Ducted Aircon Installation: A Complete Guide

If you are looking for cooling of an entire home from a single aircon unit then ducted aircon systems are the best choice. These central aircon systems use ducts to distribute air to different rooms. For a person who intends to install a ducted system, there are a lot of works – planning, cost estimation, installation and more. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about ducted aircon installation.   

 

Considerations of Ducted System Installations: Business or Personal Use?  

Cooling systems using ductwork can serve both personal and commercial purposes. Hence, ducted aircon systems can be used for both these categories.  

Residential Installation

Homes in Singapore with ducted air conditioning units experience balanced temperature control throughout the residence. Installation is usually done in:  

• Single and multi story residences.  
• Flats and multi-unit dwellings. With required ceiling height.  
• New or renovated buildings with appropriate spaces for installation of ducts and related constructions.  

Commercial Installation 

Ducted aircon units can also cool large spaces. Therefore, they are suitable for business usage as well. Below are commercial use of ducted systems:

• Offices.   
• Stores and shopping centers.  
• Hotels and leisure establishments.  
• Cafes and restaurants.  
• Warehouses and other industrial buildings.  

Determining whether to install the system within residential or commercial spaces depends on the structure of the building, cooling needs, and budget.

 

Ducted Aircon Installation Cost In Singapore

There are many factors that determine the cost of installation of a ducted air conditioning system. These factors include:

Property Size: Bigger properties require a lot more energy to keep the entire space cool. Thus, the cost of the system and ductwork will increase. 

Number Of Zones: Additional control panels and other components in more zones increase the cost. 

Complexity of Ducting: More complicated ductwork requirement and limited ceiling space will increase the cost.

Capacity of the unit: Units that are of higher capacity tend to be more expensive.

Labor cost: Pricing of professional technicians will vary based on the complexity of work. 

Insulation requirements: Additional insulating requirements will raise the overall cost. 

Material quality: For reliable brands and quality products, the cost of installation will increase. 

 

Estimated Cost Breakdown (SGD) for Ducted Aircon Installation:

System Type	System Price (SGD)	Ducting & Materials (SGD)	Labor & Service (SGD)	Total Estimated Cost (SGD)
Single Zone	$5,000 – $8,000	$2,000 – $4,000	$3,000 – $5,000	$10,000 – $17,000
1-2 Zones	$7,000 – $12,000	$3,000 – $6,000	$4,000 – $6,000	$14,000 – $24,000
3-4 Zones	$10,000 – $15,000	$4,500 – $8,000	$5,000 – $7,000	$19,500 – $30,000
5+ Zones	$12,000 – $18,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$6,000 – $8,000	$24,000 – $36,000+

 

Required Materials and Tools for Installation

The follows are a few vital parts and tools that are essential for installing ducted aircon system:

Materials Required:

• Ducted aircon units 
• Vents and grills
• Zoning dampers (if applicable).
• Smart thermostats or controllers.
• Electrical wirings, circuit breakers, and refrigerant piping.
• Drainage pipes for condensation removal.
• Mounting brackets, fasteners, sealant, insulation materials, and strapping.

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers, power drills, and refrigerant line preparation vacuum pumps.
• Duct cutters, available at various measures.
• Electrical testing tools with leak detectors.
• Ladders, scaffolding for ceiling access, and gloves.
• Goggles, dust masks, and other safety gear.

 

Ducted Aircon Installation Process: Step By Step

Step 1: Preliminary Evaluation & Consultation

A cooling system and duct placement assessment is determined based on the home’s layout, insulation, and floor plan. Room size, furniture, existing ventilation, and sun exposure add to the sizing requirements of the ducted system.

Step 2: System Designing

Ducts, vents, and the central unit are planned by a professional aircon installer. Additionally, if necessary, a zoning system is also configured.

Step 3: Area Preparation for Installation

Easy access to the project area must be ensured before installation. In case the aircon unit is oversized and weighty, structural reinforcements will be required.

Step 4: Ductwork Installation

Technicians will set up ducts in the ceilings, wall cavities or beneath the floor. To maximize efficiency and minimize energy, high-quality insulated ducts are used. The ducts are secured with fasteners and airtight seals to prevent leakages.

Step 05: Installing the indoor unit

The indoor unit is mounted at the attic or ceiling level. It is locked in place, and all required fittings like ducts and electrical connections are made. During installation, beware of noise and airflow directions.

Step 06: Installing the outdoor unit

The outdoor condenser unit is located outside the house in the well ventilated area. The unit is placed on stable grounds, where it is either bracketed or set on a concrete pad. There will not walls or other obstruction near the outdoor unit.

Step 07: Refrigerant piping and electrical wiring

The indoor and outdoor units are linked by refrigerant pipes. These pipes must be leak free and insulated. Electrical wiring is fed to unit and the thermostats are connected. Safety switches and circuit breakers are installed in this stage.

Step 8: Vent and Grille Installation

 

Return air vents and grilles are installed at specific locations to achieve balanced air circulation for the system. These components are positioned in a way that they produce least amount of sound possible.

Step 9: Zoning and Smart Control Integration

For zoning system, dampers control the flow of air in different zones of the ductwork. It will allow separate temperature control for different areas. Smart controllers and thermostats are installed to enable automatic scheduling and control from mobile devices.

Step 10: Drainage System Setup

Condensate drainage pipes are installed to drain the excess moisture from the system. These systems are tested to prevent leakages as well as making sure that water will drain freely without getting stuck in gutters or blocked pipes.

