Top Ducted Air Conditioning Brands: Efficiency Meets Comfort

Ducted air conditioning systems are a popular choice for many households and commercial spaces due to their efficiency and ability to maintain even temperatures throughout large areas. With various brands offering different features, energy ratings, and price points, selecting the right one can be daunting. Renowned brands in the market have distinguished themselves by their innovative technology, energy-efficient models, and comprehensive customer service. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best brands for ducted air conditioning systems below.

Illustration of ducted air conditioning

Best brands of ducted air conditioning in 2025

Daikin

Daikin is a leading producer of ducted air conditioning systems, renowned for its high-quality and efficient products. Despite industry demand declines, Daikin increased its market share in the ducted unitary for houses segment by bolstering supply and enhancing its sales network, particularly through the sales of its environmental premium product, FIT. In FY2022, Daikin's sales in this segment trended favorably, with the company securing an increase in revenue due to an improved sales mix and the implementation of selling price measures. Daikin's ducted systems offer discreet air-conditioned comfort, featuring inverter compressors and high-efficiency DC motors, making them a preferred choice for whole-house comfort. The company's focus on energy efficiency and innovative technologies has contributed to its strong market position.

Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric is a leading producer of ducted air conditioning systems, renowned for their high-end, energy-efficient models and advanced technologies such as the i-see Sensor, which detects room occupancy to optimize comfort and efficiency. In 2021, Mitsubishi Electric held a 3.5% global market share in the HVAC industry, and their air conditioning systems & home products segment generated over $9 billion in revenue in the fiscal year 2024. Their ducted and VRF systems are particularly popular in commercial applications, offering uniform air distribution and aesthetic appeal with only ceiling or floor-mounted grills visible. Mitsubishi Electric's focus on robust, high-performance systems has earned them a premium position in the market. Their products are known for durability and long lifespan, making them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial use.

Fujitsu

Fujitsu General is renowned as one of the leading producers of ducted air conditioning systems, having been in the industry since 1960. The company has consistently innovated, introducing products like the ducted air conditioner with a reduced height of 240 mm to meet installation needs in apartments with narrow ceiling spaces, and incorporating R32 refrigerant to reduce environmental impact. Fujitsu General has won the "TRUSTED BRANDS AUSTRALIA" award in the Air Conditioner Category for five consecutive years, reflecting its high-quality products and customer trust. The company's "anywAiR" system enhances functionality with wireless LAN compatibility and zone control features. Fujitsu General's commitment to sustainable management and customer satisfaction has solidified its position in markets across Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Oceania, and expanding into America and Asia.

Panasonic

Panasonic is a leading brand in the air conditioning market, particularly renowned for its innovative and energy-efficient ducted air conditioning systems. With a 15% market share in homes and 80% adoption in commercial buildings, Panasonic's air conditioners are 5% cheaper than major competitors and are driving growth with a 10% increase in sales from the previous year. The company's nanoe(tm) X technology, which generates hydroxyl radicals to inhibit bacteria and viruses, is a significant factor in its success. Panasonic's global market share stands at 4.1%, but it is aggressively expanding its presence, especially in Australia. The global air conditioner market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.98% from 2023 to 2030, positions Panasonic for continued dominance.

LG

LG Electronics has emerged as a prominent player in the ducted air conditioning market, with its HVAC market share more than doubling since 2017. The company ranks fifth globally in the large-scale chiller market, known for its energy-efficient and space-saving products, ideal for data centers and large buildings. LG's chillers can cool spaces up to 99,000 square meters, reducing noise, energy loss, and maintenance costs. The company plans to aggressively expand its presence in the global cooling systems market, aiming for significant revenue growth in the HVAC segment. LG's commitment to innovation and product development has solidified its position among the top HVAC market leaders. For more details, visit the LG Electronics HVAC news article.

Samsung

Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of ducted air conditioning systems, known for its innovative and energy-efficient products. The company has received the US EPA's ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award multiple times, including the Sustained Excellence Award in 2019, highlighting its commitment to energy efficiency. As of 2018, 706 of Samsung's product models were ENERGY STAR certified, demonstrating their focus on environmental sustainability. Samsung's global presence, with operations in 74 countries and a robust R&D expenditure, ensures continuous improvement in their air conditioning technology. The company's products, such as those featured in their sustainability reports, emphasize low power consumption and high reliability.

Carrier

Carrier is a leading producer of ducted air conditioning systems, holding a significant market share in the North American HVAC industry. In 2023, Carrier Global had a market share of 16.7%, making it the third-largest player in the region. Carrier's ducted systems are known for their efficient and dependable performance, with a wide range of outdoor air conditioners and indoor fan coil units that are easy to install and service. The company generated over $22 billion in global net sales in 2023, with a substantial portion coming from the HVAC segment. Carrier's products are highly regarded for their reliability and efficiency, making them a preferred choice for residential and commercial HVAC needs.

Toshiba

Toshiba is a renowned brand in the air conditioning industry, particularly for its high-quality ducted air conditioning systems. Designed for both new and existing homes, Toshiba's Inverter Ducted systems offer efficient and quiet climate control. Although Toshiba has considered selling its air conditioning business to Carrier, its products continue to be popular, with Toshiba holding a significant presence in various electronics and home appliance markets. In 2022, Toshiba's building solutions segment, which includes air conditioning, generated $2.88 billion in net sales. The company's commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices, such as reducing its carbon footprint by 11% in 2024, further enhances its reputation.

Hitachi

Hitachi is a renowned producer of ducted air conditioning systems, known for its advanced technology and user-friendly designs. The company's ducted air conditioners are designed to fit into smaller ceiling cavities, supporting high external static pressure and flexible drainage height, making them ideal for various home and business environments. Despite facing challenges in the Indian market, where it dropped to the seventh spot in 2022-23 from its previous top three position, Hitachi still maintains a significant presence with a 12% market share in Room Air Conditioners (RACs) in India. Hitachi's products are appreciated for their low noise output and the ability to operate via smartphone, enhancing user comfort and convenience. The company's strong recall value and extensive distribution network in India, with over 10,000 selling points across 1,350 cities, further solidify its position in the market.

Trane

Trane Technologies is a leading producer of ducted air conditioning systems, holding a significant market share of 21.1% in the North American HVAC market as of 2023. The company has maintained its leading position through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of MTA in May 2023, and by capitalizing on strong demand in the commercial market despite residential market stagnation. Trane's focus on the North American and Central/South American markets has been instrumental in its success. The company's revenue has increased due to price adjustments for inflation and robust commercial demand, contributing to the overall growth of the North American HVAC industry, which was valued at $52.7 billion in 2023. Trane's dominance is further reinforced by its extensive product range and strong distribution network. For more insights into the North American HVAC industry, visit their website.