When you’re choosing between a ducted system or split system for your home, it’s not just about price—it’s about comfort, control, and long-term maintenance.
At A-Grade Air Conditioning, we’ve installed and serviced thousands of both systems across Sydney. Here’s our honest breakdown to help you decide what’s right for your space.
How They Work
Ducted Systems:
A ducted system uses a central indoor unit (usually in the ceiling) that pushes air through ductwork to vents across the home. It’s designed to heat or cool the entire property at once, with zones to control different areas.
Split Systems:
A split system has an indoor unit connected to an outdoor condenser. Each unit serves a single room or space. You can install multiple split systems in different rooms, but they work independently.
1. Comfort & Performance
Ducted:
- Ideal for large homes or open-plan living
- Centralised and hidden (nothing on the wall)
- Often has airflow imbalances, where some rooms get too much air, others not enough
- If one issue occurs (like a fan or sensor fault), the whole system can shut down
- Very expensive to install, not worth it when the option of a split system is available for half the price
Split System:
- Each unit runs independently—better control over room-by-room temperature
- Excellent for bedrooms, offices, and living areas
- Much more responsive for heating and cooling where and when you need it
- If one system fails, the others still run without disruption
Technician Tip: In winter and summer extremes, split systems give better targeted comfort. You don’t need to fire up the whole house—just heat or cool the room you’re in.
2. Maintenance & Cleaning
Ducted:
- Much harder to keep clean due to dust build-up in ductwork
- Susceptible to damage over time from animals and insects crawling in the roof (hundreds of dollars to repair)
- Regular maintenance is double the price of a split system (even for a basic service)
- Return air filters need regular replacement (we use hospital-grade options)
- Mould can spread easily through the system if not treated
- Delicate and time-consuming to deep clean—often missed in general servicing
Split System:
- Cheaper to install and maintain, from start to finish
- Better filtration technology, and overall ease of use
- Indoor unit can be opened, cleaned, and sanitised regularly
- Filters are washable and mould treatment is more direct, can deep clean the entire system in one go
- Less chance of system-wide contamination
In our experience, ducted systems often circulate stale or mouldy air if neglected. Split systems are much easier to keep fresh and clean.
3. Cost & Efficiency
Ducted:
- Higher upfront cost
- Great for full-home climate control, but less efficient
- Zoning can help, but can be limited by layout or duct design
Split System:
- Lower upfront cost per unit to install
- Energy efficient by design
- Easier to upgrade or expand over time
- Lower priced repairs
4. Design & Installation Impact
Split System Units:
- Require minimal wall penetration—just a small hole for pipework and wiring
- Installed directly onto an external-facing wall
- Indoor units are compact and can be styled to suit modern interiors and colours
- Indoor/Outdoor units can be positioned flexibly for ease of access and servicing
- When it comes to the physical impact on your home, split systems are far more straightforward
Ducted Systems:
- Require extensive ceiling cavity space for the main unit and ductwork
- Multiple ceiling vents and return air grilles are needed throughout the home leaving large cavities
- Installation often involves cutting into plasterboard, cornices, or timber framing
- Repairs can be more invasive and complex due to the hidden nature of components
If preserving your home’s walls and finishes is a priority, especially in renovations or apartments, split systems cause significantly less disruption—and are often the only feasible option in tighter spaces.
Final Word from A-Grade
If you’re looking for room-by-room control, better air quality, and easier upkeep, split systems are the better long-term choice—especially for households that only use certain rooms day-to-day.
Need help deciding what’s best for your space?
We’re always happy to offer advice based on the layout of your home and how you live in it. Book a consultation with our team today.