Step 11: System Testing & Commissioning

After installing the system, it will need to go through a range of tests. These include:

• Check the airflow balance within all specified areas.
• Test the temperature sensor for precision.
• Confirm the refrigerant filling is free of leaks.
• Test all electrical components and check the system’s safety elements.
• Check the thermostat and zoning functionality.

After the aircon passes all the performance tests, the system is handed over to the client.

Tips for Ducted Aircon Installation

Below are a few tips for proper installation of the ducted aircon system:

Pick the Appropriate System Size

It is extremely important to choose the correct size system for appropriate operation. If the system is too small, it will have trouble cooling the space. If it is too big, energy will be wasted. A trained professional must evaluate your home or office and determine the correct size for energy efficiency, comfort, and system lifespan.

Design Duct Network with Balanced Zone Airflow in Mind

Balanced zone airflow is one of the most important duct design features. Good design limits energy waste by minimizing stagnant hot or cold areas and promotes equal delivery of conditioned air to all areas . Ducts (as well as other system components) must be located in a way that they should be easy to reach during maintenance. 

Use Zoning for Additional Energy Savings

Effective zoning allows certain area of the home or office to be cooled separately. Why cool the entire building if only certain rooms are occupied? This will improve energy efficiency. Zoning is very effective in larger commercial buildings for achieving reduced utility expenses.

Make Sure Ducts Are Insulated Properly

Maintaining proper insulation on ductwork is crucial for preventing energy loss and achieving cooling efficiency. Proper insulation improves the system’s efficiency, lower maintenance costs and their comfort in the long term. Insulated ducts also minimize the possibility of condensation forming.

Identify Ideal Locations for the Indoor and Outdoor

It is a vital determinant  for system’s performance and longevity. The indoor unit must be located in the center of the space, easy to reach, while the outdoor unit must have adequate air space clearance so that heat can be exchanged easily.

Employ a Licensed and Experienced Installer

Employing a BCA-certified installer who can help you get the HDB permit for aircon if required. The installer must have the know-how to install the aircon as per the standards with the right equipment. With the installer’s proper knowledge, the air conditioning unit will function efficiently and give comfort without frequent breakdowns and repairs.

Schedule Routine Servicing After Installation  

Regular servicing is absolutely essential for any type of aircon system. Ducted system require regular duct cleaning along with other conventional aircon cleaning such as chemical overhaul servicing. Scheduling annual check-ups guarantees that the system is cleaned, checked for refrigerant, and parts are functioning optimally.

Ducted Air-conditioning Installation Common Mistakes

Although the installation is often undertaken by professionals, ducted air conditioning systems are still quite complicated. Here are the common mistakes for ducted aircon system installation:

1. System Size Mistake

Choosing an airconditioner that is too small or too big for the intended space is a common mistake. Having a detailed idea of a home’s layout and professional layout design can avoid this mistake.

2. Improper Duct Layout

A poorly planned duct layout can be a reason for uneven air distribution. Certain rooms becoming too hot or too cold if the layout is wrong. Take professional’s help while designing the layout.

3. Insulation Deficiency

Insulation of ducts is often overlooked. Wrong insulation can cause energy wastage and increase cost. If you properly insulate the ducts, it will help in maintaining temperature and lessen the load for the unit. 

4. Incorrect Location of Indoor and Outdoor Units

The places where the indoor and outdoor units are installed can make or break the system’s efficiency. The indoor unit should be placed in a central location of the duct network, while the outdoor unit should have enough space to expel heat effectively. If placed incorrectly, the system will overheat or will cool ineffectively causing unbalanced temperatures.

5. Improper Ventilation and Grille Location

Poorly designed ventilation or improperly located vents and return grilles may lead to uneven air circulation. Incorrect locations of grilles may leave some spaces excessively cool while not enough for others.

6. Not Using Zoning Systems  

Zoning ensures individual areas within a residence or commercial building to be cooled separately. Not using zoning systems can result in wasted energy and inconsistent temperatures throughout different rooms, especially in larger properties.

7. Inadequate Drainage System  

Poorly managed drainage can be a big problem resulting in system malfunctions and water damage. Water from the ducted air conditioning unit’s condensation needs to be directed away properly, otherwise, it risks creating leaks, rust, and mold.

8. Poor Installation ( DIY or Inexperienced Technicians)

Installing ducted air conditioning can be a costly venture. It does require some expertise. Poor installation can result in using the wrong dimensions, bad joins, or restricted airflow. Having a proper licensed contractor will eliminate the risk of incurring expensive repairs in the long run.

9. Not Keeping up the Unit With Maintenance  

Not scheduling regular maintenance visits after the installation can lead to system inefficiency and costly repairs down the line. Regular servicing makes sure that the system is neat, components are serviced, the duct network is free of mice and the refrigerant is at the correct levels.

10. Using Cheap Materials  

Lower quality materials used in the system will incur additional costs down the line. High quality ductwork or insulation can be more expensive, but their long-term efficiency will save money over time.

 

Conclusion  

The installation of ducted air conditioning systems involves a challenging set of actions that must be dealt with in a planned manner. Take the help of professionals, and use  good quality materials. Although the costs associated with ducted air conditioning systems are quite high, the advantages of cooling an entire home together with energy savings and an increase in the value of the property make this investment worthwhile. With the right knowledge regarding how the installation process works, sticking to best practices, and following the professional advice, it is possible to enjoy dependable cooling systems for long years.