Choosing the right heating and cooling system for your property is crucial for comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings. In New Zealand, where the climate can vary significantly from season to season, selecting the right system is even more critical. Two popular options are ducted and split system heat pumps, each with distinct advantages and suitable applications.
Since 2015, OneAir has help thousands of residents make better decisions in purchasing their first heat pump system be it a ducted system or a split system. In this article, we'll explain the differences between these two systems, explore their benefits and drawbacks, and help you decide which one is best for your property.
Understanding Ducted Heat Pump Systems
What is a Ducted Heat Pump?
A ducted heat pump is a centralised system that distributes heated or cooled air through a network of ducts. These ducts are typically installed in the ceiling or under the floor, allowing the air to be evenly distributed throughout the entire house. The central indoor unit is usually hidden from view, either in the ceiling space or in a special bulkhead,, ensuring a clean and unobtrusive look inside.
Benefits of Ducted Heat Pumps
Whole-Property Climate Control: One of the most significant advantages of ducted systems is their ability to control the temperature across an entire property. Whether you have a multi-room home or a large commercial building, a ducted system ensures consistent air temperature being supplied to every room.
Discreet Design: Ducted systems are designed to be out of sight. The central unit and ductwork are hidden, with only the visible vents blending seamlessly into the ceiling, wall or floor. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value aesthetics and want to maintain a clean, minimalist look.
Zoning Capabilities: Many modern ducted systems are able to be equipped with zoning capabilities, allowing you to control the air flow in different areas of the property independently. This means you can heat or cool only the spaces you're using, leading to significant energy savings. More expensive zone control systems even have temperature sensors in each room or zone, and by adjusting airflow into each one individually, are able to influence the temperature in that particular room.
Quiet Operation: Because the central unit is usually located outside or in a concealed area, ducted systems tend to operate extremely quietly, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential, such as offices, schools, libraries or even bedrooms.
Problems Addressed by Ducted Systems
Uniform Heating/Cooling: If you've ever experienced uneven temperatures in different parts of your home or office, a ducted system can solve this issue by providing consistent climate control throughout the entire property.
Aesthetic Concerns - Inside: For property owners who are particular about the appearance of their interiors, ducted systems are an ideal solution as they do not involve any bulky wall-mounted units hanging on walls inside each room.
Aesthetic Concerns - Outside : Unlike single splits which have one outdoor unit for each indoor unit (meaning that you may have three or more for an average home), a ducted system only has one outdoor unit that is powerful enough to service an entire house on its own. It is tall rather than wide, meaning it doesn’t take up lots of space outside
Scalability: If you have a large home or complex property, a ducted system can be scaled to meet the heating and cooling demands of multiple rooms or zones without requiring various units. Although they start in small sizes suitable for a bedroom, ducted systems come in a large variety of sizes - the largest of which is powerful enough even for very large homes (especially if there is three-phase power).
Is a Ducted Heat Pump Right for You?
Ducted heat pumps are best suited for:
Large Homes: A ducted system is an excellent choice for spacious homes with multiple rooms that want a seamless heating and cooling solution.
Aesthetically Conscious Owners: If you value the look of your interiors and don't want visible units, ducted systems offer a discreet option. A variety of different grille designs mean the look is able to be further customised in both appearance as well as colour
Commercial Properties: Ducted systems provide reliable and efficient climate control for businesses, schools, or other commercial spaces where uniform temperature is necessary.
Understanding Split System Heat Pumps
What is a Split System Heat Pump?
A split system heat pump consists of two main components: an indoor unit that delivers the heated or cooled air and an outdoor unit that extracts heat from the air (in heating mode) or dissipates heat (in cooling mode). Refrigerant pipes and electrical cables connect the two units.
Split systems are typically designed to serve a single room or area, making them ideal for targeted heating or cooling.
Benefits of Split System Heat Pumps
Cost-Effective Installation: Split systems are generally less expensive to install compared to ducted systems. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners or property managers looking for an efficient solution without a significant upfront investment.
Energy Efficiency: Modern split systems are known for their energy efficiency. Most units come with inverter technology, which adjusts the power output based on the temperature needs, reducing energy consumption and lowering electricity bills.
Flexibility: Since split systems are designed to heat or cool specific areas, they offer great flexibility. You can install multiple units to control different zones independently or just one unit to manage a particular room or space.
Quick Installation: Installing a split system is usually faster and less disruptive than setting up a ducted system, which involves more extensive work to install ducts.
Problems Addressed by Split Systems
Targeted Heating/Cooling: If you only need to heat or cool specific rooms, a split system is a more economical choice. You will only use energy on areas that are occupied and not waste power on rooms that nobody uses.
Lower Upfront Costs: For those on a budget, split systems offer an affordable entry point into effective climate control without the higher purchase and installation costs associated with ducted systems.
Ease of Maintenance: Split systems are relatively easy to maintain, with most units only requiring periodic cleaning of the filters and outdoor units. This is a practical choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance option.
Is a Split System Heat Pump Right for You?
Split system heat pumps are best suited for:
Small to Medium-Sized Homes: If your home has only a few rooms or you only need to heat or cool specific areas, split systems are an ideal solution.
Rental Properties: If you're a landlord or property manager, split systems provide an economical option that offers tenants control over their heating and cooling.
Commercial Spaces with Distinct Zones: In commercial properties where different areas have varying climate control needs (e.g., an office with a separate server room), split systems allow for targeted temperature management.
Making the Right Choice: What to Consider
When deciding between a ducted heat pump and a split system heat pump, consider the following factors:
Property Size and Layout: A ducted system may offer better overall efficiency and convenience for large properties with multiple rooms. Split systems can provide targeted climate control for smaller properties or those with distinct heating and cooling zones.
Budget: Ducted systems require a higher initial investment due to the cost of installation and equipment. Split systems are more budget-friendly upfront but may be less efficient if you need three or more units.
Aesthetic Preferences: If the look of your interior is important to you, ducted systems are the way to go. They keep the climate control hardware almost totally out of sight. Split systems, while efficient, do have visible units that may not fit every design style.
Energy Efficiency Needs: Both systems can be highly energy-efficient, but the key lies in choosing the right system for your specific needs. A well-zoned ducted system can minimise energy waste, while an inverter-equipped split system can offer excellent efficiency for targeted areas.
Maintenance and Longevity: Ducted systems typically require professional maintenance, which can add to the overall cost over time. Split systems, on the other hand, are more accessible for homeowners to maintain, though they may have a shorter lifespan depending on usage and model.
Why Choose Us for Your Heating and Cooling Needs?
Selecting the right heating and cooling system for your property is a significant decision that can impact your comfort, energy bills, and property value. Whether you're leaning towards a ducted heat pump for whole-property control or a split system for targeted comfort, our team of experts is here to help.
We offer personalised consultations to assess your property's unique needs and recommend the best system for your situation. Our experienced technicians ensure seamless installation and provide ongoing support to keep your system running efficiently.
Ready to Get Started?
Let us help you find the best solution for your home or business: call us to schedule a consultation to discuss your heating and cooling needs today!