Reasons why you should opt for a split system air conditioner

Reasons to Opt for a Split System Air Conditioner

Australia is known for harsh weather—heatwaves, humidity, and freezing mornings. Cooling is essential across homes and commercial spaces nationwide.
With rising renovations and new builds, understanding your options—especially the Split System Air Conditioner—is critical for year-round comfort.

Air Conditioning Adelaide

Air conditioning is essential in Australian homes and offices for managing both extreme heat and winter chill.

A Split System Air Conditioner offers easy installation, energy efficiency, and affordable comfort across residential and commercial properties.

They’re perfect for cooling or heating one or more rooms without the need for full ducted systems.

This is ideal for two-story homes or rooms that require dedicated air treatment and temperature control.

Understanding Your Options

Considerations When Choosing a System

Think about your goals:

  • What rooms need cooling or heating?

  • How many systems do you need?

  • What’s your installation and running budget?

These are essential questions before investing in any air conditioning system for your home or office.

Avoid upsells on unnecessary features by knowing your needs and budget ahead of speaking with any retailers.

Why Choose a Split System Air Conditioner?

This system provides targeted temperature control to keep specific rooms comfortable, day or night.

You can buy one or more units based on budget and expand later as needed.

It’s cost-effective, efficient, and provides flexibility in heating or cooling individual rooms or zones.

Each unit operates independently, giving more control over your energy usage.

What Is a Split System Air Conditioning Unit?

These systems are designed to cool or heat individual rooms or open-plan areas efficiently and affordably.

split system Air Conditioners

They consist of an outdoor condenser and an indoor fan coil, working together for effective airflow.

Split systems use far less energy than ducted systems and are cheaper to install and maintain.

They’re great for households on a budget, or those who want flexibility to add units over time.

Each unit operates separately, letting you control the temperature room by room.

Split Systems vs. Ducted Systems

Installation and Operation

Ducted systems run through the roof cavity and cool the entire house via ceiling ducts from one central controller.

They often require full property access, multiple days for install, and extensive roof or floor space.

Split systems, however, are quick to install—often completed in a single day by a licensed technician.

Ideal for retrofitting, they work well in existing homes and apartments where ducted access is limited.

If you’re renting, a Split System Air Conditioner is your most viable solution for year-round climate control.

Comparing Costs and Practicality

Ducted Systems

  • Start from $8,000 for small homes
  • Costs rise with zoning, reverse-cycle upgrades, and added rooms
  • Require large wall and ceiling space
  • Longer installation time

Split Systems

  • Cost between $1,000–$2,000 per unit
  • Easy to install
  • More budget-friendly
  • Can be added gradually

New Home Builds

New builds offer flexibility to choose the ideal air conditioning system from the start.

Room count, energy efficiency, and property size influence whether you go ducted or split.

Larger homes may use both—ducted systems in open areas, and split systems in bedrooms or studies.

For small homes or units, a Split System Air Conditioner often provides the best balance of performance and value.

How Much Should You Spend on a Split System Air Conditioner?

Costs vary by system type, size of your home, and energy rating of the unit you choose.

Power usage is important—cooling during heatwaves adds to utility bills, so efficiency should be a top priority.

Ducted units have higher installation and running costs, while split systems offer flexibility and lower electricity bills.

Choose based on your home’s needs and your ability to manage long-term energy consumption.

Pros and Cons of Each System

Ducted Air Conditioning

Pros

  • Full-home cooling or heating
  • Zoned control
  • Discreet installation
  • Single outdoor unit

Cons

  • High upfront and running costs
  • Long installation time
  • Not suitable for all homes
  • Cannot cool individual rooms independently

Split System Air Conditioning

Pros

  • Lower cost and faster install
  • Energy-efficient
  • Easy to expand room by room
  • Independent temperature control

Cons

  • Cools or heats limited areas only
  • Indoor and outdoor units are visible

Make the Smart Choice

While both systems offer advantages, the Split System Air Conditioner is flexible, cost-effective, and ideal for most Australian homes.

From reduced energy bills to simpler maintenance, it’s a smart option for heating and cooling all year round.

When choosing your air conditioning, compare features, consider your layout, and match your system to your budget.