The Quick Answer
Choosing between ducted heat pump systems and multi-room split systems? Here's the simple version:
Choose Ducted If...
- You want whole-home comfort from one hidden system
- You're building new or doing major renovations
- Clean walls matter to you
- You have 180m²+ to heat/cool
- Budget allows $20,000-30,000+
Choose Split System If...
- You want flexible room-by-room control
- You're working with an existing home
- You want lower upfront costs
- You only need 2-4 rooms heated
- Budget is $12,000-25,000
Still not sure? Keep reading. We'll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your Christchurch home. Or call us at 03 242 1023 for personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let's compare ducted heat pump systems and multi-room split heat pump systems across everything that matters:
| Feature | Ducted System | Multi-Room Split System |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | Whole home from one central unit | Individual rooms with separate indoor units |
| Visibility | Completely hidden—only grilles visible | Wall units visible in each room |
| Temperature Consistency | Very consistent throughout home | Good, but can vary between rooms |
| Individual Room Control | Optional with zone control ($2k-4k extra) | Built-in—each room controls its own unit |
| Installation Complexity | Complex—needs ductwork through ceiling/floor | Moderate—piping between units |
| Best Time to Install | During construction or major renovation | Anytime—works great as retrofit |
| Installation Time | 2-3 days typically | 1-2 days typically |
| Upfront Cost (180m² home) | $22,000-30,000 | $15,000-25,000 (for 4 indoor units) |
| Running Costs | Very efficient for whole-home use | Can be more efficient if only heating select rooms |
| Noise Level | Very quiet—main unit hidden away | Quiet, but slight noise from each indoor unit |
| Outdoor Units | One outdoor unit (larger) | One outdoor unit (medium-sized) |
| Maintenance | $250-400/year service | $200-350/year service |
| Filter Cleaning | Every 3-6 months (ceiling access needed) | Every 2-3 months (easy wall access) |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years with proper care | 15-20 years with proper care |
| Property Value Impact | Higher—adds $20,000-30,000 | Good—adds $12,000-20,000 |
| Flexibility | Fixed layout—hard to change later | Can add/remove units more easily |
| Ideal Home Size | 180m²+ (larger homes) | Any size—very versatile |
| Character Home Suitability | Possible but challenging | Excellent—no major structural changes |
Want detailed pricing? Check our complete ducted heat pump cost guide for exact numbers and what's included.
Ducted Systems: The Complete Picture
âś“ Advantages of Ducted
- Hidden & elegant: Clean walls, no visible units
- Even temperature: Every room stays consistent
- Whisper-quiet: Main unit hidden in ceiling/outside
- Property value: Adds significant value
- One system: Simpler than managing multiple units
- Zoning options: Can add independent room control
- Professional look: Perfect for high-end homes
- Future-proof: Lasts 15-20+ years
âś— Disadvantages of Ducted
- Higher upfront cost: $20k-30k+ typically
- Complex installation: Needs ceiling/floor space
- Best for new builds: Harder to retrofit
- All-or-nothing: Heats whole home (unless zoned)
- Ceiling access needed: For filter cleaning/service
- Not for small homes: Overkill for 100m² or less
- Fixed layout: Hard to change later
- Energy loss: Some heat lost through ducts
When Ducted Makes Perfect Sense
- Building a new home: Install ductwork during construction when it's easiest
- Major renovation: Walls/ceiling open already? Perfect time for ducted
- Large home (200m²+): More cost-effective than 5+ split units
- Aesthetic priority: You want invisible heating/cooling
- Two-story home: Solves the hot-upstairs problem elegantly
- Entertainment-focused: Open-plan living that flows to multiple rooms
- Long-term home: Staying 10+ years to get full value
When to Think Twice About Ducted
- Small home under 120m²: Single room heat pump or split system heat pumps more cost-effective
- Character villa: Difficult to add ductwork without major work
- No ceiling space: Flat ceilings with no crawl space
- Tight budget: Upfront cost might stretch finances (see our ducted heat pump cost guide)
- Only use 2-3 rooms: Wasteful to heat whole home
- Short-term rental: Won't recoup investment quickly
Ready to explore ducted options? Read our complete ducted heat pump installation guide or check detailed heat pump pricing.
