How Does A Split System Air Conditioner Work?

In homes across Australia, the split system air conditioner is one of the most popular ways to maintain efficient and effective climate-controlled comfort. From sweltering summers to wild and woolly winters, split systems offer both cooling and heating to suit your needs.

Split systems consist of two key parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit (often referred to as an outdoor condenser). But how do these parts come together to condition the air in your home? We’re here today to look at how a split system air conditioner works, its benefits, and why it’s a preferred choice for many homes across the country.

We know that split system air conditioners consist of an indoor and outdoor unit. Each plays a vital role in the air conditioning process.

As its name suggests, the indoor unit of a split system is installed inside, usually mounted on a wall. It houses the evaporator coil and air filter. The outdoor unit sits outside the home – no big surprise there – and contains the compressor, condenser coil, and fan.

So what does each part do?

• The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air within the room.
• The aircon filter cleans the air before it gets cooled and recirculated back into the room.
• The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system.
• The condenser coil releases the absorbed heat outside.
• The fan helps to disperse the heat and makes sure the system operates efficiently.

Now that we know the key players in a split system and what each component does, let’s look at how they come together to cool and heat your home.

Split system air conditioners work by efficiently controlling the temperature in your home using a process known as the refrigeration cycle. This is where the indoor and outdoor units of the split system work in conjunction with each other.

The indoor unit uses a refrigerant fluid to absorb heat from the room. As the refrigerant moves through the evaporator coil, it changes from a liquid to a gas. At this point, the absorbed heat moves to the outdoor condenser, where the compressor increases the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature.

The heated refrigerant releases the absorbed heat into the outside air and cools back down into its original liquid state. This cooled refrigerant then returns to the indoor unit, ready to start the process again.

But What About Heating The Room?

If you have a cooling-only split system, it will literally do just that – provide cooling only. A reverse cycle split system, however, reverses the refrigeration cycle process to effectively heat your room. The refrigerant draws in heat from the outdoor air – yes, even in cold weather – and transfers it inside to warm your home. This dual capability makes reverse cycle split systems ideal for year-round comfort.

Split system air conditioners provide homeowners with a wealth of benefits. It’s no wonder they’re such a popular choice for just about any home. Here’s why they stand out:

• Energy efficiency: Split system air conditioners are designed to use less energy than comparable systems; they can be a great way to save on running costs.
• Easy installation: With only two key parts it’s relatively straightforward to install split system air conditioning. Not only that, it’s minimally invasive too!
• Quiet operation: Modern split systems operate quietly, meaning you enjoy a peaceful environment.
• Temperature control: You can precisely set the temperature in specific rooms to suit individual comfort levels.
• Low maintenance: Split systems typically need minimal maintenance, which makes them a convenient choice for busy homeowners.

With all the best brands – everyone from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Fujitsu and Panasonic – making split system air conditioners, the opportunity to enjoy these benefits presents an easy choice for your comfort and efficiency.

The thermostat in your split system air con plays a key role in keeping your home at the perfect temperature. It works quietly behind the scenes to keep your room at the ideal level of comfort. Once the room reaches your preferred temperature, the thermostat tells the system to ease off or stop cooling. Not only does this keep you comfortable, but it also helps save on energy. Win-win!

Most modern split systems come with a user-friendly remote control, making it easy to do everything from tweaking the fan speed to setting a timer without getting up. With many systems now equipped with smart technology, you can easily adjust the temperature from your smartphone, whether you’re relaxing at home or on the go. This blend of convenience and energy efficiency makes split systems a practical and cost-effective choice for any home.

We mentioned earlier that split systems typically require minimal maintenance. But that’s not to say they require no maintenance at all. Even leading brands need a little TLC once in a while to keep them running at their best.

Regular Cleaning

Consistent cleaning is crucial to keep your split system running efficiently and effectively. Start by cleaning or replacing the air filters every few months. Clogged and dirty filters can restrict airflow and put unnecessary strain on the system. It’s also worth keeping the evaporator and condenser coils dust and debris-free; doing so will encourage heat exchange and improve efficiency.

Professional Servicing

While you as a homeowner can certainly contribute to the maintenance of your split system with routine cleaning, it’s crucial to schedule professional servicing at least once a year.

A qualified technician can examine the indoor and outdoor units for any minor or major issues. They’ll check refrigerant levels, and make sure all components are working as they should. Regular, annual servicing will not only help to prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner; it will also help to maintain its efficiency, keeping your home comfy with minimal energy usage.

Consider a Split System Air Con for Your Home

A reverse cycle split system air conditioner is a versatile and efficient solution for maintaining cooling and heating comfort in your home. By understanding the basic components and how they work together, homeowners can appreciate the system’s reliability and energy efficiency.

Regular maintenance, including cleaning and professional servicing, is key to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Whether it’s keeping cool during the summer or staying warm in the winter, a split system air conditioner is a practical choice that meets the needs of diverse climates year-round.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “How Does A Split System Air Conditioner Work?”. 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.