Split system air conditioning units are a must-have for many Australian homes, providing efficient cooling in the summer and cosy heating during winter. As electricians, we frequently get asked specific questions about how to choose the right system, the costs involved, and how to maintain it. Below are the top five questions we hear about split system installations, and our answers to help you make informed decisions for your home.
Remember, feel free to call us anytime for a chat or get a free quote.
1.What size system do I need for my room?
Choosing the correct size split system is crucial for ensuring your room stays comfortable without skyrocketing energy bills. A unit that’s too small will struggle to cool the room, while one that’s too large will waste energy and your hard-earned dollars. Here’s a rough guide to sizing:
- Rooms 10-20m²: 2.5kW system
- Rooms 20-30m²: 3.5kW system
- Rooms 30-45m²: 5-6kW system
- Rooms 45-65m²: 7-8kW system
It’s important to also consider the room’s insulation, ceiling height, and windows. For example, rooms with high ceilings or large windows facing the sun will need more power to cool down. To get a more accurate estimate of the size of the system you will need contact us for a free quote.
🔧 Fun fact: Installing the wrong-sized unit is like bringing a hairdryer to cool off in the desert—not the best choice!
2. What is the best split system to buy in Australia?
Australia’s climate demands high-quality air conditioning systems that can handle both scorching heat and chilly winters. We have installed many air conditioning systems, these are our favorites for reliability, energy efficiency, and durability:
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Fujitsu
These brands are often praised for their quiet operation, energy-efficient models, and longevity. Many homeowners opt for reverse-cycle split systems because they offer both heating and cooling, which is ideal for year-round comfort.
Pro tip: Go for systems with high energy star ratings—they might cost a little more upfront, but they’ll save you in the long run.
3. What does it cost to install a split system?
The cost of installing a split system can vary depending on the complexity of the job. On average it costs around $1739.34+GST to install a split system air conditioning unit. Note, additional costs may arise if electrical upgrades are needed (e.g., switchboard upgrades or longer pipe runs).
These prices don’t include the actual cost of the air conditioner itself, which can range from $600 to $5000 depending on the brand and size.
Dad joke alert: What did the electrician say when asked about installation costs? “It’ll shock you!”
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a split system?
Split systems have their pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Advantages:
- Energy Efficiency: Split systems, especially reverse cycle ones, are efficient for heating and cooling a single room.
- Huge Range: there are many designs, sizes and colours.
- Cost-Effective: Because you don’t need to install ducts, installation costs are generally lower.
- Cheaper to run: Running costs are generally lower than ducted systems primarily because ducted systems require you to cool/heat multiple rooms that you may not be using rather than just one.
- Versatility: You can install multiple units in different rooms to have zoned climate control. This means you can just cool/heat the rooms you want.
Disadvantages:
- Indoor Noise: Split systems are noisier than ducted systems, however, modern split systems these days are whisper quiet. It really comes down to personal preferences.
- Limited Coverage: They are best suited for individual rooms rather than cooling an entire home.
- Aesthetics: The indoor unit is visible on your wall, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
5. How much does it cost to run a split system?
Running costs in Melbourne for a medium size room are around $48 per year for cooling and $306 per year for heating. A large room running costs are $73 per year for cooling and $471 per year for heating. Note: these costs can vary depending on the height of your ceilings and how much direct sun the room gets. Importantly, the split system’s energy efficiency plays a big role in keeping the running costs down. Look for models with inverter technology, which helps the unit operate more smoothly and efficiently, and a high energy star rating.
Dad joke alert #2: Why did the air conditioner go to school? Because it wanted to be cooler!
Conclusion
Installing a split system air conditioner is a smart investment for any Australian home, offering comfort in all seasons. By answering the top five questions electricians get asked, we hope you have a clearer understanding of what to expect. Whether it’s choosing the right size, selecting the best brand, or knowing what installation and running costs will be, having this knowledge will help you make the best decisions.
At Luno Electrical, we pride ourselves on providing expert advice and high-quality installations, ensuring your air conditioning system works efficiently and reliably. That why we have a 5-star rating on Google from over 130 reviews.
Contact us today, and let’s keep your home cool (or warm!) all year round. You can also get a free quote anytime from us.
