Ducted air conditioning systems are known to operate by channeling cool air into various rooms of the home through a series of air ducts and vents. But what does "ducted reverse cycle air conditioning" mean?

The reverse cycle actually denotes ability for the system to exchange warm and cool air during its operation. This means that the unit becomes an all-in-one heating solution when it's cold outside, and cooling solution during the summer. Ducted reverse cycle systems are therefore more comprehensive, complex, and all in one solutions for the home.

So how do they work?

A reverse cycle system works in accordance with the heat pump principle that is characteristic of other types of air conditioners. The process begins by a fan drawing hot air from your home and passing it over a cool liquid. This cool liquid is what is often referred to as the refrigerant. When warm air passes over the refrigerant, it is cooled because heat is absorbed from it and transferred into the refrigerant. This cool air is then channeled back into your home via a series of ducts.

The now warm refrigerant fluid flows into the compressor, where it is turned into a gas with high temperature and pressure. The gas is then channeled through a heat exchanger (which is often located outside the home) where heat escapes from the refrigerant and allows the refrigerant to cool and return to its liquid form.

The refrigerant can then have its pressure lowered, allowing the fluid to cool even further in readiness to absorb more warm air from the home.

In a ducted reverse cycle air conditioning unit, the process can essentially be reversed and used for both cooling and heating purposes. This means that during the summer, warm air from the home is passed through the refrigerant to cool it and channel it back indoors. During the winter, cold air is passed over a warm medium and is effectively warmed for use in the home.

Ducted reverse cycle systems in the home

Because of their convenient and efficient operation, reverse cycle systems are popular options in many homes. For these units to operate efficiently, they need to be installed to suit the specific structure and design of the house.

Reverse cycle systems will therefore vary according to your home's floor plan, position of doors and windows, number of people in the home and even the type of insulation that was used to design the premises.