Air conditioning guide
Split or ducted?
Choose for the way you live.
The best system is not simply the biggest unit. It is the system correctly sized, positioned and controlled for your property, usage and budget.
Compare systems
Split system or ducted?
Split systems
A practical choice for individual rooms, smaller homes, offices and spaces where you only want to condition selected areas.
- Lower upfront cost for one or two rooms
- Independent control in each room
- Simple to add progressively
- Efficient when cooling only occupied areas
Ducted systems
A discreet whole-home or whole-office solution using ceiling outlets, concealed ductwork and a central indoor unit.
- Consistent comfort across multiple rooms
- Clean, minimal appearance
- Zoning can reduce unnecessary operation
- Centralised control and scheduling options
Why upgrade
What can a modern system improve?
Comfort
Better temperature control, airflow and humidity management when the system is correctly designed.
Efficiency
Modern inverter technology can adjust output to demand instead of repeatedly running at full capacity.
Reliability
Replacing an ageing system can reduce breakdown risk, noise and the uncertainty of obsolete parts.
Control
Depending on the model, zoning, timers and smart controls can make it easier to condition only the spaces being used.
Signs it may be time to upgrade: frequent repairs, rising running costs, uneven temperatures, excessive noise, poor airflow, or an older system using outdated refrigerant.
Get the design right
What should be checked first?
- The room sizes, orientation, insulation, glazing and expected heat load.
- Whether the existing electrical supply can support the proposed unit.
- Outdoor-unit position, airflow, drainage, noise and service access.
- For ducted systems, roof-space access, duct routes, outlet locations and useful zones.
- How the property is actually occupied so the controls suit day-to-day use.
Thinking about a new system?
TSF can assess the space and recommend a practical split or ducted solution.