How Does Ducted Air Conditioning Work?

Understand your ducted air con system better.
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Understanding Ducted Air Conditioning

Ducted air conditioning provides unobtrusive cooling and heating for homes and buildings of almost any size, from a small two bedroom apartment to a vast multi-storey complex. This style of air conditioning is popular due to features such as its super quiet operation (you barely notice it’s on) and its gentle distribution of air, as well as the fact that it provides a whole home climate control solution in one compact unit.

Ducted Air Conditioning’s Quiet Operation

Ducted air conditioning’s quiet operation is achieved due to the working parts of the system being located either outside the building or in the ceiling space which keeps all but a whisper of noise out of the room.

Air is gently circulated around your home using a system of ducts placed in the ceiling with outlets or vents placed strategically throughout the house.

Zone control systems, located on the indoor unit, control where the air conditioning goes, allowing you to turn off areas not in use to reduce energy wastage. It also provides the flexibility to vary the temperature in different areas of the house ensuring everyone is comfortably warm or cool.

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So, How Does Ducted Air Conditioning Work?

A ducted air conditioner works using a refrigerant which is moved through the air conditioning system via a small pipe, drawing the heat in the air from one area to another.

For instance during the summer, when you’re trying to cool your home, the system absorbs the heat from the air inside as the fan passes air through the indoor unit and across the very cold evaporator coil of refrigerant pipes. This means the air leaves the indoor unit cooler than when it entered, gradually reducing the temperature of the room/home as it circulates through the unit. The reverse happens in the winter, warmth is drawn from the outdoor air to warm your home.

When the refrigerant has passed through the indoor unit, warmed from absorbing the heat inside, it is transferred to the outdoor unit for cooling. Once outside, a fan is used to blow air over the coil of hot refrigerant transferring some of the heat into the outside air. The refrigerant is further cooled by using a compressor to condense the refrigerant releasing the remaining heat.

The cooled refrigerant is then recirculated through the indoor unit. This process repeats continuously as long as your air conditioner is running.

Depending on the style of ducted air conditioning system and the design of the building it’s installed in you may have the option of including a fresh air intake which ensures your home benefits from a supply of fresh, oxygenated air. If your ducted system does not have this feature it will recirculate the air throughout your home, filtering it as it is drawn back up through the air return grill.

References – https://www.daikin.com.au/our-product-range/ducted-system-air-conditioning

Components of a Ducted System

Outdoor Unit (aka Condenser): Typically located outside, the condenser contains several key elements of your ducted air con system – including a compressor, condenser coil and a fan. This compressor circulates the refrigerant , while the condenser coil releases heat to the outside.

Indoor Unit (aka Air Handler): Typically located indoors [in the ceiling or under floors], the air handler contains an evaporator coil, a fan and normally a heating coil. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the indoor air, while the fan circulates air throughout the ducting.

Refrigerant Lines: Connecting the indoor and outdoor units, these copper lines carry the refrigerant.

Ductwork: Often running through the ceiling or floors, these ducts are insulated channels that distribute conditioned air to different rooms before returning to the indoor unit.

Vents: These are located in the ceilings, walls or floors and are how the conditioned air enters the rooms.

Thermostat: This control panel allows you to set the temperatures and control how the system operates. Some systems allow zoning capabilities which means you can change each room or area uniquely.

Air Filter: Located in the indoor unit, this helps to remove air pollutants such as dust and pollen from the air circulating through the system. Allowing for improved air quality throughout your home or business.

Condensation Drain Pipe: This pipe removes the moisture that condenses on the evaporator coil during the cooling process.

ducted aircon features

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P W
12 September 2026
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In September 2026 we again needed FALLON plumbing for a repair. Nathan was our plumber and like all the previous tradesmen, he dealt with the problem. What I’d like to add is that during the “part of the service inspection” another problem was identified and rectified. One again we’re pleased with the support FALLON provides. In February 2026 FALLON plumbing came for the annual follow up. A service that we greatly appreciate. After Warren completed a thorough inspection and we had detailed discussions we decided to proceed with the suggested work. It was competitively priced and their follow-up processes which we know to be true were instrumental in that decision. What was very pleasing was that Warren completed the work there and then! Knowledgeable, skilled, professional and friendly are why we will continue with FALLON. In February 2026, FALLON Electrical came for the annual inspection. We had a few items that were addressed immediately and a few matters that required quotes and follow up. Again we were very pleased with electrician Brent’s work. Friendly, on time professional and knowledgeable. We will continue with FALLON. In May 2025, we had a follow up inspection from work done 12 months ago. Everything works well which had been our experience in those last 12 months. It was reassuring to have our experience confirmed. The plumber Matthew also looked at other issues and has come up with a practical way forward. Matthew did the original work and obviously remembered the particulars of our job. He is a knowledgeable and professional plumber. Overall we are very pleased with the FALLON experience and see real value for money.
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tony johnson
11 September 2026
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Jason fixed our oven, and the service was prompt and did as expected. Unfortunately now a few months later I'm getting cold calls to take up free member benefits and have tradies come to our house to look for faults that I haven't found yet. To be honest I found the attitude of the caller rude and disconcerting, questioning why I didnt want to take up the service.. based on the cold call alone I doubt I'll use Fallon again.
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David Heslop
11 September 2026
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We have just completed a full day’s work with the Fallon Team of Kyle M, Dave Y, Kyle Callum H, and Max K. My wife and I cannot speak too highly of the service that the team supplied and the way that they went about their business. Nothing was too much trouble, we were able to make a couple of minor adjustments to the work plan, simply and easily. Thank you for a job very well done.
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Beth Power
10 September 2026
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Jason was great!
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Johnny T
10 September 2026
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Jason is a AAA teir serviceman, would recommend to anyone!
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Suzy Mellor
10 September 2026
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Damian and Connor were extremely polite, professional and thorough. They went above and beyond in providing excellent service.
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Brenden Cahill
10 September 2026
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Peter Smith
10 September 2026
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Very happy with technician, Luke. He was prompt, professional and a pleasure to deal with. I was particularly impressed with his tutoring of his apprentice. I would not hesitate to engage with him again.
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Jess Hope
10 September 2026
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Great experience, everything is in working order and tided up. Thanks Jeff!
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Elaine OBrien
10 September 2026
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Great service. Thank you saved the day

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