What is a Split System Air Conditioner?
Split system air conditioners are a type of air conditioning system that is permanently installed into a room in your home or office. They are not something one dismantles to relocate to another home.
As the name implies, split system air conditioners operate using two distinct parts that work in tandem to cool (or heat) your home. A wall-mounted part of the air conditioner connects to an exterior unit that sits outside the home. The exterior unit is both a compressor and condenser which is the “engine room” that performs the heating or cooling. Air returns through a ducted pipe from the external unit into the interior wall mount where air flow can be controlled.
Understanding Your Cooling Needs
When it comes to choosing the right air conditioner, understanding your cooling needs is crucial. This involves considering the size of the space you want to cool, the number of people who will be using the space, and the level of cooling you require. You should also think about the type of activities that will be taking place in the space, as this can affect the cooling needs. For example, a home gym or a home office may require more cooling than a living room. Additionally, air conditioner efficiency is influenced by factors such as the home's shading, window placements, and overall environment.
It’s also important to consider the climate and weather patterns in your area. If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may need a more powerful air conditioner to keep your space cool. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate, a smaller air conditioner may be sufficient. By carefully assessing these factors, you can ensure you choose the right air conditioner to meet your specific needs.
Understanding Air Conditioner Size
Choosing the right size air conditioner is crucial for effective cooling and heating. An air conditioner that is too small may struggle to cool the space properly, leading to discomfort and higher energy bills as it works overtime. Conversely, an air conditioner that is too large may cool the room too quickly without adequately dehumidifying the air, resulting in a clammy and uncomfortable environment. Additionally, an oversized unit can consume more energy than necessary, leading to higher running costs.
Air conditioner size is typically measured in kilowatts (kW), which represents the unit’s cooling capacity. The size of the air conditioner you need depends on various factors, including the size of the room, insulation, window size, and local climate. A larger room requires a more powerful air conditioner, while a smaller room can be cooled with a smaller unit. Understanding these factors will help you select the right size air conditioner, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Size
Several factors influence the size of the air conditioner you need. These include:
- Room size: The larger the room, the more powerful the air conditioner required to cool the space effectively.
- Insulation: Well-insulated rooms retain cool air better, allowing for the use of smaller air conditioners. Poorly insulated rooms, on the other hand, may require larger units to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Window size: Large windows can let in a significant amount of heat, especially if they are not shaded or covered. This increases the cooling load and necessitates a more powerful air conditioner.
- Local climate: Areas with high temperatures and humidity levels demand more powerful air conditioners to maintain comfort. Conversely, milder climates may require less powerful units.
- Shading: Rooms with shading from trees, awnings, or other structures are naturally cooler and may need smaller air conditioners.
- Window coverings: Curtains, blinds, and other window coverings can reduce heat gain from sunlight, allowing for the use of smaller air conditioners.
By considering these factors, you can better determine the air conditioner you need, ensuring it is powerful enough to cool your space efficiently without wasting energy.
Common Mistakes When Buying Split System Air Conditioners
A common misconception is that leaving a smaller air conditioning unit running for long enough will cool or heat a large space. All this does is produce an unnecessarily large power bill without really improving the comfort of your home. In the long run it’s hardly worth it. It’s best to match your space with a split system air conditioner that has the appropriate cooling capacity to cool or heat the room. This way power is easily regulated for maximum efficiency reducing your energy consumption and increasing the comfort in your home or office.
Choosing the Right Size Air Conditioner
As a guide, the following split systems are best suited for the space in your home. To determine the air conditioner you need, consider the size of the space and the specific cooling requirements.
