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If you're planning a new build or just looking to stay cool through Adelaide’s hot summers, choosing the right air conditioning system is a big decision. The two most common options are ducted air conditioning and split systems which both offer solid benefits, but the best one for your home depends on your space, budget, and how you want to use it.
At Your Local Tradesman, we’ve helped thousands of Australian families find their ideal setup and we’re now doing the same across Adelaide. Here's your guide to making the smart choice.
Split system air conditioners are perfect for cooling or heating individual rooms. Each system includes an indoor wall unit and an outdoor compressor, connected by piping. They're popular in smaller homes, units, or for homeowners wanting room-by-room control.
Split systems are affordable, quick to install, and ideal if you’re working with a limited budget. They’re also energy efficient for smaller spaces and let you control the temperature in each room separately. However, they’re more visible on your interior walls, and if you want to cool multiple rooms, you’ll need to install multiple units — which can get expensive and affect the look and noise levels in your home.
Ducted air conditioning is a whole-house solution that uses a central fan coil unit (usually hidden in the roof) and a network of ducts to push warm or cool air through ceiling vents in every room.
The biggest advantage of ducted systems is their seamless look and ability to condition the entire house evenly. You can also set up zoning, so you only cool or heat the rooms you’re using — saving energy. They’re very quiet, out of sight, and add long-term value to your home. On the downside, ducted aircon has a higher upfront cost and requires more complex installation, especially in existing homes. It's most cost-effective to install during new builds or major renovations.
| Feature | Split System | Reverse Cycle Ducted |
| Best for | Small spaces or individual rooms | Whole-home temperature control |
| Install cost | Lower | Higher |
| Energy use | Efficient for small use | Zoned = efficient, |
| Full use = higher cost | ||
| Appearance | Wall units visible | Discreet vents only |
| Flexibility | Room-by-room units | Zoned areas from one system |
| Maintenance | Easier per unit | Centralised but more complex |
Split systems are straightforward and affordable to install. Because there's no ductwork involved, installation is fast — usually done in a few hours. They’re ideal if you need a cooling solution quickly or have a limited budget.
Ducted systems, on the other hand, require a bit more planning and labour. The central unit is typically installed in the ceiling space, and ducts need to be run to each room. This kind of setup works best in homes that are being built or renovated, where access is easier and the layout can be planned in advance.
If you’re in an existing home and still want ducted, don’t stress — it’s definitely doable. Just expect a higher install cost and a bit more disruption during the fit-out.
One of the most noticeable differences is how each system looks once installed.
Split systems have a visible indoor unit mounted on the wall in every room they serve. While some brands offer sleek designs, others can look bulky and stick out — especially if you have multiple units around the home.
Ducted systems are designed to be almost invisible. The central unit is hidden in the roof, and only small ceiling grilles are visible in each room. You can even choose vent designs that match your ceiling style. If keeping your interior clean and clutter-free is a priority, ducted wins on looks.
Split systems are excellent performers in smaller areas. They cool and heat rooms quickly, and modern models come with great energy ratings. If you only need to control one or two rooms, this system is very cost-effective to run.
Ducted aircon, however, offers consistent comfort throughout your entire home. It’s ideal for families or larger houses where you want every room to feel the same. Thanks to zoning, you can choose which areas to condition — so you’re not wasting energy cooling empty rooms. They also run quietly in the background, which adds to the comfort.
If you’ve got multiple rooms to cool, ducted systems are more efficient than installing and running several split systems.
Split systems are easy to clean and maintain. Most units have removable filters you can wash at home. However, if you’ve got multiple units, the time and cost of maintaining them adds up. Each unit needs servicing to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Ducted systems need a yearly check-up from a licensed technician. Because everything is tucked away in the ceiling, you can’t really DIY much of the upkeep. Ducts can gather dust or get blocked, which affects performance. The good news? Since there’s only one central unit, professional servicing is more straightforward compared to checking multiple split units.
The right aircon system makes all the difference. Whether you go for a split or ducted system, make sure it’s installed properly and fits your home’s needs.
