Ducted air conditioning
Hidden units above the ceiling, with only slim grilles on show. Free survey for mainland installations, and a fixed written quote.
- Free site survey and fixed written quote
- Unit sizes, refrigerant and price set out in writing
- Work planned around your opening hours
What is ducted air conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning uses an indoor unit hidden in the ceiling void or a plant space, connected by ductwork to grilles or slot diffusers in the room. Only the grilles are visible, which makes it the most discreet option for receptions, boardrooms, restaurants and hotel rooms.
In the UK, guide prices run from about £3,450 to £7,950 per ducted zone, plus VAT. A typical job (reception or boardroom with one ducted zone) usually comes to £3,950–£7,950 plus VAT.
When the look of the room matters, ducted units are the answer. The unit sits out of sight above the ceiling or in a bulkhead, and air is delivered through linear slots or square diffusers that blend into the ceiling design.
Ducted systems need more planning than cassettes: the void must be deep enough for the unit and ductwork, the unit needs an access panel for servicing, and supply and return air paths must be designed so the room is quiet and evenly conditioned.
Where it suits
- Receptions and boardrooms
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotel rooms and suites
- High-end retail and showrooms
- Galleries and listed interiors
- Spaces with bulkheads or plant rooms
What is included
- Survey of void depth and duct routes
- Ducted unit selection by capacity and external static pressure
- Supply and return ductwork, plenums and grilles
- Access panel for servicing
- Pipework, condensate and controls
- Air-flow balancing and commissioning
How the work is carried out
Survey and route
We check void depths and plan routes for supply and return ductwork.
Design the air side
Grille sizes and positions are chosen for even air flow and low noise.
Install unit and ducts
The unit is hung with access for servicing; ductwork and grilles are fitted.
Balance and commission
Air flows are measured and balanced, then the system is commissioned.
Ducted AC prices
National guide prices for 2026. Local pages show prices adjusted for each region.
| Item | Guide price (ex VAT) | Inc VAT | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-profile ducted unit (up to about 7 kW) | £3,450–£5,950 | £4,140–£7,140 | per zone |
| Medium static ducted unit (7–14 kW) | £4,950–£7,950 | £5,940–£9,540 | per zone |
| Linear slot diffuser | £145–£395 | £174–£474 | per metre |
| Access panel and ceiling making good | £145–£495 | £174–£594 | per unit |
Ex VAT, supply and install including standard ductwork.
Long duct runs, bespoke grilles and builder's work are priced after survey.
Typical job: reception or boardroom with one ducted zone — £3,950–£7,950 plus VAT.
Things to plan for
Void depth
Low-profile ducted units can fit voids of around 250 mm, but ductwork adds depth. We measure the route as well as the unit position.
Access
Filters and the unit need access for servicing — an access panel is non-negotiable.
Noise
Duct sizes and grille velocities are chosen to keep noise down in quiet rooms.
Return air
Every ducted unit needs a return air path; we design it rather than rely on gaps under doors.
Questions about ducted AC
Is ducted air conditioning more expensive?
Usually a little more than a cassette of the same capacity, because of the ductwork, grilles and access panel. In return you get a much cleaner ceiling.
Can one ducted unit serve several rooms?
It can, but every room then shares one thermostat. Rooms with different uses are better on separate units or zones.
How much ceiling void is needed?
Low-profile units can work in around 250–300 mm, but the duct route often needs more. We measure at survey.
Is ducted AC quiet?
It can be the quietest option, because the unit is away from the room. Correct duct sizing and attenuation make the difference.
Can ducted units bring in fresh air?
Some ducted units can accept a fresh-air connection; in other cases ventilation is provided separately.
Premises we fit this for
Ducted AC near you
Choose your county or region for local guide prices and the towns we cover.
England
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Bristol
- Buckinghamshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Cheshire
- Cornwall
- County Durham
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- Devon
- Dorset
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- East Sussex
- Essex
- Gloucestershire
- Greater Manchester
- Hampshire
- Herefordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Isle of Wight
- Kent
- Lancashire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- London
- Merseyside
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Northamptonshire
- Northumberland
- Nottinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Rutland
- Shropshire
- Somerset
- South Yorkshire
- Staffordshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Tyne and Wear
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- West Sussex
- West Yorkshire
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
Scotland
What happens next
Tell us what you need
Use the form, the quote tool, live chat or call us. A postcode and the type of premises is enough to start.
Survey or visit
For mainland installations we survey free of charge. Service and repair visits, and travel to remote locations, are priced before we book.
Written quote
You get the specification, the price and the programme in writing, including any landlord or planning points.
Work and handover
We install, service or repair around your hours, then hand over the commissioning and F-gas records.
Tell us about your premises
Send a few details and we will arrange a survey or call you back with a guide price.