When is a Split System Air Conditioner better?

Property owners have always grappled with the age-old question of when a split system air conditioner is better to have above other air conditioning options.

There are plenty of benefits for a split system air conditioner, many of which we will explore in this article. It’s important to note there is no right or wrong answer, air con will suit the individual, and whether you have a small house, large house, office or commercial space, there are plenty of options to suit every need and budget.

Closeup view about using some appliance such as air condition.

If you’re trying to decide between a ducted system and a split system, we’ll take the time to explore all the options, so whatever solution you choose for your property you can be assured you’re making an informed decision for your needs.

Let’s explore the air condition options

If you have spent any time at all exploring the options for heating or cooling your property, you would have determined there are a few main options for air conditioning. Ducted air conditioning systems, split system wall unit systems, and evaporative cooling systems.

There are benefits for each system, which we will explore and by far the main two options that are usually in properties universally are either ducted systems or split systems.

What is a split system and how is it different?

When you’re shopping around for a split system, the basic reason for the name comes down to the fact that there are two parts to the system, an outdoor metal cabinet and an indoor metal cabinet – this is the reason why the system is called ‘split.’

The indoor unit is wall hung and is attached to a refrigerant line that connects to the outdoor unit. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected and need to be close to one another, and this usually means a split system will be wall hung backing onto the outdoor unit which contains the compressor, condenser, and fan.

A split system while small does need to be installed by a skilled and licensed professional because there is refrigerant in the system and this should never be installed by an unlicensed individual.

The reason split systems are very popular is because property owners don’t need to cut a hole in the wall to accommodate the system, rather they can be affixed to the wall and don’t take up a great deal of space.

Many hotels, apartments, villas, and units use split systems air conditioners due to their affordability, ease of installation and seamless integration with fixtures and décor.

What are the other options and why should I consider them?

If you’re searching online for air conditioning systems, you will come up with a wide range of options for your needs, ranging from evaporative coolers to ducted air conditioning systems that are installed to be used throughout the entire home. Here is a basic overview of the options for air conditioning your Adelaide home:

Split system air conditioning – this is as explained above a unit with an indoor and outdoor unit that can be installed in a room or space for heating or cooling. The unit is ideal for small office spaces, units, or smaller homes where one specific area such as a living room, bedroom or TV space requires heating or cooling.

Portable air conditioning – a portable air conditioner is great for small areas or when an individual is renting or not able to installed fixed or permanent air conditioning systems. On wheels and easily moved, the portable systems can be noisy however can heat or cool a space adequately when needed. A hose vent is attached from the unit to a window to extract heat and push it outside.

Ducted or central air conditioning – one of the more popular options however the most expensive to install and operate is the ducted air conditioning system. Ideal for larger buildings, offices, homes and large spaces, ducted air conditioning is more practical than installing multiple split systems and works to perfectly climate control a space so that it is the perfect environment year round.

Evaporative cooling – a process of air conditioning that cools air through the evaporation of water, an evaporative cooler while popular isn’t always suitable for all climates and should only be used in properties that aren’t located in geographic areas that are high in humidity. If you would like to find out more, please see our evaporative cooling page.

At the end of the day, the decision you make on which option to make for heating and cooling your home will usually come down to your budget and the features you are looking for in an air conditioning unit.

Many people who are interested in evaporative coolers, for example, are looking for a more affordable and natural option for cooling air, while individuals who embrace ducted air conditioning are seeking a whole property solution with one central unit and the option of zoning.

Whatever system you choose, always ensure you purchase your system with a warranty and have the system installed by a licensed professional. By doing this you will be protecting your investment and also ensuring that your warranty remains intact. Any DIY work and unlicensed installations aren’t supported by the warranty, which means should your system breakdown you won’t be covered and all maintenance and repairs within the warranty period will come out of your back pocket.

When is a split system the way to go?

There are basically limitless reasons why individuals wind up choosing a split system, however here are some of the main decision makers.

More flexible that ducted systems – it’s fair to say that if you have an existing home, installing a split system air conditioner is far easier and cheaper than pulling the internal walls and system of your home to retrofit a ducted system. Split systems are installed neatly on the wall without the need for a lot of changes to the interior or exterior of the home, making them a simple and easy air conditioning option for property owners looking for a rapid solution.

Cheaper to install than ducted systems – when you have to install a ducted system you need to interconnect every living space and room within a property, making for a long and expensive process. Imagine needing to connect the inner workings of every single room using a ducted process, it’s not going to be cheap, and it’s not going to be easy, and this is why often split systems and their simple to install indoor and outdoor units are often chosen as an alternative to ducted systems.

Better for small homes or units – when you live in a smaller home, unit or apartment it’s not always easy or even allowed to install ducted air conditioning systems or systems that require the removal of external and internal walls for a retrofit. Split systems can be installed in one day and are usually easily approved in properties that have a body corporate, making them far easier for approval from properties within a body corporate set up.

Suitable for single rooms/office – if you don’t require air conditioning throughout the entire property just in one specific room a split system is ideal. Often individuals who run small businesses from home require an air conditioned working space and a split system offers the perfect climate control for working conditions. Likewise, if you simply want to cool one room within a property and not fork out for air conditioning for the entire property a split system is the perfect solution.

Simple to maintain – while you will need regular maintenance carried out by a registered and licensed professional, basic maintenance and cleaning of a split system is simple. Clean the filter yourself and get some advice on how basic upkeep can save you money in the long run.

Eco-friendly and kind to the environment – when you choose a split system with a high star rating you are selecting an air conditioner that is energy efficient regarding kW output. For individuals looking to lower their carbon footprint and reduce emissions, split systems are available in a wide range of energy efficient options, allowing for the benefit of heating or cooling while at the same time being kind to the environment.

If you want the best advice ask the experts

You do get what you pay for when it comes to seeking advice on air conditioners, and for a split system, the same applies. Rite Price Heating and Cooling offer a complete air conditioning solution for our clients across Adelaide and offer the best advice from a family owned and run business.

We take pride in the fact that our business takes care of our customers and go the extra mile to ensure whatever air conditioning system you’re looking to buy we offer the best advice and after sales support. If you’re looking to find out more about a split system air conditioner and why it is ideal for your property we can help. Speak with one of the team from Rite Price today and experience our personal level of service.