Air Conditioning & Heating
Ducted or split air conditioning: Which one is for you?
Are you choosing between installing a ducted and a split system air conditioning unit? Read the pros and cons of using them before making your decision.
Staff Writer
Nov 18, 2015
Should you go for a ducted air conditioner or a split system air conditioner? When choosing an air conditioning system, it’s essential to think things through. Here are the pros and cons of two popular air conditioning types.
Ducted Air Conditioner
How it works
Ducted air conditioning systems are installed in the roof space of homes. From the central unit, numerous ducts run to different rooms and are placed in the wall, floor, or ceiling of each area. The temperature of every room can be adjusted through the system’s regulating motor.
Upsides
- It is concealed
Because it is installed in the ceiling or within the roof space, no air conditioner will be seen in your home. The only parts that will be visible are the vents, which come in designs that can blend in with your home’s interior, and the control system. - It allows zoning of homes
Because of its control system, you have the power to switch the air conditioner on or off in different zones. This is both convenient and efficient as it gives you the option to use the system for specific places only, like the living room or for the entire house. - It has temperature control
Ducted air conditioning can work in two ways: it can cool your home during hot days and provide a warm indoor temperature during cold winter days.
Drawback
The cost of purchasing and installing ducted air conditioning is expensive because ducted air conditioning systems have a complex design. Also, because the system is larger, the price of running it will also be high. You may check out some available pricing data by state (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria).
Split System Air Conditioner
How it works
Split system air conditioners have two main parts: the indoor and the outdoor components. The indoor component is the one that circulates the cool or warm air in one room. The outdoor component, on the other hand, contains the compressor and other essential parts. They are connected by insulated tubes.
Upsides
- It is cost effective
Split-system air conditioning systems are more affordable than ducted systems. Moreover, it’s energy efficient as it only cools or heats one room. - It is easier to install
Because it is relatively smaller, it is easier to set up. Contractors won’t have to spend several days to install it in your home. This means that you won’t have to pay heaps for the job to be completed.
Drawback
Space is one of the main concerns when installing split-system air conditioners. You need enough outdoor space for one component and indoor space for the other.
Which should you install in your home?
It will depend greatly on your budget, needs, and lifestyle. If you want a system that can cover your whole house, then go for a ducted system. If you only need to cool or heat only one or two rooms, installing a split system air conditioner is a better option.
Our technicians are ready to lend you a hand with your air conditioning installation requirements. Check out the list of the best air conditioning experts on the site.