Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning consists of three groups of components. There is the duct network and the vents, the evaporator, and the condenser. During the installation, you will need to decide where to place each of these. Of course, the air conditioning contractors will know the best position. But here's some general information to help you engage in a discussion with them.
Indoor Evaporator Unit
The indoor evaporator coil handles the hot and cold air and delivers it into the ducts. The evaporator is placed in a concealed spot, somewhere indoors. If a house has a pitched roof and a flat ceiling, it could be put in the crawl space. This location is handy as it's central to the floor plan, and the ducts can efficiently spread to all rooms.
If a building has a raked or cathedral ceiling, then it probably won't have enough crawl space for the evaporator. You will have to come up with other solutions. For a house with a suspended timber floor, the air conditioner could possibly be fitted underneath. Alternatively, the contractors may be able to hide the indoor unit inside a custom-built enclosed space. This will reduce the size of the adjoining room.
Vents and Ducts
Another group of components for ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning are the room vents and the ducts. You will see the vents daily, as they're the most visible aspect of the system.
They can be fitted to the ceiling, wall or floor. The best site will depend on where the evaporator is installed. If it's in the crawl space, the ducts will often be connected to ceiling vents. Whereas if the evaporator is underneath the house, floor vents may be more practical.
The ducts can also be built into the walls. What is feasible will depend on whether you're retrofitting the air conditioning, in which case, you are more limited unless you want to remove cladding. With a new house, you can consider different options.
The vent location isn't only about building constraints but also about the effectiveness of the air conditioning. If you use it mainly for heating, then it can be more effective to put the vents lower in the room. On the other hand, if you mainly use it for cooling, higher vents can be better.
Outdoor Condenser Unit
Finally, you will need to choose a spot for the outdoor unit, which your installer can again advise you on. It should be somewhere stable, preferably out of direct sunlight so the unit doesn't get overly hot. Plus, the condenser needs good airflow so it can release heat when it needs to.
You should think about the noise it emits and ensure that it doesn't breach local council regulations regarding air conditioners. The condenser should be away from your bedroom windows and your neighbour's windows. Plus, leave enough room for servicing.
Contact a professional to learn more about ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning systems.
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