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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 Anneli and Simon Solomons
3 July, 2025
Nice young fellows. Professional and tidy. Got the job done in no time. Happy to explain the problem and fix it. Very happy with the service.
Star Rating from Monique Van Leeuwen-Hughes
28 June, 2025
I recently had the pleasure of working with Troy, a fantastic young electrician who went above and beyond to help me during an emergency. He responded incredibly quickly, was professional, courteous and extremely efficient. Not only did he do an excellent job himself, but he also took the initiative to organise additional help where needed. He handled everything very smoothly. It’s rare these day…
Star Rating from Alistair Boyd
12 June, 2025
Consistently the best communication I’ve ever experienced from anyone in the trade industry, from enquiry right through to the kind and professional team on the job. Shout out to Troy for being incredibly patient and helpful in getting our lights set up, and also to Renzo and Danny for the great advice and installation of our AC. Can’t recommend RE enough.
Star Rating from Trish
26 June, 2025
Renzo, Troy and Khye were friendly, efficient and professional. The advice was great and I will definitely be using Ready Electrical again.Thank you :)
Star Rating from Anny Herawaty
25 June, 2025
I remember when my first contact with Ready Electrical in 2023 for service my AC. And until now I always contact Ready Electrical. I asked for a quote and they were able to carry out the job in a few days later. Renzo, Xavier, Khye they did a good job, honest and friendly. Renzo taught me how the way to operate my new split system Aircon/heater in my bedroom and in my living room area. I have…
Star Rating from bayaraa javkhlant
25 June, 2025
Absolutely thrilled with the service! Tory did an amazing job installing our new aircon and lights. He was professional, efficient, and really friendly. Everything works perfectly, and the place looks and feels fantastic now. Couldn’t be happier - highly recommend Tory and the team!
Star Rating from Ria Dussaye
24 June, 2025
Great customer experience & service with Ready Electrical, super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, definitely recommend & will use again!
Star Rating from Mark Farrell
18 November, 2024
Greg and his team from Ready Electrical did a great job with the installation of new air conditioning units for us. Greg was professional and prompt from quote to completion. I highly recommend Ready Electrical for any electrical job needed.
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17 June, 2025
On time, excellent work, no rubbish left behind, I think these guys are terrific!