This is one of the first questions we get asked on almost every installation enquiry, and the honest answer is: it depends on your property, your budget, and how you actually use the space.
Split system: best for one or two rooms
A split system is a single indoor unit paired with one outdoor condenser. It’s the most affordable way to cool or heat a specific room — a bedroom, a living area, a home office — and installation is usually finished in a day. If you’re only trying to solve the problem in one or two rooms, this is almost always the more cost-effective option.
Multi-split: more rooms, one outdoor unit
If you need coverage across several rooms but don’t have space (or budget) for multiple outdoor condensers, a multi-split system lets several indoor units share one outdoor unit, each with independent control.
Ducted: whole-home comfort, no visible units
Ducted systems deliver air through ceiling outlets connected to a central unit, with zoning so you only run the areas in use. There’s no indoor unit on display in any room — just discreet outlets — which is why it’s the go-to for new builds and full renovations. It costs more upfront than a split system, but it’s solving a different problem: comfort across the whole home, not just one room.
So which one?
If you’re cooling one or two rooms on a budget, start with split or multi-split. If you’re renovating, building, or want the whole home covered without visible units, ducted is worth the extra investment. Compare all the system types in more detail, or send us your floor plan and we’ll recommend what actually fits.