Both are reverse-cycle systems that heat and cool. The difference is how the air gets into your rooms, and that changes cost, install time and how your home looks and feels.
Multi-split at a glance
One outdoor unit connects to several wall-mounted indoor units, one per room. Each room has its own controls.
- Lower install cost than ducted in most homes
- Usually installed in a single day
- Great when you mainly use a few rooms
- Visible indoor units on the walls
Ducted at a glance
A hidden fan unit, usually in the roof, pushes air through ducts to vents in each room. Zoning lets you choose which areas are on.
- Nothing on the walls, just slim vents
- Even comfort through the whole home
- Often the natural swap for old ducted gas heating
- Higher install cost and needs suitable roof or underfloor space
Quick guide
Pick multi-split if you live in a smaller home or unit, you only heat and cool a few rooms, or you want the lower upfront cost.
Pick ducted if you have a larger or double-storey home, you want whole-home comfort, you're replacing ducted gas, or you don't want units on the walls.
Both can be eligible for a VEU discount, and both come with a minimum customer co-payment. We'll recommend the one that suits your home and show you the numbers side by side if you're torn.