Ducted vs split system air conditioning: Cost & efficiency guide
Not sure which system makes sense for your home? We break down the pros and cons of each so you can make a decision that actually fits your space and how you live in it.
What’s the difference?
A ducted system uses one central unit to push air through a network of ducts to multiple rooms. Everything is hidden in the ceiling or roof space, with just the vents visible inside each room. It’s designed to heat or cool the whole home.
A split system has one unit inside the room and one outside. It heats or cools a single area, and is a common choice for bedrooms, small living areas or add-ons to an existing setup.
The setup, cost, and level of control can vary a lot between the two. That’s why it’s worth getting advice based on your layout, usage and future plans.
What it’s like to live with each system?
Choosing air conditioning isn’t just about specs or square metres. It’s about how it works with the way you use your home.
With a ducted system, everything is hidden. You walk into a room, it feels cool or warm, and that’s it. The vents sit neatly in the ceiling, and you control everything from one place. You can also turn zones on or off depending on what you need.
A split system is more noticeable. It sits on the wall and has a small hum when running. Each unit works on its own, so if you want to heat or cool several rooms, you’ll need separate units and remotes.
Both systems are solid options. The right one depends on how many rooms you need to manage, your budget, and whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing space.
Ducted or split system? Here's the quick breakdown
Ducted air conditioning
Pros
Cons
Split system air conditioning
Pros
Cons
Which system suits your home?
Choosing between ducted and split systems often comes down to how you use your space. If you're looking to cool or heat the whole home with one system, ducted is usually the way to go. It’s seamless, out of sight, and made for full coverage.
On the other hand, if you’re just targeting one or two rooms, such as a bedroom or study, a split system gives you that control without the bigger price tag. It's also a flexible option if you're adding cooling in stages or living in an apartment.The best system for you depends on your layout, your lifestyle and what level of comfort you're chasing.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure what to expect? These common questions might help.
Ducted systems cool or heat the entire home through vents in the ceiling, while split systems target individual rooms with wall-mounted units.
Split systems are generally more affordable upfront. Ducted systems involve more components and installation work, which means higher initial costs.
Yes, but in different ways. Ducted systems can be zoned to control airflow to separate areas. With split systems, you control each unit individually.
They can be, especially for larger homes. If you’re cooling or heating many rooms, a single ducted system may use less energy than running several split units at once.
Split systems are usually more suitable for apartments or compact spaces. Ducted systems often need more ceiling space and access for installation.