Split System vs Ducted: Which Is Right for Your Bendigo Home?

It's the question we get asked most: should we put in a split system or go ducted? Both heat and cool well, and both can be efficient. The right choice comes down to the size of your home, how you live in it and what you want to spend up front.

How each one works

A split system has an indoor head on a wall and an outdoor unit, and it looks after one room or an open living area. Ducted reverse-cycle has one larger unit – usually in the roof space – with outlets in each room and a controller on the wall, often split into zones.

Where split systems make sense

Split systems suit smaller homes, units and townhouses, or a home where you really only need to heat and cool the main living area and maybe a bedroom or two. They're quicker to install, cost less up front and you only run the rooms you're using. If a room is rarely used, you don't pay to condition it.

The trade-off is that each area needs its own head unit, so a larger home can end up with several units on the walls. Doors need to be open for the air to move around.

Where ducted makes sense

Ducted suits larger homes, or anyone who wants an even temperature right through the house with almost nothing visible except the outlets. With zoning you can run the living areas by day and the bedrooms overnight, which keeps the running costs sensible.

Up front it costs more, and it needs enough roof space and access to run the ducting. In an older Bendigo home with a tight roof cavity, that's worth checking before you set your heart on it.

Running costs

A modern split system running one room is usually the cheapest way to stay comfortable. A well-zoned ducted system heating a whole house costs more to run than one split, but far less than running five splits at once. It's about matching the system to how much of the house you actually use.

What about existing ducted heating?

If you already have gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling, you have a third option: keep the existing ducting where it's in good condition and change over the unit. That can save a fair bit compared with a full new installation, though the ducting does need to be the right size for the new system.

Our usual advice

Three bedrooms or fewer with one main living area: start with splits. Four bedrooms and up, or you want the whole house even: look at ducted with zones. Anywhere in between, it's worth having someone walk through the house and measure it properly rather than guessing.

Need a hand?

We're a local Bendigo team and we're happy to take a look. Give us a call on (03) 5444 4677 for honest advice and a free quote.