When considering air conditioning for your Logan home, understanding running costs is just as important as the upfront installation cost.
Ducted and split systems both provide excellent heating and cooling solutions. However, they differ significantly in energy consumption, installation costs, and long-term expenses.
Whether you’re still comparing ducted vs split systems or have chosen your preference, understanding running costs will help you make an informed decision that suits your home’s unique needs and your budget.
Breaking down the key factors that impact running costs: ducted vs split system air conditioning
1. Energy efficiency and consumption
When comparing running costs, energy efficiency is a crucial factor.
Ducted:
Ducted systems are designed to heat or cool an entire home. This means they typically consume more energy if used without any control over individual spaces.
However, many modern ducted systems offer clever zoning capabilities, allowing you to independently control specific areas or rooms.
This significantly reduces energy consumption when you only use parts of your home, making the system even more efficient!
Read our blog for a deeper dive into how ducted air conditioning works.
Split:
Split systems offer individual unit control by default, making them naturally more energy-efficient for targeted temperature control.
If you only need to cool or heat specific rooms, a split system will typically use less energy.
The compromise is that overall energy use adds up if you need to heat or cool multiple rooms simultaneously.
Split systems are energy-efficient for controlling individual spaces. Though, having multiple units running simultaneously can be less efficient than a zoned ducted system.
2. Upfront vs. long-term costs
Ducted:
Ducted air conditioning systems generally have higher upfront costs due to more extensive installation requirements.
The process requires skilled labour and more materials, which adds to the upfront expense. Once installed, ducted systems can be more cost-effective in the long run. This is especially true in homes where multiple rooms are heated or cooled regularly.
This is because a single ducted unit can control the temperature across your entire home. You can potentially save on energy costs when using zoning features to target specific areas.
Explore how system size affects costs in our blog, Choosing the right size ducted system for your home.
Split:
On the other hand, split systems are typically cheaper (and quicker) to install.
With no ductwork required, you only pay for the units and basic installation per room. However, the long-term costs can vary depending on your usage.
If you only need to control the temperature in a few rooms, split systems can be more economical.
But if you install multiple split systems throughout the home, the cumulative cost—both for installation and ongoing energy consumption—can rival or even exceed that of a ducted system.
System longevity:
Another essential factor to consider is system longevity.
Ducted systems often have a longer lifespan due to their robust design and centralised operation. This potentially reduces the need for replacements in the long term.
Split systems, while reliable, may need to be replaced sooner if you have multiple units working hard to keep several rooms comfortable.
Over time, the cost of replacing several individual split units could become a significant financial consideration.
3. Maintenance and repairs
Both ducted and split system air conditioners require regular maintenance to ensure they continue running efficiently and effectively.
The complexity of each system plays a role in the type of upkeep and repair costs you might face.
Ducted:
Ducted systems, with their extensive ductwork and larger centralised unit, tend to be more complex. This can make maintenance more involved, as technicians need to check and clean multiple components, such as filters, ducts, and vents.
Additionally, repairs can be more expensive if any part of the system malfunctions. This is due to the larger scale and integrated design of ducted systems.
On the upside, regular servicing of a ducted system can prevent costly breakdowns and prolong the unit’s lifespan. The result is a sound investment for the long term!
Split:
Split systems have fewer components and are generally easier to maintain., However, they still require periodic servicing, particularly the outdoor unit and filters.
The good news?
Split systems typically involve lower repair costs since issues tend to be isolated to individual units.
Though, maintenance workload can increase if you’re operating multiple split systems in different rooms. This is because each unit needs to be serviced independently.
Knowing the main components of a split system can help you better understand maintenance requirements.
4. Seasonal variations and usage patterns
Brisbane’s climate, with hot summers and cool winters, means your air conditioning needs will vary throughout the year.
Ducted:
Ducted systems are ideal for homes requiring consistent whole-home heating and cooling.
Zoning allows you to control specific rooms, which reduces energy consumption when only certain areas are in use, like cooling living areas during the day and bedrooms at night.
Split:
Split systems are better for targeted, occasional use. If you only need to cool one or two rooms at a time, a split system offers flexibility and lower running costs.
Energy use can add up if you’re running multiple split systems simultaneously, especially during peak seasons.
This can make ducted systems with zoning a more economical choice for larger homes.
Ultimately, if your home needs constant climate control year-round, ducted systems provide efficiency, adapting to seasonal changes.
For lighter, room-specific needs, split systems offer more flexibility.
Need help deciding which AC system is right for your home?
When it comes to running costs, both ducted and split systems have their advantages. However, each can be further impacted by your home’s size, usage, and needs, as well as the size of the unit itself.
At REPARE, we specialise in expert installation, servicing, and repairs for both ducted and split systems. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss the best option for your home, and enjoy year-round comfort with a system tailored to your needs.Call (07) 3209 8006 or reach out to our expert team online.
