Split system air conditioners are the most common air conditioners in Australia. They have two main units — one indoors that blows out “conditioned” air and an outdoor unit that expels “waste” air. Most modern systems allow for both cooling and heating and “reverse cycle” refers to the refrigeration cycle being reversed, to produce hot air instead of cool. These systems are generally cheaper and easier to install compared to ducted units. Multiple split units can also be installed in different areas of a home and can be controlled independently, which can help reduce electricity costs.
Ducted air conditioners are popular for larger homes and commercial buildings that have more space to cool or heat. They usually have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, but also include a series of ducts that circulate air through the system and vents that deliver the air into the living/working space. They typically have designated “zones”, which can be controlled independently and can also be incredibly quiet, with the indoor unit hidden inside the roof cavity, and the outdoor unit discreetly placed outside.