When decorating a house, air conditioning is a key system that influences indoor comfort. Particularly for the ducted-type air conditioners and central air conditioners that are similar in outlook. Many people will be tangled up about the differences between them and how to choose for their houses.

Don't worry, this article is to help you clear the distinctions among them and find the best option.

 

I. What are ducted air conditioners and central air conditioners?

 

Ducted air conditioner: A system that controls a room.

• A ducted air conditioner is a one-drive-one system with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. It delivers the cold (hot) air to an area or several close spaces through an air duct. Suitable for partial spaces such as living rooms or bedrooms.

 

Central air conditioner: A system that controls the whole room.

• A central air conditioner usually refers to a Variable Refrigerant Flow or Variable Refrigerant Volume system (VRF/VRV), which is a one-drive-more structure. An outdoor unit connects with more indoor units, and every room could control the temperature individually, achieving intelligent adjustment for the whole room.

 

 

II. Ducted air conditioner VS. Central Air Conditioner

 

Items	Ducted air conditioner	Central air conditioner
Outdoor unit configuration	One-to-one	One-to-many
Temperature control method	Uniform control of one area	Each room is independently controlled
Usage scenario	Single space or small apartment	Multiple rooms, large apartments, villas
Installation difficulty	Easy to install	Complex installation, requires overall design
Initial cost	Low	High
Energy saving performance	General	Higher (especially frequency conversion system)
Aesthetics	Hidden ceiling, visually neat	Equally beautiful, more integrated

 

III. How to choose? Bellow points may help you select quickly

 

1. The structure of your house

• Small house/single room usage: Choosing a ducted air conditioner will be cost-effective.
• Large house/multiple room usage: A central air conditioner will be more suitable.

 

2. Budget

• Limited budget: Choose a duct air conditioner.
• Abundant budget: The investment in the central air conditioner will be longer.

 

3. Decoration

• Renovation or partial upgrade for old house: The duct AC units will be more flexible.
• New house decoration or whole house planning: Central air conditioning is more systematic.

 

4. Requirements for quality of life

• Practical and basic cooling and heating usage: Choose a concealed duct air conditioner.
• Silence, energy saving, and zoned control: Choose a central air conditioner.

 

IV. Write in the end

 

Select a ducted air conditioner:

• Demand for air conditioning partially. (living rooms, bedrooms)
• Tighten budget
• Fewer requirements on individual temperature control.

 

Select a central air conditioner:

• Large rooms, multiple rooms.
• High requirements for comfort and elegance.
• Sufficient budget, pursuing long-term energy efficiency.

 

 

V. Professional Advice

 

Purchasing an air conditioner should not only stress the price and brand but should also concern the space arrangement and long-term operation effect. We recommend inquiring with professional air conditioning engineers and making a customized plan based on your house type and budget, saving money and making it effortless.

 

If you are picking an air conditioning system, please contact us. We can provide you with some advice and adoption plans so that you can install it with peace of mind and use it comfortably!