Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning vs Split System Air Conditioning: Which is Best for Your Home?
Selecting the right air conditioning system for their home can be tricky, with many different systems to choose from. Two of the most popular options are ducted reverse cycle and split system air conditioning as both can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning cools or heats your entire home through vents in the ceiling or floor. It’s ideal for larger homes or controlling the temperature in multiple rooms. Split systems, on the other hand, cool or heat single rooms or open areas.
Ducted systems are more expensive but also more efficient, while more affordable split systems are easier to install and suitable for smaller spaces.
Understanding Air Conditioning Systems
Air conditioning systems ensure you stay comfortable at home and there are two main types: ducted reverse cycle and split system, both coming with pros and cons.
What is Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning?
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning is extremely effective at cooling and heating buildings, using ducts in the ceiling or floor to move air around quickly. These ducts are connected to the outside central unit that can cool or heat many rooms simultaneously.
You can use zoning to control different areas which lets you save energy by only cooling or heating the rooms you’re using. Because of this level of control, ducted systems work well in big homes. However, they typically cost more to install than other options.
Split System Air Conditioning Explained
Split system air conditioners are most suitable for cooling or heating one room and can be placed in bedrooms, living spaces, or home offices as they’re easy to install and don’t have any ducts. They consist of two main parts. The indoor unit on your wall and the outdoor unit are linked by pipes that carry refrigerant.
Split systems give you more control over each room’s temperature, allowing you to easily cool or heat the space you’re in, helping to save energy and money. They are an ideal option for small homes or flats, and you can add more units as and when needed.
Comparative Analysis
Even though they provide a similar function, ducted and split system air conditioners have key differences in performance, costs, and features.
Performance Factors
Ducted air con systems are efficient for cooling or heating your whole home and offer excellent performance in large spaces. They can also handle multiple rooms at once and you can set different temperatures in different areas thanks to the system’s zoning capabilities.
Split systems are best for single rooms or open-plan areas as they’re quick to cool or heat a space, but may perform poorly in very large rooms.
For air quality, ducted systems usually have the edge due to better filters, easily removing dust and allergens from inside your home.
Ducted systems will typically use more power overall, but can be more efficient in big homes. However, both types come with high energy ratings, meaning better efficiency.
Installation and Running Costs
Ducted air-con costs more to install as you need ductwork throughout your home, which requires time and labor to fit. Split systems are easier and cheaper to install as you just need an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor.
The running costs of each system vary based on your energy use and system size. Split systems are often cheaper to run as they use less power and you can turn them off easily if you leave a room.
Ducted systems can be pricey to run if you cool your whole house often, but zoning helps cut costs by cooling only the areas you use. However, over time, the higher installation cost of ducted systems might be offset by energy savings if installed in large homes.
Pros and Cons of Each System
Ducted pros:
- Whole-home cooling and heating
- Zoning capabilities
- Better air filtration
- Discreet vents in the ceiling or floor
Ducted cons:
- Higher upfront costs
- More complex and time-consuming installation
- They can be costly to run without zoning
Split system pros:
- Lower purchase price and installation costs
- They are easy to add to existing homes
- You can control temperatures in individual rooms
Split system cons:
- Limited to cooling just one area
- Visible indoor units
- Multiple units are needed for whole-home cooling
Key Considerations for System Selection
The right air conditioning system may depend on your home’s layout and unique cooling needs. The energy efficiency and environmental impact of the system can also play an important role in your decision-making.
Assessing Your Space and Needs
Think about the size of your home and how many rooms you need to cool. Ducted systems work well for cooling multiple rooms at once, using a network of ducts to send cool air throughout your house. This makes them the perfect choice for large homes when you need to cool many areas.
Alternatively, split systems are better for a single room or small space as you can install them in just the rooms you use most or ones subjected to direct sunlight for long periods. This can save you money if you don’t need to cool the entire house.
You also need to consider how often you’ll use the system because if you only need cooling for a few months a year, a split system might suit your needs. Whereas, for year-round use, a ducted system could be a more sensible purchase.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Higher energy star ratings mean the system uses less power which can save you money on your energy bills. Remember, proper sizing is key for any system. Oversized systems waste energy, while an undersized one won’t meet your heating and cooling needs.
Ducted systems can be very efficient if your home is well-insulated as they cool large areas with a single unit. The main drawback of these systems is that if your ducts leak, possibly due to poor installation, you can lose a lot of heat and energy.
Split systems are often more energy-efficient for cooling small areas and don’t lose energy through ductwork. Some newer models also have great energy ratings and use less power than most standard air-con units.
The refrigerant used in the system is also a factor as newer refrigerants have less impact on the environment, regardless of whether you opt for a ducted or split system. Although both systems are eco-friendly compared to traditional air-conditioning methods, some specific units may be better than others in this regard.
Contact us today to discuss your cooling and heating requirements to ensure you choose the perfect system for your home.