When it comes to cooling or heating your home, the type of air conditioner you choose can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills. Two popular options in the market are ducted air conditioning systems and electric split system air conditioners. While both have their advantages, many homeowners are often concerned about the cost implications. In this blog, we’ll delve into the cost considerations of ducted air conditioning VS split systems to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Understanding the Basics
Ducted Air Conditioning
- A ducted system involves a central unit that connects to ducts running throughout your home.
- It provides centralized cooling and heating, allowing you no control over the temperature in different rooms or zones. One set temperature is felt throughout the house.
- Ducted systems are discreet, with only vents visible in each room.
Electric Split System
- A split system consists of two main components: an indoor unit (evaporator) and an outdoor unit (condenser).
- It is designed to cool or heat a single room or a specific area, making it a good choice for smaller spaces.
- Installation is typically easier and cheaper, with minimal ductwork required.
Cost Factors: Ducted Air Conditioning VS Split System
Installation Costs
Ducted Systems: Installation of ducted systems is generally more complex and involves running ducts throughout the entire house. This complexity can lead to higher installation costs.
Estimated cost installation cost of ducted aircon – $12000 to $16000
Split Systems: Installation for split systems is often simpler and more affordable, especially for single-room setups.
Estimated cost installation cost of electric split system aircon – $4000 to $7000 (before rebate, subsidies up to $4400 available with Cyanergy)
Equipment Costs
Ducted Systems: The central unit and extensive ductwork can make ducted systems more expensive upfront.
Split Systems: While the initial cost of a split system is usually lower, it can increase if you opt for multiple units to cool multiple rooms.
Energy Efficiency
Ducted Systems: Centralized control and zoning options make ducted systems less energy-efficient for homes. They can be costly in the long run, especially if notused strategically.
Split Systems: While efficient for smaller spaces, using multiple split systems throughout a large house may result in higher energy consumption.
Maintenance and Repairs
Ducted Systems: Maintenance and repairs for ducted systems may be more expensive due to the complexity of the system and the need for professional duct cleaning.
Split Systems: Maintenance costs are generally lower, and repairs may be more straightforward since each unit operates independently.
Differences and Consideration Before Purchase
Ducted Air Conditioning
Installation and Aesthetics: Installation involves running ducts through the entire house, which can be a more invasive process. However, the vents are often discreet, providing a clean and unobtrusive look.
Temperature Zoning: They allow for temperature zoning, enabling you to control the temperature in different rooms or zones independently. This is especially beneficial in larger homes where different areas may have varying cooling or heating needs.
Centralized Control: With a central control unit, you can manage the entire system from one location. This centralized control enhances ease of use and overall efficiency.
Energy Efficiency: The ability to cool or heat the entire house efficiently can make ducted systems more energy-efficient for larger homes when compared to using multiple split systems.
Upfront Costs: The initial investment is generally higher due to the complexity of installation and the centralized unit.
Electric Split System Air Conditioners
Installation Flexibility: Installation is less complex, and they are suitable for both single-room and multi-room setups. This flexibility makes split systems a popular choice for smaller spaces.
Cost-Effectiveness for Smaller Areas: They are often more cost-effective for cooling or heating individual rooms or smaller homes. If your cooling needs are specific to certain areas, a split system might be a more budget-friendly option.
Energy Efficiency for Specific Areas: While efficient for smaller spaces, using multiple split systems throughout a larger home may result in higher energy consumption compared to a centralized ducted system.
Individual Control: Each unit operates independently, allowing for individualized temperature control in different rooms. This can be advantageous if specific areas need different temperatures.
Maintenance and Repairs: Maintenance costs are generally lower, and repairs may be more straightforward since each unit is independent.
Considerations for Both Systems
Home Size and Layout
Consider the size and layout of your home. Ducted systems are often more suitable for larger homes with multiple rooms, while split systems are versatile for both small and large spaces.
Budget Constraints
Evaluate your budget for both upfront costs and long-term energy expenses. While ducted systems might have higher initial costs, they could be more cost-effective in the long run for larger homes.
Energy Efficiency Goals
Consider your energy efficiency goals. If you want a system that allows for precise control in different areas, ducted systems with zoning capabilities might be more suitable. For targeted cooling, split systems can be efficient.
Future Expansion
Think about future expansion or changes to your home. If you plan to add rooms or remodel, a ducted system can accommodate changes more easily.
Professional Consultation
Seek advice from HVAC professionals. They can assess your specific needs, home layout, and budget to provide personalized recommendations.
In conclusion, the choice between ducted and electric split system air conditioners involves a trade-off between upfront costs, installation complexity, and long-term energy efficiency. Ducted systems are often associated with higher initial expenses, but they offer centralized control and energy efficiency for larger homes. On the other hand, split systems are more budget-friendly for smaller spaces but may result in higher energy bills when used extensively throughout a larger home.
Before making a decision, consider your home’s size, layout, and your specific temperature needs. Consulting with HVAC professionals can provide valuable insights tailored to your circumstances, helping you make a cost-effective and comfortable choice for your home.
