Heating & Cooling Solutions

Split System vs Ducted AC

September 3, 2025

Split System vs Ducted AC – Which Is Right for Your Home?

When it comes to cooling and heating your Melbourne home, the choice between a split system vs ducted AC can make all the difference in your comfort, energy bills, and even property value. Many homeowners struggle with this decision—should you opt for the cost-effective flexibility of a split system, or invest in the whole-home comfort of ducted air conditioning?

This guide provides a clear air conditioning comparison of both options, with pros, cons, and practical insights, so you can confidently choose the best AC for Melbourne living conditions.

What is a Split System?

A split system air conditioner is one of the most common choices in Victorian homes. It’s made up of two units:

An indoor unit mounted on a wall, usually in the living room or bedroom.
An outdoor compressor that releases heat outside.

Split System Advantages

✅ Lower upfront cost – perfect for budget-conscious homeowners.
✅ Quick installation – minimal disruption, often done in a day.
✅ Energy efficiency – highly efficient when cooling or heating a single room.
✅ Flexibility – choose which rooms get air conditioning without paying for whole-home coverage.

Best for: apartments, townhouses, small homes, or families that only use AC in select rooms.

What is a Ducted AC?

A ducted air conditioning system provides centralised climate control. A single outdoor compressor and indoor central unit connect to a network of ducts hidden in your ceiling or under the floor, distributing air through vents.

Ducted AC Pros and Cons

✅ Whole-home comfort – every room can be cooled or heated.
✅ Discreet design – no bulky wall units, just clean vents.
✅ Zoning options – control temperature room-by-room for better efficiency.
❌ Higher installation cost – upfront investment is significant.
❌ Space requirement – needs ceiling or under-floor room for ducts.
❌ Less efficient if used for empty rooms – without zoning, energy can be wasted.

Best for: larger homes, growing families, or homeowners looking for seamless, long-term climate control.

Split System vs Ducted AC: Pros & Cons at a Glance

Feature	Split System Advantages	Ducted AC Pros and Cons
Upfront Cost	Low	High
Installation	Quick & simple	Complex, needs ducts/roof space
Coverage	1–2 rooms	Whole-home with zoning
Energy Efficiency	High for small areas	High if zoned, less if conditioning unused
Design	Indoor unit visible	Discreet vents only
Best For	Apartments, small homes, single rooms	Larger homes, families, whole-home comfort

Energy Efficiency & Rebates

Whether you choose split or ducted AC, energy efficiency should guide your decision.

Split systems: excel in single-room use, avoiding wasted energy.
Ducted ACs: with zoning technology, they allow you to cool only occupied rooms, maximising efficiency.

Victorian homeowners can also benefit from rebates under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program and other state incentives. These reduce upfront costs when upgrading to efficient systems, making long-term savings even stronger.

Want to lower bills this winter? Check our guide on Smarter Winter Heating for Melbourne Homes.

Best Use Cases for Each

Split System

Small homes, townhouses, apartments.
Single-room comfort (living room, bedroom, office).
Households looking for an affordable, flexible solution.

Ducted AC

Large family homes with multiple living areas.
New builds or renovations with ceiling space for ducting.
Homeowners who value whole-home comfort and clean aesthetics.

Find the Right Fit for Your Home

Still unsure whether a split system or ducted AC is right for your Melbourne home? The smartest way to decide is to book a free site inspection. Our GreenOz Solutions experts will: