# Should I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. Should I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Should I choose a split system or ducted air conditioning?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-ducted-air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) Split systems suit one or a few rooms, while ducted systems suit whole-home comfort if the roof or floor space allows, so get an on-site assessment. By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What is the difference? 2. When do split systems make sense? 3. When does ducted make sense? 4. What should I consider in Brisbane? 5. What about efficiency? 6. What about ongoing maintenance? 7. What to note before you ask for advice 8. What will a quote visit cover? 9. Frequently asked questions A split system suits cooling or heating one room or a few rooms, and can often be added room by room. A ducted system suits whole-home comfort in a larger house, but needs suitable roof or floor space for ducts. The right choice depends on your home, so get an on-site assessment. ## What is the difference? A split system has an indoor unit, often wall-mounted, connected to an outdoor unit by pipes. A multi-split links several indoor units to one outdoor unit. A ducted system has a central unit that sends air through ducts hidden in the roof space or under the floor to vents in each room. Both types can be reverse-cycle, meaning they cool and heat. ## When do split systems make sense? - You mainly want to cool or heat one or two rooms, such as a bedroom and living area. - You want to run different rooms at different times and temperatures. - Your home has no suitable roof space for ducting. - You want to start with one room and add others later. ## When does ducted make sense? - You want most of the house comfortable at once, with no units on the walls. - You have a larger, open or multi-bedroom home. - There is enough roof or underfloor space for ducts and a central unit. - Quiet operation inside is a priority, since the main unit sits away from living areas. Installers commonly report that ducted systems cost more to install, and many sources say that running a whole-home system makes more sense in larger homes, while split systems are often more economical for a few rooms. Costs and savings depend heavily on your home and habits, so ask for them in writing from a licensed installer. When to get a licensed professional Choosing and installing a system should be done by licensed people. Refrigerant work needs an ARC-licensed technician, and the electrical connection needs a licensed electrician. If you notice a burning smell, smoke or sparks from an existing system, leave the building and call 000. ## What should I consider in Brisbane? Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild, so cooling and humidity control usually matter more than heating. Sun exposure, insulation, ceiling height, window size, the layout and whether the roof space can take ducts all affect the choice. A licensed professional should look at the home in person. ## What about efficiency? Australian energy rating labels show star ratings for cooling and heating, and zoned labels let you compare models for your climate zone. The [Energy Rating factsheet on reading the zoned label](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-12/Factsheet%20How%20To%20Read%20The%20ZERL%20For%20Air%20Conditioners.pdf) explains how. Choice also notes that split systems are usually the most efficient type, though the best choice still depends on the home. ## What about ongoing maintenance? Both types need regular servicing by a licensed technician. Ducted systems have more parts to maintain, while multiple split units mean several indoor units to look after. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance for your system. ## What to note before you ask for advice 1. List the rooms — Write down which rooms you want comfortable, and when you use them. 2. Note the home features — Record the roof type, whether there is roof or underfloor space, ceiling heights and window orientation. 3. Photograph the spaces — Take photos of the rooms, the outdoor areas where units might go, and the switchboard from a distance, without opening anything. What you can safely check Read the energy rating information for models you are considering and write down your priorities. Do not climb into the roof space or alter anything yourself. ### What will a quote visit cover? A licensed professional will look at the layout, sun, insulation and access, discuss how you use the home, and recommend a type and size. Ask them to explain why, in plain terms. ## Frequently asked questions - No. It depends on home size, layout, roof space and how you use the rooms. - Yes, some homes use ducted for main areas and a split for a separate room. A licensed professional can advise. - Reverse-cycle versions of both cool and heat. - No. Refrigerant work needs an ARC licence and the electrical connection needs a licensed electrician. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/), [Split Systems](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/split-systems/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningWhat size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/) - [Air conditioningWhat affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner?Running costs depend on your electricity plan, how long and how hard the unit runs, its efficiency and size, and your home.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/) - [Air conditioningCan I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/) - [Air conditioningCan renters install an air conditioner in Queensland?Renters need the owner's written approval, and apartment owners usually need body corporate approval, before a fixed air conditioner is installed.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/rental-body-corporate-air-conditioner-queensland/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What is the difference? 2. When do split systems make sense? 3. When does ducted make sense? 4. What should I consider in Brisbane? 5. What about efficiency? 6. What about ongoing maintenance? 7. What to note before you ask for advice 8. What will a quote visit cover? 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/split-system-vs-ducted-air-conditioning/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).