Ducted vs split system air conditioning

We’ve had a few scorching hot days in Perth over the past few weeks and no doubt air conditioners across the city have been getting a work-out. If you don’t have air conditioning but are considering getting it installed, there are a couple of things to think about – the main being whether to go for a split system set-up, or to go to the whole hog with ducted air conditioning throughout your house.

Here are some of the main points to consider when making your decision:

• Perhaps the biggest factor in your decision will be cost. Ducted air conditioning will of course cost significantly more than a split system air conditioner. However, ducted air conditioning will cool your entire house (or at least the rooms you choose), whereas split system will only cool one or two rooms at a time. The advantage of this is that you can add a split system to say your living room this year, and then further down the track you can install further units in your bedroom or other areas of the home. Split systems are cheaper to install than a ducted system, and running costs are usually cheaper as well.
• A ducted system will keep your home at one constant temperature. Some systems can be zoned – that is, you can choose to turn it off in rooms that aren’t being used. The system is controlled by a central thermostat which is attached to the wall. With split systems, you have a lot more control, being able to easily change the temperature and fan speed with a portable remote control.
• Ducted systems can only be installed where there is space for such a system – so if you live in a two-storey house, it will be impossible to install a ducted system on the lower floor.
• A ducted air conditioning system will usually add more value and appeal to your home than split system units.
• Ducted air conditioning is also more visually appealing than a split system unit, both inside and outside the home.
• If your home has very large open rooms, a split system unit may struggle to cool the larger areas. In this case, ducted air conditioning would be a better option.

There are of course many other points to consider when choosing ducted or split system air conditioning. For more advice, we recommend contacting your local air conditioning specialist.