Ducted vs. Ductless Air Con
- Cold Control
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Which is the Best AC Option for Your Home?
When the summer heat hits, choosing the right climate control can be a daunting task. The primary debate for most homeowners usually comes down to Ducted vs. Ductless air con. Both systems offer unique advantages, but the right choice depends on your property’s architecture, your budget, and your cooling habits.
At Cold Control, we specialise in helping you navigate these options to ensure your home remains a sanctuary of comfort.
Understanding the Basics: Ducted vs. Ductless
What is Ducted Air Conditioning?
A ducted system is a centralised solution where a single internal unit, usually hidden in the roof or under the floor, distributes air through a network of ducts to various rooms.
Best for: Comprehensive, whole-home climate control and minimalist aesthetics.
The Experience: You enjoy a balanced temperature across the entire property without seeing any bulky equipment on your walls.
What is Ductless (Split) Air Conditioning?
A ductless system, commonly known as a split system, consists of an outdoor compressor connected to one or more indoor units mounted directly on the wall.
Best for: Cooling specific rooms, retrofitting older homes, and those on a tighter initial budget.
The Experience: You get high-performance cooling in targeted zones with the ability to turn units off in unoccupied rooms.
Ducted vs. Ductless: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To help you decide between ducted vs. ductless, we’ve broken down the most critical factors:
1. Installation and Structural Requirements
Ducted systems require significant "empty" space in ceiling voids or floor joists. If your home doesn't have this clearance, structural modifications may be needed, which adds to the timeline.
Ductless systems are far less invasive. They only require a small hole in the wall for the copper piping and electrical wiring, making them the go-to for apartments or homes with limited space.
2. Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value
In the ducted vs. ductless price comparison, ductless almost always wins on initial costs. However, if you are looking to cool five or more rooms, the cost of multiple split units can quickly approach the price of a single ducted installation. Ducted systems also tend to add more significant resale value to a property.
The Higher Cost of Ducted Air Conditioning: What to Budget For
While ducted air conditioning offers a seamless look and whole-home comfort, it does come with higher overall costs that homeowners should factor in early.
Higher installation costs
Ducted systems are more complex to install. Beyond the main unit, you’re paying for ductwork, ceiling grilles, insulation, and labour to run everything through roof or floor cavities. If your home needs structural changes to create space for ducts, costs can increase further.
Zoning adds to the price
Basic ducted systems typically cool the entire house at once. If you want room-by-room control, zoning motors and additional controls are required. Zoning improves efficiency and comfort, but it adds to the upfront investment.
Maintenance and access
Because ducted systems are hidden, servicing usually requires professional access to ceiling spaces. While maintenance isn’t frequent, it is generally more expensive than servicing a single wall-mounted split system.
Running costs in smaller homes
In smaller properties or households where only one or two rooms are used regularly, ducted systems can cost more to run compared to ductless setups that allow you to cool only occupied spaces.
That said, for larger homes or families who want consistent temperatures throughout the house, many homeowners find the higher initial cost of ducted air conditioning is offset by comfort, convenience, and long-term property value.
3. Aesthetics and Noise
If you value interior design, ducted air conditioning is the clear winner. The only visible components are discreet grilles. Furthermore, because the main fan is tucked away in the ceiling, it is the quietest AC option available. Ductless units are visible on the wall, though modern designs are increasingly sleek and compact.
4. Energy Efficiency and Zoning
Ductless systems are inherently "zoned," meaning you only cool the rooms you are using. While a standard ducted system typically cools the whole house at once, you can achieve "zoning" in a ducted setup by installing multiple units in the ceiling to allow for individual room temperature control.
Ducted vs. Ductless: Comparison
To help you decide between ducted vs. ductless air con, we’ve broken down the most important factors homeowners typically weigh up. Cost is often the first consideration, but it rarely tells the full story on its own. Installation requirements, day-to-day comfort, and how you use your space all play a role in determining which system delivers the best value for your home.
Feature | Ducted AC | Ductless (Split) AC |
Cost | Higher upfront and installation costs; zoning increases price | Lower upfront cost; increases as more units are added |
Visual Appeal | Hidden; minimal grilles only | Wall-mounted units visible |
Noise Level | Extremely quiet | Quiet, but fan operates in the room |
Installation Time | Moderate to high | Low (often completed in 1 day) |
Ideal Coverage | Entire property | Single rooms or small areas |
Zoning | Limited unless modified | Excellent; per unit control |
Frequently Asked Questions about Ducted vs. Ductless Air Con
-Is it cheaper to run ducted or ductless?
Generally, ductless systems are cheaper to run for day-to-day use because you can turn off units in empty rooms. However, high-efficiency ducted systems are excellent for cooling large, open-plan spaces more uniformly than multiple split units could.
-Can I install a ducted system in an old house?
It depends on the ceiling space. Our engineers at Cold Control conduct free site surveys to evaluate if your property can accommodate ductwork without major structural changes.
-Which lasts longer?
Both systems generally last 12–15 years with professional maintenance. Because ducted components are "hidden," they are protected from accidental damage but require professional access for servicing.
Get Your Installation Right with Cold Control
Whether you decide on ducted vs. ductless, the quality of the installation is what determines the lifespan of your system. At Cold Control, we provide:
Professional Site Surveys: To measure your space and calculate the exact airflow requirements.
Expert Grille Specification: Ensuring your ducted system is as efficient as it is beautiful.
Ongoing Support: From initial consultation to long-term maintenance.
Ready to find the perfect match for your home?
Contact Cold Control today for your free, no-obligation quote and site survey.
