Ducted Air Conditioning vs Split System: Which Is Right For You?
Picture this. It’s a searing hot summer afternoon and you've just gotten home from work. Despite all your best efforts to keep your house cool while you've been out, it nevertheless feels like an oven. You’ve been pondering an aircon upgrade, but the choice between ducted air conditioning vs split system aircon has you stumped.
Do you go for the sleek, zone cooling of a ducted system that can cool your whole house? Or stick with a split system air conditioning unit that can cool individual rooms?
When it comes to choosing the right air conditioning system for your home, it’s not just about comfort. Energy efficiency, running costs and your home’s layout all come into play. So, let’s break down the pros and cons of ducted and split systems. We’re here to help you find the perfect way to beat the heat and keep your home perfectly comfy 365 days a year.
What is Ducted Air Conditioning?
A ducted air conditioning system uses a network of ducts installed in your roof to blow conditioned air throughout the entire home. If you install a ducted reverse cycle system, it’ll keep your home cool in summer and warm throughout the winter. The perfect year-round solution.
Ducted air conditioners are powered by a central unit installed in the roof of your home. Most modern ducted systems boast zoned climate control. This helpful feature allows you to set the temperature in specific areas. It helps you save on energy costs by only heating or cooling used rooms instead of the entire house.
Although it requires a more complex installation, the quiet operation and sleek design make the standard ducted system a popular choice for comfort and aesthetics.
What is Split System Air Conditioning?
The second competitor in the ducted vs split showdown is, obviously, the split system aircon. Split system air conditioning is a highly flexible and energy-efficient way to cool or heat a single room or area of your home.
It’s called a “split system” because it has two main components. You have the internal unit which blows cool air into the room, and you have the external unit which is installed outside. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and disperses heat outside. These units are connected by pipes so can be installed discreetly. Split systems are ideal for homes with limited space as the indoor unit can be mounted on an interior wall.
If you have a larger home, you might even consider installing multiple split systems. As its name suggests, a multi-head split system is designed to simultaneously heat or cool multiple rooms. You run additional units inside off the one outdoor unit.
With their energy efficiency and ability to provide precise climate control, split-system air conditioners are a practical choice for personal comfort.
The Pros and Cons of Each System
When you’re weighing up between ducted air conditioning vs split system units, understanding their key benefits – as well as their drawbacks – can help you come to a decision you’re ultimately satisfied with. Each system boasts unique features that accommodate different needs and spaces.
The Pros of Ducted Air Conditioners
- They can effortlessly heat or cool the whole house or select rooms at the same time.
- They boast consistent temperature and whisper-quiet operation.
- Sleek design with vents that blend into the ceiling.
The Cons
- The installation process is more complex and requires sufficient roof space or a ceiling cavity.
- Purchase and installation costs are higher than for split systems.
The Pros of Split Systems
- Great for single rooms or homes with limited space.
- They’re easier and cheaper to install than a ducted air conditioner system.
- Energy efficient for targeted heating and cooling.
The Cons
- Installing multiple units throughout the house can add up in cost.
- Outdoor units take up space around your home.
Taking these points into consideration will help you choose the right air conditioner for you and your budget.
Why You Need a Licensed Technician for Your Installation
Whether you finally settle on being Team Ducted System or Team Split System, the installation process is something you will need a licensed air conditioner technician to carry out.
They have the essential training, knowledge and qualifications to connect all the necessary parts to get your air conditioning system running efficiently. A certified technician will also ensure compliance with local regulations, particularly around refrigerant gases that only a suitably licensed person can legally handle. Proper installation also prevents issues like high running costs, air leaks from the indoor unit or inadequate space usage. Of course, if and when it’s time to replace your ducted system or your split system, they can help you with that, too.
By choosing an experienced heating and cooling professional, you’ll enjoy an effective air conditioner that gives you consistent temperature control, energy efficiency, superior air quality and long term comfort for your home.
Choose the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home
Choosing between ducted air conditioning systems and a split system air conditioner doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all about finding the right fit for your home, lifestyle and budget.
A ducted system is for those who want to quietly heat or cool the whole house, while a split system is great for homeowners who value flexibility and affordability. Consider key factors like energy efficiency, running costs and space and you’ll be making the right decision.
Whatever you choose, professional installation by a licensed technician will make sure your system performs at its best. By considering your needs you’ll get a reliable air conditioning system that keeps your home comfortable all year round.
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