You’re opening a new office in Morayfield. Expanding your Caboolture retail store. Fitout out warehouse space in Burpengary. Your contractor asks: “What air conditioning system do you want?”
Split? Ducted? VRV? The terms sound technical. The price differences are massive. And getting it wrong means either overspending by thousands or installing inadequate cooling that costs you more long-term.
This guide cuts through the jargon. By the end, you’ll know exactly which system suits your Moreton Bay business, what it costs, and why.
The Three Systems Explained Simply
Split System Air Conditioning
What It Is: An outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor units. Think of it as individual air conditioners for different rooms or zones.
How It Works: Refrigerant circulates between outdoor and indoor units through refrigerant lines. Each indoor unit cools its specific area independently.
Best Visual: Like having separate air conditioners in your home, but commercial-grade.
Ducted Air Conditioning
What It Is: A central unit (usually in the ceiling or outside) distributing cooled air through hidden ductwork to vents throughout your building.
How It Works: One powerful central unit cools air, which is then pushed through ducts to ceiling vents in each room or area.
Best Visual: Like a spider web—central body with air distributed through legs (ducts) to different areas.
VRV/VRF System (Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow)
What It Is: A sophisticated system connecting multiple indoor units to one or more outdoor units, with each indoor unit independently controllable and capable of delivering different temperatures simultaneously.
How It Works: Variable refrigerant flow allows each zone to receive exactly the cooling (or heating) it needs. Some zones can heat while others cool—simultaneously.
Best Visual: Like split systems but on steroids—one outdoor unit can power 20+ indoor units, each operating independently with precise control.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Split Systems | Ducted Systems | VRV Systems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small spaces (30-100m²) | Medium-large open spaces (100-300m²) | Large/complex spaces (150m²+) |
| Installation Cost | $3,000-$10,000 | $15,000-$40,000 | $25,000-$80,000 |
| Flexibility | High (independent units) | Medium (requires zoning) | Very High (infinite control) |
| Energy Efficiency | Good (inverter models) | Good | Excellent (30-40% better) |
| Visual Impact | Visible indoor units | Nearly invisible (vents only) | Nearly invisible (ceiling cassettes) |
| Installation Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 5-10 days |
| Ideal Business Type | Offices, small retail, cafes | Restaurants, retail stores | Multi-zone offices, hotels, medical |
Split Systems: The Practical Choice for Most Small Businesses
When Split Systems Make Sense
Your Business Profile:
- Single room or 2-4 separate spaces needing independent control
- Under 100m² total area
- Limited budget ($3,000-$10,000)
- Fast installation needed (1-2 days)
- Existing building (retrofitting)
Perfect For:
- Professional offices in Caboolture CBD
- Small retail shops in Morayfield Shopping Centre
- Medical consulting rooms
- Real estate offices
- Hair salons and beauty clinics
- Small cafes and food outlets
- Individual tenancies in business parks
Split System Advantages
Lower Upfront Cost: Starting from $3,000 for quality commercial units. Multiple units still typically cheaper than ducted alternatives for small spaces.
Fast Installation: Minimal disruption. Most installations complete in 1-2 days without major building modifications.
Independent Control: Each unit operates separately. Front office at 23°C, back office at 25°C. Different areas, different needs.
Easy Expansion: Add units as you grow. Start with one, add another next year without replacing entire system.
Proven Reliability: Simple technology, fewer components to fail. Easy to service, parts readily available.
Perfect for Tenancies: Ideal for leased spaces in Morayfield or Burpengary business parks. System stays with you if you relocate (portable in practical terms).
Split System Disadvantages
Visual Impact: Indoor units visible on walls. Some businesses find this aesthetically problematic, particularly retail or professional offices focused on interior design.
Multiple Outdoor Units: Each split system needs outdoor space. Three indoor units might mean three outdoor compressors.
Limited Coverage Per Unit: Typically 30-50m² per unit. Larger spaces require multiple systems.
Maintenance Multiplication: More units = more filters to change, more coils to clean, more service calls.
