How to Choose the Right Split System Air Conditioning Unit for Your Home

Last updated on May 9, 2025

Split System air conditioners have become a go-to option for many Australian homes and businesses, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they energy-efficient, but they’re also budget-friendly, helping you stay cool without burning a hole in your pocket.

These systems are great at delivering powerful cooling (and heating!) while using less electricity compared to many other types of air conditioners.

That means lower energy bills and more comfort, all year round.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how split systems work, how they stack up against ducted air conditioning, and what you need to know about choosing the right size unit, installation costs, and the pros and cons to consider.

With the right information, you’ll be in a much better position to make a smart, cost-effective decision for your home or workplace cooling needs.

Split System vs. Ducted System: What’s the Difference?

Split System vs. Ducted System illustration

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Two of the most common options are split systems and ducted systems. While both cool your home, they work in very different ways.

Let’s break it down simply.

What is a Split System?

A split system has two main parts:

An indoor unit mounted on the wall
An outdoor unit (the compressor)

The indoor unit blows cool air into the room, while the outdoor unit pushes out the heat. It’s a great option for cooling a single room or a small area.

Why homeowners love it:

Cheaper upfront cost compared to ducted systems
Quick installation – no major work needed
Easy to control – you can set the temperature for each unit separately

Did you know? According to energy.gov.au, split systems are one of the most energy-efficient cooling options for small spaces.

What is a Ducted System?

A ducted system is more powerful. It cools your entire house through a network of ducts installed in your ceiling or floor.

Here’s how it works:

A central unit (usually hidden in the roof or under the house) produces cool air
The air travels through ducts to every room
It’s controlled by one central thermostat

Why it’s a good choice for bigger homes:

Cools every room at once
Looks clean and modern – all you see are the vents
Zoning options let you control which rooms get cooled

Heads up: Installing a ducted system costs more upfront and may require structural work, especially if your home doesn’t already have ducts.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Split System	Ducted System
Coverage	One room or small space	Entire home
Cost (initial)	Lower	Higher
Installation time	Quick and simple	More complex
Temperature control	Room-by-room	Whole house (or zones, if enabled)
Best for…	Apartments, small homes, single rooms	Larger homes, families

Which One’s Right for You?

If you’re after a budget-friendly solution for one or two rooms, go with a split system.
If you want a seamless, whole-home cooling solution and are ready for a bigger investment, consider a ducted system.

Still not sure?

It helps to think about your home size, budget, and how many rooms you want to cool. If you’re renovating or building new, ducted might be worth the upgrade. But for quick comfort in just one area, a split system is tough to beat.

What Size Split System Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the right size split system for your home is super important.

It’s not just about keeping cool—it’s about doing it efficiently and without wasting money on high energy bills.

If your unit is too small, it’ll struggle to cool the room. Too big, and it’ll cost more to run and cycle on and off too often. The goal? A system that’s just the right size for your space.

Here’s how to get it right:

Start With Room Size

The size of your room is the most significant factor. A small bedroom doesn’t need the same power as a large open-plan living area.

Use this as a quick guide:

2.5–3.5 kw → Best for small rooms (10–30 m²), like bedrooms or home offices.
5.0 kw → Great for medium spaces (30–45 m²), such as living rooms.
7.0–8.0 kw → Needed for bigger areas (45–65 m²), like open-plan dining/kitchen areas.
8.0–10.0+ kw → Ideal for large rooms or homes with open layouts over 65 m².

Did you know? According to energy.gov.au, split systems are one of the most energy-efficient cooling options for small spaces.

Check Your Insulation

Is your home well-insulated? If yes, great—you’ll need less cooling power. Insulated walls, ceilings, and windows help keep the cool air inside.

But if your room gets hot fast and loses cool air quickly, your air conditioner will have to work harder. That means you might need a slightly bigger unit to keep things comfy.

Think About Your Climate

Live in a hotter region like Sydney or Brisbane? Your air con will need more power to handle those high temps. In cooler areas, you can get away with a smaller system.

Tip: In warmer zones, look for a unit with a higher Energy Star rating for better year-round efficiency.

