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Where Can You Install Ducted Air Conditioners

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Ducted Air Conditioners - Sydney Ducted AC Installation Return Air Grill

Where Can You Install a Ducted Air Conditioner? Ducted air conditioners are a premium solution, as they are concealed from sight in the ceiling void – the space between the roof of your home and your gyprock ceiling.

Residential Ducted Air Conditioner Installations

Since most residential homes and duplexes have ceiling voids, this is the most common place for us to install ducted air conditioning. However, if you don’t have a ceiling void, we can offer an alternative solution.

Nevertheless, having a ceiling void is an essential requirement for considering ducted air conditioning.

Ducted Air Conditioning Installation Northern Beaches Sydney

Ducted Air Conditioners Limitations

Although the most common, it is not always possible to install ducted air conditioning in all residential homes. Limitations may arise when dealing with raked ceilings, high ceilings, or flat roofs. Raked ceilings and flat roofs leave no ceiling voids, whereas high ceilings have limited space, but not enough for ducted air conditioning.

In such cases, a retro fit ducted air conditioning is not feasible. Instead we suggest an alternate solution, such as a multi head split system installation or a bulkhead air conditioning installation.

Ultimately, no matter the home layout or challenges presented, we strive to find a air conditioning solution that meets your needs.

As an example, a customer who inquired about a ducted installation eventually settled on a multi bulkhead split system installation after our free site visit. This suggestion achieved the desired result for the client – they got something that was concealed out of sight and the multiple units cooled their whole home.

In essence, we look beyond traditional solutions and think outside the box!

Sydney Split System Installation in a home that had Raked Ceilings

Residential Ducted Outdoor Unit Position

When it comes to the outdoor unit position, there are three options:

  • Ground level.
  • Overhead on brackets.
  • Up on the roof out of sight.

Of those, we would recommend ground level as it is usually the most affordable, safest, and creates the least amount of noise. Additionally the ducted outdoor units are governed by their size and weight and cannot simply be thrown up anywhere like split system installation.

We also take other factors into consideration, such as:

  • Making sure the unit is out of sight.
  • Low impact on access or space list.
  • Out of the weather as much as possible.
  • The type of home construction (brick veneer, double brick, or weatherboard).
  • The safety of the installers.

We strive to provide you with options that suit both your preferences and your budget. However, there can sometimes be limitations. To illustrate this, here are a few examples of ducted outdoor positions.

Northern Beaches Ducted Installation with Outdoor Unit Installed At Ground Level
Installed At Ground Level ($)
Ducted Air Con Installation Northern Beaches - Outdoor Unit Installed Above Head Height On Brackets
Overhead On Brackets ($$)
Ducted Outdoor Unit Installed on Roof Out Of Sight
On Roof Out Of Sight ($$$)

New Builds & Renovations

When it comes to new builds and renovations, the most important factor is getting us the plans as soon as possible.

To ensure a smooth installation, we proactively work together with builders and other trades, like carpenters, to plan out the installation in advance. We also communicate the necessary allowances to avoid costly rework and to help you achieve your desired outcome

There is no such thing as being too early so if you’re embarking on a new build or a renovation, do not hesitate to contact us today.

Ducted Air Con Installation Northern Beaches and Sydney Wide
New Build External View
Ducted AC Installation Sydney - Internal Unit Positioned In Ceiling Cavity In Advance
New Build Internal View

 

Apartments & Unit Complex Installation Requirements & Limitations

Although ducted air conditioning installations in apartments are uncommon, they can be a great solution, as they don’t take up wall space and maintain openness in an already small space.

They are rare because usually, only the top floor has a ceiling void. If you live on lower levels, a concrete slab separates you and the floor above leaving insufficient space to create a void.

Clients often think that they have a ceiling void because they have down lights installed in their ceiling; however, what they are actually seeing is a dropped ceiling for a modern finish, albeit one that creates a small void between the slab and the ceiling.

If you happen to live on the top floor, the quickest way to ascertain if you have a ceiling void is to look around for a manhole, which may be located outside your front door in the hallway. Therefore, if you find one, ducted air conditioning may be an option for you.

Alternatively, a more common solution for apartments is multi split system air conditioning installations.

Strata Compliance

When it comes to complying with strata regulations, we are well-acquainted with the process. Moreover, although each strata committee may have its own unique process, generally they request to know the same information: what will the installation look like; what impact will it have on neighbours; and whether it can be discreetly blended in.

Upon completion of the required forms and providing the Strata committee with a detailed explanation of the ducted installation, we typically receive approval to proceed.

Strata AC Installation – Five Star Google Review with Strata Approval
Mitsubishi 7.1kW Split System Air Conditioning Installation with Strata Approval and Outddor Light Installation for BBQ Area Five Star Google Review

We are authorised to install and maintain the world’s leading brands:

Ready performs general maintenance and emergency breakdown air conditioning services to Northern Beaches and Sydney customers. Our team of air conditioning technicians are licensed, fully insured and qualified to install Ducted Air Conditioners from the worlds leading brands including Mitsubishi ElectricDaikinFujitsu and Panasonic.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Over 30 years of experience serving customers Sydney wide
Star Rating from Alan Dodson
9 April, 2025
I have given five stars as the process from quote to installation was fast and all options explained to me not only at the quote stage but at all stages of the installation. Clean up after the job was exemplary with no complaints from my better half. So thanks Marcel, Renton, Troy, Danny, Kaye, Greg and Xavier for a job well done. I am not planning on moving house soon but would have no hesitatio…
Star Rating from Noel McClean
8 April, 2025
We couldn’t be happier with the air conditioning installation from Ready Electrical today. Troy, Renzo, Khye, Danny and Xavier were punctual, professional and communicated every step along the way during our installation. The team worked quickly and efficiently, including the final clean up on site. Thanks to the team from Ready Electrical!
Star Rating from Kara Hillier
31 March, 2025
Professional installation and competitive prices. Company excellent to deal with and respond promptly Our installers Renzo & Khye we’re fantastic
Star Rating from Phil McRitchie
31 March, 2025
Polite, thorough and professional service and advice. Highly recommend. Phil
Star Rating from Victor Northhead
27 March, 2025
Ready Electrical & Air Conditioning were excellent. They were professional, punctual, and responded quickly when I had an issue with my aircon. The repair was done efficiently and without any hassle. It’s made a big difference—finally able to sleep properly in this heat. I’d be happy to use their services again.
Star Rating from Liam Geoghegan
27 March, 2025
Punctual and helpful. Will use their services again.
Star Rating from Jacinta Coyne
27 March, 2025
The team at Ready Electrical were great and would definitely recommend to others. I really appreciated the transparent communication and how tidy the place was when they left. So happy with my fans/air con!
Star Rating from Haein Wyzenbeek
21 March, 2025
Troy and Danny were great to have over for our electrical work. Friendly, efficient and tidy. Thanks again guys!
Star Rating from Lou Nash
17 March, 2025
Ready Electrical and Air Conditioning did a wonderful job in my apartment. I would definitely use them again in the future and highly recommend them to anyone needing electrical services.