Ducted vs wall-mounted air conditioning
Ducted air conditioning uses a hidden unit in the loft or a plant space, with insulated ducting running to discreet ceiling grilles in each room, so almost nothing is visible except a slim vent. Wall-mounted air conditioning puts a visible indoor unit in the room itself, connected by a small refrigerant pipe run to an outdoor condenser.
The appeal of ducted systems is obvious the moment you see one finished — no boxes on walls, just grilles. The catch is what it takes to get there, both in terms of building access and cost.
When wall-mounted wins
For most single or dual-room domestic jobs, especially in existing houses without a large loft void or with pitched roofs offering little usable space, wall-mounted is quicker, cheaper and far less disruptive to fit. Retrofits into occupied homes particularly favour wall-mounted units because installation is typically a one-day job with minimal building work.
When ducted wins
Ducted comes into its own in new-build projects, larger renovations already opening up ceilings, or properties where the owner specifically wants no visible indoor units at all — common in higher-end homes and open-plan extensions. It also allows one unit to serve several rooms through a network of ducts and grilles, which can simplify aesthetics compared to several separate wall units.
Cost, access and disruption
- Ducted systems need loft or ceiling void access, ductwork routing, and grille positions planned around joists and existing services — this significantly increases labour time and cost.
- Wall-mounted systems need only a small core drill through an external wall and a mounting point, making them far quicker and less invasive.
- Ducted systems are usually only sensible during a renovation, extension or new build when ceilings are already open; retrofitting ducting into a finished, occupied home is disruptive and expensive.
What we usually recommend
If you're renovating or building and want a completely clean finish, ducted is worth the extra cost and planning. If you're adding air conditioning to a lived-in home without major building work planned, wall-mounted units deliver the same cooling performance for considerably less disruption and cost, and can always be added to one room at a time.
FAQs
Common questions
Does ducted air conditioning cool as effectively as wall-mounted?
Yes, cooling capacity is about correct sizing and design, not the type of indoor unit. Ducted systems just distribute that same cooling through hidden ductwork instead of a visible unit.
Can ducted air conditioning be retrofitted into an existing house?
It can, but it usually means lifting ceilings or using loft space, so it's far more practical during a renovation than as a standalone retrofit.
Is ducted air conditioning louder than wall-mounted?
The main unit is hidden away from the room, so perceived noise at grille level is often lower, though total system noise depends on ducting design and grille sizing.
Can I mix ducted and wall-mounted units in the same property?
Yes, it's common to duct main living areas and use wall-mounted units in smaller or later-added rooms.
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