Many homeowners face the dilemma when planning to install a new air con – split system vs ducted air conditioning. If you are planning to renovate the family home or build your dream abode and want to get a new air-con installed – how do you know which one is right for you? Finding an efficient air conditioning system that suits your property, lifestyle, and budget is a major decision. As the most popular type of air conditioners are the ducted and split systems – we are looking at the key differences between each type of air-con below.

What Is A Ducted Air Conditioner?

Let’s begin with a ducted air-conditioning system. Briefly, it is air conditioning that works through a series of ducts that lead to different areas in the house. Modern ducted air conditioning allows you to manage and control the temperature in various parts of the house by zoning the airflow.

Pros Of Ducted Air Conditioning 

• Centrally controlled by way of a thermostat, the ducted air conditioning system is ideal to cool your entire house.
• Upgrade to the latest technology touchscreen controllers for individual temperature control for each zone or room throughout your home.
• Discrete option with only the vents visible in the ceiling.
• Reverse-cycle ducted systems heat your home in winter and cool your home in summer.
• A ducted system adds to the value and marketability of your property.

Cons Of Ducted Air Conditioning  

• Takes much longer to install the system in the house.
• With a larger upfront cost, this is the more expensive option to install.
• Generally more expensive to run than wall split units

What Is a Split Air Conditioner?

Split system air conditioning units are ideal for heating or cooling a single room in your home and it works using two main units. The condenser is located outside the house, usually on an external wall. While the head unit is located inside, fixed to an interior wall that disperses the required air temperature into the house.

Pros Of Split System

• Split systems are typically cheaper and easier to install and can be installed room by room.
• Split Systems are highly effective for small and single rooms- a great option for smaller houses.
• Split System units run on an individual basis, which means their running costs can be cheaper than a ducted system operating throughout the whole house.
• Cheaper to install than ducted air con.
• Reverse cycle split systems heat in winter and cool in summer.

Cons Of Split System

• Split systems are designed for one room only.
• Split systems can be remarkably quiet nowadays, however, ducted air conditioning units can be quieter.
• Split systems are bulky, visible units on the wall.

Regardless of which system you choose, proper maintenance and regular filter cleaning done on an annual basis will help prolong a system’s life. It is important to stay on top of keeping the filters clean and getting your aircon regularly serviced as the lack of maintenance will shorten their life and adversely impact their efficiency.

How do you decide: split system or ducted?

Selecting the right air conditioning system for you and your home’s needs is a major decision and you would want to invest in one that maximises energy efficiency while adding to the comfort of your family. Confused by your range of options? For the perfect air conditioning system that suits your needs, budget, and the layout of your home, call the professionals at AFA Air. We can help you with expert advice and provide prompt and reliable installation and after-sales service. Call us today to help you decide which system, split or ducted, is best for you.