Is a split system or ducted air-con best for your home?

09 December 2025

Choosing the right air conditioner for your home can feel like a big decision, especially when you want comfort year-round without blowing the budget. Many homeowners ask the same question: is a split system or ducted air-con the better choice?

The truth is, it depends on your home, your lifestyle, and how you use your space. Both options have their perks, one might suit a smaller home or single room, while the other offers whole-house comfort and sleek design.

Here’s what you need to know to figure out which system is right for you.

What’s the difference?

Both systems are designed to keep your home comfortable, they just go about it in different ways.

Split system air conditioners have two main components, an indoor unit mounted on your wall and an outdoor unit that houses the compressor. They’re ideal for cooling or heating a single room or open-plan area, like your living room or master bedroom.

Ducted air conditioning systems, on the other hand, use one central unit (usually hidden in the ceiling) connected to a network of ducts and vents throughout the home. This allows you to control the temperature across multiple rooms or zones at once.

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When a split system is the right choice

Split systems are a great option if you:

Only need to cool or heat one or two areas of your home
Want a more affordable option upfront
Prefer to control each unit separately for flexibility

They’re quick to install, energy-efficient for smaller spaces, and great for apartments, granny flats or homes where you don’t need whole-house cooling.

Think of a split system as the practical, budget-friendly choice that gives you comfort exactly where you need it.

Ducted systems are the go-to for full-home comfort and a seamless look. They're best if you:

When a ducted system makes sense

Ducted systems are the go-to for full-home comfort and a seamless look. They're best if you:

Want to cool or heat multiple rooms at once
Prefer a tidy, hidden setup with only vents visible
Value convenience and smart control, some systems can even be zoned for maximum efficiency

They’re a bigger investment upfront but often the most cost-effective long-term solution for larger homes.

If you want year-round comfort for the whole family at the touch of a button, ducted air conditioning is hard to beat.

Comparing costs and energy efficiency

Split systems typically have a lower installation cost, while ducted systems can be more efficient overall if you’re cooling several rooms at once, especially with modern zoning technology.

No matter which option you choose, regular servicing makes a big difference. Clean filters, clear ducts, and well-maintained components mean lower running costs and fewer breakdowns over time.