Running costs matter as much as purchase price. Alby Cool explains what really drives heating and cooling energy bills — and how Peninsula homeowners can cut them significantly.
Signs Your Air Conditioning System Needs Replacing
Ducted Heating vs Split System — Which is Right for You?
It's one of the most common questions we get at Alby Cool: "Should I go ducted or split system?" The honest answer is that it depends — and getting it wrong can mean years of higher energy bills or a system that doesn't keep up with your home's needs.
Here's our no-nonsense comparison to help you make the right call.
What is a split system?
A split system air conditioner has two components — an indoor wall unit and an outdoor compressor unit. Modern split systems are reverse cycle, meaning they both heat and cool. They're energy efficient, relatively affordable to install, and work well for individual rooms or open-plan living spaces.
What is ducted heating?
Ducted heating uses a central unit — typically in the roof cavity or under the floor — connected to a network of vents or outlets throughout the home. Gas ducted heating is the most common type in Victoria and is known for fast, powerful warmth that reaches every room simultaneously.
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning works similarly but uses electricity to both heat and cool, making it a whole-home solution that replaces the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
The key differences at a glance
• Cost to install: Split systems are cheaper upfront — typically $1,000–$3,500 installed for a single unit. Ducted systems cost more — typically $6,000–$15,000+ depending on home size and system type.
• Coverage: Split systems cover one room or zone at a time. Ducted systems cover the whole home from a single installation.
• Aesthetics: Split systems have a visible wall unit in each room. Ducted systems are largely hidden — only vents or grilles are visible.
• Energy efficiency: Modern split systems are highly energy efficient for the area they serve. Ducted systems can be efficient whole-home solutions when correctly sized, but can cost more to run if you're only using one or two rooms.
• Installation disruption: Split systems can be installed in a few hours with minimal disruption. Ducted systems require more significant installation work, particularly in existing homes.
• Flexibility: Split systems allow independent control of individual rooms. Ducted systems with zoning can also achieve this, but at additional cost.
When a split system makes more sense
A split system is likely the better choice if:
• You're on a tighter budget and want an effective solution for the main living areas
• You live in an apartment or smaller home
• You rent and need landlord approval for any installation
• You only need to heat or cool specific rooms rather than the whole house
• You want to add cooling or heating to an existing home without major renovation work
When ducted heating makes more sense
Ducted heating or ducted reverse cycle is likely the better choice if:
• You have a larger home with multiple bedrooms and living areas
• Whole-home comfort is important to you — you want every room warm or cool without thinking about it
• You're building a new home and can install the ducting during construction
• Aesthetics matter — you don't want visible units on walls throughout the house
• You're planning to sell — ducted systems add measurable value to a property
• You're replacing an old gas ducted system and may be eligible for a Victorian government rebate of up to $5,530
What about running costs?
This is where many homeowners get caught out. A split system running in one room is very cheap to run. But if you have split systems in every room all running simultaneously, the costs add up quickly.
A well-sized ducted reverse cycle system running throughout the whole home can actually be more economical than multiple split systems running at once — particularly with modern inverter technology and zoning controls.
The key word is 'well-sized' — an incorrectly sized ducted system (too small or too large for the home) will cost significantly more to run. This is why a professional assessment before purchase matters so much.
Can I have both?
Absolutely — and many Frankston and Peninsula homes do. A common setup is ducted gas heating for winter warmth throughout the home, combined with one or two split system air conditioners in the main living areas and master bedroom for summer cooling.
This can be a very cost-effective approach, particularly if your existing gas ducted system is in good condition and you simply want to add cooling capability.
Still not sure? Let us help.
At Alby Cool, we assess your home, your usage patterns, and your budget before making any recommendation. We supply and install all major brands, and we're an authorised Braemar Dominator dealer for premium ducted gas heating installations.
We service Frankston, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Langwarrin, Seaford, Carrum Downs, Cranbourne, and all surrounding suburbs. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Email: andrew@albycool.com.au
Web: www.albycool.com.au
— Andrew Albert, Director, Alby Cool Pty Ltd
How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Frankston Home
Choosing an air conditioning system can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of brands, multiple system types, and a wide range of price points — and the wrong choice can cost you significantly in energy bills and maintenance down the track.
At Alby Cool, we've been helping Frankston and Mornington Peninsula homeowners make this decision for over 25 years. Here's our straightforward guide to the main options and how to choose the right one for your home.
The main types of air conditioning systems
1. Split system air conditioner
A split system consists of one indoor unit mounted on the wall and one outdoor unit. It heats and cools a single room or open-plan area efficiently and is the most popular choice for Australian homes.
Best for:
• Single rooms, bedrooms, or open-plan living areas
• Homes where whole-house cooling isn't needed
• Budget-conscious buyers — split systems are generally the most affordable to purchase and install
• Renters or homeowners who want a targeted solution
2. Multi-head split system
A multi-head system uses one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units throughout the home. Each room has its own unit and can be controlled independently.
Best for:
• Homes where you want to cool or heat multiple rooms without ducted installation
• Avoiding the cost and disruption of ducted installation in an existing home
• Homeowners who want zone control without a full ducted system
3. Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning
Ducted systems use a central unit — usually in the roof cavity — connected to vents throughout the home. A single system heats and cools every room, controlled via a central panel or app.
Best for:
• Larger homes where whole-house comfort is the priority
• New builds where the ducting can be installed during construction
• Homeowners who want a discreet, aesthetically clean solution with no visible wall units
• Properties where resale value is a consideration — ducted systems add significant value
4. Ducted gas heating
Gas ducted heating uses a central gas furnace to push warm air through vents throughout the home. It heats quickly and efficiently, particularly in Victoria's colder winters.
Best for:
• Homes in cooler areas of the Mornington Peninsula where heating is the primary concern
• Homeowners who want fast, powerful warmth throughout the whole house
• Properties already connected to gas
Note: The Victorian Government is currently offering generous rebates for homeowners who replace gas ducted heating with an energy-efficient reverse cycle system — potentially saving up to $5,530. Ask us about this when you call.
Key questions to ask before deciding
Before choosing a system, it's worth thinking through a few practical questions:
• How many rooms do you need to heat or cool? A single bedroom needs a very different solution to a five-bedroom home.
• What is your budget — both upfront and ongoing? Ducted systems cost more to install but can be cheaper to run long-term when sized correctly.
• Do you rent or own? Renters may need landlord approval and typically can't install ducted systems.
• How old is your home? Older homes may need additional work to accommodate ducting.
• Are you eligible for a Victorian government rebate? The VEU program can significantly reduce your upfront cost.
What about brands?
At Alby Cool we supply and install all major brands — Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and more. We're also an authorised Braemar Dominator dealer for premium ducted gas heating installations.
Our honest advice: the brand matters less than choosing the right system type and having it correctly sized and installed. An undersized or oversized system — regardless of brand — will cost you more to run and wear out faster.
Get expert advice before you buy
The best way to choose the right system is to have an experienced technician assess your home — room sizes, insulation, ceiling height, orientation, and usage patterns all affect which system will work best for you.
Alby Cool offers free, no-obligation assessments across Frankston, Seaford, Langwarrin, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Carrum Downs, Cranbourne, and all surrounding suburbs. We'll give you honest advice and a clear quote — no pressure, no upsell.
Email: andrew@albycool.com.au
Web: www.albycool.com.au
— Andrew Albert, Director, Alby Cool Pty Ltd