature adjustments in individual rooms, offering similar flexibility and customization options to ducted units.

Ensuring sustainability when installing air conditioners in a building is of utmost importance when considering environmental preservation and long-term cost-effectiveness. Be sure to choose energy-efficient units, consider the appropriate size of the unit needed, and seek eco-friendly refrigerants. These sustainable practices will reduce the carbon footprint and generally contribute to environmental conservation. Additionally, from the perspective of your own finances, sustainable installation increases efficiency and lowers the costs of operating the system over longer periods of time. Through prioritisation of sustainability when installing air conditioners, it is possible to minimize the impact on the environment and create healthier and more efficient buildings.