Ducted Air Conditioning vs Split System Air Conditioning : Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home or office is essential for maintaining a comfortable and pleasant environment. Two popular options often arise in decision-making: ducted and split system air conditioning.

Both systems have advantages and considerations, so it’s essential to understand their features and differences to make an informed choice. Let’s compare the two in terms of installation, functionality, cost, and more to help you determine which system suits your needs.

What is Split System Air Conditioning?

A split system air conditioner, also known as a ductless air conditioner or a wall-mounted air conditioner, is a standalone cooling and heating unit consisting of two main components: an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit is typically mounted on a wall or ceiling inside the room, while the outdoor unit is placed outside the building. These two units are connected by refrigerant piping and electrical wiring.

Split system air conditioners are designed to cool individual rooms or specific areas, providing localized temperature control. They offer flexibility in terms of installation and are a popular choice for cooling single rooms, small areas, or spaces with specific cooling needs.

What is a Ducted Air Conditioning?

A ducted air conditioner is a centralised cooling and heating system that uses a network of air ducts to distribute cooled or heated air throughout a building. It consists of a central unit, usually installed in the roof space or outdoors, and a series of ducts connected to vents in each room or area. The indoor unit of a ducted air conditioner is concealed, with only the vents visible in the ceiling or walls.

This system allows for precise temperature control and even distribution of conditioned air, making it ideal for cooling or heating multiple rooms, a whole house, or an entire building.

Installation and Setup

• Ducted Air Conditioning System: This system requires professional installation and is best suited for cooling or heating multiple rooms or the entire house.
• Split System Air Conditioning: Multiple split system units can be installed to cool several rooms individually. To ensure proper installation and efficient operation, it is required that you engage the services of professional split system installation technicians.

Cooling Capacity and Zoning

• Ducted Air Conditioning System: Ducted air conditioners offer excellent cooling capacity, ideal for heating multiple rooms or an entire building. They provide a consistent and even temperature throughout the space, with the ability to create zones for different areas, allowing individual control and energy efficiency.
• Split System Air Conditioning: Split system air conditioners are designed to cool or heat smaller areas efficiently. They are great for cooling one or two rooms, providing a localised solution. You must install multiple split system units to cool multiple rooms, which can be more costly than a ducted system.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

• Ducted Air Conditioning System: Ducted air conditioning systems can be energy efficient, especially when using a zoning feature to control the temperature in different areas. However, since ducted systems cool or heat the entire house or building, they may consume more energy than a split system when cooling a single room or a few rooms. Proper insulation and regular maintenance can help optimise energy efficiency and reduce running costs.
• Split System Air Conditioning: Split system air conditioners are generally more energy efficient when cooling a single room or a small area. They allow you to cool only the occupied space, reducing energy waste. However, the energy costs can increase if you install multiple split system units to cool multiple rooms.

Aesthetics and Design

• Ducted Air Conditioning System: One advantage of a ducted air conditioning unit is that it is visually appealing since the indoor unit remains hidden, with only discreet vents visible in the ceiling or walls. This makes it suitable for maintaining the aesthetics of your interior design.
• Split System Air Conditioning: Split system air conditioning units have visible indoor units mounted on walls or ceilings, which can be a drawback if you prefer a sleek and minimalistic look. However, many modern split system units come in stylish designs, blending well with various room decors.
  

Cost Considerations

• Ducted Air Conditioning System: Ducted air conditioning units are generally more expensive than split system air conditioners. The cost depends on the size of the building, the number of zones, and the complexity of the installation. However, ducted systems can be cost-effective in the long run, especially for cooling multiple rooms or an entire house, as they offer efficient and centralised temperature control.
• Split System Air Conditioning: Split system air conditioners are typically more affordable to install compared to ducted systems, especially when cooling a single room or a small area. However, if you plan to cool multiple rooms, the cost can increase as you must install multiple units.

Bottom Line

So in the battle of ducted air conditioning vs split system air conditioning, the winner depends on various factors, such as your cooling needs, space size, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Ducted systems are ideal for cooling or heating multiple rooms or an entire building, offering centralised control and even temperature distribution. Split system air conditioners are suitable for efficiently cooling one or two rooms, allowing individual control and affordability.

Consider the specific requirements of your space, energy efficiency goals, and budget constraints to make the right decision.

Consulting with a professional HVAC specialist can also help you determine the best system for your needs, ensuring optimal comfort and satisfaction in an entire home in the long run.

Please note: 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.