What Is a Split System Air Conditioner? Everything You Need to Know
Split system air conditioners are the most popular cooling and heating solution for Australian homes. If you're new to air conditioning or replacing an old system, this guide explains exactly how split systems work, what to look for, and what to expect from installation.
What Is a Split System?
A split system air conditioner is called 'split' because it has two separate units that work together: an indoor unit (mounted on a wall inside your home) and an outdoor unit (the compressor/condenser unit mounted outside, usually on the ground or a wall bracket).
The two units are connected by refrigerant lines and electrical cables that pass through a small hole in the wall. This design is much quieter and more efficient than older window units, which house everything in one noisy box.
Reverse Cycle vs Cooling Only
Most split systems sold in Australia today are reverse-cycle, meaning they both cool in summer and heat in winter. This makes them the most versatile climate control option. When heating, they're 3–4 times more energy-efficient than electric bar heaters. The 'reverse cycle' refers to the ability to reverse the refrigerant flow to extract heat from outdoor air and pump it inside.
How Does Cooling Work?
The indoor unit draws warm room air across cold refrigerant coils. Heat from the air transfers to the refrigerant, cooling the air, which the unit blows back into the room. The refrigerant carries that heat to the outdoor unit, which releases it outside. The cycle repeats until the room reaches your set temperature, then the inverter motor reduces speed to maintain it.
Inverter Technology
All modern split systems use inverter compressors. Unlike older non-inverter models that switched on and off at full power, an inverter compressor varies its speed continuously to match the exact cooling or heating demand. This results in 30–50% less electricity use and much more stable room temperatures.
What Does Installation Involve?
Installing a split system requires a licensed refrigeration mechanic (also called an HVAC technician). The installation involves: mounting the indoor unit on the wall, mounting the outdoor unit, drilling a hole through the wall for the connecting pipes, connecting and pressure-testing the refrigerant lines, running electrical cables, and a test run. At Oceania Appliances, our supply-and-install service covers everything from $499 all-inclusive.
How Long Do Split Systems Last?
A well-maintained split system from a quality brand lasts 12–20 years. Annual cleaning of the indoor unit filters (DIY) and a service every 3–5 years (by a technician) are all that's needed. Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin and Fujitsu units installed in the early 2000s are still running in Sydney homes.
Get a Split System Installed This Week
Oceania Appliances stocks and installs Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Panasonic and Fujitsu split systems. Supply and install from $499. We cover all of greater Sydney. Call 0481 243 211 or visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.