Split System vs Ducted Air Conditioning: Which Is Best for Australian Homes?
Choosing between a split system and ducted air conditioning is one of the biggest decisions Australian homeowners face when it comes to climate control. Both systems have distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your home size, budget, and cooling needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Split System | Ducted System |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $1,500–$4,500 | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| Running Cost | Lower (single room) | Higher (whole home) |
| Installation Time | 3–6 hours | 1–3 days |
| Best For | Apartments, single rooms | Large homes, new builds |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 15–20 years |
| Noise Level | Low–moderate | Very low |
| Property Value | Minimal impact | Significant increase |
Understanding Split System Air Conditioners
A split system consists of two units: an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor. They are the most popular choice in Australia, accounting for over 60% of residential installations.
Advantages of Split Systems
- Lower upfront cost: Installation typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500, making it the most affordable option for most homes
- Quick installation: Most installations are completed within a single day
- Energy efficient: Modern inverter split systems achieve energy ratings of 5 stars or higher
- Zone control: Cool only the rooms you need, reducing wasted energy
- Flexible placement: Can be installed in virtually any room with access to an external wall
Disadvantages of Split Systems
- Single room coverage: Each unit only covers one area, so multiple units may be needed for a whole home
- Visible indoor unit: The wall-mounted unit is visible inside the room
- Multiple outdoor units: If you need several split systems, you'll have multiple compressors outside
Split System Costs by State
| State | Small (2.5kW) | Medium (5kW) | Large (7kW+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,200–$3,500 | $3,000–$4,500 |
| VIC | $1,400–$2,400 | $2,100–$3,400 | $2,900–$4,400 |
| QLD | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,200–$3,500 | $3,000–$4,500 |
| WA | $1,600–$2,600 | $2,300–$3,600 | $3,100–$4,600 |
| SA | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,200–$3,500 | $3,000–$4,500 |
Understanding Ducted Air Conditioning
Ducted systems use a central unit (usually installed in the roof space) connected to a network of ducts that deliver cooled or heated air through vents in each room.
Advantages of Ducted Systems
- Whole-home coverage: A single system cools and heats your entire home
- Aesthetically discreet: Only small vents are visible in the ceiling
- Zoning capabilities: Modern ducted systems allow you to create zones, cooling only occupied areas
- Increased property value: A ducted system can add $10,000–$20,000 to your property value
- Quieter operation: The main unit is tucked away in the roof, resulting in less indoor noise
Disadvantages of Ducted Systems
- Higher upfront cost: Installation ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 or more
- Requires roof space: Not suitable for apartments or homes without adequate ceiling cavities
- Longer installation time: Typically takes 1–3 days to install
- Higher running costs: Cooling an entire home uses more energy than a single room
Ducted System Costs by State
| State | Small Home (<150m²) | Medium Home (150–250m²) | Large Home (250m²+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $8,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$16,000 | $16,000–$22,000 |
| VIC | $7,500–$11,500 | $11,500–$15,500 | $15,500–$21,000 |
| QLD | $8,500–$12,500 | $12,500–$16,500 | $16,500–$22,500 |
| WA | $8,500–$13,000 | $13,000–$17,000 | $17,000–$23,000 |
| SA | $8,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$16,000 | $16,000–$22,000 |
Which System Should You Choose?
Choose a Split System If:
- You live in an apartment or unit
- You only need to cool 1–3 rooms
- Your budget is under $5,000
- You want a quick, simple installation
- You rent your home (with landlord permission)
Choose Ducted If:
- You have a large home (3+ bedrooms)
- You want whole-home climate control
- You're building a new home
- You plan to stay long-term
- Property value matters to you
Energy Efficiency Comparison
When comparing energy efficiency, consider the total energy used:
- A single 5kW split system uses approximately 1.5kW of electricity
- A ducted system cooling a 200m² home uses approximately 6–8kW of electricity
However, if you need to cool your entire home, running 4–5 split systems may use similar or more energy than a zoned ducted system.
Pro tip: Look for systems with the highest energy star rating. Every extra star can reduce running costs by 10–15% annually.
Making the Final Decision
- Measure your space — Know the total area you need to cool
- Set your budget — Consider both upfront and running costs
- Get multiple quotes — At least 3 quotes from licensed installers
- Check energy ratings — Higher stars mean lower bills
- Consider future needs — Will you need more rooms cooled later?
Use our split system cost calculator or ducted AC cost calculator to get a personalised estimate for your home.