Split system or ducted for a Newcastle home?

HHCBy the Hunter Home Climate editor (not a licensed technician)
Updated 3 October 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer

Split systems are cheaper for one to three rooms; ducted suits heating and cooling a whole house from hidden ceiling vents. The deciding questions are how many rooms, how long you will stay, and whether there is roof space.

Illustration: an open-plan living room and kitchen with high ceilings and a large window, a split system on the far wall — Illustration of a typical job, not a real home.

Side by side

	Split system	Ducted
Supply and install (2026)	$1,400 to $3,000 each	$8,000 to $15,000
Best for	One to three rooms	The whole house
What you see	A wall unit in each room	Ceiling vents and one controller
Needs	A wall for the indoor unit and a spot outside	Roof space for ducts and the fan coil
Install time	Usually a day	Several days

Costs: hipages, January 2026. Multi-split systems (one outdoor unit, several indoor) sit between, at $3,000 to $10,000.

Illustration: a slim white ducted air conditioning ceiling vent in a modern living room — Illustration of a typical job, not a real home.

How to decide

Count the rooms you really need to heat or cool.
Check the roof space: no room for ducts, no ducted.
Think about how long you will stay: ducted is a bigger, longer-term spend.
Ask about zoning on ducted, so you only condition the rooms in use.

Costs in detail: split systems, ducted.

Common questions

Is ducted or split cheaper?

For one to three rooms, split systems cost far less; for a whole house, ducted can make more sense.

Can I add a split system to a house with ducted air?

Yes, for a room the ducts do not reach well, such as an extension.

Sources

Checked 3 October 2026. Prices are published ranges, not quotes; rebates change, so confirm with the installer and the NSW Government.