Browse Forums Heating, Cooling & Insulation 1 Jan 10, 2009 3:20 pm We're going to run ducted ac when we build, just wanted to ask those of you that have ducted if its as cold as split systems?
Obviously if you need it colder you can just put the temp down to 21 or something crazy, but with the heat loss I have read about through the duct work, and the lack of powered internal units like a split system has does it still push out as much air and cool as well. In my previous house we had two large units to cool our living area and on most days we could set them to 26 and be comfy, will this be the same with ducted or will they chew through massive power to keep it as cool even with an appropriately sized unit? Blog - http://snakedr.blogspot.com/ Build Thread - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=12084&p=307406#p307406 Status - PCI 15/10. Things nearly done. Re: Ducted vs Split performance 2Jan 10, 2009 6:58 pm The answer is complex.
Individual units are more efficient because of the duct losses from a central system. However, the amount of difference depends on a number of factors. Depending on how many separate units you want there may be a higher initial cost. An alternative are multi-splits which have a centralised coil which distributes the refrigerant (rather than the cold air) to separate units. I am not sure how they compare in efficiency to a standard duct but they probably are easier to insulate. Inverter systems and zoning can also make ducted systems more efficient to run. Your usage patterns and other methods of keeping your house cool may offset the running cost difference between space vs central cooling. Running ceiling fans can mean you can set the thermostat a little higher. If you have good shading and reflective insulation then you will also reduce cooling requirements. Here are some ideas to eliminate the need for air con or reduce it's requirement: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/pubs/fs46.pdf Most people particularly want the sleeping quarters to be cooler so if you use other methods to keep the living areas comfortable perhaps you can get away with a couple units. Re: Ducted vs Split performance 3Jan 10, 2009 7:34 pm thanks for the link dymonite69, interesting read
its unfortunate that our house is going to run south to north, our last house was a modern colonial running east to west and the breezes were awesome in the evening, we're definitely going to miss that at night we will be running ceiling fans in every room, most nights fans will suffice Blog - http://snakedr.blogspot.com/ Build Thread - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=12084&p=307406#p307406 Status - PCI 15/10. Things nearly done. Hi We are building in the Hunter Valley, our soil test is H1, our builder has advised us they need to have a letter signed for Fair Trading as the new drainage standard… 0 3550 Move your linen into laundry and access laundry from your present linen space 1 8007 Hi all, sorting out the ducted air con for a 350sqm double story house. Does this placement sound reasonable to you? Also, I plan to have 6 zones I think. Living room… 0 0 |