What is Cheaper to Run, Ducted Heating or Split System?

If you’re wondering whether ducted heating or a split system is cheaper to run, you’ve come to the right place. Rite Price Heating and Cooling, a family-owned business, has been serving South Australians for decades. With our extensive experience, we’ve helped countless families find the best air conditioning solutions. In this article, we’ll compare the costs and features of both ducted heating and split systems, helping you make an informed decision.

Split System Air Conditioning: How It Works

Split systems are popular for heating and cooling small homes. As the name suggests, they consist of two units—an outdoor unit and an indoor one. The indoor unit is an evaporative heat exchanger that cools your home by reversing hot air. The outdoor unit serves as the condensing heat exchanger.

Cost to Purchase and Install

In comparison with ducted heating or a split system, with Split systems are generally cheaper to purchase and install compared to ducted systems. You can often have a split system installed within a few hours. However, they are best suited for small rooms. For larger spaces, you may need a more powerful system. Mitsubishi split systems, for example, start at around $870. Although they’re affordable upfront, split systems aren’t always the cheapest to run since they use reverse cycle technology.

Ducted Heating Systems: How They Work

Ducted heating systems distribute air through ducts installed in your home. Ducted gas heating systems, in particular, run on gas, making them more cost-effective than electric options. You can also opt for ducted reverse cycle systems, which both heat and cool your home. However, these systems tend to be more expensive to run compared to gas-only systems.

Cost Efficiency

Ducted gas heaters, like the Braemar brand we offer, are highly efficient and can save up to $612 per year in running costs. These systems operate without electricity, relying solely on gas, which can be more affordable in the long run. However, ducted reverse cycle systems, while versatile, may lead to higher running costs.

Conclusion: Which System is Cheaper?

The cost-effectiveness of each system depends on your specific needs. Split systems are cheaper to buy and install but may cost more to run if used frequently. Ducted gas heating, on the other hand, offers lower running costs but comes with a higher initial investment.

For more detailed information, contact Rite Price Heating and Cooling today. Our friendly team is ready to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. We pride ourselves on offering expert service and helping South Australians find the best heating and cooling solutions for their homes.

Learn more about sustainable cooling options at Energy.gov.au