Heating and cooling your home is a necessity in most parts of Australia. How you do it, however, is often up for debate. Many Aussies look to heat up and cool down their homes with split systems, ducted heating, and/or ducted cooling (HVAC). Energy-efficient upgrades to your home should always be considered to reduce your energy bills. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Important considerations when heating and cooling your home
If you’re ready to add heating and cooling to your home, there are some very important factors to consider:
- Where you live; cold/warm climate, humidity levels, etc
- The type of home you have; unit, apartment, detached, bungalow, etc
- The layout of your home; number of storeys, living spaces, open vs closed spaces, etc
- Budget
- Installation restrictions
Where you live
Australia is home to various climate zones, and this might impact how you select your heating and cooling system. Northern regions often experience high humidity, which will usually restrict the use of evaporative cooling. Southern regions have their pick of all the available heating and cooling systems.
The type of home you have
The type of home you live in might restrict the type of system you install. Detached and semi-detached homes will have more options than those who live in an attached home such as an apartment. Limited roof cavity space, restrictions on the use of the roof, and minimal exterior wall space or access might heavily reduce your options for heating and cooling.
Whether you own your home or rent will also play a crucial role in decision-making. Renters will need to seek landlord approval for any major additions to the house.
The layout of your home
How many storeys does your home have? Where are your living areas in relation to each other? Do you have open living spaces or closed ones? These, along with many other layout factors, will determine how best to heat and cool your home.
Budget
Ducted systems are generally more expensive than split systems. However, the layout of your home may require multiple split systems across many rooms. Weighing up the short-term and long-term running costs will help you budget for the system that best suits your home.
Installation restrictions
Depending on the type of system you install, you will require:
- Roof space: Evaporative systems usually require the installation of the unit on the roof of your home
- Exterior wall space: Refrigerated systems, whether ducted or split, will require exterior wall space. This could be floor or wall-mounted.
- Interior wall space: Split systems require the wall unit to be mounted on an interior wall. Ducted systems require returns to be installed on a wall.
- Roof cavity space: Ducted systems will require ample roof cavity space for the ducts and the interior unit.
- Ceiling space: Ducted systems require outlets for the hot and cool air to be distributed.
Split system heating and cooling
A split system air conditioner works by transferring heat between indoor and outdoor units to cool or heat a room. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Indoor unit (Evaporator): The indoor unit absorbs heat from the room’s air. A fan blows the warm air over a coil filled with refrigerant, which absorbs the heat, cooling the air.
- Refrigerant flow: The refrigerant, now warmed, flows to the outdoor unit.
- Outdoor unit (Compressor and Condenser): The outdoor unit, typically located outside, contains a compressor that pressurizes the refrigerant, raising its temperature. The refrigerant then passes through the condenser coils, releasing the absorbed heat to the outside air.
- Cycle repeat: The refrigerant, now cooled, returns to the indoor unit to absorb more heat from the room. This cycle continues, steadily cooling the indoor space.
When in heating mode (reverse cycle), the process reverses, with the refrigerant absorbing heat from outside and releasing it indoors. This enables split systems to both cool and heat, making them energy-efficient options for year-round comfort.
Pros and cons of split systems
Here are some pros and cons of split system air conditioning for Australian homes:
Pros
- Energy efficiency: Split systems are generally more energy-efficient than older air conditioning models, saving on electricity bills.
- Dual function (Heating & Cooling): With reverse cycle models, split systems provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile for Australia’s changing seasons.
- Easy installation: Installing a split system is usually easier and less invasive than ducted systems, especially in homes without existing ducts.
- Room-by-room control: Each unit operates independently, allowing homeowners to control temperatures in individual rooms, saving energy and increasing comfort.
- Quiet operation: Most split systems operate quietly, making them suitable for bedrooms and living areas without causing disturbances.
Cons
- Limited coverage: A single split system is typically limited to one room, so multiple units may be required for whole-home coverage, which can be costly.
- Outdoor space required: The outdoor compressor unit needs a suitable, ventilated space, which may be challenging in smaller or densely packed homes.
- Initial cost: The cost of purchasing and installing multiple units can add up, especially for large homes or those with multiple rooms to cool.
- Maintenance requirements: Split systems require regular maintenance, including filter cleaning and occasional servicing, to run efficiently.
- Visual impact: Indoor units are visible in rooms, and some homeowners may find them visually disruptive to their interior decor.
Overall, split systems are popular for their flexibility and efficiency, especially in regions with milder temperatures where whole-home cooling isn’t necessary year-round.
Ducted heating and cooling systems
A ducted heating and cooling system in Australia often called a ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning system or HVAC, provides year-round comfort by distributing conditioned air through ducts in the ceiling or floor. Here’s how it works:
- Central Unit: The central unit, usually installed in or on the roof or outside, contains components for both heating and cooling.
- Heating is provided by a gas furnace, reverse-cycle air conditioner, or electric heater.
- Cooling is achieved via reverse-cycle technology or evaporative cooling in some regions.
- Air Handling: A fan circulates air through ducts after filtering dust and allergens for cleaner indoor air.
- Ductwork: Insulated ducts carry air to and from vents or grilles in each room.
- Thermostat Control: The system is controlled by a central thermostat or smartphone app. Zoning is common, enabling households to heat or cool specific areas and save energy.
Reverse-cycle systems are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, especially when powered by solar electricity.
Pros and cons of ducted heating and cooling systems
Just like split systems, ducted heating and cooling come with many pros and cons.
Pros
- Year-round comfort: Provides both heating and cooling, ideal for Australia’s varied climate, from chilly winters in Victoria to hot summers in Queensland.
- Zoning capabilities: Allows you to heat or cool specific areas of the home, saving energy and reducing running costs.
- Uniform temperature: Ensures even temperature distribution throughout the house, avoiding hot or cold spots.
- Energy efficiency: Modern systems with inverter technology and reverse-cycle functionality are highly efficient, particularly when paired with solar panels.
- Discreet appearance: The system is integrated into the ceiling, with only vents visible, preserving the home’s aesthetics.
Cons
- High upfront cost: Installation can be expensive, especially for larger homes or older houses that require duct retrofitting.
- Operating costs: Electricity consumption can be significant during extreme weather, especially without solar or energy-efficient practices.
- Complex installation: Requires sufficient roof space for ducting, limiting its feasibility in some homes.
- Inefficiency in mild climates: In areas with mild weather, such as parts of Sydney, a split system might be more cost-effective for targeted use.
- Maintenance requirements: Regular servicing of ducts, filters, and the central unit is essential to maintain efficiency and indoor air quality, adding ongoing costs.
The bottom line
Each home has its own needs, budget constraints, and installation challenges. For new builds, it is worth considering ducted heat and cooling. Consider a system that can be zone-controlled to ensure that you are only heating and cooling the spaces that you are using. Established homes, and homes with minimal spaces to be air conditioned, consider strategically spaced split-systems. Finally, for homes without the budget, space, or ability to install either system, we suggest exploring options such as ceiling fans, portable fans, and portable evaporative or refrigerated units.
As always, Energy Matters highly recommends seeking out energy-efficient products to reduce your energy bills and your environmental impact. Pairing your split or ducted system with solar is a fantastic way to ease the financial and environmental burden of heating and cooling your home.
Ready to heat up or cool down your home? Looking to add solar? Energy Matters can connect you with local installers who are ready to provide you with free quotes. The best part? This service is completely free, and there’s no obligation to go ahead. So what are you waiting for – click the button below and get started today.
