Split System vs Ducted Air Conditioning: Which Is Best for Your Sunshine Coast Home?

As summer approaches here in Sunshine Coast, the heat and humidity are so intense that choosing the right air conditioning is crucial. It is not just being cool but also considering the energy efficiency, the performance and getting the best value of your unit.

If you are having a new house or undergoing a renovation or just upgrading your cooling system, you might be comparing whether to buy a split system or a ducted air conditioning system. Both of these are effective and best used depending on the style of your home, on budgets and lifestyles.

Here at Axon Electrical, we understand that it is challenging to decide on what’s the best unit to choose. So, we want to help you decide the best fit for your home as we discuss each of the system’s benefits. 

What Is a Split System Air Conditioner?

A split system air conditioner consists of two main components:

• An indoor unit mounted on a wall inside the house

• An outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor.

It is a popular choice here in Sunshine Coast to have split system units, as they efficiently cool a single room or open area by having both indoor and outdoor components work together. 

These are some of the key advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Purchasing and installing the unit are generally less expensive.

• Energy Efficient: Best to cool specific areas without unnecessary power consumption.

• Adaptable: Multiple units can be installed for cooling different areas.

• Simple Maintenance: can be cleaned easily and be maintained in good condition with routinary services

Having the indoor unit will cool only the room where it is installed. To cool the entire home multiple units are required, which can increase both the upfront cost and the power consumption in the long run.

What Is Ducted Air Conditioning?

It serves as a central unit that is being placed typically in the roof space and called as ducted air conditioning. In this setup, cool air is being distributed in the entire house via a network of ducts, with each vent discreetly installed in the ceiling or floor to achieve a sleek and seamless look.

This brings a whole-home comfort which is the primary benefit of this system. With ducted air conditioning, by just pushing a button you can cool or heat the entire house while enjoying consistent temperatures and minimal noise.

The key advantages are:

• Customized Cooling with Zoning: By selecting only the rooms needed to cool, this will save energy

  
  

• Seamless Aesthetics: In this setup, the vents integrate subtly with the home's interior design. There will be no bulky wall units.

  
  

• Enhanced Property Value: The long-term value will increase in this system with added attractiveness of the property.

  
  

• Superior Power: This is ideal for homes with large open plan areas and effective means for climate control.

  
  

The drawbacks with this setup, however, are higher upfront costs and a more complex installation. Ducted systems are suitable for properties, such as new builds or major renovations, that allow easy access to the roof or ceiling.

Split vs Ducted: What are the Key Factors to Consider?

1. Home Size and Layout

• Split systems 

  
  

Best for apartments, units, or smaller homes where only one or two rooms are needed to cool

• Ducted systems 

  
  

Suitable for larger homes, open-plan living areas, or multi-room comfort. Consider a ducted system if your home has high ceilings or multiple living areas, as it provides better and consistent airflow.

2. Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Both split and ducted air conditioning systems provides energy efficiency, however in different applications:

• Split systems - effective for targeted cooling, such as cooling only a single room (e.g., a bedroom).

  
  

• Ducted systems -use zoning to bring coolness to only specific areas, which helps save power.

  
  

If you want only one room to primarily cool, a split system would ultimately be a better choice.  A ducted system is more cost-effective if you want the entire space of your home to be cooled regularly.

3. Installation and Maintenance

Axon Electrical offers precise installation for both split and ducted air conditioning systems. As qualified electricians, we ensure correct sizing, safe electrical connections, and compliance with Australian standards.

• Split Systems: Quick installation and can be maintained easily, which is an excellent choice for older homes or rental properties.

  
  

• Ducted Systems: Require more involved professional installation and ongoing regular duct inspections.

  
  

4. Appearance and Noise

• Split Systems: These are visible on walls and may create a low humming sound.

  
  

• Ducted Systems: These are virtually invisible, relying on discreet vents, and function with whisper-quiet precision.

  
  

If you want a clean look and minimal noise, a ducted system would be a superior choice.

5. Budget

These are the typical cost range:

System Type	Approx. Installation Cost	Ideal For
Split System	$600 – $3,000 per unit Depending on size/brand	Small homes or single rooms
Ducted System	$3,000 – $12,000+ excluding installation depending on size/ brand	Larger homes, full-home cooling

Although the initial cost is higher for a ducted system, the enhanced long-term comfort and increase in property value often make it the wiser investment.

What ‘s our Expert Tip?

Regardless of the air conditioning system you select, professional and correct installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Because if mistakes are committed, it can essentially reduce the lifespan of your unit and will result in increased energy bills.

At Axon Electrical, we provide comprehensive air conditioning services, including:

• Expert Installation: Professional installation for both split and ducted air conditioning systems.

  
  

• Energy-Efficient Recommendations: We recommend customized systems designed to maximize energy savings for your home.

  
  

• Routine Maintenance: We are available for ongoing service to ensure your system functions well at peak performance, operating just like a new unit.

  
  

Choose Axon Electrical Now

Consider your home’s dimensions, your daily habits, and your available budget as the key factors in choosing the right air conditioning for your home here in Sunshine Coast.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Axon Electrical for expert guidance as we offer a comprehensive service in evaluating your home. We recommend and then professionally install the most energy-efficient system that guarantees year-round cooling and comfort.

Schedule now your free air conditioning consultation for your Sunshine Coast home with Axon Electrical today!