Ducted Air Conditioning vs Split Systems: Brisbane Comparison Guide

Ducted vs Split Systems: The Key Differences

Brisbane homeowners often face this choice when planning air conditioning. Both systems cool effectively but work differently. Understanding these differences helps you make the right decision for your home and lifestyle.

Ducted systems distribute cooled air through a network of ducts and vents hidden in your ceiling. A central indoor unit processes the air while an outdoor unit provides the cooling power. Split systems have individual indoor units mounted on walls serving single rooms, each connected to an outdoor compressor.

The choice affects appearance, cost, control flexibility, and how you use air conditioning in your Brisbane home. Both work well in Queensland’s climate, but each suits different situations better.

Initial Installation Costs

Ducted systems require higher upfront investment. Installing ductwork throughout your ceiling, along with the central units and zone controls, involves significant labour and materials. A typical Brisbane home installation costs substantially more than multiple split systems.

Split systems are more affordable to install. A single bedroom split costs a fraction of a ducted system. Even equipping three or four rooms with individual splits usually costs less than ducted installation for the whole house.

However, cost per room changes the calculation. Ducted systems cool every room from one unit. If you need cooling in five or more rooms, the per-room cost becomes more competitive. Installation complexity in your specific home also affects pricing.

• Ducted: Higher upfront cost but covers whole home
• Split: Lower initial investment, scalable room by room
• Break-even point typically around 4-5 rooms
• Ducted requires suitable ceiling space
• Splits need outdoor space for multiple condensers

Running Costs and Efficiency

Running costs depend heavily on usage patterns. Ducted systems with good zoning can be very efficient. Cooling only occupied zones saves energy compared to cooling the entire house. Modern inverter ducted systems run efficiently when properly sized and used strategically.

Split systems excel at targeted cooling. Cooling just the living room during the day, then the bedroom at night uses less power than any whole-house system. Each split operates independently, so you never cool unused spaces.

Brisbane’s long cooling season makes efficiency differences matter. A family that spends most time in main living areas might spend less with split systems. Families wanting whole-home comfort consistently may find ducted more economical with smart zoning.

Maintenance costs are similar. Both system types need annual servicing. Ducted systems have more components but fewer individual units. Split systems need each head serviced separately. Overall maintenance costs balance out for most homes.

Aesthetics and Home Appearance

Ducted systems win on aesthetics. Only small ceiling vents show inside your home. No bulky wall units interrupt your interior design. The outdoor unit sits discreetly outside. Brisbane homes maintain clean, uncluttered interiors with ducted cooling.

Split systems are visible. Each indoor unit mounts on a wall, creating a visual presence. Modern splits look sleek and some come in designer finishes, but they still occupy wall space. Multiple rooms mean multiple visible units throughout your home.

For Brisbane apartments and townhouses, body corporate rules may limit outdoor units. Ducted systems use one outdoor unit for the whole home. Multiple splits need multiple outdoor condensers, which may breach appearance rules or exhaust balcony space.

Renovation and heritage homes present different considerations. Installing ductwork in finished homes can be challenging. Splits offer easier retrofitting with minimal structural impact. The visibility trade-off becomes worthwhile when ducted installation proves impractical.

Control and Flexibility

Ducted systems with zoning offer sophisticated control. Create zones matching your lifestyle. Cool living areas during the day, bedrooms at night. Temperature sensors in each zone ensure even comfort. Central controllers and smartphone apps manage everything from one interface.

Split systems provide ultimate flexibility. Each room has independent control. Family members set their own temperatures. One person wants it cold, another prefers it mild. Splits accommodate individual preferences easily. No coordination needed between rooms.

Adding capacity differs between systems. Want cooling in another room later? With splits, just install another unit. With ducted, you may already have coverage or need ductwork extensions. Ducted requires planning for future needs during installation. Splits adapt as requirements change.

Suitability for Brisbane Homes

Queenslander homes with high ceilings and open layouts suit ducted systems well. Good ceiling access makes installation straightforward. Large open areas benefit from distributed airflow. Character homes maintain period aesthetics with hidden ductwork.

Modern Brisbane homes often feature open-plan living. Ducted systems handle these large spaces effectively. However, good insulation in new homes also makes efficient split system operation viable. The choice depends on total cooling needs and budget.

Apartments and townhouses often favour splits. Limited outdoor space constrains ducted outdoor units. Lower ceilings and smaller footprints make wall-mounted splits practical. Installation disruption matters less in compact spaces.

Older Brisbane homes without ceiling space face challenges with ducted installation. Bulkhead construction or alternative duct routing adds cost and complexity. Multiple splits may provide better value when ducted installation becomes difficult.

Making Your Decision

Consider your priorities. If whole-home comfort and clean aesthetics matter most, ducted systems deliver. If budget is tight or you want to cool gradually room by room, splits make sense. If you have limited ceiling space, splits may be your only option.

Think about usage patterns. Families spending time together in main areas might prefer ducted convenience. Households with varying schedules and room usage patterns might benefit from split system flexibility.

Brisbane climate suits both options. The decision comes down to your home’s suitability, your budget, and your cooling preferences. Consulting with experienced installers helps you understand what works best in your specific situation.

Common Questions

Can I start with splits and add ducted later?

You can replace splits with ducted later, but you cannot integrate them. The systems work differently. Some Brisbane homeowners keep bedroom splits even after installing ducted for main areas, using whichever system suits their needs at the time.

Which system adds more value to my home?

Ducted air conditioning generally adds more value. Buyers appreciate whole-home cooling that disappears into the architecture. However, quality split systems in key rooms also appeal to buyers. Both improve property value compared to no air conditioning.

Is ducted worth the extra cost for a Brisbane home?

This depends on your plans and priorities. If staying long-term and wanting whole-home comfort, ducted justifies the investment. For shorter-term living or tighter budgets, splits provide excellent cooling at lower cost. Both serve Brisbane homes well.

Get Professional Advice in Brisbane

For expert advice on ducted air conditioning versus split systems for your Brisbane home, contact AH Air Conditioning today.