How Will You Use the Room?

A quiet bedroom with one person won’t need as much cooling as a kitchen with appliances running and lots of people moving around.

More people = more body heat.
More electronics = more heat.
More heat = more cooling power needed.

Final Tip: Always Get Expert Advice

While these tips are a great starting point, every home is different. It’s always a smart idea to get a professional assessment, especially if you’re installing a system for the first time.

Bottom Line:
Picking the right size split system means better comfort, lower bills, and longer-lasting equipment.

Think about your room size, insulation, climate, and how you use your space. Then choose a system that matches your needs, not just the biggest one on the shelf.

Need help sizing your unit?

Talk to our installer, who can guide you based on your home layout and local conditions.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Split System Air Conditioner in Australia?

Thinking about installing a split system air conditioner in your home? Good call! These systems are energy-efficient, quiet, and great for cooling specific rooms. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand the costs involved.

Let’s break it down in plain English—no jargon, no fuss.

The Average Cost in Australia

On average, Aussie homeowners spend between $1,000 and $1,200 to get a split system air conditioner professionally installed. But keep in mind—this is a rough estimate. Your final price can go up or down depending on:

The brand and model
The size of the unit
How tricky the installation is

Cost Breakdown (What You’re Really Paying For)

The unit itself – This usually costs between $700 and $4,000. The price depends on how powerful the system is and which brand you choose. Top names like Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric sit at the higher end.
Installation cost – Hiring a professional can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500. This includes everything: mounting the units, connecting pipes, electrical work, and making sure your system runs safely and smoothly.
Extra items – Sometimes, you’ll need additional things like:
- Power points or circuit upgrades
- Wall brackets for the outdoor unit
- Longer piping (if the indoor and outdoor units are far apart)

So yes, it’s a bit of an investment—but one that pays off with cool, comfortable air and lower energy bills.

What Affects the Price?

Several things can influence how much you’ll pay:

Room Size: Bigger rooms need more powerful (and pricier) systems.
Brand & Features: Budget brands are cheaper, but premium models often come with perks like Wi-Fi control, smart sensors, or eco modes.
Your Home’s Layout: If your home is tricky to access or needs extra work to fit the system in, expect to pay a bit more.

How Is a Split System Installed?

This isn’t a DIY job—it must be done by a licensed technician. Here’s what they’ll do:

Site check – They inspect where to place both the indoor and outdoor units. The indoor part should go on a strong wall. The outdoor unit needs plenty of airflow and is often placed on a balcony, wall bracket, or ground mount.
Mounting the units – The indoor unit is secured inside, while the outdoor one is set up outside.
Connections – The installer links the two units using refrigerant pipes and electrical wiring.
Testing – Finally, they turn the system on, check for leaks, and make sure everything is running like clockwork.

What’s the Difference Between AC and Split AC?

Great question! “AC” (air conditioner) is the general term for any system that cools the air—this includes window units, ducted systems, or portable models.

A split AC is a specific type of AC. It has two parts:

One unit indoors (for blowing cool air)
One unit outdoors (to release heat)

Because the noisy part stays outside, split systems are quieter and more energy-efficient. That’s why many Aussie homeowners prefer them over window or portable units.

Pros of Split System Air Conditioners

Energy-efficient – They use less power and cool faster.
Quieter – The noisy parts are outside, so you can enjoy peace and quiet indoors.
No ductwork needed – Installation is simpler than ducted systems.
Zoned cooling – You only cool the rooms you use, which helps save money.

Cons to Consider

Higher upfront cost – More expensive than window units, but still cheaper than ducted systems.
Limited coverage – One unit = one room. Want to cool the whole house? You’ll need multiple systems.
Wall-mounted indoor unit – Some people don’t like how it looks in their room.

Final Thought

A split system air conditioner is a smart, long-term investment for your comfort and your wallet. While the initial cost can vary, many Aussie homeowners find the energy savings and quiet performance well worth it.

Plus, with energy prices rising, an efficient system like this could help lower your bills in the long run. That’s a win-win!