There is a lot of confusing terminology that gets thrown around with air conditioning systems. It can make it difficult to determine what you need and what is going to be the most cost effective system for your living arrangement or workplace. In this article we will discuss the major differences between the two main types of air conditioning systems; ducted and split, along with a brief introduction to how reverse cycle air conditioners work.
DUCTED SYSTEMS
A ducted air conditioner system works around one centralised cooling unit. That cooling unit can be in your basement, garage or even outside the house. It connects to the condenser, a unit which radiates excess heat outside, and a series of large pipes that lead to holes, or ducts in your walls. Sometimes the condenser and cooling unit is combined into a single unit. Because the moving parts are located away from the ducts they are very quiet systems and the ducts themselves are quite small compared to a split system cooling unit.
With a series of ducts traveling throughout your house or building different areas can be cordoned off or prioritized so that you can cool your home or office zone by zone. This is particularly useful in a large house where many of the rooms won’t be occupied all day so there is no need to spend energy cooling it down.
SPLIT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
Split System air conditioning systems operate in a similar manner to ducted systems, with a cooling unit and a condenser unit, however the entire system of ducts is bypassed. This means that the cooling unit can only cool down what is close to the unit itself and makes split system air conditioning remarkably more appropriate for single rooms or small apartments. They are also significantly cheaper and easier to install because they only require a small hole in a wall compared to a whole series of ducts.
REVERSE CYCLE SYSTEMS
Reverse cycle air conditioners are two-directional heat pumps. That is to say they can function as units to heat and cool your house, depending upon the season and your requirements. That is to say, you no longer need a heater and an air conditioner, you just need a reverse cycle air conditioner. The heat pump technology that underpins their operation has the additional benefit of being extremely energy efficient and cost-effective. Reverse cycle systems are gradually becoming the norm for both ducted and split systems.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
Maintaining air conditioners is frequently undervalued but it is the best way to keep your system functioning at maximum capacity. Talk to the team that installs your air conditioner about the necessary maintenance requirements and follow them to get the best effect from your air conditioner.
CONTACT DR SPARKY ELECTRICAL FOR ANY AIR CONDITIONER ENQUIRIES
One of the many great things about Dr Sparky Electrical is that we are ticketed electricians and licensed air conditioner installers, so that the whole job of air conditioner installation can be carried out by our team without the hassle of calling additional contractors. We can install ducted and split system air conditioners all over Perth for domestic, commercial and industrial customers. To ask more questions or get started call us today on 1800 377 727 or contact us online.
