THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SPLIT VS DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR YOU HOME
Air conditioners are essential to helping you stay cool during the hot and humid Queensland summers. About three in every four households now rely on some form of air conditioning, so they can enjoy comfortable temperatures all year round.
If you don’t already have an air conditioned home, then you probably need some advice about what to look for when it comes to choosing an air conditioning unit.
The two most popular options are ducted & split system, but which type of air conditioner is the best?
This isn’t a simple question to answer as both are useful in different situations.
You need to consider a range of factors like the size of your home, the climate and your budget. The right system will keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter while still being cost-effective to install and operate.
The team at Smarter Air is here to help you compare ducted vs split system air conditioners. We’ve created this comprehensive guide so you can understand their benefits and drawbacks, and make an informed decision when installing a new ducted or split system air conditioner in your home.
Let’s get started!
WHAT IS DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING?
Ducted air conditioning systems are designed to circulate warm or cool air throughout multiple rooms using a network of ducts.
A central fan coil unit is concealed in the roof space while an outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser. The units are connected via the ductwork and discrete ceiling outlets control the airflow in each room.
This allows you to achieve different zones or maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home using a single system.
BENEFITS OF DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING:
Cool or heat your entire home
Increase the value of your home
One central unit to service & mantain
Quiet & more energy efficient
Filters the air your family breathes
Unobtrusive ceiling grilles options
WHAT IS SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING?
Split system air conditioners are designed to heat or cool a single room or small space.
The compressor and condenser are housed in an external unit which is connected by insulated piping to one or more wall-mounted internal units.
Split systems are quick and easy to install almost anywhere in your home as no ductwork is required.
The temperature in each room is controlled by an individual unit which offers flexibility and can save on energy usage. However, multiple units need to be installed if you want to condition the air in more than one room with split systems.
BENEFITS OF SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS:
Cool or heat each room as needed
Easy to install and mantain
Range of sizes to fit your specific layout
High energy efficiency ratings
Improve air quality in your home
WHICH IS BETTER:
DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING VS SPLIT SYSTEMS?
Both types of air conditioners provide excellent cooling and heating performance so you need to understand the key differences between them before making a decision for your home.
For example, ducted air conditioning units are the most cost-effective solution for an entire house, but split systems are much more affordable when you only want to warm or cool a single room.
Once you have considered their different features, you can see which type of air conditioner will be best suited to your home.
installation
Ducted air conditioners have a higher upfront cost compared to split systems due to their more complex installation. A network of ducts and vents must be fitted in the ceiling to circulate cooled air throughout the home. That means every ducted design is different based on the property’s layout.
You can save on costs by installing your ducted system while the house is being built or renovated, however some existing homes will not have the required space for a ducted air conditioning system.
Split system air conditioners are typically quick and easy to install as they don’t require significant modifications to your home. You can choose from a range of sizes to find a split system that is best suited to your space and budget.
They can also be installed room by room if you need to spread the cost out over time. However, the outdoor unit needs to be close to the indoor unit which can lead to space issues.
Aesthetics
Both types of air conditioning require large outdoor units for the compressor, but ducted systems won’t detract from your home’s interior design. The ductwork and central fan coil unit are hidden from view in the roof space so only the outlets and controls are visible in each room.
You can also choose from a range of ducted air grilles, including linear grilles, bar grilles or 4-way directional grilles, that will seamlessly blend with your existing aesthetic.
Split systems take up more space as units need to be installed on the interior walls for each room you want to cool. The internal unit is often bulky depending on the make or model and may not match your home’s aesthetic.
Split systems are also relatively noisy compared to ducted air conditioning. If you need to install multiple split system units then you should remember that they will also create extra noise.
Performance
While ducted air conditioning systems can be expensive to install, they are more efficient to run which will provide long-term savings. A standard ducted system can provide a consistent level of heating and cooling throughout your entire space from one central unit.
Ducted systems are custom designed for your home’s layout, such as having more vents in larger rooms. Zoning control also allows you to limit the air conditioning to specific rooms which can result in even more efficient running costs.
Split system air conditioners are highly effective for small or single rooms. They come with an energy rating label so you can choose a model that will help to reduce your electricity bills.
However, the heating and cooling capacity of split systems is limited to where the internal units are located. They typically struggle with large rooms or spaces with interior walls. You will need to purchase additional units for each room or a multi head system to control the temperature throughout your whole house.
Maintenance
All air conditioners need regular servicing, but split systems are generally easier to maintain. They have washable filters which can be removed and replaced without help from a technician.
The units and coils should also be inspected and cleaned regularly to make sure the system is operating at peak efficiency so you will still require a professional service. If you have multiple split system units installed then you may end up spending more on maintenance over time.
Ducted air conditioning systems require a professional service at least once a year. The ducts can become blocked, leading to reduced efficiency, and you will need an experienced technician to service the hidden components in the roof space.
That can make ducted systems more expensive to maintain compared to split systems. However, they are known for their reliability and built to last so regular servicing will ensure that your ducted air conditioning works for years to come.
SHOULD YOU INSTALL A DUCTED OR SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONER?
So, how do you choose between a split system or ducted air conditioner? It really comes down to your individual needs and budget.
If you only have a small space that needs cooling, or want a cheaper option that can be installed quickly and easily, then a split system air conditioner might be right for you.
However, if you’re looking for a quiet and discreet air conditioner that will keep your entire home cool then a ducted air conditioning system will likely be worth the investment.
Whichever type of air conditioner you choose, make sure to have it installed by a professional to ensure the most efficient performance.
Smarter Air specialises in the installation, servicing and repairs of both ducted and split systems. Get in touch and we‘ll be happy to help you find the perfect air conditioning solution for your home.
Click here to contact us online or call (07) 3067 2396 today!
DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING BRISBANE INSTALLATION
Our Coverage
Our air conditioning service also includes new housing estates at North Lakes, Caboolture, North Brisbane, Redland Bay, Ipswich, Shoreline Estate, Pimpama, Flagstone, Bethania, Brookhaven, Holmview, Bahrs Scrub, Mount Cotton, Victoria Point, Thornlands, Woongoolba, Highfields, Kingsholme, Ormeau, Rochedale, Everleigh Estate, Springfield Lakes, Skyridge Estate - Worongary, Forest Lake, New Beith, Pallara, Logan Reserve, Logan Village, Coomera, Jacobs Well, Maudsland, Pacific Pines, Nerang, Gilston, White Rock, Highland Park, Hope Island, Lawnton, Helensvale, Worongary, Aura Estate Bells Creek, Robina, Yarrabilba, Flagstone, Spring Mountain & Greenbank.
WE WORK WITH THESE REPUTABLE BRISBANE COMPANIES
CONTACT US
Get in touch with the Smarter Air team today!
We are your Brisbane air conditioning specialists servicing Brisbane South, Redlands, Logan, Gold Coast & Ipswich.
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