There are various air conditioning systems available, including split systems, portable units, and more, each tailored to meet different cooling needs.
| Room size (square metres) | Room | Recommended Air Conditioner |
| 10 - 20m2 | Small bedroom or study | Choose from the 2-3kW range. |
| 20 - 30m2 | Media room or dining room | Choose from the 3-4kW range. |
| 30 - 45m2 | Large bedroom, mid sized living or dining areas or a home office. | Choose from the 5-6kW range. |
| 45 - 65m2 | Large or open plan areas, rooms with high ceilings. | Choose from the 7-9kW range. |
Calculating the Right Air Conditioner Size
Calculating the right air conditioner size involves considering the factors mentioned above. One effective method is to use a cooling load and heating load calculator, which takes into account room size, insulation, window size, and local climate to provide an accurate estimate of the required air conditioner size.
Alternatively, you can use a rough guide to estimate the required air conditioner size based on room size. Here are some general recommendations:
- Small rooms (up to 20m2): 2-2.5kW
- Medium rooms (20-40m2): 2.5-5kW
- Large rooms (40-60m2): 5-9kW
- Extra-large rooms (60+m2): 6-10kW
While this guide provides a useful starting point, the actual required air conditioner size may vary depending on specific factors such as insulation, window size, and local climate. For the most accurate assessment, consider consulting with a professional or using a detailed calculator.
By carefully calculating the right air conditioner size, you can ensure that your new air conditioner provides optimal cooling and heating, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency in your home or office.
Energy Efficiency and Running Costs
Energy efficiency is an important consideration when choosing an air conditioner. An energy-efficient air conditioner can help reduce your running costs and minimize your environmental impact. Look for an air conditioner with a high energy efficiency rating, such as a 5-star rating or higher.
The running costs of an air conditioner can vary depending on the size and type of the unit, as well as the cooling needs of your space. A larger air conditioner may be more expensive to run than a smaller one, but it may also be more effective at cooling your space. To give you a better idea of the running costs, here are some approximate figures:
- A small air conditioner (2-2.5kW) can cost around $0.20-$0.30 per hour to run.
- A medium-sized air conditioner (2.5-5kW) can cost around $0.30-$0.50 per hour to run.
- A large air conditioner (5-9kW) can cost around $0.50-$1.00 per hour to run.
By choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner, you can enjoy cool air while keeping your energy bills in check.
Before You Buy
Measure up your space with a tape measure to determine its dimensions then call one of our local stores who can advise you on the best-split system air conditioner to suit your needs. Consider a portable air conditioner if you need a flexible and convenient cooling solution for smaller spaces. Ask about installation and delivery.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner. It’s recommended to hire a professional to install your air conditioner, as they can ensure that the unit is installed correctly and safely.
Regular maintenance is also important to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. This includes cleaning the filter, checking the refrigerant levels, and inspecting the unit for any signs of damage or wear. Here are some tips for maintaining your air conditioner:
- Clean the filter every 1-2 months to ensure good airflow and efficiency.
- Check the refrigerant levels every 6-12 months to ensure that the unit is running efficiently.
- Inspect the unit every 6-12 months for any signs of damage or wear.
- Consider hiring a professional to perform an annual maintenance check on your air conditioner.
Can I install a Split System Myself?
No. They are a specialised unit and can be especially tough to install.
When installing a new air conditioner, it is important to ensure that it is done by qualified professionals. Split Systems Air Conditioners need to be installed by qualified electricians with an ARC approval that allows them to handle refrigerant gases safely.
How much is installation?
The cost of installing air conditioning units varies and will depend on various factors that affect the complexity and the time it takes to install them. It’s best to contact a local installer who will provide you with a quote based on your home or office layout, travel time, access to power and any other materials that may be needed to properly finish the installation. Some of the bigger air conditioners may require the installation of three-phase power to your home as well. Therefore, installation could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars upward.
How long should a split system last? and do they come with a warranty?
Most modern split system air conditioners are issued with a manufacturer’s warranty for five years and in some cases can be extended further. A reverse-cycle air conditioner can also provide both heating and cooling, making it a versatile option for year-round use. Looked after properly, a split system air conditioner can last for many many years. Thus, it is important to properly fit an air conditioner so that it’s not constantly overworked which will ultimately lengthen its life span.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your air conditioner runs efficiently and effectively, and that you get the most out of your investment.
