Types of air conditioning: split vs multi-split vs ducted

Which system makes sense depends almost entirely on how many rooms you're cooling — here's how the three main options compare.

Single split

One indoor unit, one outdoor unit, connected by a single refrigerant pipe run. This is the simplest and typically cheapest option, suited to cooling a single room — a bedroom, home office, or open-plan living space. Installation is usually a one-day job.

Multi-split

Several indoor units connected to a single shared outdoor unit, letting you cool multiple rooms without needing a separate outdoor unit for each one. Because the outdoor unit and main pipework are shared, adding a second or third room to a multi-split system is noticeably cheaper than installing separate standalone systems. This is the most common choice for homes needing more than one room cooled, and for small-to-medium commercial spaces with a handful of offices or rooms.

Ducted systems

Rather than wall-mounted indoor units in each room, a ducted system distributes cooled air through hidden ductwork, typically with discreet ceiling or floor vents. This suits larger properties, whole-building commercial installs, or anywhere a wall-mounted unit isn't wanted for aesthetic reasons. It's a bigger installation job than split or multi-split systems, usually taking several days rather than one.

Which one do you need?

These are starting points rather than fixed rules — access, budget, and how the rooms are laid out can all shift which system makes most sense for a specific property. That's confirmed properly at survey.