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Ducted Air Conditioning vs Split System: Which Is Best For You?

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Enjoy Effective, Efficient Comfort

With summer and the warm weather well on the way across Australia, many of us will be seeking the comfort of cooled air that only an air conditioning system can provide. Of course, if you don’t have aircon in your home, then the ducted air conditioning vs split system air conditioning debate is one that you’ll no doubt be weighing up.

When trying to find the right air conditioning system for your home, ducted and split systems both offer a raft of features and benefits that are well worth your consideration. Each is great for climate control, but the right for you depends on various factors.

Knowing how split system air conditioners and ducted air conditioning systems work and what they offer will help you make the right choice for a comfortable and affordable home.

What Is Split System Air Conditioning?

Split system air conditioners are great for cooling and heating individual rooms or smaller areas of the house. At their core, they feature two main parts: an indoor unit that blows cool air into the room and an outdoor unit that houses the compressor.

As they do not require the ductwork of a ducted reverse cycle system, split systems are comparatively easier for a technician to install. Split system units are highly energy efficient and quiet.

If you want to control the temperature in one area of your home without the hassle of a ducted system, a split system air conditioner might be for you.

Indoor unit of a split system air conditioner

The Multi-Head Split System Air Conditioning Unit

A standard split system air conditioning set-up lets you condition the air of a single room, but what if you’re looking to cool the entire house and don’t want the hassle of installing a standard ducted system? In that case, a multi-split system is a smart choice.

As the name suggests, a multi-head split system connects multiple units indoors to a single external unit which you’ll install outside. In most cases, you can connect up to 8 internal units to a single outdoor unit. Install each internal unit in nominated rooms throughout the house and you have the ability to cool multiple rooms at a time.

What Is Ducted Air Conditioning?

Ducted air conditioning systems cool or heat your whole home through a central unit, usually installed in the roof space of your home. This unit blows cool air through ducts installed in nominated rooms for whole-house temperature control.

For larger homes or when you prefer whole home temperature control over single room control, ducted air conditioners are potentially the better option. You can create zones that let you cool or heat specific areas as needed. Installation is more complex than a split system but ducted systems offer whole home comfort year round.

ductwork in the roof for a ducted air conditioning system

Ducted vs Split System Differences

When choosing between split and ducted systems, their differences are as important as their similarities. Both have distinct benefits depending on your home layout and cooling or heating needs.

  • Installation: Ducted systems require roof space and complex ductwork, while split systems boast a simpler installation with just an indoor and outdoor unit.
  • Cost: Split systems are cheaper for one room. On the other hand, ducted systems are an investment for whole-home climate control.
  • Energy efficiency: Split systems are more energy efficient for one room, ducted air conditioning is better for whole house energy management.
  • Aesthetics: Ducted systems are discreet, with only small vents visible in each room, while split systems have visible indoor units mounted on walls.
  • Maintenance: Ducted systems often require more complex maintenance, involving ducts and zones, whereas split systems are easier to service.

Knowing these differences will help you choose the right system for your home.

Why You Need a Licensed Air Con Technician for Installation

When it comes to installing your air conditioning system, having a licensed technician do the job is essential for your safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re opting for a split system (or multiple split systems) or a ducted air conditioner, the installation process can be quite complex. It’s also a legal requirement to use a licensed technician as only they can handle the refrigerant gases needed for your aircon to cool your home.

A professional technician makes sure everything is set up correctly and in line with Australian standards, preventing issues like poor performance or system breakdowns. They’ll also provide you with a thorough air conditioning service to ensure your system efficiently from the start.

With a licensed air con technician, you can relax knowing your home will be cool and comfortable, without any worries.

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Split vs Ducted Air Conditioning Systems: Make The Right Choice

The ducted air conditioning vs split system unit decision typically comes down to your needs and home layout.

If you want an energy-efficient solution to cool or heat just a single room of your house, a split system air conditioner is a good choice. If you want to condition the air of more than one room, but aren’t able to accommodate a ducted system, then a multi-split system is the way to go. But if you have a larger home or want whole-home climate control with zone temperature options, a ducted air conditioning system is unbeatable.

Both have their benefits so consider your space, budget and long term energy costs when you decide. Whatever you choose you’ll have a comfortable climate controlled home all year round.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Ducted Air Conditioning vs Split System: Which Is the Right Choice For You?” This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

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