Can Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Be Fitted to Existing Ducting? Everything You Need to Know

As living costs continue to rise, summers become longer and hotter and environmental issues come to the fore, more and more people are keen to learn about the benefits of ‘cleaner and greener’ reverse cycle aircon and whether it can be fitted to their existing ducting.

That’s why we’ve decided to ‘clear the air’ in this blog which covers everything you need to know about whether it’s possible to use existing ductwork for a new system and whether you can have evaporative and reverse cycle air conditioning.

Let’s first take a closer look at the principles of reverse air conditioning and its benefits, before delving deeper into the issue of its compatibility with existing ducting systems.  We’ll also address the practicalities of upgrading air conditioning systems – as well as provide some detail in terms of the costs involved.

How does reverse-cycle air conditioning work?

In simple terms, a reverse cycle air conditioning system has the dual capability of providing both cooling and warmth for your home or office.  In other words, the system can cool or heat a building through a single mechanism.  Many of the modern reverse-cycle systems are also able to filter and dehumidify the air at the same time.

While the actual system design varies between manufacturers, they all operate on the same concept of a cyclical system for heat absorption on the one cycle and refrigeration on the reverse.  

This innovative dual-function technology works on the basic principle of heat exchange.  The system enables air to be heated or cooled by converting specialised chemicals called refrigerants into gas under pressure.  As the name suggests, a ‘reverse cycle’ occurs when the flow of refrigerant changes direction depending on the mode of operation to either absorb or distribute heat.   

Is there any benefit to upgrading to a reverse-cycle air conditioner?

If you’re considering upgrading your air conditioning system at home or your business, no doubt you want to make the right investment that delivers on your expectations.

According to CHOICE, reverse cycle air conditioners are a smart move for heating your home as they can be cheaper to run than gas or electric heaters, and they can be an efficient and cost-effective way to keep your home at comfortable temperatures year-round. 

So if you’re considering making some changes to your existing set-up, you’ll be interested in learning about the advantages of a reverse cycle system.  

• Improved energy efficiency and reduced power consumption
• Precise and consistent climate control, regardless of the external temperature
• Enhanced comfort
• Convenient and flexible
• Seamless, all-in-one functionality
• Noiseless operation
• Environmentally friendly
• Enhanced air filtration capability
• Cost-effective

Can reverse-cycle air conditioning be fitted to existing ducting?

Given all the advantages of advanced reverse cycle air conditioning technology, it’s completely understandable why it has become the solution of choice for year-round comfort.  The technology allows unparalleled convenience and flexibility – but one question comes up time and time again. Can reverse cycle air conditioning be fitted to existing ducting – and if so, what are the cost implications?

We’re also often asked the question: can you have evaporative and reverse cycle air conditioning?

We all know how much work goes into designing and installing air conditioning systems in new buildings, so you can imagine the additional challenges involved in retrofitting.  It’s certainly not a case of ‘one size fits all’ and there’s no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to the question.

An on-site inspection is the only reliable way of determining whether it’s possible to have evaporative and reverse cycle air conditioning and to see whether the existing ducting can handle the new technology.  That said, it is generally very difficult to use existing ducting and there are several good reasons for this.

Firstly, evaporative systems use larger ducts because of the higher volumes of air being distributed.  Reverse cycle systems require ducts with smaller diameters because of the lower volumes of air being moved.  The configuration of the ductwork between the two systems is also often incompatible.

Another important point to consider is the age and condition of the existing ducting.  

The average lifespan of an evaporative air conditioner is around 15 years and the ducting network in these older systems can degrade over that time.  Nowadays, heating and cooling solutions are designed and engineered to be more cost-effective and energy-efficient than ever – and the systems incorporate a variety of innovative new materials and technologies that perform optimally over extended periods.   

While it’s entirely feasible to retrofit a new air conditioning system into an existing building and it’s something that our iBreeze team does all the time – it’s important to make informed decisions about the most cost-effective and practical way to manage the project. 

Why should I upgrade my air conditioning setup?

You know your situation best. You know what your family or your workplace wants and needs in terms of heating and cooling of their environment – but there’s no doubt that expert advice will save you time and money in achieving your desired outcomes.

We can help.  

If you’re considering an upgrade to your heating or cooling system and want sound advice on how to go about it, our knowledgeable and friendly professionals at iBreeze can guide you through the process. You can rely on our extensive industry experience and time-honoured focus on product and service excellence to work out a tailor-made and cost-effective air conditioning solution that meets your needs.

Get quality reverse cycle air conditioning with iBreeze

Whether it’s retrofitting an air conditioning system, maintaining an existing set-up or installing an entirely new solution for heating and cooling your home or office, you can trust iBreeze.  We have a strong reputation as a leading installer of air conditioning systems, solar panels, and electric and wood heating solutions in Mandurah – and are well-equipped to deliver world-class solutions for any of your residential and commercial needs.

Contact us through our website or give us a call and let our friendly team of experts answer your questions and give you a personalised recommendation for an affordable, cleaner, more sustainable and more comfortable indoor environment.