Sydney summers can be intense. With sticky humidity along the Northern Beaches and dry, still heat through Homebush and the Inner West, choosing the right air conditioner makes a big difference to how comfortable your home feels.
Most Sydney homeowners narrow it down to two main options, ducted air conditioning or split system air conditioning. Both have their advantages, but the best choice depends on your home layout, budget, and how you like to live.
Here’s how to compare the two before you make a decision.
A ducted system cools or heats your entire home through ceiling vents connected to one central unit. Once installed, it provides even, quiet comfort across every room. If you want the same temperature in your bedrooms, living spaces and kitchen, ducted air is the most seamless option.
You can also set up zoning, which lets you cool certain areas at different times – for example, bedrooms at night and living areas during the day. It’s a smart way to manage energy use, especially in larger homes on the Northern Beaches or Inner West.
A split system cools a single room or open area. It’s perfect for apartments, smaller homes, or spaces that don’t need whole-house coverage. You can start with one unit and add more later if you want. Modern inverter models are quiet and efficient but can’t match the all-round comfort of ducted air.
Ducted systems are usually installed during a build or renovation because they need ceiling or underfloor space for ducts and vents. Once fitted, only the vents are visible, leaving a clean, minimal look inside your home.
If you live in an older property around Strathfield, Burwood or Homebush, it’s worth having an on-site inspection to check if ducted installation is possible. Peninsula Air offers in-person assessments across Sydney to make sure you get the right setup for your home.
Split systems are far simpler. They include a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outdoor compressor, so installation is faster and more affordable. This makes them ideal for renters, smaller homes, and anyone wanting quick, efficient cooling without major renovation work.
Split systems have a lower upfront cost and are great for cooling one or two rooms. Ducted systems cost more to install, but if you’re cooling a larger home, they can be cheaper to run long term, especially when you use zoning to switch off unused areas.
For coastal homes on the Northern Beaches, a ducted system is often preferred for consistent climate control and energy management. For apartments or smaller homes across Sydney, split systems are more practical and budget-friendly.
Every air conditioner needs regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
Ducted systems should be serviced yearly to clean filters, check airflow, and inspect ductwork. Because most of the system is hidden in your ceiling, small issues can go unnoticed until performance drops.
Split systems are easier to maintain. You can clean filters yourself, and Peninsula Air recommends a professional service once a year to maintain air quality and prevent strain on internal parts.
Our team services both ducted and split systems across Sydney, including the Northern Beaches, Homebush and surrounding suburbs, keeping your system clean, efficient and reliable all year round.
If you’re renovating, building new, or want discreet, whole-home comfort, a ducted system is the best long-term solution. It gives you full control, even temperatures, and a premium finish.
If you only need to cool a few rooms, or you’re in a smaller Sydney home or apartment, a split system is the better choice. It’s affordable, flexible, and can be installed quickly.
No matter which system you choose, the key is correct sizing, design and installation. Peninsula Air can inspect your home, recommend the most suitable system, and handle installation from start to finish.
Whether you’re comparing ducted and split systems or planning your next installation, Peninsula Air is here to help. We’ve installed and serviced hundreds of systems across Sydney, from beachside homes in Manly and Dee Why to family properties in Homebush and Burwood.
Our licensed technicians can recommend the right solution for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Call Peninsula Air today to book an inspection and find out which air conditioning system is right for you.
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