Ducted, Bulkhead and Wall Split Air Conditioning Systems Explained
Today I’ll look at the distinctions between three typical types of air conditioning systems: ducted, bulkhead, and wall split air conditioning systems. In recent years we have experienced some of the coldest and hottest days on record, so I understand the importance of having a dependable and effective air conditioning system. So, let's get into the specifics.
Ducted air conditioning is a technology that is commonly seen in larger buildings and residences. It is intended to condition the temperature of numerous rooms at the same time and works by circulating air through a number of ducts concealed behind the walls or ceiling. One of the primary benefits of ducted air conditioning is that it distributes cool air more evenly throughout the building. Because the air is distributed by a network of ducts, every room in the building can receive an proportional amount of air. This is especially beneficial in large buildings with multiple rooms that must be heated or cooled at the same time. Another benefit of ducted air conditioning is that it is relatively quiet. Because the primary unit is normally positioned outside the building and there is no need for big, noisy wall-mounted units in each room. This might be a significant benefit for persons who like a calm and serene living environment.
However, there are several drawbacks to ducted air conditioning. For starters, it is frequently more costly to install than other types of air conditioning systems. This is due to the fact that it necessitates the installation of a network of ducts throughout the structure, which may be a complex and time-consuming process. Furthermore, because the ducts are hidden behind the walls or ceiling, accessing them for maintenance or repairs might be challenging.
Now compare this to a bulkhead AC system. This type of system is commonly seen in smaller places, such as apartments or individual rooms within a larger structure. Bulkhead air conditioning is installed in the ceiling or bulkhead and operates by blowing cool air into the room below. One of the primary benefits of bulkhead air conditioning is that it is frequently less expensive to run as you are only heating or cooling the areas that you use. Another benefit is that it is unobtrusive because the unit is mounted in the ceiling, return air ducts are not required so it takes up no valuable floor space and does not obstruct any windows or doors. The drawbacks however to bulkhead AC is that it is not as effective as ducted AC in cooling large spaces and it can be difficult to maintain or replace.
Finally, we'll look into wall split systems. This system is commonly used in individual rooms or smaller places, and it operates by mounting an indoor unit on the wall and connecting it to an outdoor unit. One of the primary benefits of wall split systems is that they are frequently the least expensive and easiest to install of the three types we've described. They are also energy efficient because like bulkhead systems you only heat or cool the rooms that require heating or cooling rather than the entire structure. Another benefit of wall split systems is that they are small and unobtrusive. The unit is generally mounted high up on the wall, it is less likely to be knocked or damaged by people walking by and also takes up no valuable floor space and can be simply relocated or rearranged if necessary.
In conclusion, ducted air conditioning is built for larger buildings and residences, distributing air evenly throughout the residence, whereas bulkhead and wall split systems are often used in smaller areas. Because they are fixed on the wall and connected to an exterior unit, wall split systems are frequently the most economical and easiest to install, however from a design point of view the bulkhead systems are neater and less visible making them a common choice for design-focused people.