Split System Air Conditioners

A Split System Air Conditioner consists of two parts, an indoor unit that cools the room and an outdoor unit that pumps air through refrigerated pipes that connect them. Because of this all the noisiest components of the Air Con are on the outside of the home so the inside keeps cool and quiet.

Although they are relatively easy to install, Split System Air Cons do require a professional to set up. This involves putting a hole through the wall so this type of Air Conditioner may not be appropriate if renting.

Wall or Window Air Conditioners house all their components in a single box that can be installed inside a window or through an exterior facing wall. They are not quite as energy efficient as a Split System and if windows are limited in your home the unit may end up blocking out a lot of natural light, but they are an inexpensive and easy to install option that works well for cooling smaller rooms and open plan areas less than 50 square metres.

If running costs and overall environmental impact are important to you, then Split System Air Conditioners are generally the most energy efficient units you can buy. Having said that, it is important to make sure you clearly read and understand the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) for each Air Conditioner, which can be used to compare models of same or similar sizes and factors in seasonal and regional climates across Australia in the energy efficiency calculation.

If you are looking for something to heat home as well as cool, a Split System Air Conditioner with Reverse Cycle maybe an attractive all in one solution. Keep in mind Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners heating and cooling functions have separate energy ratings.

It’s also important to choose a unit with the right capacity for the size of the room. If a model is too powerful it may run frequent short cycles to achieve target temperatures.

In addition to lower running costs, there are other benefits to Split System Air Conditioners that are worth keeping in mind. If home gets cold in the winter as well as hot in the summer, a Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner is often the cheapest way to keep a room warm.

Split System Air Conditioners are designed for easy cleaning and servicing. The indoor unit typically has filters that are easy to access, remove and wash and the outdoor unit is easy to repair for licensed refrigeration technicians, keeping maintenance costs down.

When running inside your home a Split Cycle Air Conditioner is generally very quiet. This is because all the most noisy processes and components are built into the external unit fitted outdoors. It’s worth checking to make sure this external unit is not likely to disturb neighbours and it fits in with the building's strata rules and local council noise restrictions.

Split System Air Conditioners might cost more up front and require licenced installation, but the cost of running the system will save more money in the long term.

The best split system balances capacity with room dimensions; use AIRAH cooling calculators to determine the appropriate sizing for your space. Avoiding oversized units is crucial, as they run frequent short cycles to reach target temperatures, unnecessarily increasing power consumption. For installation, indoor units generally mount near ceilings to provide optimal air distribution whilst remaining visually unobtrusive.

Licensed refrigeration technicians must install air conditioners for refrigerant handling, electrical connections, and wall penetration. Installation takes 3-6 hours depending on complexity and location accessibility.