Split System vs. Central Air Conditioning: Which is Better?

How do you choose a heating and cooling system for your bedroom, home office, business building, or entire property?

Whether you need to heat or cool a single room or more than one, you might not be 100% sure on what’s right for your circumstances.

This blog will be your comprehensive comparison and talk about how each system works, the pros and cons, and how you can make the best decision in the long run!

What is a Split System?

A lot more modern, flexible, and controllable than the old-school portable space heater (and a lot safer too), a split system is a great option in most cases, but how so?

There are two parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Inside the indoor unit, the refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure superheated gas, where the compressor then sends the gas towards the condenser.

Here, it turns into a cool, high-pressure liquid. Producing hot air this way, the condenser blows this away with the fan. If you stand near an outdoor unit, that’s why you feel hot air!

When the air returns inside, the cold refrigerant enters the evaporator, where it then absorbs the heat from the space being cooled. This makes the refrigerant boil, turning it back into a super-heated, low-pressure gas.  

The gas enters the compressor, and the cycle starts over. Basically, it cools, compresses, condenses, evaporates, and distributes.

Why choose this system over central air conditioning?

The installation costs are a lot lower

A split system doesn’t need ductwork, which is expensive to put into place if your home doesn’t already have it.

Split systems are good options for older properties or for areas where ductwork would be invasive or impractical. Maintenance and repair costs are also minimised since there’s a lack of ductwork.

They’re better for your energy bills

Since split systems use an inverter technology, it only cools the room you’re using, which cuts back your energy waste.

On the other hand, a central AC cools the entire property even if one room is occupied (unless you have an advanced zoning system).

Enjoy zoning and room-by-room control

Each room can be set to your desired temperature if each person you live with has different comfort preferences.

Ultimately, you’re saving energy because you can shut off units in unused rooms.

They operate a lot quieter

Do you want an AC for your office? The compressor is located outside, which minimises a chunk of the noise you’d usually hear in comparison to central air vents.

You’ll be spared from the hum that could be disruptive to your concentration.

The installation process is faster

Installing a split system is less invasive; you won’t be dealing with walls or ceilings between torn down in order to run your ductwork. It’s also installed in less than 2 days in most cases.

If you’re adding a new room or converting a garage into a livable area, a split system cools the space without modifying your existing central AC.

What are some of the limitations of a split system?

• > Have an expansive commercial space? A single split system works on a room-by-room basis; each unit serves a single room. If you want a uniform temperature at a larger volume, you might even prefer multi-head split systems.
• > You can’t zone them. A central AC lets you control the temperature independently, whereas a split system on its own limits you to one bedroom.
• > They don’t have air filtration. Unlike a ducted AC, it doesn’t filter air as well.

Read: Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning vs. Split Systems: Which is Better?

What is Central Heating?

The cooling/heating process works the same for central air conditioning (also known as gas ducted heating) as it does for split systems, but there is a difference!

Instead of being sent directly into one room, the cooled air is distributed through a system of ductwork in your building’s roof. Central air conditioning cools an entire building or family home.

Central heating is a system that heats your entire home (or building) from a single point (usually a furnace, boiler, or heat pump) and distributes the heat to different rooms through ducts, pipes, or radiators.

Let’s explore some of the reasons you’d install one!

It is fast and reliable

Gas ducted heaters work quickly, delivering consistent warmth even in the middle of winter. A high-quality central heating system for whole-house or business heating, pretty much straight away.

This heating/cooling speed is a stark contrast to hydronic heating, for example, which takes up to 15 minutes (or more) to create a noticeable room temperature difference.

A great option for renovations and new builds

If you’d prefer whole-house heating without bulky indoor or outdoor units, this is possible with the addition of a gas ducted heating system!

Building or renovating means you’ll need space for ceiling or underfloor installation. The best time to install ductwork is during renovations or the construction of a new property. Contractors will easily be able to access spaces that would otherwise be difficult.

You’ll have adaptive zoning technology

One of the best advantages of a modern ducted system is adaptive zoning means you can have multiple individually controlled zones with their own time and temperature settings.

Set a completely different temperature in the bedroom and the lounge room. No one at home will be arguing about the thermostat setting!

Many zones can be controlled with a touchscreen, such as connecting to your smart device and controlling heating/cooling from any location.

Why would you choose a split system over central air conditioning?

• > Installation isn’t suitable for everyone. Some properties have spatial limitations that make installing one a problem.
• > Gas ducted heating/cooling has higher running costs. Although gas systems with a lower star rating may be more affordable at first, they have higher running costs. As stated by Sustainability Victoria, a 6-star ducted system can heat the same area for roughly $700 less than a 3-star system.

Energy Safe Victoria recommends that you set your temperature between 18 and 20 degrees at all times. If you’re looking for ducted heating in Melbourne, TTV Heating & Cooling can determine whether central heating can be installed in your home.

When might central heating/cooling be better for you?

• > For whole-house heating and cooling, especially if your residence is large and already has ductwork installed.
• > It looks better. You might prefer not to see the wall-mounted units of a split system.
• > Humidity control. A central AC can do a better job of dehumidifying your space.
• > Better air quality as many HVAC systems have built-in air filtration, which stops allergens, dust and indoor air pollutants.
• > You already have ductwork (from a previous system), which will slice installation costs and make upgrading much easier.
• > You’re planning to stay long-term in your property or improve its value. Central systems add resale value and appeal to future buyers. It’s a solid investment.

Are you needing heating and cooling in Donvale, Hawthorn, Ivanhoe, Malvern, Surrey Hills, Toorak, Camberwell, Bulleen, or Blackburn? TTV can support you with scheduled servicing, commercial maintenance, general maintenance or fixed repairs & maintenance.

Want to Install Ducted Heating in Melbourne? Call TTV!

TTV Heating & Cooling have been providing great customer service and top quality products to Aussie families for over 50 years.

We have continued to grow with the developments in energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions and technology through the years. We provide the latest in HVAC and can help you take advantage of what new technology has to offer. Why reach out to us?

• > We supply leading brands, from Daikin to Mitsubishi Electric and Haier
• > 100% product warranties
• > Service and technical support when you require it
• > We don’t use subcontractors (our sales, installation, service, and repair are all in-house)
• > We have a local showroom
• > We’re a preferred provider to Austin Hospital
• > Mitsubishi Diamond dealers and a preferred Daikin dealer

Contact us by calling 03 9852 2335 or email mail@temptv.com.au to learn more about our heating & cooling services and products for split systems, gas ducted heating, bulkhead air conditioning, evaporative cooling, multi-head split systems. We are always happy to give you a smart recommendation.