6 Reasons Why a Split System Air Conditioner Can Be the Best Choice

Most people are familiar with the appearance of the indoor unit of a split system air conditioner but, as the name suggests, there’s more to it than that. This system consists of two units.

The condenser, often referred to as the external unit, is always on an external wall. It is connected to the wall-mounted internal unit that distributes heated or cooled air through directional vents.

A single split system is intended to regulate the temperature in a specific room or area. Another variant of this system is the multi-head split system, which enables multiple indoor units to be connected to a single external unit, providing climate control in two or more rooms.

The split system is the most popular form of domestic air conditioner in Australia. Let’s take a look at six reasons why it is so common in Australian homes and why it might be the best choice for you.

1. They are Easy to Install

Installing split system air conditioners is a hassle-free process that is much less intrusive compared to ducted or cassette systems. These units can be effortlessly installed in various areas such as lounges, bedrooms or any other living space without disturbing the interior aesthetics.

Unlike ducted systems, split system air conditioners do not use the ceiling area in order to install ducts nor do they need a window for placement. All you need is adequate wall space and a suitable outdoor location to accommodate the external unit.

A professional heating and cooling specialist can get the job done in just a few hours since installing a split system only requires a small copper tube and some cabling. With their expertise and experience, they ensure a seamless installation process that meets your specific requirements.

2. Split Systems are Energy Efficient

A split system air conditioning system stands out for its superior energy efficiency when compared to a ducted system. This is because a ducted system incurs energy losses as air moves through its ductwork.

Therefore, a ducted system requires a longer running time to attain the desired temperature in a room. On the other hand, a split system proves to be a practical choice if your objective is to cool or heat a single room instead of your entire house.

In addition, the versatility of a split system makes it a suitable option for any property, whether it’s a three-bedroom family home, a townhouse or an apartment.

3. They are Quiet to Run

When it comes to selecting an air conditioning system for your home, noise is an important factor to consider.
While a window unit may seem like an easy and affordable option, it can be quite noisy due to the fan and condenser being inside the home. This can be disruptive and uncomfortable, particularly if you have a small home or share walls with neighbours.

On the other hand, a ducted system is designed to be quiet inside the home. However, the unit that drives the system is usually located outside and can be noisy, especially if it is close to your neighbour’s wall. This could cause annoyance and discomfort for them, especially during the hot summer months.

Fortunately, modern split systems provide a great solution that is both quiet and efficient. These systems run quietly within the home and the outdoor condenser, while it may produce some noise, is typically not a major issue. Nonetheless, it is always important to keep your neighbours in mind when deciding on the best location for the outdoor unit.

4. They are Easy to Maintain

Maintaining a ducted air conditioner can be quite a task while a split system requires minimal upkeep to make sure it’s operating at its best.

The primary way of ensuring the smooth functioning of a split system is by cleaning or replacing its filters, which is an uncomplicated process. However, it is still recommended that you schedule regular maintenance with an air conditioning technician to address the following concerns:

• Verifying the refrigerant gas levels
• Ensuring the internal components operate efficiently
• Clearing any debris build-up
• Testing the thermostat

Fortunately, servicing a split system is less complex than servicing a ducted system, and regular maintenance by a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician can keep it running efficiently for a decade or more.

5. Reasonable Cost

For those who are financially constrained – a predicament faced by many people – incorporating a split system air conditioner into your home is quite affordable.

In comparison to other heating and cooling alternatives (excluding portable air conditioners and window systems), split system air conditioners are usually more cost-effective to buy and install.
Furthermore, split systems tend to consume less energy and demand lower maintenance costs than an all-home ducted system, making them a more cost-efficient option in the long run.

6. Choose the Power You Need

A split system is an adaptable option that can cater to the needs of a small apartment or a large four-bedroom house. The crucial factor that you need to decide on is the level of power required based on your specific requirements.

To determine the appropriate power level, you need to consider the size of the room that you wish to heat or cool. Air conditioning systems are usually measured in kilowatts (kW). It’s a simple process of calculating the square meters of the room by multiplying the length and width and determining the necessary power level from that figure.

Here’s a general guide to air conditioner power from the Choice website:

• Up to 20m² – 2-2.5kW
• 20-40m² – 2.5-5kW
• 40-60m² – 4-6kW
• More than 60m² – 5-9kW

Keep in mind that this is a general guide. It’s recommended that you consult with a HVAC specialist to ensure that you select the appropriate power level for your split system.

What are the Disadvantages of a Split System?

Opting for a split system air conditioner for your home offers numerous benefits with minimal drawbacks. Nevertheless, it’s essential to consider the following few factors before deciding if it’s right for you:

• Installation – Unlike window air conditioners, split systems can’t be installed as a do-it-yourself project. Instead, you’ll need to hire an air conditioning technician to ensure proper installation.
• Noise – The outdoor unit of a split system air conditioner tends to produce some level of noise, which could potentially cause disturbance to your neighbours. However, it’s worth noting that the level of noise produced by modern split systems is relatively low and shouldn’t be a significant cause for concern.
• Location – The indoor and outdoor units of a split system air conditioner must be placed within 30 meters of each other due to limitations of the metal tubing. This means that some buildings may not be appropriate for installing a split system air conditioner.

While there are some minor considerations to be aware of when installing a split system air conditioner, they offer a wide range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for most homes.

In Conclusion

Split system air conditioners have become increasingly popular and it’s not difficult to see why. The benefits of these systems are abundant, from their convenience and versatility to their energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.

Although there are other types of air conditioning systems on the market, a split system may well be the optimal choice. With a split system, you can easily regulate the temperature of a room without having to install extensive ductwork.

The popularity of split system air conditioners is well deserved, given their numerous benefits. Their versatility, convenience, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance make them a top choice for those in need of domestic air conditioning solutions.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.