What is Ducted Air Conditioning

Ducted vs Split System Air Con: Pros & Cons

There are only so many times in a given summer that it’s appropriate to run around the backyard sprinkler in your underwear before the neighbours start to complain. If the harsh Australian sun has finally made you go troppo, then it might be time to invest in an air conditioner. For more information o`n ducted air conditioning sydney check here

“What type?” you may ask. It’s not an uncommon query for someone to have. The most popular types of air conditioners are ducted and split system. To the casual observer, most of the differences between ducted and split system air conditioners aren’t particularly apparent. However, there are quite a few differences that become obvious when you scratch beneath the surface. Ducted and split system air conditioning systems have a number of obvious and not so obvious differences. These differences can become even more disparate depending on where they’re installed. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the key differences of each type of air con below.

What are the key features of each air conditioner?

While these two types of air conditioner essentially do the same thing - cool your home - the ways they go about it are entirely different. So, let’s get a rundown of their features.

How do ducted air conditioners work?
As the name might suggest, ducted air conditioners work primarily through a series of ducts to keep you cool. Ducted A/C has an internal fancoil unit installed in the roof space of the home. From this central location, a series of ducts run from it and into as many rooms in the house as the owner desires. From these ducts, this allows you to cool or heat each room individually - called zoning. This is done so by the thermostat on the wall, allowing you to select the temperature and other settings. The ease of cooling a whole house is apparent here, and if you’re constructing a new home or doing major renovations, then ducted air conditioning is a viable choice. Due to the rather large undertaking required to install ducted air con, many people in established homes might find themselves turned off of ducting the house. Furthermore, renters may find themselves out of luck, and unless you’re serious about keeping cool or cozy, ducting is a costly and significant project. Aside from the ducted unit price, professional installation is definitely required, and this can be costly. If you only need to heat or cool one particular room, then ducted air conditioning is overkill and can drive up your power bills if you don’t have zoning functions. The unit price is also expensive - ducted air con systems can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Ducted air conditioning is the most permanent solution and the most effective air conditioner to cool or heat your home, but it does come with some notable setbacks.

How do split system air conditioners work?

As the name also implies, split system air conditioners are split into two main units. The two parts are distinguished by inside: the evaporative heat exchanger that blows air into your room, and the outside: condensing heat exchanger. If you were to notice that a house had air conditioning, chances are the owners were using a split system. After all, the writing is quite literally on the wall. Split systems stand out for their relatively low initial purchase price. Another perk is that the installation is not so invasive - it can often be done in a day or less from a licensed technician. Though, being that the unit is fairly small, it is best suited to cooling or heating one room - this is either a positive or negative depending on how you look at it. On one hand, it’s an efficient option if you only need to cool or heat one room, but on the other hand they are less effective in larger spaces. Rarely could a split system air conditioner cool or heat an entire home. Split system air cons are great options for small areas, but lack the power to affect larger spaces - this is reflected in their relatively cheap purchase price, from around $1,000-$2,000. Always remember we are best dealers of Air conditioning in Sydney.

Pros & Cons: Split System vs Ducted

Now that you know the key differences between each air conditioning type, it’s time to consider the pros and cons and which one could be potentially the best for your home.

Ducted Air Con

Pros

Very discreet, tucked away behind walls and ceilings.
Services the entire house, but each room can have different settings if the AC is zoned
Is better at maintaining an even temperature throughout the houseQuieter than split system AC

Cons

Easily the more expensive option to install
Some homes cannot accommodate ducted air conditioning due to inadequate space
If you’re looking to only cool a single room at any given time you’ll have to pay the energy costs of cooling the entire house (unless your ducted AC is zoned)

Split System Air Con

Pros

Generally more flexible than ducted AC. Can be installed in selected rooms and additional units can be added at any time
Cheaper to install than ducted air con
Better for smaller houses and single rooms

Cons

The external condenser units can be considered unsightly, as can the internal unit
The internal units can only push air so far, meaning they struggle with large rooms or spaces with interior walls