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The post Ducted Air Conditioning VS Split System: Which is More Expensive? appeared first on Cyanergy.
Ducted Air Conditioning VS Split System: Which is More Expensive?
Most Americans, me included, are puzzled as to how the Trump administration can openly thumb its nose to the findings of our courts. Until recently, behavior like this would have wound you up in jail.
Over the decades, many households across Victoria have resided in older suburban homes equipped with traditional ducted gas heating and aging split-system air conditioners.
However, today the scenario has changed significantly. As energy prices rise, families are feeling the pinch, with annual heating and cooling costs often rising $2,000.
But what are the main issues?
Gas systems that waste energy heating unused rooms, old non-inverter aircons that struggle to maintain even temperatures, and confusion among residents about how rebates, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, actually work.
That’s where trusted providers like Cyanergy Australia step in!
By replacing outdated systems with efficient reverse-cycle multi-split air-conditioning and applying VEU rebates, we help many households to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort, all in one smart upgrade.
This air conditioning upgrade can lead to a smoother transition from gas to clean, efficient electric heating and cooling, building a smarter, more sustainable home.
So, let’s break down how the household saved $1,200 with the VEU & Air-Con upgrade, what the program offers, and how you can take advantage of similar rebates to cut costs and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.
Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!
From the beginning, Cyanergy’s focus was to remove or disconnect the old gas ducted heater, install a modern
reverse-cycle multi-split air conditioning system, claim the VEU discount, and significantly reduce your annual
energy bills.
Simply via the effective air-conditioner upgrade, households can “Save
up to $2,000 a year on your energy bill.
Here are the findings after Cyanergy’s initial home energy visit:
- In many Victorian households, the ducted
gas heater is still in use, with high standing and fuel costs. - The older split system had poor efficiency. Some of them were oversized for the room and lacked zoning
options. -
The electrical switchboard had spare capacity to support a multi-split installation. For example, one
outdoor unit
with multiple indoor units for different zones.
Home Heating & Cooling Upgrade| The Step-by-Step Path
It’s well-known that the upgrade path usually involves replacing old systems with modern, energy-efficient solutions.
So, from gas to an energy-efficient electric system, let’s have a look at the upgrade story:
Choosing the right system
For the households that want to upgrade under the VEU air
conditioner rebate, we proposed a multi-split reverse-cycle system:
- One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units
- One in the main living area, one serving the upstairs bedrooms, and
- One for the downstairs zone, which had very little heating or cooling.
- Going multi-split provides flexibility: you only run the zones you need, resulting in lower energy
consumption.
However, in Victoria, Cyanergy is a renowned company that handles design, quoting, installation, and also guides
families through rebate
eligibility.
Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater
As part of eligibility for the VEU discount, the existing gas heater needed to be decommissioned in most cases.
This involves removing the system or disconnecting the ducted unit from the gas supply, following proper procedures
and obtaining certification, and utilizing expert installers.
Installation Process & Timing Period
- Initially, after checking the eligibility, apply for the quotes.
- The quote needs to be accepted and dated.
- Then the installers will remove the old ducted heater, seal off the vents, and remove or disconnect the gas
appliance. - The outdoor inverter unit should be mounted externally in these households. The indoor units need to be
installed in each zone, minimising the intrusion of ductwork and piping. - The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.
- The system will then be commissioned, and the necessary documentation will be submitted to the accredited provider for the VEU scheme.
Choosing efficiency over just cooling
Rather than improving just cooling, the Victorian households treated the upgrade as a heating & cooling renovation, switching to a system that uses electricity rather than gas.
Modern inverter systems are more efficient, as they modulate their output, offer better zoning, and can both heat and cool, allowing you to enjoy both winter comfort and summer cooling in one system.
At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:
“Efficient and Eco-Friendly Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner. Take advantage of up to $7,200 in Victorian Government Energy Upgrade incentives, save big this winter on your gas bill.”
Out-of-pocket and rebate
Here is recent data from the average estimation for a household from the aircon rebate case study in Victoria.
In the quotation, the family had an installation cost of approximately $8,000 for the new multi-split system, including the decommissioning.
The VEU discount for gas-ducted to multi-split upgrades in Victoria was approximately $2,500.
So, their net out-of-pocket cost was ($8,000 – $2,500), which is approx $5,500.
How to Apply for the VEU Rebate: Are You Eligible?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as
installing a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner to replace an older heating or cooling system.
Before we discuss how
the rebate works, here are the eligibility criteria.
So, to qualify under the VEU program:
- The property must be more than two years old.
- The existing heating or cooling system must be removed or replaced.
- The new system must be an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit installed by an accredited
provider.
How the Rebate Works
In this case, the quote from Cyanergy already included the VEU discount, meaning the price shown was the net cost
after applying the rebate allocated to the installer.
After installation:
- The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
- They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
- The value of those certificates is passed on to the customer as an instant discount on the invoice.
The homeowner simply has to:
- Signs off that the old system was removed or decommissioned.
- Provides any required evidence or documentation, like serial numbers or photos.
