split system vs ducted air conditioning

Are you stuck when it comes to choosing between a split system vs ducted air conditioning for your Melbourne home? 

Melbourne’s odd weather means you can experience a weather change at a moment’s notice, making your air conditioning choice crucial.

Whether you need to upgrade an old system or have never had air conditioning in your home, apartment or unit, we’ll make sure you have a clear idea which system is perfect for your home setup.

Don’t be left wondering “What if” during those shivering winters and scorching summers, read the full breakdown to make the right choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Split systems are substantially cheaper without sacrificing on much.
  • Ducted air conditioning provides unmatched whole-home comfort.
  • Split systems will be better in most scenarios.

What is Split System Air Conditioning?

Mitsubishi Electric split system

Split system air conditioning is the most popular type of air conditioning system in Melbourne and Australia.

There are two parts to a split system; the first part is the indoor unit which is placed outside the home, and the second part is the outdoor unit outside the home.

This indoor unit is what most would associate with a split system.

There are two common varieties of split systems.

The first one which you would think of is the regular split system air conditioner which is able to heat or cool a specific room or zone.

The second is a multi head split system that can provide heating or cooling to multiple rooms or zones via connecting multiple indoor units to the one outdoor unit.

 

Pros

  • Easier to install, split systems generally don’t require a fancy installation setup and HVAC installers can be in and out within a matter of a few hours. This suits the Melbourne lifestyle which is more fast paced and busy.
  • The upfront cost of a split system installation is demonstrably cheaper in every way. Less labour, parts and work to be done mean that you will save thousands if not 10’s of thousands.
  • Modern split systems with inverter technology are prized for their energy efficiency. This means that for Melbourne homes, these systems will be substantially cheaper to run even with multiple indoor units.

Cons

  •  Split systems can only cool/heat one area at a time making them less versatile.
  •  Aesthetically speaking, these air conditioners can be a sight for sore eyes. Sticking out of the wall they aren’t ideal for those that value pure home beauty.
  • Cost increases significantly if opting for a multi-head split system setup. What was a couple thousand dollar installation can easily be 4-5x that.

What is Ducted Air Conditioning?

Mitsubishi Electric Ducted air conditoner

Ducted air conditioning, also referred to as reverse cycle ducted air conditioning, is a more sophisticated setup and system, which includes an indoor unit and outdoor unit.

The indoor unit; an air handler, is completely hidden most commonly in the roof but can also be under the floor.

The outdoor condenser unit is placed just outside the house.

Connected to the indoor unit is a series of ducts that connect to all the rooms of your home leaving only the vents visible.

 

Pros

  • Complete home heating and cooling solution for those that want high-quality electric systems.
  • No visual mess, these ducted systems suit those that don’t want an indoor unit mounted to the wall.
  • Pure control with energy efficient zoning control across your whole home.
  • These systems have been known to raise the property value of a residence, as they are seen as a modern option.

Cons

  • The cost of ducted air conditioning is more expensive in running the system as well as installing it.
  • You’ll have to allocate 2-3 days for installation as it’s more complex. Getting into the roof or floor can be complicated and not every home can actually support it.
  • Need to be more diligent on air conditioning maintenance as there are more variables and factors that can go wrong with a full whole solution.

Cost Comparison: Upfront, Installation & Running Costs in Melbourne

Feature Split System Ducted Air Conditioning
Installation Cost $1,500 – $6,000 (Lower) $8,000 – $20,000 (Higher)
Running Cost (Per Hour) $0.20 – $0.40 (Cheaper) $1.00 – $1.50 (More expensive)

With more efficient zoning usage, ducted air conditioning running costs can be reduced by up to 20%.

Installation Considerations (Home Suitability)

When deciding on an air conditioning system it’s important to know which system suits your type of home.

Split systems are generally better for smaller Melbourne residences because they only cool certain areas or zones.

They are inadequate for larger areas or multiple rooms, but thrive in apartments, townhouses where you need to heat or cool a single area or room.

Split systems are great for:

  • Small homes
  • Apartments
  • Units
  • Small romes

Ducted Air Conditioning is a complete whole-home system that can work in almost any home setup that you find.

