For cooling and heating your home or business, two of the most popular options in Australia are ducted air conditioning and split system air conditioning. Both systems offer reliable comfort, but they work differently and suit different types of buildings and lifestyles.
Choosing the right air conditioning system is vital. It affects how comfortable your space feels, how much you spend on energy bills, and how much you pay upfront and over time.
Let’s compare ducted air conditioning vs. split system and discover the best option for you.
Jump to:
Ducted Air Conditioning Overview
Split System Air Conditioning Overview
Pros and Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning
Pros and Cons of Split System Air Conditioning
Ducted Air Conditioning vs. Split System Cost
Mitsubishi Electric 2025 Bonus Gift Card Campaign
Choosing the Best System to Suit Your Needs
Conclusion
Ducted Air Conditioning Overview
How Ducted Systems Work
Ducted air conditioning uses a central unit to cool or heat air. This air travels through a network of ducts hidden in the ceiling or under the floor.
Vents in different rooms let the conditioned air flow into the space. The system can cool or heat the whole house or building from one central point, controlled by a thermostat.
Applications for Ducted Systems
Ducted systems are a fantastic choice for larger homes, offices, and new builds.
They work best when you want to cool or heat multiple rooms or your property as a whole. Ducted air conditioning is often chosen for family homes, open-plan designs, and commercial spaces where consistent comfort is needed.
Key Features of Ducted Systems
- Zoning options allow you to cool or heat different parts of your home separately. This can save energy by only conditioning the areas you are using.
- Concealed installation means most of the system is hidden away, with only the vents visible in each room.
- Consistent temperature control provides an even, comfortable climate across the whole property without hot or cold spots.
Split System Air Conditioning Overview
How Split Systems Work
Split system air conditioning uses two units (one inside and another outside).
- The indoor unit is usually mounted high on a wall, dispersing cool or warm air into the room.
- The outdoor unit holds the compressor, which pumps refrigerant to help move heat in or out of the indoor space.
Pipes and electrical wiring connect the two units. This design lets the system efficiently control the temperature in a single room or area.
Applications for Split Systems
Split systems are perfect for individual rooms, small apartments, or offices.
They are a popular option when you only need to cool or heat one area at a time, such as a bedroom, living room, or home office. They are also a good solution when ducted systems are impractical due to space limits or budget constraints.
Key Features of Split Systems
- Easy installation, with minimal work needed compared to ducted systems.
- Remote control operation for adjusting temperature, fan speed, and modes easily.
- Energy-efficient performance, especially with inverter models that adjust power use based on the room’s needs.
Pros and Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning
Ducted air con has many benefits and a few drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons:
Ducted System Pros
- Whole-home comfort
- Aesthetic appeal
- Energy efficiency
- Zoning capabilities
- Quiet operation
- Increased property value
- Customisable features
Ducted System Cons
- Complex installation
- Harder to maintain and repair
- Needs significant ceiling space
Discover the 3 Best Ducted Air Conditioners.
Pros and Cons of Split System Air Conditioning
Split systems also have many benefits and some disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons:
Split System Pros
- Energy efficiency
- Easy installation
- Easy maintenance
- Easier repairs
- Flexible expansion
- Low upfront costs
- Compact units
Split System Cons
- Confined to a specific area
- Less aesthetic appeal
- Louder than ducted
Discover the 5 Best Split-System Air Conditioners.
Ducted Air Conditioning vs. Split System Cost
Installation Costs
Ducted air conditioning is usually more expensive to install than a split system. This is because it needs ductwork through the ceiling or under the floor, more labour, and often more planning.
Ducted air conditioning cost ranges from $11,000 to $15,000 for system sizes of 10kW to 15.5kW. This generally includes the system, all labour, materials and electrical work.
Here is a quick rundown of the general costs of ducted air conditioning:
Home Size
- Small
- Medium
- Larg
Cost in AU Dollars
- Approx 11,000
- Approx 12,000
- Approx 13,000+
Mitsubishi Electric ducted systems are a popular choice in Brisbane. As Diamond Dealers, we install many units throughout the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Whitsundays regions.
Discover more information on Why Mitsubishi Air Conditioning is the Best Choice for Brisbane Homes.
Split systems are cheaper to install. Installing a split system air conditioner in Brisbane costs about $1650 to $4200, including supply and installation costs.
Popular brands we install are:
The price goes up if you install several split systems in different rooms. This still generally costs less than a ducted system.
Running Costs
With running costs, split systems are often more energy-efficient for cooling or heating one or two rooms. You only power the units you are using, which saves money.
Ducted systems can be more expensive to run, especially if you are cooling or heating the whole house with each use. However, zoning lets you control which rooms are conditioned, making a ducted system much more efficient.
For instance, you can direct air to specific rooms – instead of cooling or heating your entire home.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Both types of systems need regular servicing to keep them running well.
- Split systems are easier and cheaper to service. A basic service costs around $200 per unit.
- Ducted systems usually cost more to service because they are larger and more complex. A service costs about $400, depending on if the ductwork needs extensive cleaning.
Repairs for both systems can vary depending on the issue. Ducted repairs often cost more due to the complexity of the system.
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Choosing the Best System to Suit Your Needs
Home Size and Layout
The size and design of your home play a significant role in choosing the right air conditioning system.
- Ducted systems are better for large homes or homes with multiple rooms that need cooling or heating at the same time.
- Split systems are better for smaller homes, units, or individual rooms where you only need to air condition specific spaces.
Is your home open-plan or has many rooms? A ducted system might give you better overall comfort.
Budget and Long-Term Costs
Budget is another crucial factor to think about.
- Split systems are cheaper to install upfront, especially if you only need one or two rooms cooled or heated.
- Ducted systems cost more at the start, but they may be a better investment if you need to condition the whole house and plan to stay long-term.
It’s also worth thinking about running costs over time. Split systems often cost less if you only use one or two units at a time.
Personal Comfort and Usage Patterns
Your comfort needs and how you use your home will also help you decide.
- If you want even, whole-house comfort, a ducted system is a great choice.
- If you mainly use only a few rooms, or if family members have different temperature preferences, split systems offer more flexibility.
Think about how many rooms you use most often and when you use them to help you choose the best system.
Conclusion
Choosing between ducted and split system air conditioning comes down to your home’s size, budget, and how you use your spaces.
Ducted systems are ideal for larger homes needing whole-house comfort. Split systems are great for cooling or heating single rooms or smaller spaces.
Each option has its own pros, cons, and costs to think about carefully.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best system for you depends on your needs, your lifestyle, and your plans for the future.
It’s important to consider both the upfront and long-term costs, as well as how much control you want over different zones in your home. Speaking to a professional installer can also help you choose the right system for your property.
Need more help choosing between ducted air conditioning vs. split system?
Contact us today for help choosing the best air con system for your unique needs.
