22/03/23, 14:41 Ducted Air Conditioning Vs Split Systems

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Which Air? Ducted Air Conditioning Vs Split

 Advice and News, Hints & Tips •  May 14, 2015

Systems

It’s the air conditioning dilemma facing every home or business owner – split systems vs ducted air conditioning . How do you know
what’s right for you?
Do you have an outdated cooling system or, worse still, no air conditioning at all? Perhaps you are renovating the family home or
building your dream dwelling with all the mod cons. Or, maybe you are about to put your home on the market and keen to attract an
exceptional offer. Finding an air conditioning system that suits your property and lifestyle, as well as your budget, will be a major part
of your decision making. The ramifications of making a hasty or ill-informed decision can be costly!
Split systems
A split system is an air conditioning system where part of the system (the condenser) is located outside the house, usually on an
external wall. The rest of the system (the head unit) is located inside, normally fixed to an interior wall or as a floor-standing unit.
The advantages of choosing a split system
One of the main advantages of a split system is that it’s cheaper to buy than a ducted system and can be installed in one part of the
house at a time. You might start with a main living area and add additional units as your budget allows, for example. Split systems are
also your first choice for apartment living or in double storey dwellings as installing ducting between the levels are impossible. Split
systems are also a better option than ducted systems in smaller properties or where only a single room requires air conditioning.
Generally speaking, a split system is operated by remote control, putting you 100% in charge of the temperature of the zone or room
in which the unit is installed. A split system has lower installation and running costs than a ducted system, too, but cost shouldn’t be
the only factor in deciding which system is ideal for your home. Whilst generally cheaper to purchase, split systems have some
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limitations too.
Limitations of split systems
One such limitation relates to the cosmetic impact of a split system. The necessity of having a condenser unit located outside your
home can create problems. Whilst a reputable installer will always make an effort to locate the unit as discreetly as they can, it isn’t
always possible to hide them away. If the unit must be located in a conspicuous place, you may need to spend extra money on
screens or plants to preserve your property’s street appeal. Similarly, you need to turn your mind to the potentially negative impact of
a split system on your freedom to decorate the interior of the room in which it’s situated. Thankfully there are now a range of options
including ceiling or bulkhead-mounted units that go a long way towards helping in this regard. Split system innovation has come a
long way!
A split system’s capacity to cool can be limited to the room or zone in which it is installed. That’s not so much a problem if you
choose a powerful system and have few interior walls. However, your split system’s capacity to push cold air beyond its immediate
precincts relates back to some important considerations:
• How much power it will consume,
• How costly it will be to run,
• The position of the unit on the interior wall, and
• The layout of your home.
Some more expensive systems (multi-headed split systems) partially alleviate this problem. They allow for more than one room or
zone to be cooled at once. However, the need to have the exterior unit relatively proximate to the head units will affect whether this is
a suitable solution for your property. Nevertheless, a multi-headed split system may be a viable option where a ducted system is not
feasible due to limited space for ducting.
An alternative solution to this problem is to install more than one split system. In considering whether that is an option for you, you
need to take into account a number of factors:
• The increased installation costs associated with having additional split systems,
• The limitations in terms of interior wall space and the potentially adverse cosmetic impact of having several interior units,
• The need for additional condenser units be located outside, and
• Any impact noise from your system may have on your neighbours’ use and enjoyment of their own properties
Nevertheless, there are definitely circumstances in which a split system is the ideal solution to the dilemma of cooling your property
effectively and efficiently.
Ducted systems
A ducted air conditioning system differs from a split system in that the entire unit is concealed, usually in the roof space of your
property or housed unobtrusively outside the property. The cooled air is then directed to multiple rooms or zones within the building
via a system of concealed ducting. Only the vents are visible.
The advantages of ducted systems
Invariably, a ducted air conditioning system is more expensive than a split system. However, its primary advantage is that it’s a
solution that will cool the whole of your property. Centrally controlled by way of a thermostat, it allows you to maintain an even
temperature throughout. The benefit of maintaining an even temperature is that it’s kinder to your flooring, furniture and pets.
Some ducted systems can also be zoned, depending on the model you install. This means that you can turn off the cooling in some
rooms that you may not be using. Alternatively, a zoned ducted system enables you to potentially cool different rooms to different
temperatures. A zoned system is, as a general rule, more costly than a standard ducted system.
Like their split system counterparts, some ducted systems also have the option of being reverse cycle units capable of heating your
home in winter. If you elect to install a ducted reverse cycle system, you would avoid the additional cost of installing a heating system
and bypass the need for multiple ducts in each room. This makes for a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. However, that said, it’s a
costlier option.
Arguably quieter and more efficient when in operation, a ducted system makes sense where you plan to stay in a property for a long
time. Whilst there is a greater initial outlay, you maximise the chances of recouping the costs of your investment over time.
The limitations of ducted systems
Ducted systems are not without their limitations either. A ducted system can only be installed where there is adequate space for
ducting, making them unsuitable for certain structures. Critics of ducted systems also point to the fact that you are paying for the
unit to cool the whole building when you might only need to cool a few rooms. Unless you opt for a system that enables control via
Wi-Fi, smartphone or tablet connectivity, the controller is normally hard-wired to a wall and lacks the convenience and portability of a
remote control. However, your choice to install a ducted system adds to the value and marketability of your property.
 
How do you decide: split system or ducted?
Selecting the right air conditioning system for you and your needs is an important decision. As a savvy home-owner, you want to
invest in an air conditioning system that will maximise energy efficiency whilst adding value to your property. You want it to be
tailored to suit your property’s orientation and floor plan. You need it to suit your lifestyle and budget. It has to be able to rise to the
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challenge thrown down by Brisbane’s unique and trying climate. These are all important considerations in deciding whether to opt for
a split system or a ducted system of air conditioning.
So too are the running costs of any ducted air-conditioning system you are considering. Opting for a zoned system will alleviate any
concern you might have that your system is unnecessarily chewing through electricity. It’s not just a question of initial outlay.
Confused by your range of options? Wanting to tailor an air conditioning system to your needs, budget and the layout of your home
or commercial premises? Call on the professionals at H & H Air Conditioning for honest, impartial advice and prompt and reliable
installation and after-sales service.
Contact H & H Air Conditioning and find out how they can help you decide which system, split or ducted, is best for you.
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