At Proven Air, when it comes to at-home air conditioning, we know that variety on the market can at times be confusing. The most popular choice across Sydney for air conditioning is a split system air conditioner.
Split systems have established themselves as the popular choice due to their energy efficiency, and setup that allows separate units to be installed throughout your home, so every member of the household can set the temperature to their liking in their own space.
So you may be wondering if a split system is the right choice for your Sydney home? Well, in this Proven Air blog, we will run down everything that you need to know and establish whether or not it’ll be your next investment for your home space.
How Does a Split System Air Conditioner Work?
It is called a split system because the air conditioning unit is made up of two main parts, one on the outside and one on the inside. They both work in conjunction with one another to regulate your indoor temperature. Both units are connected via electrical wires to supply power and gas pipes, which circulate the refrigerant throughout the system.
Unit 1: The Evaporator (The Indoor Unit)
This sleek and modern unit is mounted within your home, in most cases, up high on a wall. This unit contains both the evaporator coil and blower fan. The former helps to cool the warm indoor air, with the fan blowing either the cooled or warm air back into the room.
Unit 2: The Condenser (The Outdoor Unit)
This unit sits outside your home, often on the ground or wall-mounted. This unit houses the compressor, condenser coil, and a fan. The compressor works by pumping refrigerant between the two units, while the condenser coil releases or absorbs heat depending on whether the goal is to cool or heat the space.
The Cooling Cycle of a Split-System
- Warm air circulating in your room is drawn into the indoor unit and passes over the evaporator coil, which is filled with cold refrigerant. This absorbs the heat.
- The refrigerant moves throughout the insulated pipes and makes its way to the outdoor unit.
- The outdoor unit releases the absorbed heat into the outdoor unit.
- The refrigerant then cycles back to the indoor unit, and the process repeats.
- Enjoy a continuous stream of cold air into your room.
The Heating Cycle of a Split-System
The majority of split systems in Australia are reverse cycle. What does this mean? Well, it means you get the best of both worlds with heating and cooling options. When in heating mode, the system will reverse the normal flow of refrigerant. The ability to cycle between both heating and cooling makes these systems incredibly energy efficient, and makes them often cheaper to run than traditional electric heaters.
Thermostats and Sensors
Modern split systems in Australia often include smart thermostats and sensors to monitor a space’s temperature and adjust output automatically. Some more advanced models feature motion sensors, Wi-Fi control, and energy-saving modes for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Types of Split System Air Conditioners
There are three main types of split-system air conditioners in Australia: Wall-mounted split systems, reverse-cycle split systems, and multi-zone split systems.
- Wall-Mounted Split Systems/ Wall Hung Split Systems: Are the most common types for homes in Sydney. This system is made up of an indoor unit placed high on a wall and connected to an outdoor compressor/condenser unit. They are the best for single rooms or zones where you want targeted cooling or heating. At Proven Air, we believe that wall-mounted split systems are among the best to work with.
- Bulkhead Split System: This system involves the installation of an indoor unit that is hidden away within a ceiling or wall cavity. In the room itself, only the grille is visible. This grille does the heavy lifting, being responsible for both the intake and outtake of air. Not only do these systems provide a minimalist and sleek look, but they are also perfect for spaces with not a lot of wall space for a traditional AC unit.
- Floor Console Split System: Like a wall-mounted unit, these systems combine both an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor AC unit is installed near the floor and is connected via refrigerant lines to the outdoor unit. A perfect option for a residence with limited wall space or sloping ceilings.
- Cassette Split System: One of the most popular choices for commercial buildings. A cassette split system AC unit is made up of a component installed directly into the ceiling. What’s left is a discrete panel that distributes air in a 360-degree pattern. One of the most efficient choices on the market as it does not require ductwork.
- Multi-Head Split System: It is the popular choice for whole-home cooling and heating. A multi-head split system involves an outdoor unit that’s linked to multiple units indoors. This system allows you to heat or cool each room in your residence as you’d like.
Consulting with a team of professionals allows you to weigh up the pros and cons of each option and choose the system that makes the most sense for you and your home or business.
Why is Choosing the Right Split System Important?
Choosing the right split system for your unique personal living arrangements is essential for a number of reasons.
- It impacts the number of rooms you can service, and how flexibly you can control the conditions of each space.
- It influences the overall installation complexity, cost, and suitability for your space. Proven Air emphasises sizing, correct installation, and the right system to your home.
