Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Looking to invest in a new air conditioning system? Chances are you’re considering two different alternatives; ducted and split systems. Although they ultimately serve the same purpose, they have a number of distinct differences.
Split systems and ducted air conditioning vary significantly in size, scope, and cost. While one option might be perfect for a certain property, ducted might be equally beneficial for another. So, if you’re currently wondering which best matches your needs, we’re here to help!
Spring is almost here, so this is the perfect time to explore and weigh up your options. If you’re already up to speed with both of these air conditioning options, feel free to skip to the comparison sections below! Otherwise, let’s give a brief rundown of split systems and ducted reverse cycle air con. Please note that this article will mainly focus on reverse cycle ducted air conditioning rather than gas.
Split systems are popular for cooling or heating individual rooms. They consist of an indoor unit that’s usually wall-mounted and an outdoor unit that handles the heat exchange. They’re versatile, efficient, and great for smaller spaces.
Ducted reverse cycle systems, on the other hand, are designed for whole-home climate control. A central unit connects to ducts throughout your home, which are then controlled by a central thermostat (or a smart device). This allows you to cool or heat multiple rooms at once, including the option to control different zones separately.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into a more detailed comparison of the key considerations.
The size of your property plays a major role in determining which air con system works best.
Split systems are often the best choice for smaller spaces, such as units, apartments or individual rooms within a home. This is because these systems are designed to target specific areas, providing efficient climate control for spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices.
The flexibility of split systems allows you to cool or heat only the rooms you’re using, making them an energy-efficient option for smaller homes. Additionally, if you need to cover multiple areas without committing to a full ducted system, a multi-split system can be a perfect solution.
If you own a larger home, a commercial property or an industrial warehouse, ducted air conditioning systems are generally more appropriate. Ducted systems use a central unit to distribute air evenly throughout the entire building via a network of ducts and vents, ensuring consistent temperature control across all rooms. This makes ducted systems particularly effective for maintaining a uniform climate in large, open-plan spaces or multi-storey buildings.
The unique features of your property also play a significant role in determining the best air conditioning solution.
If your property is well insulated, a split system may be all that’s required. If you find that most rooms are generally comfortable and rarely get too hot or cold, there’s probably no need to invest in ducted heating and cooling. Split systems allow for more targeted coverage, meaning you can focus on areas that require more attention without wasting energy on spaces that naturally maintain a comfortable temperature.
On the flip side, a larger property with poor insulation may require the widespread coverage that only a ducted system can provide. It is also beneficial for homes with rooms that tend to bear the brunt of heat, such as those with west-facing walls. The other sticking point is that your property must have adequate space for ductwork.
What about a property with three or more bedrooms? There are two options here: multiple split systems units or a ducted ones. Check out the section below for a more detailed breakdown.
Split systems generally have lower upfront installation costs, as they require less extensive work compared to ducted systems. Installing a split system involves mounting the indoor unit on a wall and placing the outdoor unit on an adjacent exterior wall. This straightforward process means that split systems are often more budget-friendly, especially for smaller properties or those with simpler layouts.
According to industry estimates, the costs for split systems are approximately $600 for a 2.5kw-3.5kw system and $750 for a 9kw-9.9kw inverter system. However, as the Energy Star Rating and kw capacity goes up, you can expect to pay more. This also depends on the brand you select.
Ducted systems, by contrast, involve a more complex installation process, which can then lead to higher costs. The installation requires the placement of ducts and vents throughout the property, often in the ceiling or under the floor, which can be time-consuming and invasive.
Once again, industry estimates suggest that the average costs here are around $6,000 for a system for a three-bedroomed single-storey home and from $11,000 onwards for a large four-bedroom two-storey home. If you’re interested in ducted air conditioning, reach out to the Maroondah Air team today! We offer free in-home quotes for all types of ducted systems!
The installation process is one area where these two options really contrast.
