Ducted vs Split System Air Conditioner: Which Is Better?
When it comes to cooling and heating your Sydney home, the two most popular options are ducted air conditioning and split system air conditioners. Both are effective — but the right choice depends on your home size, budget, and lifestyle.
What Is a Split System?
A split system consists of an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor. It's the most popular residential AC option in Australia.
- Best for: Single rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, apartments
- Cost to supply & install: $800–$2,500 per unit
- Running cost: Lower (you only cool/heat the room you're in)
- Pros: Affordable, efficient, flexible
What Is Ducted Air Conditioning?
Ducted AC uses a central unit (usually in the roof or under the floor) connected to multiple rooms via ductwork. Each room has a discreet ceiling vent.
- Best for: Whole-home comfort, large houses, new builds
- Cost to supply & install: $6,000–$20,000+
- Running cost: Higher (cools/heats the whole home)
- Pros: Invisible, consistent temperature, adds home value
Key Comparison
| Factor | Split System | Ducted |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | High |
| Running cost | Low | Medium-High |
| Rooms cooled | 1 per unit | Whole home |
| Aesthetics | Wall unit visible | Hidden vents |
| Installation complexity | Simple | Major renovation |
Oceania's Recommendation
For apartments and 1–3 bedroom homes, split systems offer the best value. For large 4+ bedroom houses, ducted provides whole-home comfort. Many families use a hybrid approach — ducted in living areas and splits in bedrooms.
We supply and install split systems from Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, and Samsung. Call (02) 9757 4888.