Everything You Need to Know About Ducted vs Split System Running Costs
Understanding Ducted vs Split System Running Costs
Do you know that the comfort and energy consumption of your home greatly depends on the type of conditioner you choose? Yes, you heard it right. If you won’t choose the suitable cooling system, you will end up paying higher bills.
Two popular options available in the market are ducted systems and split systems. Both have their own advantages and drawbacks. Need expert advice befor making a decision? Then, contact ABA air conditioning who provide customized and energy efficient solutions.
In this guide, we will break down ducted vs split system running costs and check out their system efficiency and impact on energy bills. Let’s continue reading!
Ducted vs Split System: How They Work?
Ducted system has the capacity to cool or heat your in one go since it uses a central unit connected to ducts running through the roof.
However, the split system has an indoor and outdoor unit, which makes it ideal for targeting one room at a time.
Remember the running cost is not only about power bills, it also includes:
- Maintenance and filter cleaning
- Repairs & part replacement over time
- How much electricity does the system pull daily?
You know the Adelaide weather is quite unpredictable which means your system will be working hard. That’s why understanding energy usage is not optional, it’s mandatory.
Estimating the Running Cost of Ducted vs Split System
Energy Consumption
The split system uses 0.9-1.2 kWh per hour, roughly costing $0.30–$0.40/hour. It is ideal for small homes and medium-sized rooms.
Ducted system uses 3–4 kWh per hour costing $1.00–$1.40/hour. This system is expensive and cost 3–4x more than splits system.
Daily & Seasonal Running Costs
If you run your system for 6 hours a day for 90 days, then split system for 1 room will have almost $2.40 daily cost resulting in $216 total cost for 90 days.
Meanwhile, the ducted system will have an $8 average daily cost for the whole home, and the total cost for 90 days will be $720. So, there’s over $500 difference, that’s huge, right?
Maintainance & Servicing
Split systems require basic cleaning once in a year. On the other hand, ducted systems need duct inspections, zone controls cheecked and air flow balance.
What’s more? Ducted filters are often hidden in the roof and less likely to be cleaned regularly which badly impacts their efficiency.
Which System is Cheaper to Run in Adelaide?
If you don’t need to heat or cool your entire house all the time, than split system is a budget-friendly option for you.
Although ducted system cools everything even the rooms you are not using but its energy consumption and maintenance cost is higher.
Besides, if your home is not well-insulated, the ducted system can chew even more power to maintain the overall temperature of your home.
Cost Comparison: Split vs Ducted System
Factor |
Split System |
Ducted System |
| Intsallation | $2,000–$3,000 (per unit) | $7,000-$12,000 |
| Ruing Cost | Low (room-based) | High (whole-house) |
| Maintainace | Low | Moderate-High |
| Ideal For | Apartments, single rooms | Large homes, multi-room control |
| Flexibility | High (zoning by room) | Medium (manual zoning if installed) |
Why Should You Choose ABA Air Conditioning Services?
There are multiple factors that you need to consider when choosing between ducted vs split system. Instead of relying on your own assumptions, it’s better to hire an expert like ABA air conditioning service.
Here’s why we are the best:
- Local expertise
- Well-trained staff
- Upfront cost, no hidden charges
- Prompt service & ongoing support
- Customized solutions according to your home or office
Still Not Sure Which System Is Right for You? Let’s Discuss!
Choosing between ducted or split systems is much more than just upfront costs. You also need to consider the way you live, your home’s design, and what comfort means to you. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t neglect the unpredictable weather of Adelaide.
At ABA Air Conditioning, we do all the guesswork for you and take your time to assess your home layout, specific needs and energy consumption of each system to provide you the best solution. Call us today to discuss the further details.
FAQ’s
- Does ducted use more electricity?
Yes, ducted system can use 3–4 times more electricity than a split system, especially if you are not using zoning feature properly.
- Is it cheaper to run a split system or a ducted?
Yes, a split system is cheaper to run for 1-2 rooms. Ducted is only cost-effetice if you are using it for a whole house regularly.