We wouldn’t recommend them in a smaller home as this is something a split system can accomplish just fine, but they do well in larger homes, large open areas, and multiple rooms.

These systems won’t work if your home has not enough ceiling or underfloor space for ducts.

Reverse Cycle Ducted Air Conditioning suits:

  • Large homes
  • Open layouts
  • Multiple rooms

Energy Efficiency & Rebates in Melbourne

Good news, both split systems and reverse cycle systems are eligible for government rebates under the Victorian Energy Rebates Program.

The reason the government is offering rebates is to encourage Victorian residents to install more energy efficient systems.

Our air conditioning Melbourne ultimate guide breaks down exactly how you can take advantage of the rebate.

Noise Levels: Which is Quieter

When it comes to noise, ducted air conditioning vs split systems both have their pros and cons.

Whilst ducted air conditioning makes no noise inside apart from the fan use, the outdoor unit can be noisy if you’re around that area.

Split systems generally do make a noise for both indoor and outdoor units, however, nothing that causes disturbance.

There have been horror cases where new clients have come to us from another installer that installed a super loud system that causes neighbours to hear it.

There are some regulations about the level of noise that can be generated so it’s always best to contact a professional air conditioning installer prior to making any major decisions.

Maintenance & Lifespan

An important aspect to consider when choosing an air conditioning system is their lifespan and maintenance

Don’t rush to get any old system, when forking out big bucks, you want to prioritise robust systems that need less maintenance, cost less to repair, and last at least 15 years.

Most breakdowns won’t mention the hidden costs that we’re going to uncover.

It is hard to put a blanket time frame or cost on these factors as it can dramatically change based on brand, adherence to servicing schedule and more, so we’ll give you a general idea.

Ducted air conditioning systems will have a longer lifespan of 15-20 years vs split systems which have a lifespan of roughly 10-15 years.

Split systems will have cheaper service and repair as they are a more simple system with less parts to check, essentially there are less things that can go wrong.

Which System is Best for Melbourne Homes? (Comparison Table)

Feature Split System Ducted Air Conditioning
Installation Cost $1,500 – $6,000 (Lower) $8,000 – $20,000 (Higher)
Running Cost (Per Hour) $0.20 – $0.40 (Cheaper) $1.00 – $1.50 (More expensive)
Energy Efficiency Very efficient for small spaces Efficient if zoning is used
Aesthetics Visible wall-mounted units Hidden vents for a clean look
Home Size Suitability Best for small homes & apartments Best for large homes & multiple rooms
Zoning Available? No (unless multi-head system) Yes, allows room-by-room control
Installation Time 1 day (simple setup) 3-5 days (complex installation)
Indoor Noise Can be heard inside Very quiet indoors
Outdoor Noise Moderate Louder, larger outdoor unit
Lifespan 10-15 years 15-20 years (longer if well-maintained)
Servicing Cost Lower (basic filter cleaning) Higher (duct cleaning & system checks)

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Based on the comparison table above the winner is… Split System 7-6.

While it was super hard to separate these two great air conditioning systems, the battle, split system vs ducted air conditioning is finally over.

If you need a whole-home system then go for ducted AC.

If you live in a smaller home such as an apartment or unit, opt for a split system.

FAQ

Which is more energy-efficient in Melbourne?

In terms of energy efficiency, it’s generally considered that ducted air conditioning is more energy-efficient than modern split systems. However, both are extremely energy efficient.

How long does it take to install split vs ducted air conditioning?

With all going well, we can install a split system within a few hours. For a ducted air conditioning installation, it can take 3 days or more for installation.

Can I install ducted air conditioning in an existing home?

Yes, ducted air conditioning can be installed in an existing home or a new build.

Does Melbourne’s climate affect which system is best?

Both split systems and ducted air conditioning are good for Melbourne’s climate. One won’t be better for a specific climate.

What rebates are available for air conditioning in Melbourne?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme helps Victorian residents get a rebate/discount on highly efficient air conditioners. This includes select split systems and reverse cycle ducted air conditioners.