6 Benefits of Split System Air Conditioning

A split system air conditioning system is almost the default choice for most people looking for climate control in their main living areas. But why has this type of heater and cooler become the popular choice for Australian homes?

There are a number of reasons why so many homeowners choose to keep the elements out with a split system air conditioner. While there are plenty of benefits in choosing a split system, are there any disadvantages?

It’s a major purchase and everyone wants to make the best choice for their home, so let’s take a more detailed look at the benefits of split system air conditioning.

Most people know what a split system air conditioner looks like – at least the inside unit. But, as the name suggests, there are two parts to this kind of system.

The external unit is situated on an outside wall and is usually referred to as the condenser. This external part of the system is connected to the wall-mounted internal unit, which delivers the heated or cooled air through directional vents.

A single split system is designed to heat or cool one specific room or area. A variation on this type is a multi-head split system. This means that multiple indoor units can be connected to one external unit to provide climate control in two or more rooms.

Here are six of the many benefits of split system air conditioning.

Split system air conditioners are easy to install and less invasive than a ducted system. It’s not too hard to find the right spot in a lounge room, bedroom or any other area for a sleek-looking indoor unit to fit.

There’s no need to use your ceiling area for ducts, nor do you need a well-placed window. All you need is the suitable wall space and an outdoor spot for the external unit.

Given that there’s only a small copper tube and some cabling required to install a split system, an efficient heating and cooling specialist will get the job done in a few hours.

A split system is more energy efficient than a ducted system, which experiences energy loss as air passes through the ductwork.

This means a ducted system has to run longer to achieve the room temperature you desire. It also makes sense if you primarily want to cool or heat one specific room, rather than the entire home.

That also makes a split system suitable for any kind of property, from three-bedroom homes to townhouses and apartments.

A window unit can be noisy because the fan and condenser are both inside the home. While a ducted system is quiet inside the home, it is driven by a unit which can be disruptive for your next-door neighbours if it is situated close to the wall of their home.

Modern split system air conditioners run quietly within the home and the outdoor condenser, while it makes some noise, is unlikely to be an issue. However, keep neighbours in mind when deciding on a spot for the outdoor unit.

A ducted air conditioner will require a good deal of maintenance to keep it running smoothly. On the other hand, split system air conditioners only require minimal maintenance to keep it running at optimal level.

One of the main aspects of keeping a split system running is cleaning or replacing filters, which is a simple process. Regular maintenance by an air conditioning technician is still recommended to address some of the following issues:

• Check the refrigerant gas levels
• Check that internal parts are working efficiently
• Ensure there is no build up of debris
• Test the thermostat

But this regular maintenance from a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician is less involved than servicing a ducted system and will keep your split system running for 10 to 15 years. Only split system units can offer that.

5. Easy to Choose Your Power

A split system is versatile as it can suit a small apartment as much as a four-bedroom family home. The main choice you have to make is the level of power you require.

This will be determined by the size of the room you wish to heat or cool. Air conditioning systems are measured in kilowatts (kW). It’s simply a matter of measuring the square metres of the room (multiply the width by the length) and calculating the power level required from that figure.

Here’s a rough guide from the Choice website:

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

Be sure to speak to a HVAC specialist before choosing the power requirements of your split system.

6. Reasonable Cost

If you’re on a limited budget – which most people are – the cost of adding a split system air conditioner to your home is quite reasonable.

These systems generally cost less to buy and install than other heating and cooling systems (with the exception of window systems and portable air conditioners). More importantly, they generally cost less to run than an all-home ducted system because they use less energy and require less maintenance.

If you only want to heat or cool a single room, a split system air conditioner fits the bill. If you want climate control in multiple rooms, you may consider upgrading to a multi-head split system when you have the budget.

What Are the Disadvantages?

There aren’t too many disadvantages to choosing a split system air conditioner for your home. But here are a few negative factors to consider:

• Installation – A split system must be installed by an air conditioning technician; this is not a potential DIY job (such as a window air conditioner).
• Noise – The outdoor unit will make some noise, which may disturb neighbours.
• Location – The indoor and outdoor unit must be within 30m of each other due to limitations of the metal tubing, so a split system might not be appropriate for some buildings.

In Conclusion

The reasons for the popularity of split system air conditioners speak for themselves. It’s hard to ignore the advantages of convenience, versatility, energy efficiency, cost effectiveness and ease of maintenance. A split system air conditioner is not the only choice, but it just might be the best one.

If you’re looking at split system air conditioners and in need of installation, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Mr Emergency. We deal in all types and all major brands (AquaMAX, ActronAir, Braemar, Carrier, Coolair, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Temperzone and many more).

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 our Terms & Conditions here.