Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning has a central unit, which is often set in the crawl space. This component blows air into a network of ducts that lead to the room vents. These vents are a key feature of ducted systems. Here are some considerations to think about when planning a reverse-cycle air conditioning installation.
Visually Discreet
Ducted air conditioning is largely out of sight; it cools and heats your home from behind the scenes. The vents are discreet and don't interrupt the room design. If they're placed on the ceiling or high on the walls, you can freely spread your furniture around the room in a way that wouldn't be possible if the room had a fixed wall heater.
Ducted systems are also quiet, as the system is at a distance in the ceiling cavity or somewhere else. The alternative to ducted air conditioning is a split system or a portable air conditioner; both of these require an evaporator unit in each room that needs heating or cooling. While these options keep a home comfortable, they're not as unobtrusive as ducted models.
Adjusting for Efficiency
Ducted systems can allow you some freedom with where you place the vents, but this will depend on your house's architecture. You may be able to place them on the ceiling, wall, or floor. The right spot will make the system the most efficient.
If you live in a hot climate and are primarily focused on cooling, you can position the vents on the ceiling or high on the wall, where they'll be most effective. A high placement will take advantage of the air movement. Warm air naturally rises towards the ceiling, and cool air drops towards the floor. So if the vents release cool air from a high position, it will flow downward, and the warmer air will rise and subsequently be cooled. This circulation of air will eventually cool the entire room.
On the other hand, you might mostly rely on your reverse cycle air conditioning for heating. In that case, it's better that the vents are lower in the room. They'll release the heat, which will float towards the ceiling, and replace the cool air, which will drop towards the floor to be warmed. You will end up with an evenly heated room.
You may be restricted in where you put the vents due to the building's architecture. The heating and cooling system will work perfectly with the vents on the floor, wall, or ceiling. It's just that you make it more efficient by adapting their placement to your needs, if possible.
Share11 May 2023
Howdy! I'm Hank and I am writing this blog so I can give you the lowdown on the cheapest and most effective ways you can heat or cool your home. I'm not a trained HVAC contractor but my brother is. Last year, I called up my brother and asked him to drive over and install a new HVAC system in my property. The old system wasn't cooling or warming my house and it was making a strange noise. During the installation, my brother gave me lots of great advice and explained exactly what he was doing at each step. I hope you find this information useful.