Split systems are generally easier and quicker to install, often coming with minimal disruption to your daily life. The process typically involves drilling a hole for the connection between the indoor and outdoor units, mounting the indoor unit, and placing the outdoor unit in a convenient location. This simplicity makes split systems particularly appealing for existing homes where major structural changes might be impractical or undesired.
On the other hand, installing a ducted system is definitely a more involved process. It requires a detailed assessment of your property to determine the optimal placement of ducts and vents. The installation process can be more invasive, as it involves running ductwork through ceilings, floors, or walls. While this process can take longer and may cause more disruption, the result is a seamless climate control system that integrates smoothly into the property, often with only the discreet vents visible.
When you’re looking for ducted air conditioning installation, make sure the HVAC technicians are ARC-accredited, licensed, and insured. All in all, this helps to ensure that the installation work is carried out in a safe and professional manner.
Both options require regular maintenance and servicing, but the scope and frequency of this maintenance can differ.
Due to their more simple and compact design, split systems generally require less maintenance. Regular tasks include cleaning or replacing filters, checking for leaks, and keeping the outdoor unit free from debris. These tasks can often be handled by homeowners, with professional servicing recommended annually to keep the system running optimally.
Ducted systems, however, involve more components, including the thermostat, central unit, ducts, and vents, which ultimately makes maintenance more complex. Here, it’s essential to arrange regular professional inspections to check for issues like duct leaks, which can reduce the system’s efficiency and increase energy costs.
Check out our recent blog for more tips on ‘When to Schedule an Air Conditioning Service’.
When it comes to coverage, ducted systems are unparalleled in their ability to provide consistent climate control across large spaces. Of course, this really depends on the size of your property, as well as how many people are using the space.
A ducted system has the ability to heat or cool an entire building simultaneously, making it ideal for large homes or offices where you want uniform temperature control. This type of system eliminates the need for multiple units and offers the convenience of managing the entire property’s climate from a central control panel. The ability to add zoning options also allows for customised temperature control in different areas.
On the flip side, split systems are excellent for smaller spaces that only require targeted coverage. However, for larger properties, you may need to install multiple split systems to achieve the same level of coverage as a ducted system. While this can provide flexibility, it also means higher installation and maintenance costs compared to a single ducted system.
Both ducted and split systems come with a range of features that can enhance comfort and efficiency, but the options available can vary between the two.
These days, both ducted and split system air conditioners come with innovative features like smart device integration, power-saving modes, air purification, zoning, and more. In this sense, it really comes down to the make and model that you select. Once you’ve decided to go with either split systems or ducted, we’d recommend doing some research into the different options and exploring the features that come with each.
Purpose: Both systems offer heating and cooling, but they cater to different needs based on property size, features, and budget.
Property Size: Split systems are ideal for smaller spaces or individual rooms, while ducted systems are better for larger homes or properties requiring consistent temperature control across multiple rooms.
Property Features: Split systems are suitable for well-insulated properties where only certain areas need climate control. Ducted systems are preferable for larger, less insulated homes that require widespread coverage.
Installation Costs: Split systems generally have lower installation costs and are easier to install. Ducted systems involve more complex and expensive installation due to the need for extensive ductwork.
Maintenance: Split systems require simpler maintenance, mainly filter cleaning and annual servicing. Ducted systems need more comprehensive maintenance, including regular checks on ducts and vents.
Coverage: Ducted systems offer uniform climate control across large spaces. Split systems provide targeted coverage but may require multiple units for larger properties.
Features: Both systems offer modern features like smart integration and energy-saving modes; the choice depends on the specific model and brand.
Whether you’re after ducted reverse cycle air conditioning in Brighton or split systems in Kew, Maroondah Air is an experienced heating and cooling company that you can trust. We’ve been in the game for more than 25 years and uphold a strong commitment to honesty and integrity.
Put simply, customer service is at the heart of what we do, which is why our team is more than happy to provide a professional opinion. If you’re still tossing up between ducted and split systems, we’ll provide free quotes and expert advice. For installation, Maroondah Air also offers certificates of compliance, generous warranties, and follow-up servicing.
Request a free quote online or reach out to us and chat with a friendly team member!
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