Split System Costs (Moreton Bay Region)
Single Unit (30-50m²): $3,000-$5,500 installed Two Units (60-100m²): $6,000-$10,000 installed Three Units (90-150m²): $9,000-$15,000 installed
Operating Costs: $80-$150 per month per unit during peak summer (based on 8-hour daily operation)
Maintenance: $180-$300 per unit annually for professional servicing
Real-World Split System Example
Business: Accounting office, Caboolture South Size: 85m² Solution: 2 x 7kW split systems (one for reception/admin area, one for meeting/private office areas) Cost: $7,800 installed Result: Independent temperature control, fast installation during weekend, minimal disruption, reduced energy costs vs. previous system
Ducted Systems: The Clean Solution for Cohesive Spaces
When Ducted Systems Make Sense
Your Business Profile:
- Open-plan layout or connected spaces needing uniform cooling
- 100-300m² area
- Professional image important (no visible indoor units)
- Moderate to good budget ($15,000-$40,000)
- New build or major renovation (ceiling access available)
Perfect For:
- Full-service restaurants and cafes
- Retail stores (clothing, electronics, homewares)
- Open-plan offices
- Medical centers with multiple consulting rooms
- Real estate agencies and financial services
- Function venues and event spaces
- Hotel common areas
Ducted System Advantages
Seamless Aesthetics: Nothing visible except discreet ceiling vents. Perfect for businesses where appearance matters—retail showrooms, professional offices, upscale restaurants.
Whole-Building Comfort: Uniform temperature throughout. No hot spots, no cold zones (when properly designed).
Quieter Operation: Noisy components (compressor, fans) located outside or in plant rooms. Occupied spaces experience minimal noise.
Better for Large Open Spaces: More effective than multiple split systems for areas over 100m² with open layouts.
Single Outdoor Unit: One compressor outside instead of multiple units cluttering your building exterior.
Professional Appearance: Clients and customers see a premium, purpose-built environment rather than wall-mounted box units.
Ducted System Disadvantages
Higher Upfront Cost: $15,000-$40,000 for most commercial applications. Significantly more than split systems for smaller spaces.
Installation Complexity: Requires ceiling cavity access for ductwork. Not practical in many existing buildings without major renovation.
Longer Installation: 3-5 days typically, sometimes longer for complex layouts.
Zone Control Limitations: Basic ducted systems cool the entire area uniformly. Zone dampers add $3,000-$8,000 for independent area control.
Less Flexible Expansion: Extending ductwork or adding capacity requires significant work and cost.
Potential Duct Losses: Poorly sealed or insulated ductwork wastes 20-30% of conditioned air. Critical to ensure professional installation.
Ducted System Costs (Moreton Bay Region)
Small System (100-150m²): $15,000-$25,000 installed Medium System (150-250m²): $25,000-$35,000 installed Large System (250-350m²): $35,000-$50,000+ installed
Add Zone Control: $3,000-$8,000 for 3-6 zones
Operating Costs: $250-$500 per month during peak summer (based on 10-hour daily operation)
Maintenance: $350-$600 annually including duct inspection and cleaning
Real-World Ducted System Example
Business: Clothing boutique, Morayfield Size: 180m² Solution: 18kW ducted system with 4-zone control (sales floor, fitting rooms, stockroom, office) Cost: $28,500 installed Result: Seamless ceiling integration maintaining retail aesthetics, uniform customer comfort, zone control reduces energy waste in stockroom and office areas
VRV Systems: The Premium Solution for Complex Businesses
When VRV Systems Make Sense
Your Business Profile:
- Multiple rooms/areas requiring independent control
- 150m²+ with diverse cooling needs
- Different areas used at different times
- Long-term building ownership (not short-term lease)
- Premium budget ($25,000-$80,000+)
- Energy efficiency priority
Perfect For:
- Multi-tenancy office buildings
- Medical and allied health centers
- Hotels and accommodation
- Large retail with diverse zones (sales floor, stockroom, offices, café)
- Professional services firms with multiple departments
- Mixed-use commercial properties
- Businesses planning growth/expansion
VRV System Advantages
Ultimate Flexibility: Each indoor unit independently controlled. Meeting room at 22°C, warehouse at 26°C, unoccupied office off completely—simultaneously.
