How does ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning work?

Ducted reverse cycle AC (air conditioning) extracts the heat from the outside and transfers it inside. That is – it is set to heating. If it is set to cooling, it extracts the heat from the inside, leaving the cool air inside transferring the warmth outside. Reverse cycle systems can both heat and cool your home.

In other words, if you know how a split system reverse cycle air conditioning works, then you already know how reverse cycle air conditioning works in ducted systems. The idea is the same, but the air conditioning installation and the way heat and cold are distributed are different.

Another thing that both of these systems have in common is the importance of proper air conditioner installation. Your systems will not do its job properly if it is not well installed.

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

The air conditioner sucks the air from the room and blows it over the evaporator coils. The evaporator coils contain the refrigerant, which is, at that moment, in the form of cold liquid.

When it comes in touch with hot air from the room, the refrigerant extracts the heat and leaves the air cold. The refrigerant itself starts to evaporate due to the heat it extracted and turns into gas.

Refrigerant gas is passed on into the compressant, where it is compressed until it reaches higher temperatures and higher pressure. Such has led into the condenser, so it can release the heat and turn back into its liquid form. It is so cooled down that it is lead to the evaporator, where the entire cycle begins again.

When you install your ducted system, you need to have a system of ducts that will extract the air and return it back into the rooms when cooled.

How Does Reverse Cycle Heating Work?

The heat pumps from the reverse cycle system extract the heat from the outside and transport it inside. Even in the winter, unless the temperatures are below 10 Celsius, your air con will use it to extract the little heat it can find and warm up your room.

A lot of air conditioning systems have marks that say they can be used as heaters until the temperature outside is above – 15 C. However, most of them, in reality, work well until -7 to -10 degrees Celsius.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Ducted Reverse Cycle AC?

This depends on the size of your home and the difficulty of air conditioning installation. You can expect your cost of installation to be anywhere from $5,000 – $10,000. Lower prices are for easily accessible, small homes while the higher prices are for the big, two-storey buildings.

Do these prices look steep? Maybe they are, but you get your value for the money because you will have a reliable system that will keep your home cool or warm in any season. Here is how ducted air conditioning is installed:

This is how the entire air conditioning installation process goes:

1. Find the place for your unit and your ducts. Measure everything up and plan your air conditioner installation.
2. Cut through the holes for return ducts and make the frame.
3. Create a platform for your air-con unit and attach it firmly.
4. Attach the metal ducting.
5. Introduce the refrigerant pipes into the main unit.
6. Run the electricity cables to the main unit and connect them to the main electrical supply.
7. Connect the drain that will be used for the condensated liquids.
8. Put in all the vents and ducts.
9. Install ducts for air supply.
10. Install zone motors and their control system.
11. Replace ceiling insulation.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner per Hour?

For the sake of calculation, let’s say your air conditioner is working at full capacity and that it is 7 kW for heating. Your cost per hour depends on several factors:

• Your air-con capacity
• How many hours it work, and at what level
• The price of your electricity

This sounds like a lot, and it is. However, this is the cost of heating your entire home, and it is also the cost of running your ducted air conditioner at full capacity. If you run it at 50%, those prices are sliced in half, as well.

Also, those air conditioners that have high EER and COP ratings will use less electricity, and that means they will cost you less per hour. Insulation also plays an important role because it can keep the room temperature longer, so there is no need for additional heating up or cooling down.

How to Save Money with Ducted Reverse Cycle AC?

There are several ways that you can use to save some money on air conditioning:

• Check the COP and EER ratings. Your EER is the Energy Efficiency Rating, and it shows how economical your ducted air conditioner is. Choose the one with a higher rating. Your COP is a Coefficient of Performance and is used to mark the efficiency when it comes to heating. Both of these ratings need to be expressed on the labels.
• Keep your temperature steady and reasonable. This means around 25 Celsius in the summer and 20 C in the winter.
• Regularly check for any leaking, frosting or similar events. Do your regular maintenance and have a service ready.

Your air conditioning installer can probably be your air conditioning servicer. You need to ask your installer about that and see if they do servicing, as well.

Ask for air conditioning installation quotes in advance. While you are at it, you can also talk to the same people and discover what servicing costs you can expect in the future.