Choosing the Right Air Conditioning System: Wall Split, Ducted or Evaporative?

When it comes to cooling your home or workplace, choosing the right air conditioning system can make a big difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and cost. At PremiAir Services, we often get asked: “What type of air conditioning system is best for my space?”

The answer depends on several factors: your home’s layout, budget, and how many rooms you want to cool or heat. Below, we break down the three most popular options to help you make the best choice: wall split systems, ducted air conditioning, and evaporative cooling.

Wall Split Systems

Ideal for: Single rooms or small to medium-sized areas

Wall split systems are a popular choice for homes, offices, and apartments. These units are mounted on the wall and connected to an outdoor compressor.

Benefits:

✔ Cost-effective for individual rooms
✔ Heating and cooling in one unit
✔ Quiet and energy-efficient
✔ Quick installation

Things To Consider:

✘ Not suitable for whole-house coverage unless multiple units are installed
✘ Indoor units are visible

Perfect for:

Renovations, bedrooms, home offices, or anyone wanting flexible temperature control in a specific area.

Ducted Air Conditioning

Ideal for: Whole-home or multi-room comfort

Ducted systems offer discreet, efficient heating and cooling throughout the entire home. A central unit, typically located in the roof space or outside, distributes air through a network of ducts, delivering comfort via ceiling or floor vents.

Benefits:

✔ Even, discrete climate control throughout your home
✔ Zoned systems let you control individual areas
✔ Adds value to your property
✔ Quiet and stylish – no wall units in sight

Things To Consider:

✘ Higher upfront cost
✘ Best installed during new builds or major renovations
✘ Can use more energy if not zoned properly

Perfect for:

Families, large homes, or anyone who wants an invisible, all-in-one solution.

Evaporative Cooling

Ideal for: Hot, dry climates

Evaporative cooling works by drawing in fresh outdoor air, passing it through water-saturated pads, and circulating the cooled, moist air throughout the home via ducts. It’s a natural, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient way to stay cool especially in dry climates.

Benefits:

✔ Low running costs
✔ Eco-friendly – uses water, not refrigerant
✔ Circulates fresh air continuously
✔ Great for open-plan living

Limitations

✘ Only cools – no heating option
✘ Less effective in humid areas
✘ Requires windows or doors open for airflow

Perfect for:

Homes in dry areas looking for affordable, natural cooling.