It’s the question we’re asked more than any other in the Hunter: should I go ducted or split-system air conditioning? Both cool beautifully — the right answer comes down to how many rooms you’re doing, your budget, and whether you’re building or retrofitting.
Split systems: cost-effective, room by room
A split system pairs one indoor head unit with an outdoor compressor to condition a single space. They’re the most popular choice locally because they’re affordable, quick to install, and you only pay to cool the rooms you actually use — a bedroom, living area or home office. You can also add units over time as the budget allows.
Ducted: whole-home comfort, hidden away
Ducted runs from a single unit in the roof space, pushing air through hidden ducts to discreet vents in every room, with zoning so you only condition the areas in use. It’s the premium, whole-home choice — ideal for larger homes, new builds and renovations, and a genuine drawcard at resale.
So which should you choose?
For one or two rooms, a split system wins on value. For a four-bedroom home you want comfortable throughout — or a new build where the ceiling’s already open — ducted is usually the better long-term fit. Plenty of Hunter homes end up with both: ducted through the living areas, plus a split in a granny flat or extension.
We install and service both, and we’ll give you honest advice for your home. See our full ducted vs split comparison, or get a free quote.
Air con or electrical on your mind?
Tell us the job and we’ll give you a straight, fixed price.