Are you torn between ducted air conditioning and split systems for your home or business?
The decision can take heaps of research and be hard to make in the end. But we’re sharing our expertise to help you decide.
Here’s what you need to know about ducted air conditioning vs. split system.
Jump to:
- Pros and Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning
- Pros and Cons of Split System Air Conditioning
- Energy Efficiency: Which System Saves You More?
- Pricing: Ducted Air Conditioning Vs. Split System
- How Long Do Ducted Systems Last?
- How Long Do Split Systems Last?
- Choosing the Best System for Your Home Size
- Conclusion
- Booking Your Air Conditioner Installation With Hewitt Trade Services
Pros and Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning
Ducted systems have benefits and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons:
Ducted System Pros
- Whole-home comfort
- Aesthetic appeal
- Energy efficiency
- Zoning capabilities
- Quiet operation
- Increased property value
- Customisable features
Ducted System Cons
- Complex installation
- Harder to maintain and repair
- Needs significant ceiling space
Pros and Cons of Split System Air Conditioning
Split systems also have benefits and drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons:
Split System Pros
- Energy efficiency
- Easy installation
- Easy maintenance
- Easier repairs
- Flexible expansion
- Low upfront costs
- Compact units
Split System Cons
- Confined to a specific area
- Less aesthetic appeal
- Louder than ducted
Energy Efficiency: Which System Saves You More?
Ducted System Overview
A ducted system is like a central hub for cooling or heating. It’s connected to vents that distribute air throughout your home.
This makes it great for providing a consistent temperature across large areas. You might normally find these systems in larger homes or office spaces.
Many ducted systems also have zoning controls. This lets you control different zones of your home separately.
For instance, you can set the zoning controls to target a specific area like your living room. So cool or hot air flows only into this particular zone.
Split System Overview
Split systems are more about precision. Each has a wall-mounted unit inside and a compressor outside.
These units are commonly used for single rooms or smaller spaces. The focus here is on cooling or heating a specific area rather than the entire home.
Energy Efficiency Factors
The energy efficiency argument isn’t so clear cut. It really depends on your needs.
For instance, a single person living in a two bedroom home will likely benefit from a split system. This would be more energy efficient, especially if the ducted system didn’t have zoning capabilities.
But a family living in a large home would generally benefit more from a ducted system. You might have a few teenagers who spend alone time in their rooms, so running separate split systems won’t be the most energy efficient.
Ducted offers a better whole-home solution in those cases. Then, you can use zoning to direct air to a specific area on family night, saving you energy on cooling your entire home.
For commercial properties, it really depends on the size of the space and number of rooms. Say your office is a standard large-sized room, a split system is likely the more energy-efficient choice.
But for properties with multiple rooms, we recommend getting a ducted system. This will be more energy efficient over time.
Pricing: Ducted Air Conditioning Vs. Split System
Ducted air conditioning costs more upfront than a split system. Because ducted offers a whole-home solution, whereas a split system is fixed to one room.
Ducted Air Conditioning Costs
Ducted air conditioning in Brisbane typically costs between $12,000 and $16,000. The price may go as high as $20,000 or more but depends on the system and size of the space.
For instance, ducted air con costs more for huge commercial spaces. You can expect to pay less for a ducted system in your home.
Here’s a general ducted air conditioning cost guide:
Home size
- Small
- Medium
- Large
Cost in AU Dollars
- Approx 12,000
- Approx 14,000
- Approx 16,000
Our Daikin Ducted Air Conditioning Prices
The price of our Daikin ducted air conditioning includes installation costs.
Daikin with an Advantage Air MyAir5 zone control system
Capacity (kW)
- 10.0
- 12.5
- 14.0
- 15.5
Price
- $13,765
- $14,340
- $14,965
- $15,480
Daikin with an Advantage Air Zone6 control system
Capacity (kW)
- 10.0
- 12.5
- 14.0
- 15.5
Price
- $12,245
- $12,820
- $13,445
- $13,960
These prices include GST.
We have add-ons for Daikin ducted installations when needed and will always tell you about these upfront.
Additional Features
- Add Zones
- Add Outlets
- Add Temperature Sensors
Cost Each
- $90
- $220
- $100
You can choose our interest-free, 60-month flexible finance option to suit your needs.
Want to find out more about ducted air con costs and what affects it? Check out your Guide to Ducted Air Conditioning Cost in Brisbane.
Split System Air Conditioning Costs
The cost of split system air conditioning, including installation, generally ranges between $2055 and $4965.
Split systems cost less to install than ducted systems. This makes split systems a popular choice for many home and business owners in Australia.
Popular split systems we install are:
The table below outlines a price range for each brand:
Brand
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Panasonic
- Fujitsu
- Gree
Price Range
- $2,165 to $4,965
- $2,249 to $4,540
- $2,080 to $4,735
- $2,165 to $4,110
- $2,270 to $4,785
- $2,055 to $3,920
Ongoing Operating Costs
Over time, the question becomes which system is cheaper to run? Take a look at the running costs for ducted air conditioning vs. split system.
