Split System or Ducted? Questions to Answer Before You Get Air Conditioning Quotes

Air conditioning quotes can be hard to compare because installers often recommend quite different systems for the same house. That's not necessarily anyone being difficult — it usually means the brief was open to interpretation. Getting clear on a few questions first narrows things down quickly.

Which rooms do you really need to cool or heat?

If it's mostly the living area and one or two bedrooms, individual split systems are often the simplest answer. If you want the whole home comfortable, with discreet vents and one controller, ducted systems are designed for that. Many homes end up with a mix.

What does your home allow?

• Ducted systems need roof or underfloor space for the ductwork and a spot for the outdoor unit
• Split systems need a wall for each indoor unit and a path for pipes to an outdoor unit
• Apartments and townhouses may need strata approval for outdoor units
• Older homes may need electrical upgrades before a large system goes in

How will you use it day to day?

Think about when you're home, which rooms get the afternoon sun and whether you want to heat in winter as well as cool in summer. Zoning — controlling different areas separately — is worth asking about if you only use part of the house at a time. Running costs depend heavily on how you use the system, so ask installers to explain the efficiency of what they're proposing.

What should a good quote include?

• The brand, model and capacity of each unit, and why that size was chosen
• Where every indoor and outdoor unit will go
• Electrical work needed and whether it's included
• Removal of any old system
• Warranty on the equipment and on the installation

If one quote recommends a much larger or smaller system than the others, ask why. A good installer will happily explain how they worked out the size for your rooms. For more on this, see how to compare tradie quotes.