Split System Heating Or Ducted Heating: Which One Is Right For Me?
As the temperature is dropping, it’s time to think about your home heating system.
Split systems and ducted systems are the most popular temperature control systems in Australia. But how do you know what system is right for your home? Read on to find out! In this post, we’ll discuss reverse cycle air conditioning, split system heating, multi split systems, ducted heating, the pros and cons of each system and how to get the most out of your heating system.
We’re not trying to ‘sell’ you on one system over another. In fact, we supply and install both split systems and ducted heating systems. We want to outline all the features of each system, so you make the right choice for your home and family.
What is reverse cycle air conditioning?
Before we look at split systems and ducted systems, we first need to understand what reverse cycle air conditioning is. Both split systems and ducted systems use reverse cycle technology to provide comfort all year round.
In winter, a reverse cycle system will draw in ambient air from outside and warm it through a chemical reaction with refrigerant gas, before pumping through into the home. In summer, the system works in reverse, drawing in hot outside air and cooling it, before pumping into the home.
You can read more about the heating benefits of reverse cycle air conditioners here.
Split System Heating
Split systems are the most common type of air conditioning and heating system in Australia. They are called split systems because they have two units, one indoor and one outdoor connected via pipes containing refrigerant gas.
Split systems are a cost-effective heating option, with low installation and running costs.
Split system reverse cycle air conditioners are suitable for a room or open planned living space up to about 60m2.
Price: from $1720 installed
Multi Split System Heating
If you’re wanting to heat more than one room, this option is for you! Multi split systems operate similar to split systems, but one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units.
Multi split systems provide heating for up to 8-8 rooms, depending on the model you purchase. With a multi split system, you can set rooms at different temperatures, or turn off the heating in unused rooms for optimal comfort and energy-efficiency.
These systems can be used to heat apartments, small homes, double storey homes and offices.
Price: from $1780 installed
Central Heating / Ducted Heating Systems
Central heating or ducted heating systems provide optimum comfort and climate control all year round. Ducted systems consist of a compressor and ducted outlets in the roofspace or walls to rooms you want to heat or cool.
Ducted heating systems provide zone control, allowing you to alter the fan speed and temperature throughout the building. They are extremely quiet and energy efficient.
These systems can be used to heat homes or commercial buildings of all sizes. Installation price will vary depending on how much ductwork is required.
Price: from $6,600 installed
The Pros and Cons of Split System Heating
Pros:
- Cheap to install
- Low running costs
Cons:
- Only suitable for a single room, you will need another unit to cool multiple rooms
- Bulky units
- Need to be replaced after 5-10 years
The Pros and Cons of Ducted Heating
Pros:
- Zone control can reduce running costs
- Heating throughout the whole house
- Quieter
- Aesthetically discrete
- Typically last 10-15 years before major components need to be serviced or replaced
Cons:
- Expensive to install
- Difficult to install in small roof spaces and two storey homes
How to get the most out of your heating system
No matter what type of heating system you have, there are a few things that you can do around the house to increase comfort, keep the warm air in and improve the effectiveness of your heating system. This includes:
- Insulate the walls and floor
- Seal off doors and windows
- Let in winter sun
- Close drapes and blinds, particularly at night
- Heat only the rooms you are using
- Close doors to prevent heat escaping to unused rooms
It’s also very important to set the correct temperature on your heating system. In winter, set the thermostat to 18-20℃. Every degree of extra heating increases energy consumption by about 5% – 10%.
Which system is better?
It’s nearly impossible to say which system is better – there are pros and cons to both. It really depends on your individual preferences and budget.
If your heating system needs replacing or upgrading, talk to the experts at NewAge Air Conditioning & Heating today! We can answer any questions you may have on both split systems and ducted heating and help determine the best system for your home. We have finance options available, with ZipMoney you can purchase your new heating system today and manage the cost over time with monthly repayments.
Contact us today for a free quote!