ARTICLE

Guide To The Best Split System Air Conditioners

22 October, 2020 – 6 mins read

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, it can be challenging to find the right system for your needs. There are a lot of air conditioners on the market to choose from and they all offer different features and benefits. One of the most popular to install is a split system air conditioner. We’ve put together this handy guide to get you started and help you choose the best split system air conditioner for your home and lifestyle.

What is a split system air conditioner?

A split system air conditioner, as the name suggests, is split into two units: one inside your home and another on the outside, connected by pipes that contain refrigerated gas. The unit on the outside sucks in air and pumps it through the piping, cooling it down, and the unit inside blows the cooled air into your home using a fan. Split systems are the most popular type of air conditioner in Australia and depending on the make and model can have ‘smart’ features that control the temperature and can even be a very energy efficient air con for your home.

What type of split system air conditioner do you need?

There are a few things to consider to find the best split system air conditioner for your home. The first place to start is to pick which type of split system you’d like to get. Once you have that in mind, you’ll need to think about how much power you’re going to need to suit the size and layout of your home.

Types of split system air conditioners

If you’re new to the world of air conditioning, start with our air conditioner buying guide. It will give you a general overview on what you should think about when looking for an AC unit for your home. Next, let’s take a look at three types of split systems you’re likely to encounter.

Reverse cycle split system

This type of split system heats as well as cools. The process is the same as regular split system air conditioning, just reversed. Reverse cycle split systems are one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to heat your home in winter, so let’s check out a few of our top picks.

The Hisense C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System has an impressive 5 star energy rating, and its inverter technology can keep your energy bills down year-round. Activate Quiet Mode and let it run through the night without sacrificing any power or fan speed, plus its silver ion filter cleans the air by removing bacteria and air pollutants.

If connectivity is a must-have, then the Kelvinator C5.0kW H6.0kW Reverse Cycle Split System is a good option. Hook it up to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control, and its built in ‘Follow Me’ mode ensures the temperature is regulated wherever you are in the room.

When summer strikes, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System will keep you cool with its 2.5kW cooling capacity. And in the cooler months, stay warm from its 3.2kW heating capacity. This gives you the best of both worlds in any season.

For those who are sensitive to dust and allergens in the air, the Panasonic C5.0kW H6.0kW Reverse Cycle Split System & Air Purifier has a built-in 24-hour air purifier to keep the air clean and fresh. Certified by the National Asthma Council of Australia, its NANOE-X purification technology goes the extra mile to clean and then hydrate the air.

Cool only

If you live in a mild to hot climate, or are just looking for cooling on its own, then a ‘cool only’ air conditioner may be all you need. The Fujitsu C2.5kW Cool Only Split System can cool down a small sized room and uses a Human Sensor to adjust the temperature based on how people move around.

If you’re looking to keep your energy bills down, the Hisense C2.5kW Cooling Only Split System is a great option. With a 5 star energy rating and automatic modes that reduce energy wastage, it’s an excellent addition to any Australian home.

Multi split system

To control the temperature of multiple rooms in your home and only use one outdoor unit, a multi split system is definitely worth investigating. Fujitsu offers customised cooling options that are stylish and make it easier to get the right temperature without having to deal with too many remotes!

What are the different split system sizes?

The size of a split system is not a measure of its physical size, but its power output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The higher the kilowatts, the bigger the room the split system can heat or cool.

What size split system do I need?

To help you calculate what kW split system for your home, use this table as a rough guide with the tips mentioned below.

How to calculate air conditioner size for a house

To get a better and more accurate calculation of what size split system you’ll need, it helps to think more broadly about your home and how it's used. Start with the table above and you might also like to consider other factors, such as:

• Where you live and the yearly climate
• The shape of the room or rooms
• The type of room (bedroom or living room, for example)
• Whether or not the room/s has insulation, and
• The effect that shading or curtains might have on the room temperature already.

Split system installation

Installing a split system isn’t a DIY job – in Australia it must be installed by a professional. Let us take care of this for you! Click here to find out more about The Good Guys air conditioner installation services.

The cost of running a split system

Like any appliance in your home, there are a lot of factors that affect how much it will cost to run a split system, such as:

• The temperature you choose to run it at (cooler and warmer temps often require more power)
• The size of the room you’re heating or cooling
• How long and how often you run your split system
• The energy rating of the system, and
• Whether or not your system has built in Eco Modes to help regulate power usage.

How to clean a split system air conditioner

To maintain healthy air quality in your home, it’s important to clean your split system regularly. First thing’s first, check the instructions. There should be information on how to clean the filter and outdoor unit. You may be able to simply remove the cover and wipe it down with a damp cloth, but some models may require a professional service and clean from time to time. If you’re unsure of what to do, get in touch with the manufacturer or inquire with our friendly Split System cleaning service team – we can clean, sanitise and service your air con, so you can breathe easy.

Ducted air conditioning vs split system

Another popular option for heating and cooling at home is ducted air conditioning. This system distributes cool or warm air throughout your house via ducts or vents in each room. Ducted AC, while more discreet than a split system, is more expensive to install and you can’t just turn it on for one room at a time unless it’s zoned. Ducted is generally quieter than a split system, but make sure you get a professional to come and check out your home first as some houses can’t accommodate it due to lack of space.

Explore our entire range of split systems

Whether you’re in a one bedroom apartment or a larger family home, there are lots of options for heating and cooling when it comes to split systems. Have a chat with one of our friendly experts to get all the information you need to find the best split system air conditioner for your home.