- Each system impacts running costs and efficiency differently. For example, a reverse-cycle model gives both heating & cooling; multi-zone systems might save energy by only conditioning rooms you use.
You can chat with the expert team at Proven Air today to run through our curated selection of options and which one makes the most sense for your home and family.
Benefits of Split System Air Conditioners
There is a reason that split system air conditioners have become the most popular in Australia, and it’s due to a variety of key benefits that they provide. Some of the main benefits include:
- Simple installation and easy maintenance
- Energy efficiency and lower running costs
- Quiet when running
- Improved air quality
- Can cool or heat individual rooms
- Suitability for many different settings
- Significant energy savings and overall value
- Potential increase in property value
While we do love split systems here at Proven Air for air conditioning. It is important to note that it isn’t always the appropriate choice. For a very large space, other systems, such as full ducted, would be more appropriate. If you were to persist for a split system for this type of space, multiple units would be needed for whole-home coverage.
How Much Does a Split System Air Conditioner Cost
Installing a split system air conditioner in your residence usually takes about half a day when performed by a reputable provider such as Proven Air. But how much can you expect to pay? Well, that entirely depends on the installation process, unit placement, property layout and manufacturing recommendations.
Below is a handy table that ballpark the average prices you can expect to pay.
| Capacity/Room Size | Approx. Unit Supply Cost | Installation & Unit Cost | Typical Total Installed Cost |
| Small Room (2.5kW) |
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| Medium Room (3.5-5 kW) |
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| Large Room (6-7 kW) |
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| Complex Installation/Multi-Zone |
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If you are seeking an accurate quote, get in touch with the team at Proven Air today to get started on your air conditioning journey, and keep your home cool this Australian summer.
Maintenance Tips for Split System Air Conditioner
When looked after properly, a high-quality split-system air conditioner typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, but can run smoothly for up to 20 years. However, to get to this range, you will need to invest in proper maintenance.
Here are some of Proven Air’s expert tips for getting the most out of your split-system:
- Regularly clean or replace the air filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage.
- Clean the indoor unit’s evaporator coils at least once a year, as this helps to maintain efficiency.
- Keep the outdoor unit free of obstructions as leaves, dirt, and debris can block the
condenser unit’s airflow, causing the system to overheat or become inefficient.
- Clean the condenser coils every 6 months to a year, as a dirty coil can hinder the system’s ability to release heat.
- Check refrigerant levels annually if the system isn’t cooling effectively.
- Schedule an annual professional maintenance to ensure that all parts of your air conditioning system are working efficiently and safely. It’s best to book a full system check and cleaning prior to the start of the cooling or heating system.
- Turn off your system when not in use, as keeping the system running when it isn’t needed increases energy costs and puts unnecessary strain on the unit.
Why Choose Proven Air?
Now that you are well informed about split-system air conditioning systems, it’s time to decide whether or not you’re ready to make the jump with Proven Air.
We are a family-owned and operated business located in Sydney. With a true passion for the industry, our expert team provides the best in service across all of Sydney. With the most up-to-date and energy-efficient products on the market, we provide professional and ongoing maintenance for all our clients.
Feel the Proven Air difference today and get in touch with a team member today on 1300 776 247 or book online.
FAQs
How easy is it to install a split-system air conditioning unit?
It typically only takes half a day for a professional to install a split-system air conditioning unit. The process usually only takes a small incision in the wall for piping and electrical wiring purposes. No other changes are typically needed for the building.
How long do split system air conditioning units typically last?
When looked after properly, a split system will last more than 10 years and in some cases up to 20 years. It is always recommended to get an annual servicing from a professional.
What is the difference between a single-split and a multi-split system?
A single-split system cools or heats a single room with one indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit. A multi-split system allows multiple indoor units to be connected to one outdoor unit, providing temperature control for several rooms or zones simultaneously.
Can a split-system air conditioner also heat my room?
Yes, they definitely can if you choose a reverse-cycle split system. It will both cool and heat your room. These systems are both equally versatile and energy-efficient. This makes it ideal for year-round comfort.
Are split-system air conditioners noisy?
Split-system air conditioners are generally considered to be quiet, especially when compared to older air conditioner models. Indoor units are typically very quiet during operation, with noise levels ranging from 19-30 dB, the same level as a whisper.
Can I install a split-system air conditioner myself?
It is recommended to never install a split-system air conditioner yourself unless you’re a licensed professional. As it requires knowledge around electrical work, refrigerant handling, and correct alignment for units. Always hire a professional. It’s the smart and safe choice.
