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

When it comes to keeping your home cool (or warm), air conditioning is the go-to solution. But with so many different systems and choices available, choosing the right one for your home or office can feel like being stuck in a maze. Two of the most popular options are ducted air conditioning and split system air conditioning. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your needs, preferences, and home layout. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each system, so you can make a well-informed decision without the headache!

What is Ducted Air Conditioning?

Ducted air conditioning is a system that provides central cooling and heating through a network of ducts in your ceiling or floor. It distributes air to various rooms from a single, large unit, making it a seamless and often invisible solution for temperature control.

Pros of Ducted Air Conditioning:

Whole-house comfort: One of the major benefits of ducted systems is that they can cool or heat the entire house. This is ideal if you have a large home or want consistent temperatures across multiple rooms.
Discreet design: The only visible elements of ducted air conditioning are small ceiling vents and the outdoor compressor unit. Everything else is hidden away in your ceiling or under the floor, so it doesn’t interfere with the aesthetic of your home. If you plan to heat or cool large areas of your home or office, a ducted air conditioner will only have one indoor and one outdoor unit compared to a similar split system design which will have multiple indoor and outdoor units.
Zoning options: Many ducted systems offer zoning, meaning you can control which rooms of the home or office get air conditioning and what temperature those rooms will be . No need to cool an unused space! This feature can also help reduce energy consumption and costs. There are many options for zone control within your home or office which give you full climate control over your space and even the ability to air condition your home or office remotely over Wi-Fi! Some examples of smart zone controllers are:
Quiet operation: The bulk of the equipment is outside the living and bedroom areas, so ducted systems tend to be quieter, making them a good option for families or light sleepers.

Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning:

Higher upfront cost: Ducted systems can be more expensive to install due to the complexity of running ducts throughout your home. It’s a bigger investment, especially for existing homes where the infrastructure isn’t already in place.
Complex installation: It’s easier to install a ducted system in new builds or during major renovations. Retrofitting a ducted system into an older home can be tricky, time-consuming, and expensive. Some homes may not be suitable for ducted air conditioning if they have limited ceiling space or have multiple floors which can make it difficult or impossible to install ducting.
Energy use: If you don’t have zoning or if it’s used incorrectly, ducted systems can use more energy than split systems because they’re designed to cool or heat larger spaces instead of individual spaces.

Split System Air Conditioners

What is Split System Air Conditioning?

Split systems, on the other hand, are more localized units that consist of an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit (or multiple indoor units). These are usually mounted on the wall but can also be mounted on the ceiling and are great for cooling or heating individual rooms.

Pros of Split System Air Conditioning:

Lower upfront cost: Split systems are generally cheaper to buy and install, especially if you only need to cool or heat a couple of rooms.
Energy efficiency for small spaces: If you only need cooling or heating in specific rooms, a split system can be more energy-efficient, as you’re only using it where you need it. As air-conditioned air comes directly from the indoor unit mounted to the wall or ceiling, split systems tend to cool or heat rooms much faster than a ducted system.
Ease of installation: Installing a split system is much less invasive than a ducted. The installation process is quicker and doesn’t require any significant structural changes to your home.
Individually controlled: Each unit can be controlled separately, so you can set different temperatures in different rooms or turn off the units in rooms you’re not using.

Cons of Split System Air Conditioning:

Limited coverage: A split system is ideal for cooling or heating one room or a small area. If you want to cool your entire home, you’ll need multiple units, which can add up in cost and may not be as aesthetically pleasing.
Visible units: Split systems are not as sleek as ducted systems. The indoor units are mounted on the walls and can stand out, especially if you’re trying to keep the look of your home clean and minimalist.
Noise: While modern split systems are relatively quiet, the indoor unit’s fan can still produce some noise, which might be noticeable in smaller or quieter rooms.
More maintenance: a home with several systems to air condition many spaces throughout the property will have more indoor and outdoor units to maintain each year, compared to a ducted system which may only have 1 indoor and outdoor unit to maintain.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision between ducted and split system air conditioning comes down to your specific needs:

Ducted air conditioning is perfect for larger homes or if you want an unobtrusive, whole-house solution that keeps every room comfortable with minimal noise and zoning options.
Ducted systems are a good choice for clients who only want one indoor and one outdoor unit.
Ducted systems suit buildings where split systems can’t be installed due to a lack of available wall space, due to windows and doors within a property.

Ducted systems are a great option for clients who need to cool or heat large parts of their property, for long periods of time each day for many days throughout the year.

Split systems are great for smaller spaces, apartments, or if you’re on a budget and don’t mind seeing the units on your walls. They offer flexibility in room-specific temperature control and a more affordable upfront cost.
Split systems are an excellent choice for properties that do not have ceiling space to install ducting or to house the indoor unit.
Split systems are a great option to cool or heat spaces very quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Choosing the right air conditioning system is about balancing your budget, space, and comfort needs. If you’re still unsure which one is right for you, it’s best to consult a professional. At Triforce Electrical and Air we specialise in both ducted and split system installations, and we’re here to help you make the right choice for your home or office. Give us a call, and let’s keep your property comfortable all year round!