Unlike split-system units that cool individual areas, ducted systems use a network of ducts to distribute conditioned air.
This ensures a consistent temperature throughout your home when needed.
Ducted systems are hidden away instead of mounted on the wall. They’re a good choice if you want to avoid disrupting the style of your home.
They’re known for their effectiveness in maintaining uniform temperatures. This makes them an ideal choice for larger spaces or multi-room environments.
Many ducted systems also let you control zones. For instance, you might want air operating only in a single zone instead of your entire home.
Let’s look at the 3 best ducted air conditioners in 2024.
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Fujitsu
- Daikin
1. Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric offers a robust lineup of ducted air conditioners. They’re known for their energy efficiency and innovative features.
These ducted air conditioners offer discreet, effective cooling and heating solutions. The range suits broad residential and commercial spaces.
With 45+ years in the air con game, Mitsubishi knows what it’s doing. And their ducted systems are popular throughout Australia.
Features and Benefits
Mitsubishi Electric ducted systems stand out due to their high external static pressure capabilities. This allows for versatile duct configurations.
The systems are available in both single and three-phase power options, catering to different power supply needs.
They also feature a low-profile design. This can be ideal for installation in limited spaces such as renovated homes or apartments.
| Features | Benefits |
| Flexible ducting design | Allows airflow operation that best matches virtually all room layouts. |
| High external static pressure | Ensures efficient operation, especially when the ductwork is long or complex. |
| Refrigerant piped up to 75m | Makes a wide range of layout options available. |
| Wall-mounted controller | Easy operation – set up to 8 temperature and airflow patterns daily for 7 days. |
| Zone controller | Separately control air conditioning in different rooms. |
| R32 refrigerant | Increased energy efficiency compared to R410A, with less environmental harm. |
| Wi-Fi Control | Control from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. |
Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning 10KW, 12.5KW and 14KW are popular options.
These ducted air conditioners are common for new-build and retrofit settings. Because they have a flexible design and high energy efficiency.
Customers love the quiet operation and the control on offer.
Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning cools your entire home in summer and heats it in winter. Their systems are perfect for heating or cooling multiple rooms – you can also get zoning controls if needed.
These ducted systems are discreet and fit easily with the design of your home.
2. Fujitsu
Fujitsu offers a range of ducted air conditioning systems. These systems are well-regarded for their efficiency and reliability.
They have 4 ranges:
| Range | Description |
| Bulkhead | Compact design with versatile installation options. |
| Slimline | Slim, compact build ideal for most ceilings, includes zone control. |
| Single Phase | High static capability, supports multiple air duct installations, with zone control. |
| Three Phase | Higher energy efficiency, enhanced with zone control. |
Fujitsu offers ducted air conditioning systems with multiple static pressure modes. Versatile installation options can give you the choice of ceiling or floor placement.
Each unit has DC fan motors, rotary compressors, and programmable systems for optimal control. The user-friendly control panel allows temperature adjustment, fan speed selection, current temperature display, and weekly scheduling.
Additionally, an optional backlit zone controller supports up to eight customisable zones. A user-friendly feature lets you rename zones for different areas such as “Dining Room” or “Study.”
3. Daikin
Daikin is another popular ducted air conditioner brand in Australia. Their range caters to various needs, with designs for different home sizes and ceiling spaces.
Daikin has 4 ranges:
| Range | Description |
| Premium Inverter Ducted | Suited for small to large houses, designed with R22 retrofit capability. |
| Inverter Ducted | A compact design ideal for limited roof and outdoor space, suitable for small to large houses. |
| Slimline Ducted | Optimized for narrow ceiling spaces. |
| Bulkhead System | Ideal for discreet installations in drop ceilings or shallow ceiling areas. |
Daikin ducted systems provide efficient and clean air conditioning solutions. Their range is retrofit – installing a new system using the existing piping and wiring.
Some standout benefits are:
- Energy efficiency
- Quiet outdoor units
- Automatic optimal airflow
Daikin has a Night Quiet Mode as well. You can choose this to reduce noise further.
What is ducted air conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning is a system designed to distribute cooled or heated air throughout a building via a series of ducts. These ducts are usually hidden in the ceiling or floor, making the system very discreet.
A central unit cools or heats the air, which is then pushed through the ducts to various rooms. This allows for consistent climate control across the entire space.
Ducted systems are popular because they can cool or heat large areas uniformly. People also like them for their discreet design, keeping air conditioning units out of sight.
The duct system also lets you control “zones” of your home. You can set various zones to different temperatures, or you can switch off the air con completely in rooms you aren’t using.
Ducted air conditioners give you much more control compared to split-system units.
What are the benefits of ducted air conditioning?
- Uniform Temperature Control: Provides consistent cooling or heating throughout the entire building, maintaining an even temperature across all rooms.
- Design Integration: Since the ducts and equipment are hidden in ceilings, floors, or walls, it preserves the interior look of your home or office.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern ducted systems can be highly energy efficient, especially when zones are correctly managed to reduce unnecessary heating or cooling.
- Customizable Zones: Allows for different areas (zones) within a building to be controlled independently, enabling personalised comfort settings and further energy savings.
- Quiet Operation: Typically operates quieter than split-system air conditioning systems, contributing to a more comfortable and less disruptive environment.
Conclusion
Mitsubishi Electric is our top pick for the best ducted air conditioners.
Their range suits virtually any layout. You don’t need to worry about their systems not suiting your space.
These ducted air conditioners are efficient. And they offer complete control over your system, even if you’re on the other side of the world.
When choosing the best ducted air conditioner, consider the specific needs of your space like size, installation flexibility, and specific air quality needs. Also, think about long-term energy costs and maintenance support.
Russell Air can help you with all of these details. We’re air conditioning experts and back all installations with a full 5-year warranty. View the Areas we Service.
Are you considering installing ducted air conditioning in your home or office?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
