Ducted vs Split System: How to Choose the Right AC for Your Home
- Apr 16, 2026
- Troubleshooting
Ducted or Split System: Which Is Right for Your Home?
It’s the most common question we get from Brisbane homeowners: should I go ducted or split system? The answer depends on your home, budget, and how you use your living spaces. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you decide.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose split systems if: You only need to cool 1-3 rooms, have a tight budget, rent your home, or want to add AC gradually over time.
Choose ducted if: You want whole-home comfort, have 4+ rooms to cool, prefer invisible indoor units, and have the budget for a larger upfront investment.
Split System Air Conditioning
How It Works
A split system has one indoor unit (wall-mounted) and one outdoor unit connected by refrigerant piping. Each unit cools one room or open-plan area independently.
Advantages
- Lower upfront cost — $1,500-$4,500 per unit installed
- Flexible installation — Add units one at a time as budget allows
- Individual room control — Each unit has its own thermostat and remote
- No ceiling space required — Ideal for homes without adequate roof cavities
- Quick installation — 3-5 hours per unit
- Easy to replace — Swap out individual units without affecting others
Disadvantages
- Visible indoor units — Wall-mounted units are visible in each room
- Multiple outdoor units — Each split needs its own outdoor unit (unless using multi-head)
- Expensive for whole-home — 5+ individual splits costs more than ducted
- No central control — Each unit operates independently
Ducted Air Conditioning
How It Works
A ducted system has one large indoor unit (hidden in the ceiling) connected to ductwork that distributes air through vents in every room. One outdoor unit powers the entire system. Zone control lets you choose which rooms to cool.
Advantages
- Whole-home comfort — Every room gets air conditioning from one system
- Invisible indoor unit — Only discreet ceiling vents are visible
- Zone control — Cool only the rooms you’re using to save energy
- Single outdoor unit — Cleaner exterior appearance
- Central control — One controller or app manages the whole system
- Adds property value — Ducted AC is a premium feature for home buyers
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost — $8,000-$22,000+ installed
- Requires ceiling space — Needs adequate roof cavity for ductwork
- Longer installation — 1-3 days
- All-or-nothing replacement — When the system fails, it’s a major expense
- Duct losses — Some energy is lost as air travels through ductwork in a hot roof
Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Split Systems | Ducted System |
|---|---|---|
| Cool 1-2 rooms | $1,500 – $6,000 | Not recommended |
| Cool 3 rooms | $5,000 – $12,000 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Cool 4-5 rooms | $7,000 – $18,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Whole home (6+ rooms) | $10,000 – $25,000+ | $12,000 – $22,000 |
The crossover point is typically around 4 rooms — below that, splits are cheaper; above that, ducted becomes more cost-effective.
Running Cost Comparison
When cooling the same number of rooms, running costs are similar between the two systems. However:
- Splits win if you only cool 1-2 rooms at a time — you’re only paying for what you use
- Ducted wins if you cool 3+ rooms — zone control means you’re still only cooling what you need, but with better air distribution and less energy loss than running multiple splits
The Multi-Head Split Alternative
Can’t decide? A multi-head split system offers a middle ground — one outdoor unit powers 2-5 indoor units. You get individual room control like splits, with fewer outdoor units like ducted. Cost: $4,000-$13,000 installed.
Multi-head splits suit apartments, townhouses, and homes where 2-4 rooms need cooling but ducted isn’t feasible.
Brisbane-Specific Considerations
- Queenslander homes — Often lack ceiling space for ducted. Splits or multi-head are usually the best option. See our Queenslander guide
- New builds — Ducted is easiest to install during construction and adds the most resale value
- Renovations — Consider ducted if you’re opening up ceilings anyway
- Investment properties — Splits in main rooms offer the best ROI for rental properties
Get Expert Advice
Sun City Air installs both ducted and split systems across Brisbane. We’ll assess your home, discuss your needs and budget, and recommend the best option — no pressure to choose the more expensive system.
Call Sun City Air on 07 3283 5566 or request a free in-home assessment.
More info: Split system costs | Ducted costs | Brand comparison