The Result
The rebate is applied instantly at the point of installation, reducing the upfront cost — no need for the homeowner
to submit a separate claim.
Why is the VEU rebate significant?
Rebates like this make a big difference in the decision-making process. As the website says:
On average, households that upgrade
can save between $120 and $1,100 per year on their energy bills.
Additionally, the government factsheet notes that households can save between $120 and over $1,000 annually,
depending on the type of system and upgrade.
Thus, the rebate reduces the payback period, making the system more widely available.
Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!
Here’s where the real story says: the household’s actual bills before and after the upgrade.
Before Adding Air Conditioning System
- Ducted gas heating and an older split system.
- In Victoria during winter months, the average monthly gas cost is approximately $125, and for electricity,
and other supplementary costs, an additional $30. So roughly $155 per winter month. Therefore, over the
course of four months, the price can reach nearly $620. - In summer cooling months, if their older split system ran for 2 hours per day, for example, from May to
October, it would cost around $50 per month. Over the 6 months, it will be, $300. - Total annual heating and cooling cost is approximately $920
After Adding the Air Conditioning System
- Household that installed a Multi-split reverse-cycle system.
- During the winter months, running the zones efficiently and utilizing the inverter system resulted in a
decrease in heating electricity costs.
Let’s say the average is around $70 per month over four months, totaling approximately $280.
- In the summer months, efficient cooling costs approximately $30 per month over six months, totaling around
$180. - So, the annual heating
and cooling cost is approximately $460.
Net Savings
Annual savings: $920 (before) – $460 (after) = $460 per year.
At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in net savings and an upfront rebate.
However, as they also removed gas connection fees and standing charges, improving comfort, therefore, the “effective”
savings were perceived to be higher, around $1,200 in the first year with the air conditioning upgrade.
This figure also includes avoided gas standing charges of $150, lower maintenance costs of the old system, and
improved efficiency.
Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program
Based on the case study and Cyanergy’s experience, here are some lessons and actionable tips for homeowners
considering an upgrade.
- Don’t wait until your system dies.
Replace outdated or inefficient gas or electric resistance systems immediately. Once the system starts
failing, you
may have fewer options or higher installation disruption.
- Choose a provider who handles the rebates.
Dealing with the rebate or discount component (VEU) on your own adds complexity, like documentation,
compliance, and
installation. So look for an accredited provider.
- Understand the actual savings potential.
It’s not just the rebate amount; consider running costs, efficiency improvements, zoning, and the ability to
heat and
cool.
- Ensure proper sizing and zone control.
As many families discovered, the benefit came from zoning: you only heat and cool rooms you use. Oversized
units or
whole-home heating can reduce savings.
- Factor in non-energy benefits.
Better comfort, for example, quieter systems and more consistent temperatures, as well as the removal of gas
standing
charges, less
maintenance, and improved resale appeal for eco-conscious buyers, all benefit you.
- Check the accreditation and compliance.
With rebate programs, there’s always a risk of non-compliant installations or companies that don’t follow
through.
So, do your homework: check that the installer is accredited for VEU, ask for references, and ensure that the
documentation is completed appropriately.
- Request detailed quotes that include estimates for both “before rebate” and “after rebate”
costs.
This helps you see how much you’re actually paying, the discount you receive, and ensures transparency. The
rebate is
not always the full difference; minimum contribution rules apply.
- Monitor your bills after installation.
Keep track of your energy bills (gas & electricity) before and after for at least 12 months. This will
indicate
whether the savings are as expected and aid in budgeting.
Be realistic about pay-back
Although the rebate helps upfront, large systems still cost thousands of dollars. Don’t expect payback in one
or two
years (unless you have extreme usage).
However, with a well-designed system, rebates, and efficiency gains, a payback of 5-10 years or better is
possible,
depending on usage.
Final Notes
This aircon rebate case study illustrates the VEU saving. By working with Cyanergy Australia, households transformed a traditional, inefficient gas-ducted heating and older split cooling system into a modern, efficient, zone-controlled multi-split reverse-cycle air-conditioning system.
This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.
The result? A net cost of around $5,500, improved comfort, and savings of approximately $1,200 in the first year.
This real-world “VEU saving example” shows that:
- Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
- Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.
- Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
- A reliable installer who navigates the rebate process effectively is crucial.
So, if you are looking for an accredited provider in Australia, Cyanergy is here to help!
Contact us today to receive a free solar quote. We will handle all your paperwork to ensure a fast and smooth installation process.
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade? appeared first on Cyanergy.
About 20 years ago, a friend asked me if I was aware that cars could run on air. I asked, delicately, what she meant, and she explained that cars can run on compressed air.
“Ah,” I replied. “Of course they can. But where does the energy come from that compresses the air?” End of conversation.
Now, it’s back. Now there are enormous swaths of the population who know so little about middle school science that they believe we can put cars on the road, in an ocean of air, and extract energy out of that air to power our automobiles.
If you’re among these morons and want to invest with some heavy-duty fraud/charlatans, here’s your opportunity. They say that it’s “self-sustaining and needs no fuel.” If that makes sense to you, be my guest.
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