Multi-Room Split Systems: The Complete Picture
âś“ Advantages of Split Systems
- Lower upfront cost: Start from $12k-15k
- Flexible installation: Works in any existing home
- Room-by-room control: Everyone gets their perfect temp
- Easy maintenance: Filters accessible from each room
- Scalable: Start with 2 rooms, add more later
- Quick install: Usually done in 1-2 days
- Efficient: Only heat rooms you're using
- Character home friendly: No structural changes needed
âś— Disadvantages of Split Systems
- Wall units visible: Takes up wall space in each room
- Multiple remotes: Need to control each unit separately
- Temperature variation: Rooms can be different temps
- More units to maintain: 4 indoor units = 4Ă— filter cleaning
- Visual clutter: Units on walls, outdoor unit visible
- Pricey for large homes: 6+ units gets expensive
- Refrigerant piping visible: Pipes run along walls/ceiling
- Hot spots possible: Hallways/bathrooms might miss out
When Split Systems Make Perfect Sense
- Existing home: Already built and you don't want major work
- Any size home: Works for small cottages or large houses
- Lower budget: $12k-20k range more achievable
- Selective heating: Only heat 2-4 rooms you actually use
- Different needs: Kids want cool bedrooms, you want warm living
- Quick solution: Need heating NOW, not in 2-3 weeks
- Rental property: Lower investment, still adds value
- Character home: Preserves original features
When to Think Twice About Split Systems
- Want invisible heating: Wall units will be visible
- Heating 6+ rooms: Might be cheaper to go ducted heat pump
- Building new: Miss the chance for elegant ducted install
- Gallery walls: Units take up premium wall space
- Hate remotes: Managing multiple controllers annoying
- Want consistent temp: Each room feeling different bothers you
Want to learn more about multi-room systems? Check our complete multi-room heat pump guide.
Real Christchurch Scenarios: What Would We Recommend?
Here are actual situations we see all the time in Christchurch, and what we typically recommend:
Scenario 1: New Build in Rolleston (220m², 4 bedrooms)
Family situation: Building their first home, budget-conscious but want quality, planning to stay long-term.
Our recommendation: Ducted System
Why: You're building new—perfect time for ducted. Ductwork goes in while walls are open (much cheaper). Large home means ducted is cost-competitive with 5+ split units. Adds maximum property value. You'll be here long-term to enjoy it.
Estimated cost: $24,000-28,000 with standard features (see detailed heat pump pricing)
Scenario 2: 1920s Villa in Fendalton (160m², 3 bedrooms)
Family situation: Love their character home, want to keep original features, ceiling roses and cornices are staying.
Our recommendation: Multi-Room Split System
Why: Retrofitting ducted into a character villa is expensive and disruptive. You'd need to hide ducts around beautiful ceiling features. Split systems preserve your character features and are much easier to install. Plus, individual room control is actually better for the varying room sizes in villas.
Estimated cost: $15,000-20,000 for 4 indoor units
Scenario 3: Two-Story Modern Home in Halswell (280m², 5 bedrooms)
Family situation: Upstairs roasting in summer, freezing in winter. Downstairs stays reasonable. Want whole-home solution.
Our recommendation: Ducted with Zone Control
Why: Classic two-story problem needs ducted to balance temperatures properly. Zone control lets you treat upstairs and downstairs independently. Large home makes ducted cost-effective. Modern house likely has ceiling space for ducts.
Estimated cost: $32,000-38,000 with 2-zone control
Scenario 4: Small 1960s Home in Papanui (110m², 3 bedrooms)
Family situation: First home buyers, tight budget, just want living room and bedrooms comfortable.
Our recommendation: Multi-Room Split (3 units)
Why: Small home doesn't need the cost/complexity of ducted. Three split units (living + 2 bedrooms) will be $12k-15k vs $18k+ for ducted. You get individual control which is perfect for different sleep preferences. Installation is quick and easy.
Estimated cost: $12,000-16,000
Scenario 5: Major Renovation in St. Albans (190m², adding second story)
Family situation: Gutting the house, walls coming down, doing it right.
Our recommendation: Ducted System
Why: Major reno with walls open? This is THE time for ducted. You'll never get a better chance. Two-story homes benefit hugely from ducted for temperature consistency. Adds serious value to your renovated home. Do it now or regret it forever.
Estimated cost: $26,000-32,000 (full cost breakdown here)
Scenario 6: Existing Home in Riccarton (150m², open plan living)
Family situation: Current heat pump struggles to heat whole house, want comfortable everywhere, don't want major work.
Our recommendation: Either Could Work
Why: This one's borderline. Split system (3-4 units) = $15k-20k, easier install. Ducted = $22k-26k, better long-term solution but harder to retrofit. If budget allows and you have ceiling space, ducted gives better whole-home comfort. If budget's tight or ceiling access is difficult, split system still solves your problem.
Our advice: Get quotes for both, see the real numbers, decide based on budget and your ceiling space
Need help figuring out your scenario? Call us at 03 242 1023 and we'll walk you through what makes sense for your specific situation.
Ready to Choose the Right System for Your Home?
Whether you go ducted or split, the most important thing is getting a quality installation from experienced professionals. We've been installing heat pumps in Christchurch homes for years, and we're happy to help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your situation and budget.
Get honest advice and a free quote:
Call Us Today: 03 242 1023Or explore your options:
Learn about ducted heat pump systems | Learn about multi-room split systems | See detailed heat pump pricing