WHAT IS SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING?

It can be overwhelming for homeowners who are looking to replace their existing split system air conditioner as there are a variety of types that all do basically the same thing. This leaves them all asking the same question: how do I decide which air conditioner is right for my home?

We’ve got all the information you need to decide exactly what split system air conditioner you should buy for your home. Everything you need to know is down below, including what a split system air conditioner actually is, how they work, the pros and cons of purchasing, what size you should choose for your space, the cost of professional installation, and how to clean and maintain the system.

What is a split system air conditioner

There are two components that make up a split system air conditioner: an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit pumps out cold air by absorbing heat and sending it to the outdoor unit to be cooled. These two systems are connected via pipes installed in the wall.

How do they work?

A split system air conditioner cools a room by filtering refrigerant gas into a cooling circuit in the unit. Through the condenser, this gas will be cooled down and transformed into a liquid only to be changed back into a gas when put through the evaporator and expanded. The room cools as the gas expanding rapidly decreases the temperature. This process is then repeated as the gas filters back through the condenser.

The air then cools and the air from the room is filtered through the unit and passes through the evaporator coils. Until the desired temperature is achieved, the system will continue to circulate the air in the room and blow it back into the room. The split system will automatically switch off when the temperature reaches that set by the thermostat.

Pros

Can be installed in specific rooms
You can choose the optimal position in each room
You can add additional units whenever you want
Cheap installation
Cost-effective system
Maintenance is easy
Quiet and efficient running

Cons

Is a big box on your wall
Can struggle to cool down larger rooms

woman sleeping on sofa with book and air conditioner on wall

Do split systems heat and cool?

Not all units will provide heating and cooling from the one unit, however, there are reverse cycle split system air conditioners available.

Similar to the way the unit draws hot air in and cools it before filtering it into the room, the reverse cycle will suck in ambient air and heat it before blowing it back out into the room until the desired temperature is reached.

To warm the air, the refrigerant will travel through the system to reach the condenser, where it is then compressed and starts to warm. At the desired temperature, the unit will filter it out into the room you are attempting to heat.
Over a long period of time, it is often considered that ducted air conditioning systems will be more cost and energy efficient due to their ability to zone temperatures. This zoning conserves energy that does not need to be used, which can significantly decrease electricity bills in the long run.

As a general rule of thumb, ducted air conditioners will be better at cooling larger spaces while ductless systems will be better for cooling one or two rooms.

What split system should I choose for my home?

There are four significant factors that you should consider when choosing your split system air conditioner: room size, insulation, location, and orientation. It is important that you choose the right air conditioner for your space to maximise its performance and minimise energy and costs. If you choose a system that is too small for your space, it won’t work effectively. On the other hand, if you choose a system that is too big, it will use more energy than required for your space.

Room Size

Possibly the most important factor you should consider when choosing your air conditioner is the available floor space and total volume of the room. This will help you determine the correct size of the air conditioner for your space.

While we do recommend that you seek expert advice before making a final decision, a general rule that you can follow is:

2.6kW unit – 10m2 to 20m2 room
3.5kW unit – 20m2 to 30m2 room
5-6kW unit – 30m2 to 45m2 room
7-8kW unit – 45m2 to 65m2 room

Insulation

To make your home energy efficient, it is best to install your system in the ceiling. This will assist your machine in running energy and cost-effectively as your insulation should retain the cold air and you won’t need to use your air conditioner as often.

Location

Australia has an incredibly diverse climate. Someone living in Hobart, for instance, will require a significantly less powerful air conditioner than someone who lives in Darwin or Brisbane.

No matter your climate, we do recommend that you look into a reverse cycle split system air conditioner to ensure your home is comfortable no matter the weather.

Orientation

The orientation of your space will determine the best place to install your split system air conditioner. A North or West-facing window will let in lots of sunshine during the hot Australian summers and heat your space, while a south-facing window will be cooler due to the shade.

How much does it cost to install a split system air conditioner?

It is important that you hire a licensed professional to install your split system air conditioner as it is required to handle gas refrigerant, conduct electrical wiring, and plumbing that, if not completed safely, can damage your home and cost a lot in repairs.

Outside of the room that you require cooling, a unit will be fitted and installed. On the inside of the room, the indoor unit will be mounted on your chosen wall. Typically, professionals will suggest that you mount the unit on a long wall in the room and not above a window.

The installation process of a split system will generally take half a day and the cost can vary from professional to professional. Call us for a quote today.