How does a split system air conditioner work?
A split system air conditioner works by using an indoor unit to blow cool air into your space and an outdoor unit to release the heat extracted from inside. This energy-efficient setup allows separate units to be installed throughout your property, so you can enjoy the right temperature in every room.
Not sure if this is the best air conditioning system for your building and budget? Here, we cover everything you need to know about split system air conditioning, including how split systems work, their pros and cons, what size unit you need, installation prices and cleaning tips.
What is a split system air conditioner?
A split system air conditioner, also known as a split system AC or split AC, is a type of air conditioning unit made up of outdoor and indoor units working together.
This setup is designed to efficiently cool individual rooms by placing multiple indoor units throughout your home – one in each space, all of which connect to a single outdoor unit.
An indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall inside the home and is responsible for blowing cool or warm air into the room. The outside unit contains the compressor and condenser, which work to regulate the temperature of the outdoor air before it’s sent indoors.
The two units are connected by insulated tubes, which are piped through a small hole in the wall.
Pros and cons of split system air conditioning
Split system air conditioners are the most popular air conditioning units in Australia. However, there are some disadvantages of split systems, especially for larger homes with open plan layouts.
Pros:
- Easy to install and maintain
- Quiet operation
- Can cool or heat individual rooms
- Energy efficient compared to other options, helping to reduce power consumption and lower energy bills
- Offer significant energy savings and overall value, making them an affordable choice for many households
Cons:
- Not suitable for large open spaces
- Multiple units may be needed for whole-home coverage
- Indoor units are visible on the wall
When comparing split systems to ducted systems, it’s important to note that ducted systems use ductwork to deliver conditioned air throughout a building and are suitable for larger spaces, offering zone control and discrete vents.
However, split system air conditioning generally provides greater energy efficiency and cost effectiveness for individual rooms, making it a preferred choice for targeted comfort and savings.
How does split aircon work?
A split system air conditioner works using a process called the refrigeration cycle, where refrigerant gas circulates through a closed-loop system to absorb and release heat.
Unlike traditional air conditioning units, split system AC includes two main parts: an indoor unit (with an evaporator coil) and an outdoor unit (with a compressor and condenser coil).
Here’s how split system air conditioning works:
- Refrigerant cycle:
The refrigerant starts as a low-pressure gas and is compressed in the outdoor unit’s compressor, turning it into a high-pressure, hot liquid. - Heat release:
This hot liquid travels through the outdoor unit’s condenser coil, where a fan helps release the heat into the outside air. The refrigerant turns into a high-pressure liquid as it cools down. - Cooling process:
The cooled liquid refrigerant flows into the indoor unit’s evaporator coil. Here, it expands and evaporates into a cold, low-pressure gas, absorbing heat from the indoor air in the process. - Air circulation:
A fan in the indoor unit draws warm air from the room across the cold evaporator coil. As the air passes over the coil, it cools down and is then blown back into the room. - Repeat cycle:
The warm refrigerant gas travels back to the compressor, and the cycle repeats until the set temperature is reached. At that point, the system cycles down or turns off automatically.
Inverter technology in split systems allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds rather than just full speed or off, improving energy efficiency, quieter operation, and overall comfort.
Do split air conditioner systems heat and cool?
Yes, reverse cycle air conditioners can heat and cool. These versatile climate control systems provide both heating and cooling by reversing the refrigeration cycle within the same unit.
For cooling, the unit draws in the hot air and cools it, before pumping cold air back into the room. When operating in reverse cycle mode, the system draws in ambient air, heats it by reversing the refrigeration cycle, and then pumps the warm air back into the room.
The refrigerant travels through the system’s chambers before flowing to the condenser. Once the refrigerant is compressed, it begins to warm. Once heated to the desired temperature, it will flow through to warm the inside of your home.
Read more about the heating benefits of reverse cycle air conditioning here.
What size split system do I need?
Choosing the right size split system air conditioning is important to maximise performance and minimise running costs.
The cooling capacity of a split system AC, measured in kilowatts, is a key factor in determining the right size for your room. Air conditioners that are too big will use more energy, while air conditioners that are too small will not cool the room sufficiently.
The four biggest things that impact the right size air conditioner for your desired temperature include:
- Room size
- Insulation
- Location
- Orientation
Room size
Floor space and total volume of the room are one of the most important factors in determining the size of the air conditioner you will need. Rooms with higher ceilings will require more energy to cool.
Generally speaking, the following applies:
A 10m2 to 20m2 room will need a 2.6kW unit
A 20m2 to 30m2 room will need a 3.5kW unit
A 30m2 to 45m2 room will need a 5-6kW unit
A 45m2 to 65m2 room will need a 7-8kW unit
However, it’s always a good idea to seek expert advice before making a decision.
Insulation
Proper ceiling insulation plays a major role in improving your home’s thermal efficiency. By keeping cool air inside, good insulation allows your air conditioner to work more effectively and helps reduce energy costs.
Location
Australia’s climate is so diverse. If you live in sunny Port Stephens, you will require a more powerful air conditioner than in Hobart.
While we don’t get freezing cold or boiling hot temperatures here in Newcastle, we recommend reverse cycle split system air conditioning for ultimate comfort all year round.
Orientation
Which way does the room face? A large north or west-facing window can let in a lot of heat in summer, whereas a shaded, south-facing window will be a lot cooler.
Installing a split system air conditioner
Split system air conditioners require installation by licensed professionals to safely handle gas refrigerant, connect electrical wires between indoor and outdoor units, and conduct electrical wiring and plumbing into your home’s stormwater system.
DIY installation of split system air conditioners is not recommended, as it can lead to safety hazards and void warranties.
Outdoor split system units are typically fitted on the exterior wall of the room that requires cooling, while indoor units are mounted on the wall inside the room.
The outdoor unit should be installed in a shaded area away from direct sunlight and living spaces to minimise noise and boost efficiency. Generally speaking, it’s better to install the indoor unit on a long wall of the room and not directly above a window.
How much do split system air conditioners cost to install?
Installing a split system air conditioner usually takes about half a day. NewAge Air offers split system supply and installation from $1,721. However, the installation process, placement and price may vary depending on the property layout and manufacturer recommendations.
Read more in our post, Air Conditioner Installation Cost.
How to clean a split system air conditioner
You should clean your air conditioner twice a year. Regular cleaning and maintenance, especially cleaning or replacing the air filters, will help the AC unit run more efficiently, maintain good air quality, and prevent costly repairs.
Before you clean any part of your indoor and outdoor units, make sure the split system is completely turned off.
Cleaning the indoor unit
The indoor unit has dust filters that need regular cleaning. The more you use the air conditioner, the more often you will need to clean the filters. When the dust filters get clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder to push cool air through it, resulting in higher running costs.
To clean the dust filters, simply pop open the plastic cover and remove the filters. Take them outside and give them a good brush or shake, or vacuum with the dusting brush head. If the dust filters are really dirty, you can wash them in warm, soapy water. Just make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in the air conditioning unit.
You may also be able to remove the louvres (blades) inside the air conditioner. If so, clean them and the space behind them inside the unit thoroughly with a cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning the outdoor unit
Keep the outdoor unit clear of grass and plants and brush away dust, leaves and cobwebs regularly.
You can run a vacuum cleaner over the air intake to help clear dust from the outside. But, leave cleaning the internal components to the professionals.
Find out more tips and tricks in our post, How To Clean Your Air Conditioner.
Boost energy efficiency and cost effectiveness with split system air conditioning
Split system air conditioning is the most cost-effective and versatile option for homes in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioner, call our air conditioning specialists for expert advice and check out our range of split system air conditioners here.