Which is better: Ducted or Split Air Conditioning?
Have you decided to install air conditioning in your home or workplace? As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, we realize the need for a quality air conditioning system that allows us to enjoy our home with maximum comfort.
The best air conditioning brands, like Mitsubishi Electric, offer different types of climate control units, such as split systems or ducted air conditioners. Deciding which is better depends on understanding their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Ducted Air Conditioning
This system centralizes air distribution through a false ceiling throughout the house. Ideally, ducted air conditioning has programmable vents that regulate airflow.
This air conditioning installation allows zoning the home, meaning you can adjust the air amount and temperature in each room or workspace area. In fact, each room has its own thermostat, which regulates the vent’s opening based on climate control needs.
This total control of temperature and airflow ensures comfort in each space and also helps save energy. Some studies estimate energy savings of up to 50% with this system.
Another characteristic of ducted air conditioning is its discreet appearance, often making it unnoticeable. With this system, you’ll only see small vents where air circulates, keeping your walls free to place decorations or furniture.
The fact that this system is hidden in a false ceiling doesn’t mean you should worry about cleaning and disinfecting the ducts. The installation company will inform you about modern cleaning systems that use the vents to handle the process smoothly.
Split Air Conditioning
Split air conditioning is increasingly common in many homes, especially due to its low cost.
Its installation consists of two separate units that function as a cooling source and a cold air diffuser. The outdoor unit has a condenser and compressor and accumulates heat in the summer.
Split units are a fixed air conditioning installation, produce very little noise, and have a sleek design that doesn’t interfere with home decor.
Additionally, many of today’s split units feature inverter technology. This means they can also work as heat pumps, making them useful in winter as well.
It’s important to note that split units only cool the space where they are installed. If you want air conditioning throughout your home, you’ll need a multi-split system with several units, each independently regulated in every room.
Differences Between Ducted and Split Air Conditioning
Both ducted and split systems (or its multi-split variant) effectively cool a home or workspace, but they have significant differences that set them apart for specific uses.
It’s clear that a single split unit won’t cool an entire house. If you prefer this option, you could install a multi-split system, covering all rooms with various split units sharing the same outdoor unit, which can be cost-effective.
For ducted air conditioning, construction work is required if there’s no existing false ceiling. You’ll also need to ensure the house meets the necessary requirements for proper functioning. However, this results in a powerful, efficient system with air output tailored to your cooling needs.
Likewise, the size of the home or workspace matters. Cooling many rooms requires multiple split units, while a ducted system only needs an increase in power to effectively cool all spaces, even the farthest ones.
You also need to consider the electricity consumption of multiple split units operating simultaneously in large spaces.
Aesthetics
One factor that often influences the decision is the final aesthetic of the installation.
While you should consider the home’s overall decor and your personal aesthetic preferences, it’s worth noting that ducted air conditioning will only leave small vents visible in each room. In contrast, split units will occupy part of the wall.
However, today, many split air conditioners come in modern, sleek designs that can easily adapt to different rooms.
By analyzing the differences between split and ducted systems, it becomes clear that both options are equally efficient but cater to specific needs.
If you only want to cool your living room or home office, a split air conditioning unit is a perfectly valid option. This system is also ideal for rooms or homes that are used occasionally and don’t need constant cooling.
For larger homes or spaces where people move around frequently, ducted air conditioning may be a better choice due to its installation control and energy efficiency.