Own an older home and wondering if ducted air conditioning is even possible? You’re not alone. We get this question all the time — especially from homeowners in Nowra, Callala Bay, Culburra and surrounding areas.
Maybe your home’s a single-storey brick veneer from the ’70s. Or a fibro beach house with a tight ceiling cavity. You’ve heard that a ducted aircon system is great — quiet, clean-looking, and efficient — but you’re not sure if it’ll work in a house that wasn’t designed for it.
The good news? In most older South Coast homes, it’s absolutely possible. It just takes the right system design and an installer who’s used to working with the quirks and constraints of older properties.
At Chilko AIR, we’ve installed ducted systems in everything from post-war cottages to weatherboard homes with cathedral ceilings. We know the questions to ask, the spaces to assess, and the workarounds that actually work.
And right now, we’re offering $500 off all new ducted aircon installs for enquiries made before November 30 — making it a great time to book ahead of the summer rush.
Let’s break down what’s possible in older homes — and what to expect if you’re considering ducted.
Is Ducted Aircon Even Possible in Older Homes?
The short answer? Yes — in most cases, you can install ducted air conditioning in an older home. But it depends on a few key factors.
We’ve helped South Coast homeowners install ducted systems in all kinds of older properties, from 1950s brick homes to fibro coastal cottages. Many of these homes were built before ducted systems became common, so they weren’t designed with ceiling space or vents in mind. That’s where careful system design becomes essential.
What surprises a lot of people is just how adaptable ducted systems can be — especially with modern slimline units, flexible ducting, and custom zoning.
Here are a few scenarios where ducted might still be viable:
- You’ve got just enough ceiling cavity for a slimline indoor unit and duct runs
- Your layout allows for multi-zone airflow even without a huge roof void
- You’re okay with some minor modifications (like installing return air grills or drop ceilings)
Even in trickier homes, ducted aircon often isn’t ruled out — it just needs thoughtful planning and honest advice.
What We Look for When Assessing Older Homes
Every older home is different, and a proper site inspection is the only way to know what’s feasible. When we assess older properties for ducted air conditioning, here’s what we’re looking at:
Ceiling Space
This is the biggest factor. We need enough room above the ceiling to install the indoor unit and run ducting to each zone. Older homes often have shallow roof cavities, but with slimline units and careful duct routing, we can often make it work.
Roof Pitch and Truss Layout
A steep roof pitch is helpful, as it gives more working room for the installation. We also look at the type of roof trusses — some older homes have open rafters, while others have more complex framing that may affect duct placement.
Subfloor Potential (Rare, But Possible)
Occasionally, in homes with high underfloor space, we can run ductwork below the house. It’s not common — but in some homes without ceiling space, this can be an option.
Existing Electrical Setup
Older homes may need electrical upgrades to support a new ducted system. We check this early to avoid surprises later.
Layout for Zoning
We consider how the home is used — bedrooms, living areas, offices — and plan zones that reflect how you actually live. This improves comfort and helps reduce running costs.
We’ll also assess any restrictions like asbestos, heritage features, or tight access points, and talk you through the options before quoting.
Installation Challenges (And How We Solve Them)
Installing ducted air conditioning in an older home can come with challenges — but they’re usually manageable with the right planning and experience. Here are some of the most common issues we see, and how we handle them.
Limited Ceiling Space
Many older homes weren’t built with ducted air conditioning in mind. That means tight ceiling cavities or limited roof access. We often solve this by using slimline indoor units designed specifically for low-clearance spaces. Flexible ducting and compact diffusers also help us make the most of narrow cavities.
No Existing Ductwork or Grilles
Unlike newer homes with ducting in the design, older homes need everything added from scratch — vents, grilles, duct runs, and zoning dampers. This requires more careful planning, but it also means we can fully customise the system to suit how you use your home.
Heritage Features or Layout Quirks
From decorative ceiling roses to exposed timber beams, older homes often have aesthetic features homeowners want to preserve. We always factor this in and aim to install discreet vents that don’t interrupt the look of your rooms. We can often run ducting behind wardrobes or down internal walls to keep things tidy.
