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Split System vs Ducted Air Conditioning — Which Is Better?

Split systems are better for cooling individual rooms and cost $1,400-$2,245 per unit. Ducted is better for whole-home cooling and costs $8,000-$20,000. For existing homes in Queensland, split systems or multi-split systems are usually the better choice — they're half the price, don't need ceiling cavity access, and allow independent room control.

When to choose split system

**Choose split system if:** - You want to cool 1-3 specific rooms (bedrooms, living area) - You're on a budget ($1,400-$2,245 per room vs $8,000+ for ducted) - You have an existing home with no ceiling cavity access - You want independent temperature control per room - You want lower running costs (only cool rooms you're using) **Choose ducted if:** - You want every room in the house at the same temperature - You're building new (ducting can go in during construction) - You have good ceiling cavity access in an existing home - Budget is not the primary concern - You want a single system for the whole house **The middle ground — multi-split:** One outdoor unit connects to 2-5 indoor units. You get individual room control without the cost or ceiling space requirements of ducted. From $3,395 for a 2-head system.

Pricing

SizeBest ForPrice
2.5kWBedrooms, studies (up to ~20m²)$1,400
3.5kWMedium bedrooms, offices (up to ~30m²)$1,550
5kWLiving areas (up to ~50m²)$1,995
7kWLarge open-plan (up to ~70m²)$2,245

All prices supplied & installed, inc GST. Prices are final for standard back-to-back installs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is split system cheaper to run than ducted?

Yes. Split systems only cool the room they're in, so you're not paying to cool empty rooms. Ducted systems with zoning can help, but even zoned ducted costs more per hour than a single split system because the ducted unit is larger and uses more power.

Can I add more split systems later?

Yes. You can start with one split system in the bedroom and add more to other rooms over time. Each unit is independent, so you only pay for what you need when you need it.

Does ducted add more value to a home?

Ducted can add resale value because buyers see it as a premium feature. However, a well-installed multi-split system in the right rooms can be just as attractive to a buyer and costs significantly less.

Can I install split systems in an old Queenslander?

Yes. Split systems are ideal for Queenslanders because they don't require ceiling cavity access. The indoor unit mounts on the wall and the outdoor unit sits outside. We've installed thousands in Queenslanders across Brisbane.

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