Ducted Air Conditioning
Whole-home comfort, hidden ductwork
and one thermostat for every room.
A ducted system conditions the whole house through concealed ductwork, with zone control so you're not paying to cool rooms nobody's using. It's the system most higher-end renovations and new builds across the Illawarra and Sydney land on.
One system, every room, no visible units
Ducted air conditioning runs the whole home off a single outdoor unit and a network of ductwork hidden in the ceiling, with a discreet control panel replacing wall-mounted units in every room. For a renovation or a new build, that means no boxy units breaking up a clean ceiling line, and zoning means the system only conditions the rooms actually in use, rather than running the whole house at once.
It suits larger homes and open-plan layouts especially well, where multiple split systems would mean multiple outdoor units, multiple remotes and a higher combined running cost. The trade-off is a bigger upfront install, since ductwork has to be designed around the roof space, so it works best planned in at the renovation or build stage rather than retrofitted as an afterthought.
From roof cavity to zoned control
Step 1
Roof cavity assessment
We check the roof space, ceiling height and existing structure to confirm ductwork can run where it needs to.
Step 2
Zone design and sizing
The home gets split into zones based on how rooms are actually used, and the system is sized to the total conditioned area, not just floor space.
Step 3
Ductwork and unit install
Ductwork, the indoor unit, outdoor condenser and control panel go in, with Certificate 3 trade qualified tradesmen handling the mechanical and electrical work.
Step 4
Zoning setup and commissioning
Zones are configured and tested so each area of the house heats or cools independently, then the system is commissioned to Australian standards.
Step 5
First-year maintenance
Two included visits in the first twelve months to check ductwork seals, filters and zone performance.
Is ducted the right call?
Ducted suits a full house or a large open-plan renovation where consistent, whole-home comfort matters more than a lower upfront cost. If you only need to cool one or two rooms, a single split system usually gets there faster and cheaper. Full detail on the split system option, including typical pricing, sits on its own page, and the general install process that applies to both is covered on the installation pillar.
Ductwork designed properly the first time
A ducted system is only as good as the ductwork design behind it. Undersized or badly routed ducting shows up later as weak airflow in the room furthest from the unit, and it's expensive to fix once the ceiling's closed up. Standby designs the zoning and duct runs before the ceiling goes in wherever possible, and every install carries a free first year of maintenance with two visits included, so ductwork gets checked before a fault develops rather than after.
Licensed, insured and accredited
Common questions
How much does ducted air conditioning cost to install?
For a smaller home, ducted installs typically start around $8,000, rising with house size, the number of zones and roof access difficulty. A single-room split system, by comparison, runs $2,000 to $3,500. We give a fixed number after inspecting the roof cavity, not before.
Is ducted air conditioning better than split system?
Neither is universally better, they solve different problems. Ducted suits whole-home comfort in a larger house or open-plan renovation. Split system suits cooling one or two rooms without the cost of running ductwork through the whole house. We size the recommendation to the home during the site visit.
Can I add ducted air conditioning to an existing home, not just a new build?
Yes, though it's more involved than a new build install since ductwork has to be retrofitted through an existing ceiling cavity. We assess roof access during the site visit to confirm it's feasible and give you a realistic cost before committing.
Does ducted air conditioning qualify for the NSW rebate?
If the system meets the efficiency criteria under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, yes. Standby is an accredited NSW Government rebate installer. Full eligibility detail is on our dedicated rebate page.
How long does ducted air conditioning last?
A well-maintained ducted system typically runs 15 to 20 years, though components near the coast can wear faster if outdoor units aren't kept clear of salt build-up. Regular servicing, including the two included visits in the first year, catches most issues before they shorten that lifespan.
Related pages
Reliable cooling, when you need it most.
Whether it is a new installation, planned maintenance or a breakdown, Standby Services gives you a clear way forward.