AirCon: Ducted vs Split system

Got a quote for 12k for ducted solution and 8k for split system for my house. I am looking for advice on whether it's worth the extra money to install ducted AirCon. I've been told that the zoned ducted aircon can save on your energy bill compared to split system, when they are all turned on. Is this true?

But when I only need to use it on 1 or 2 zones (rooms) out of 6 for example, would ducted aircon actually cost more? I was told the smart zoning technology like MyAir can help save electricity cost. Does anyone have experience on this? Thanks

 

I have the MyAir app and can say that it doesn't help with electricity.

It really is dependent on use. I would think that split system would be cheaper to run if not all the units are on.

A ducted system is much neater install, just one larger outdoor unit versus 6 or however many units for splits.

 

I'd go splits any day if the week for the simple reason that it's so much easier to fix.

Also if one unit goes down, the splits in the other rooms continue to work....Ducted on the other hand. ...

 

Ducted systems lose energy through the duct work, which makes them have to work harder to deliver the same performance as a split system.

I have 3 split systems in my house, one in the lounge room which rarely gets used, one in the family room/kitchen are which gets used daily, and one in the master bedroom which is extremely economical to run on hot nights (like < 10 cents for the entire night). As our house is very well insulated (R6-7) and our windows are tinted, if we open all the internal doors between the master bedroom, family room/kitchen and lounge room, our one 7kW unit in the family room/kitchen can cool the lot, even on a warm 34C day like today here in Canberra, operating at about 50% capacity or less.

 

Can't comment about electricity costs, but i do have both.
I only use ducted to cover the rooms that don't have splits.

This autumn / winter I'm going to get another split installed.
The ducted is simply too loud to run (outdoor noise).

 

For an extra $4k, why would you muck around with a bulky split system?

A current generation ducted system is my preference especially for high end homes, units etc. Also I think a ducted system will be more appealing to purchasers when you eventually sell.

 

For the minimal extra cost of ducting, the power savings can be substantial especially when running the lot. The key is getting the zones right ie bedrooms may be on one zone (even if you are conditioning some extra space).

Noise: I have found that 3 x 1.5kw units makes much more noise than 1 x 3K/W unit for a ducted system. @neK - your system may be an old one which tend to be noisier.

 

@Scott No Mates you are definitely right... it's probably about 10 years old. Keeps cutting out on heat mode and last weekend at 40 degrees it couldn't cope, but the following day which was 35 it was ok.

I would change it, except I am planning on renovating in the near future and the place where the outdoor unit sits is where I want to change.

 

We have modern Fujitsu splits here in Darwin.

These would have to be the best splits I've ever seen. They are whisper quiet and our power bill is minimal.

I'm pretty sure that not all splits were created equal....

Is your quote for flash splits or just average ones?

 

It's Daikin brand

 

We have ducted air-con in our PPOR and split systems in our IPs.

Ducted air-con might need 3 phase power.

 

I would prefer split systems. The maintenance seems so easy while ducted can become a nightmare.

 

Yes much more difficult -

Ducted system:
1 fcu (in ceiling space)
1 condensor/compressor (odu)
1 return air grille & filter
Safe tray
Condensate line
Duct
Electric dampers for zoning

Split system :
1 fcu (indoor console)
1 condensor/compressor (odu)
1 filter
Condensate line
Repeat servicing costs for each split system

 

still easier if you don't have to touch the duct.