Superior Energy Efficiency: Variable speed technology adjusts precisely to demand. 30-40% more efficient than conventional systems. Lower operating costs offset higher upfront investment.
Simultaneous Heating and Cooling: Some zones can heat while others cool. Server room cooling while morning office needs slight warming.
Scalability: Start with 5 indoor units, add 10 more next year without replacing outdoor equipment. System grows with your business.
Heat Recovery: Waste heat from cooling some zones can warm others. Exceptional efficiency in mixed-use applications.
Minimal Visual Impact: Ceiling cassette units blend seamlessly. Four-way airflow distribution. Professional appearance.
Precise Control: ±0.5°C temperature accuracy. Consistent comfort regardless of external conditions.
Long Lifespan: Commercial-grade components designed for 15-20 year lifespan with proper maintenance.
VRV System Disadvantages
High Upfront Cost: $25,000-$80,000+ for typical commercial installations. Significant capital investment.
Complex Installation: Requires experienced technicians familiar with VRV technology. Installation takes 5-10 days typically.
Sophisticated Controls: Learning curve for staff. Building management system integration may be necessary for optimal operation.
Service Requirements: Needs technicians specifically trained on VRV systems. Not all HVAC contractors qualified.
Overkill for Simple Needs: A single-room office doesn’t need VRV sophistication. Paying for capability you won’t use.
VRV System Costs (Moreton Bay Region)
Small Installation (4-8 indoor units): $25,000-$40,000 Medium Installation (8-15 indoor units): $40,000-$65,000 Large Installation (15-30 indoor units): $65,000-$120,000+
Operating Costs: $300-$600 per month during peak summer (actual costs significantly lower than equivalent ducted or multiple split systems due to efficiency)
Maintenance: $800-$2,000 annually for comprehensive service across all units
ROI Timeline: Typically 5-8 years through energy savings compared to conventional systems
Real-World VRV System Example
Business: Medical center, Burpengary Size: 320m² Solution: VRV system with 12 indoor units (6 consulting rooms, 2 treatment rooms, reception, admin areas, staff room, storage) Cost: $58,000 installed Result: Independent temperature control for each consulting room, significant energy savings (35% reduction vs. previous system), patient comfort improved, heat recovery from server room used to warm consultation rooms during cooler mornings
How to Choose: Decision Framework
Choose Split Systems If:
✅ Total area under 100m² ✅ Budget under $10,000 ✅ Need installation completed within 1-2 days ✅ Leasing space (may relocate) ✅ Only 1-4 distinct areas to cool ✅ Simple, independent control acceptable ✅ Aesthetic considerations secondary to function
Typical Businesses: Small professional offices, single-shop retail, consulting rooms, small cafes, individual tenancies
Choose Ducted Systems If:
✅ Total area 100-300m² ✅ Budget $15,000-$40,000 ✅ Open-plan layout or connected spaces ✅ Professional appearance critical ✅ Uniform temperature throughout acceptable ✅ Ceiling cavity access available ✅ Willing to invest 3-5 days installation
Typical Businesses: Restaurants, retail stores, open-plan offices, medical centers, function venues
Choose VRV Systems If:
✅ Total area 150m²+ ✅ Budget $25,000-$80,000+ ✅ Multiple zones with different needs ✅ Long-term ownership (not short lease) ✅ Energy efficiency priority ✅ Planning business growth/expansion ✅ Diverse operating schedule across zones ✅ Simultaneous heating/cooling beneficial
Typical Businesses: Multi-tenancy buildings, medical centers, hotels, large retail with complex needs, professional services firms
Special Considerations for Moreton Bay Businesses
Caboolture and Morayfield Commercial Areas
Considerations:
- Mix of older buildings (limited ceiling access) and new developments
- Multi-tenancy commercial properties common
- Growing business parks attracting professional services
Recommendation: Split systems for individual tenancies in older buildings. VRV for purpose-built multi-tenancy developments. Ducted for retail fitouts in shopping centers.
Burpengary Business Parks
Considerations:
- Modern warehouse/office combinations
- Owner-occupied businesses
- Plans for expansion common
Recommendation: VRV systems for flexibility and expansion capability. Split systems for simple warehouse cooling needs.
