Types of Air Conditioning Systems
Choosing air conditioning for a Perth home comes down to three main options: ducted refrigerated systems, split systems, and evaporative cooling. Advanced Air WA installs all of them, and this guide explains the differences in plain English so you can work out what fits your home, budget and lifestyle.
Ducted Air Conditioning
One central unit heats and cools the whole home through ceiling vents, with zoning so you only run the rooms you are using. The most seamless and powerful option, and the one that adds the most value to a home.
Best for: whole home comfort, families, new builds and larger renovations.
Read more: ducted air conditioning.
Split System Air Conditioning
A wall mounted indoor unit paired with an outdoor unit, heating and cooling a single room or open plan space. Lower upfront cost and quick to install.
Best for: bedrooms, living areas, additions, and budgets that want comfort room by room.
Read more: split systems.
Evaporative Air Conditioning
A rooftop unit that cools fresh outside air with water and pushes it through ceiling vents to every room. The cheapest whole home option to buy and to run, and perfectly suited to Perth's dry heat. Cooling only, and you run it with a few windows open. We install the Seeley range: Breezair, Braemar and Coolair.
Best for: whole home cooling on a budget, low running costs, and anyone who prefers fresh air over recirculated air.
Read more: evaporative air conditioning.
Not Sure Which Way to Go?
Our buying guides walk through sizing, running costs and features. Or skip the reading: call Advanced Air WA on 08 6186 5664 and we will assess your home and recommend the right system, with a fixed quote and a 5 year warranty behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of air conditioning is best for Perth homes?
Ducted reverse cycle is the most popular choice for whole home heating and cooling in Perth, evaporative is the most economical way to cool a whole home, and split systems suit single rooms and smaller budgets. The best fit depends on your floor plan, insulation and how many rooms you use daily.
Is ducted or split system air conditioning cheaper?
Split systems are cheaper upfront, typically $1,200 to $3,500 installed per room, while ducted systems cost more but cover the entire home with one system. Over several rooms, ducted often works out better value and adds more to resale.
What is the difference between evaporative and refrigerated air conditioning?
Evaporative cooling uses water and fresh outside air, costs far less to buy and run, and works best in dry heat, but it is cooling only and needs windows open. Refrigerated systems, ducted or split, heat and cool in a sealed home with precise temperature control, at a higher upfront and running cost.
Do all air conditioners heat and cool?
Most refrigerated systems sold in Australia are reverse cycle, which both heats and cools. Evaporative systems are cooling only. Cooling only refrigerated models still exist and cost slightly less, but reverse cycle heating is far cheaper to run than plug in electric heaters, so most Perth homes choose it.
Next Steps
Compare the options above, or get a quick quote and let Advanced Air WA recommend the right system for your home.
See also: New Installations