According to Canstar Blue, here are the average annual running costs for Brisbane:
- Split System: Large room – 31.2c/kWh average usage rate – $396 for cooling – $30 for heating
- Ducted: Whole home – 31.2c/kWh average usage rate – $1964 for cooling – $97 for heating
On first glance, it looks like ducted air conditioning costs more to run than a split system. But remember, ducted covers the entire home while a split system targets a specific room.
Say the ducted system covers 5 large rooms (kitchen, living room and 3 bedrooms). The operating costs for the split system actually works out higher in that scenario.
You need 5 separate split systems to cover those rooms ($396 x 5 = $1980 and $30 x 5 = $150). You’re paying higher running costs for the 5 split systems.
Maintenance Costs and Considerations
With ducted systems, maintenance can add up due to the need to service large central units and ducts. Regularly cleaning ducts is important to avoid blockages and maintain efficiency. Repair costs for ducted systems are generally higher due to the complex network of ducts.
Split systems require regular cleaning of filters and each wall unit. But the individual units are generally easier to service. Maintenance might seem like a hassle, but reliable and regular servicing can stop problems down the line.
How Long Do Ducted Systems Last?
You can expect major components of ducted air conditioning to last up to 15 years. The systems are durable, especially with great brands like Daikin.
But more can go wrong with ducted air con compared to split system. For instance, the complex network of ducts.
We recommend getting your ducted system serviced regularly. This keeps it in good shape and ensures you get the most out of it.
How Long Do Split Systems Last?
Split systems typically last around 10-12 years. You should really be looking to replace your split system if it’s older than 12.
But several factors can affect the lifespan.
- Maintenance
- Quality
- Usage
Getting regular maintenance helps extend the life cycle of your system and prevent costly repairs. Trained technicians can clean and replace the filters, check refrigerant and monitor efficiency.
Top brands like Mitsubishi and Daikin will last longer. These systems have better technology and durable components.
If you use your unit a lot, this can affect its lifespan as well. High usage means components can wear out faster.
Choosing the Best System for Your Home Size
- Split systems excel in smaller homes due to ease of install and expandability.
- Ducted systems shine in larger homes with space-wide comfort.
- Choosing incorrect systems can lead to inefficiency and higher costs.
Smaller Homes or Apartments
For smaller homes or apartments, a split system is often the best choice. Smaller spaces don’t need the wide coverage that ducted systems offer.
Split systems are also easier to install. With a split system, you get targeted heating and cooling without invasive ductwork. The installation can be focused on key areas, minimizing any upheaval in your daily life.
If your small dwelling grows, you can expand the system later. Adding another unit offers an affordable extension compared to expanding a ducted system.
This flexibility makes it a favourite for people in smaller, adaptable spaces.
Larger Homes
In larger homes, space-wide comfort becomes the priority. Ducted systems deliver consistent climate control across vast spaces in a way individual units can’t.
Zoning also lets you control sections separately. This caters to different preferences without needing multiple systems.
While up-front costs are higher, many see this as a long-term investment in convenience and home equity. Installing a ducted system can increase the value of your home.
Conclusion
Ducted and split air conditioning systems both have their strengths.
Ducted systems excel in larger homes, providing a whole-home solution. They’re ideal for new constructions or major renovations.
Split systems, on the other hand, offer a targeted solution. They’re more suitable for smaller spaces or single rooms.
Split systems have lower upfront costs and are easier to install. Ducted systems, while more expensive initially, can add value to your property and offer whole-house climate control.
Booking Your Air Conditioner Installation With Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the air conditioning installation business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common air conditioning challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast.
Our 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google proves it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote, and make informed decisions about installing your air conditioner. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient air conditioner for years to come.
Are you ready to make an informed decision about your air conditioner installation, ensuring comfort and efficiency in your home or business for the years to come?
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Air Conditioning Albion – Air Conditioning Amberly – Air Conditioning Annerley – Air Conditioning Anstead – Air Conditioning Ascot – Air Conditioning Ashgrove – Air Conditioning Aspley – Air Conditioning Augustine Heights – Air Conditioning Bellbowrie – Air Conditioning Boondall – Air Conditioning Booval – Air Conditioning Bowen Hills – Air Conditioning Bracken Ridge – Air Conditioning Bridgeman Downs –Air Conditioning Brisbane – Air Conditioning Brookfield – Air Conditioning Brookside Centre – Air Conditioning Brookwater – Air Conditioning Carole Park – Air Conditioning Carseldine – Air Conditioning Chapel Hill – Air Conditioning Chermside – Air Conditioning Clayfield – Air Conditioning Collingwood Park – Air Conditioning Enoggera – Air Conditioning Everton Park, Air Conditioning Fig Tree Pocket – Air Conditioning Forest Lake – Air Conditioning Gaythorne – Air Conditioning Geebung – Air Conditioning Gordon Park – Air Conditioning Hamilton – Air Conditioning Hendra – Air Conditioning Indooroopilly