Internal Wall Construction
Some homes from the ’50s and ’60s have brick or solid plaster internal walls, which make it harder to run cabling or ducting. In these cases, we plan routing carefully and, where necessary, use drop bulkheads or surface conduits in areas that can be blended into the home’s layout.
Noise Management
Older homes don’t always have insulation or acoustic separation between living and sleeping areas. We account for this by selecting quieter systems and using acoustic ducting where appropriate.
In short, the challenges are real — but they’re usually solvable. We’ve worked on dozens of older homes around the South Coast, and with a bit of smart design, we can almost always find a way to make ducted work.
Will It Damage or Change the Look of My Home?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from owners of older or character-filled homes: “Will installing ducted aircon ruin the look of my ceiling?”
The short answer is — no, it doesn’t have to.
Discreet Ceiling Vents
Modern ducted systems use low-profile ceiling diffusers that are neat, clean and unobtrusive. They’re usually round or square and can be colour-matched to your ceiling paint. Most people hardly notice them after a few days.
We work with homeowners to choose vent styles that complement the look of the home — whether you have a traditional corniced ceiling or a flat plaster finish.
No Bulky Indoor Unit on Display
The bulk of the system (fan coil unit and ducting) is hidden in the ceiling cavity or roof space — not mounted to an internal wall like a split system. That means no visible pipes, no wall units, and no extra boxes in your living areas.
Preserving Heritage Features
If your home has detailed ceiling mouldings, pressed tin panels, or ornate roses, we’ll work around them. In some cases, we’ve used sidewall vents or bulkheads to preserve original ceilings completely.
Outdoor Unit Placement
The outdoor compressor can usually be positioned in a discreet location — side access, under a deck, or along the rear wall. It doesn’t need to go on the roof or be visible from the front of the property.
In short, we take great care to ensure your new ducted system blends in with your home — not battles against it. A well-installed system can actually improve both comfort and resale value without changing the character of the home.
Is It More Expensive to Install Ducted in an Older Home?
Sometimes — but not always.
The cost of installing ducted air conditioning in an older South Coast home can vary depending on the layout, roof access, and whether any additional work is needed to make the installation possible.
Here’s what might affect the price:
Structural Adjustments
If your ceiling space is tight, we may need to modify framing, install access panels, or use slimline units that cost slightly more. These adjustments aren’t always needed, but when they are, we’ll clearly explain the options and costs involved.
Electrical Upgrades
Some older homes may not have a switchboard that can support a modern ducted system. If upgrades are required, we’ll include this in your quote — no surprises later on.
Zoning Complexity
In older homes with unusual layouts or multiple living areas, adding zone control may require additional design and equipment. This adds cost, but also improves efficiency — so it often pays off over time.
Hidden Extras? Not With Us.
At Chilko AIR, we believe in transparent quoting. If your home needs extra work for a safe and effective install, we’ll tell you upfront — and explain exactly why. We don’t pad quotes or surprise you with changes mid-install.
And right now, it’s a great time to take advantage of our seasonal discount…
Now Is the Best Time to Book (Here’s Why)
If you’re considering ducted air conditioning for your older home, there’s one more reason to act now: we’re offering $500 off all new ducted installs — but only for a limited time.
Here’s how it works:
- $500 off ducted air conditioning installation
- Applies to new enquiries received after 15 Sept 2025
- Installation must be completed before 30 Nov 2025
- System must be installed within 30 days of quote acceptance
This offer is designed to help homeowners get ahead of the summer rush and avoid long wait times during peak season.
As January approaches, installer schedules across the South Coast fill up quickly. By booking early, you not only save money — you also secure your installation while we still have flexibility in our calendar.
It’s especially valuable for older homes, where a bit more planning may be needed. Booking now gives us the time to design the right system without the pressure of backlogs or last-minute installations.
Ready to find out what’s possible in your home? We’re happy to inspect your ceiling space, assess your layout, and give you a clear, pressure-free quote.
Yes, You Can Install Ducted — and We’ll Show You How
Ducted air conditioning is possible in most older South Coast homes — and often easier than you’d think. It just takes smart planning, honest advice, and an installer who knows how to work with older layouts.
If you’re ready to enjoy whole-home comfort (without compromising the look or feel of your home), now’s the perfect time to act — especially with $500 off for new enquiries booked before November 30.