Deception Bay Light Industrial
Considerations:
- Warehouse and industrial units
- Budget-conscious businesses
- Spot cooling often more practical than whole-building
Recommendation: Split systems for office areas. Industrial spot coolers for warehouse zones. Avoid over-investing in ductwork for spaces not requiring uniform cooling.
Bribie Island Commercial
Considerations:
- Coastal environment (salt air corrosion)
- Tourism-oriented businesses
- Smaller retail and hospitality venues
Recommendation: Marine-grade split systems for small venues. Ducted for restaurants and larger retail. Specify corrosion-resistant components regardless of system type.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Installation Complexity Multipliers
Difficult roof access: +$500-$2,000 Multi-story installation: +$1,000-$4,000 Electrical upgrades required: +$2,000-$8,000 Asbestos ceiling removal: +$3,000-$10,000 Weekend/after-hours installation: +20-30%
Operating Cost Reality Check
Advertised efficiency ratings vs. real-world performance:
Split systems lose 10-15% efficiency through poor installation and maintenance practices.
Ducted systems lose 20-30% through duct leakage in poorly installed systems.
VRV systems deliver rated efficiency only when professionally commissioned and properly controlled.
Energy costs for a 150m² business:
Poor split system installation: $400-$500/month Quality ducted system: $300-$400/month Properly installed VRV: $200-$300/month
The $20,000 price difference between split and VRV pays back in 4-6 years through energy savings alone.
Making Your Decision
Step 1: Assess Your Space
- Measure total area requiring cooling
- Count distinct zones needing independent control
- Evaluate ceiling cavity access
- Consider layout (open vs. divided)
Step 2: Define Your Budget
- Initial investment capacity
- Willingness to finance for better long-term value
- Operating cost tolerance
- Maintenance budget
Step 3: Consider Your Timeline
- How quickly do you need cooling operational?
- Can you accommodate multi-day installation?
- Working around business operations or full closure acceptable?
Step 4: Project Your Future
- Lease length (short lease = splits, ownership = VRV)
- Growth plans (expansion likely = VRV)
- Business permanence (temporary location = splits)
Step 5: Get Professional Assessment
Don’t make this decision alone. A qualified HVAC contractor familiar with Moreton Bay commercial installations should:
- Conduct proper heat load calculations
- Recommend appropriate capacity
- Explain pros/cons for your specific situation
- Provide detailed quotes for comparison
- Show real-world examples of similar installations
Don’t Fall for These Common Mistakes
❌ Choosing based solely on price – The cheapest upfront often costs most long-term
❌ Undersizing to save money – Inadequate cooling wastes more energy and fails when you need it most
❌ Ignoring future growth – Installing systems that can’t accommodate expansion
❌ Skipping professional heat load calculations – Rules of thumb lead to undersizing or oversizing
❌ Selecting systems based on residential experience – Commercial requirements differ fundamentally from home air conditioning
❌ Forgetting maintenance costs – More units = more maintenance time and money
❌ Overlooking energy efficiency – Operating costs over 10 years often exceed purchase price
Your Next Steps
This Week:
- Measure your space accurately
- Identify distinct zones and cooling needs
- Determine realistic budget including installation and operation
- Research qualified contractors serving Moreton Bay region
This Month:
- Schedule on-site assessments with 2-3 reputable contractors
- Request detailed quotes for recommended systems
- Compare total cost of ownership (purchase + installation + 5-year operating costs)
- Check references and view completed installations
Before Deciding:
- Verify contractor licensing and insurance
- Confirm warranty coverage
- Understand maintenance requirements and costs
- Ask about financing options if needed
The right commercial air conditioning system protects your investment, ensures comfortable working conditions, controls energy costs, and supports business growth.
The wrong choice costs you tens of thousands in wasted money and years of frustration.
Contact Shelair for honest, professional assessment of your Moreton Bay business cooling needs. We’ll evaluate your space, explain your options clearly, and recommend the right system—split, ducted, or VRV—based on what’s best for your business, not our profit margin.
Call 07 3204 9511 or email info@shelair.com.au
Serving Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary, Deception Bay, Bribie Island, and the entire Moreton Bay region with expert commercial air conditioning solutions.