Brisbane’s subtropical climate, with its hot, humid summers and mild winters, requires an efficient air conditioning system. The choice between a split system and ducted air conditioning hinges on several factors such as the size of your space and long-term needs.
How They Work
Understanding how ducted and split-system air conditioning works, along with their advantages and limitations, can help you decide which is best for your home.
Ducted Air Conditioning
A ducted system uses a central unit to cool or heat air, which is then distributed through ducts and ceiling vents. This system provides consistent climate control throughout larger homes, multi-level houses, or spaces that require cooling in multiple rooms simultaneously.
Advantages:
- Whole-Home Control: Ideal for large or multi-story homes, offering cooling or heating for the entire house.
- Zoning Capabilities: Allows temperature control in different areas, optimizing energy use by cooling or heating only the rooms in use.
- Quiet and Discreet: Operates quietly with vents placed in the ceiling, eliminating visible units.
- Energy Efficiency: More efficient for cooling or heating multiple rooms.
Limitations:
- Higher Installation Costs: Requires ducts and vents, making it more expensive to install.
- Space Requirements: Needs sufficient ceiling space for ductwork and the main unit.
- Complex Installation: Requires professional planning and longer installation times.
Split-System Air Conditioning
A split system consists of an indoor unit mounted on the wall and an outdoor compressor. It’s ideal for cooling or heating individual rooms or small spaces, with the outdoor compressor installed away from the living area.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective for Smaller Spaces: More affordable to install and operate, perfect for single rooms or smaller homes.
- Quick Installation: No ductwork required, making installation faster and easier.
- Flexible Configuration: Can be used in multiple rooms with multi-split systems that connect several indoor units to a single outdoor unit.
- Energy Efficient for Targeted Cooling: Cools or heats individual rooms, offering better energy efficiency for smaller spaces.
Limitations:
- Limited to Smaller Areas: Not suitable for large homes or whole-house cooling.
- Visible Units: Indoor units are wall-mounted and may be more noticeable in the room.
- Less Control: Lacks zoning capabilities, so multiple units are required for multiple rooms.
Servicing and Lifespans
Both systems require regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently.
Split systems last between 10-15 years, depending on use and maintenance, with regular cleaning of filters and annual servicing to maintain peak performance. If neglected, split systems may suffer reduced efficiency and higher energy costs.
Ducted systems, meanwhile, last between 12-20 years, but require more detailed maintenance, including cleaning ducts and inspecting the central unit. Servicing should be done annually to prevent issues like blockages and leaks, ensuring the system runs efficiently for years. Though they need more upkeep, ducted systems tend to be more durable and efficient over time.
Choosing the Right System
In Brisbane’s hot, humid climate, selecting the right air conditioning system depends on your home’s size, layout, and specific cooling needs.
For smaller homes or individual rooms, such as living rooms or bedrooms, a split system offers affordable, flexible, and easy-to-install cooling. It’s ideal for those who only need temperature control in certain areas. Split systems are quick to install and are a great option for renters or homes without space for ducts.
For larger homes or multi-level properties, a ducted system provides comprehensive coverage with zoning options, allowing you to control temperatures in different areas. Though more expensive and requiring more installation, ducted systems offer consistent climate control, quieter operation, and energy efficiency—ideal for Brisbane’s intense summer heat.
For further details, contact Just In Time Electrical, Brisbane’s trusted air conditioning specialists.
Just-In Time Electrical is your local leading electrical contractor based in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Just-In Time Electrical has been operating for over 12 years and draws on a combined knowledge base of over 30 years.
