Ducted vs Split Systems: Which Consumes More Energy?
When it comes to choosing the right air conditioning system for your home or office, energy efficiency is often a top priority. With rising electricity costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding the energy consumption of different AC systems is crucial. Two popular choices are ducted and split air conditioning systems. But which one consumes more energy? At 24x7ACRepairs, we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.
Pros & Cons of Ducted Systems
Whole-House Cooling: Ducted systems are ideal for cooling or heating multiple rooms at once, providing consistent temperature throughout the building.
Aesthetic Appeal: Since the ducts are hidden in the ceiling or walls, the system is visually unobtrusive, blending seamlessly with the interior design.
Higher Installation Costs: Ducted systems require extensive installation, making them more expensive upfront compared to split systems.
Energy Consumption: If not zoned correctly, ducted systems can consume more energy by cooling or heating unused areas, leading to higher energy bills.
Pros & Cons of Split Systems
Energy Efficiency: Split systems are highly efficient for cooling or heating individual rooms, as they only target specific areas, reducing energy wastage.
Lower Installation Costs: Installation is less invasive and typically more affordable than ducted systems, making them a cost-effective option.
Limited Coverage: Split systems are designed for single-room use, so you may need multiple units to cool or heat an entire house, which can add up in cost.
Aesthetic Impact: Indoor units are visible on the wall, which may not suit everyone’s design preferences.
System Size and Capacity
A ducted system is usually more powerful and has a larger capacity, making it more energy-consuming if used to cool or heat a large area without zoning.
Split systems, being smaller and used for specific rooms, generally consume less energy for targeted cooling or heating.
Overall, split systems tend to consume less energy for individual room use due to their targeted cooling and heating capabilities. However, if you’re looking to cool or heat multiple rooms and utilize zoning effectively, a ducted system can be more efficient for larger areas.
