Whether you’re trying to keep your employees happy in the workplace or yourself comfortable in your own home, investing in a high-quality air conditioning system could be a game-changing move.
Split-system and ducted are two of the most popular air conditioning systems out there, but which one makes the most sense for you?
Well, in this Proven Air blog, we will break down both options so you can pick the option that makes the most sense for you and your unique circumstances.
What is a Ducted Air Conditioning System?
A ducted air conditioning system provides climate control (both cooling and heating) to your home or office space by distributing air through a network of ducts that are either installed in the roof or floor of a building, and expelled through vents. A ducted system is one of the most popular air conditioning choices in Australia due to its ability to evenly spread a set temperature across an entire home or business.
Pros of Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
- Ability to control the climate in each room individually
- Climate control is not limited to just one space
- Central thermostat offers both heating and cooling functions
- Discreet designs with only vents visible in each room
- A stylish and space-saving solution
- More energy efficient than running multiple AC units
- Quieter than other systems while in operation
- Long-lasting solution for year-round comfort in Australian homes
Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
- More expensive when it comes to installation than other split AC systems
- The space must be suitable for the required ductwork.
- If not properly zoned, running a ducted system can lead to unnecessary costs due to the system cooling or heating unused areas.
- Installation of the system requires significant planning and may involve modifications to the structure of your home.
View Proven Air’s ducted air conditioning service page and get a quote today on how much a system may cost for your residence.
What is a Split-System Air Conditioning System?
While both split-system and ducted air conditioning systems are popular in Australia, they are rather different from one another in both looks and operation. While a ducted system distributes air through a series of ducts, a split-system operates using two units, an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor. These units are connected through refrigerant pipes, allowing air to be delivered directly into the room.
Pros of Split-System Air Conditioning Systems
- Incredibly energy efficient due to inverter technology, which reduces overall energy consumption
- Precise temperature control in individual rooms, great to manage specific areas of the house
- Incredibly cheap to install compared to other units
- Ideal choice for smaller houses or single rooms
- Offers a zoned approach without the ned for ducts
- Operated often through the use of a remote rather than a thermostat
Cons of Split-System Air Conditioning Systems
- Only really effective for small houses and single rooms; larger areas or homes would require multiple units.
- If you are looking to install multiple units, then it will incur a higher amount of upfront costs.
- Units are visible and wall-mounted, which can be disruptive to the ambience of a room for some homeowners.
- Can be a noisier system to run; however, most modern systems are discreet
- If you have multiple split-system units running in your home, this can lead to a high level of energy consumption due to it being more inefficient
View Proven Air’s split-system air conditioning options and get a quote today on how much a system may cost for your residence.
Main Differences Between Split-System and Ducted Air Conditioning
To summarise, the main differences between the two most popular air conditioning systems in Australia are laid out in the table below.
| Feature | Split-System Air Conditioning | Ducted Air Conditioning |
| Installation Cost | Carries a lower installation cost, but it can increase if multiple units are required for different rooms | Higher upfront costs, especially for retrofitting in existing residences |
| Coverage Area | Ideal for single rooms or small areas. Multiple units are needed for larger areas | Provides cooling and heating to the entire house through a centralised system |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy-efficient for individual rooms, especially with inverter models | Can be very energy-efficient, by may consume more power if not properly zoned or maintained |
| Maintainence | Requires regular cleaning of filters and maintenance of individual units | Requires periodic cleaning of ducts and servicing of the central unit |
| Zoning | Typically no zoning is required: if you need multiple rooms cooled, multiple units are needed | Can be zoned, allowing temperature control is multiple areas of the home |
| Complexity | Simple to install and use, idea for homes with fewer rooms | More complex installation; best suited for new homes or major renovations |
| Long-Term Value | Lower upfront costs but may incur higher operational costs if multiple units are required | High initial cost but can added long-term value to larger homes and provide a strong level of comfort |
| Aesthetic Impact/Flexibility | Compact overall design but can disrupt room aesthetics due to wall-mounted unit
Portable and can be easily moved or replaced |
Discreet vents; however, ductwork can limit design flexibility in some spaces
A permanent fixture, requires more planning and installation work |
Which Air Conditioning System Is Better For Your Home?
So we’ve broken down ducted and split-system air conditioning systems in detail, but which one makes the most sense for your individual space and needs?
Well, if you reside in a larger residence or run a commercial offer space, it is worth spending the extra money on a ducted air conditioning system. This way you can completely control the feel of the space as a whole, and not be confirmed to just certain rooms. However, if you are only concerned with the climate of one or two rooms, then a split-system would be both a cost-effective and sufficient.
In a nutshell – whole house comfort? Choose ducted, wanting to choose a single room or space? Choose a split-system unit. If you want to talk to a professional about what makes the most sense for your space, reach out to the team at Proven Air today.
Conclusion – Make the Proven Air Jump
Now that you are well informed about both ducted and split-system air conditioning systems, it’s time to decide whether or not you’re ready to make the jump with Proven Air.
We are a family owned and operated business located in Sydney. With a true passion for the industry, our expert team provides the best in service across all of Sydney. With the most up to date and energy efficient products on the market we provide professional and ongoing maintenance for all our clients.
Feel the Proven Air difference today and get in touch with a team member today on 1300 776 247 or book online.
