What Is a Split System Air Conditioner?

What Is a Split System Air Conditioner? 

In Australia, having an air conditioner isn't a luxury anymore—it's a household essential.

With our scorching summers and unpredictable winters, split system air conditioners have become a staple in Aussie homes for all the right reasons.

But what is a split system air conditioner, and why has it earned a spot in so many living rooms across the country? 

In simple terms, a split system consists of two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. 

The indoor unit, usually mounted on a wall inside your room, quietly delivers cooled or heated air to keep you comfortable. 

The outdoor unit sits outside your home and houses the compressor and condenser, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

The Science Behind Split System A/Cs

1. Refrigeration Cycle

At the heart of every split system air conditioner is something called the refrigeration cycle.

Here's how it works:

• Heat absorption: The indoor unit contains an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant. As warm air from your room passes over this coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat, cooling the air. This cool air is then gently blown back into your room.

• Heat release: The now-warm refrigerant travels through copper pipes to the outdoor unit. Here, in the condenser coil, it releases the absorbed heat into the outside air.

• The cycle repeats: The cooled refrigerant then cycles back to the indoor unit to absorb more heat, and the process repeats.

2. Heat Transfer

In cooling mode, the system moves heat from inside your home to the outside. But what about when it's cold outside? That's where a reverse cycle air conditioner shines. 

It can reverse this process, extracting heat from the outside air—even on cold days—and bringing it inside to warm your home. 

Nearly all split systems on the market today are reverse cycles and are a super popular choice for our diverse climate here in Australia!

If you're looking for an even more detailed explanation of reverse cycle systems, read here!

3. Components and Connections

• Indoor unit: This is the sleek, quiet part that sits inside your room, containing the evaporator coil and a fan to circulate the air.

• Outdoor unit: Installed outside, it houses the compressor and condenser coil, working hard to keep your home comfortable.

• Connections: The two units are linked by copper pipes (for the refrigerant) and electrical wiring, allowing them to communicate and work together seamlessly.

What Are the Benefits of Split System A/Cs?

Easy Installation

Nobody wants a complicated, messy installation process. With a split system, installation is generally straightforward and hassle-free!

Since there's no need for ductwork, minimal changes to your home's structure are needed. 

Plus, the indoor units can be placed wherever they fit best in your space, giving you flexibility and control over your home's layout.

Low Maintenance

Keeping your air conditioner running its best shouldn't be a chore. Split systems are designed to make maintenance quick and easy. 

Regularly cleaning the filters in the indoor unit helps maintain good air quality and system efficiency, and it's easy to do yourself.

Cost-Effective

In today's economic climate, every dollar counts. Split system air conditioners are generally more affordable upfront compared to ducted systems. 

And with energy-efficient models, you'll save on running costs in the long run. It's a win-win for your wallet and your comfort.

Quiet Operation

We all want our home to be our retreat from the world, free from annoying noises and stress! One of the standout features of split system A/Cs is their quiet operation.

The indoor unit runs super quietly, so you can relax, work, or sleep without any distractions.

Since the noisier components live in the outdoor unit, you get the benefits of powerful performance without the racket.

Reverse Cycle Technology

Why have separate systems for heating and cooling when you can have one that does both?

A reverse cycle split system allows you to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter. 

It's an all-in-one solution that adapts to Australia's diverse climate, keeping you comfortable year-round.

Inverter Technology

Ever noticed how some older air conditioners turn on and off constantly? That can be both annoying and inefficient.

Inverter technology solves this problem by allowing the compressor to adjust its speed based on the temperature needs of your room. 

This means your air conditioner maintains a consistent temperature without frequent stops and starts.

On average, you can expect an inverter air conditioner to be up to 30-50% more efficient than non-inverter systems. 

The result? Greater energy efficiency and much lower running costs!

Smart Functions 

In today's connected world, convenience is a must. Many modern split system air conditioners come with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity.

This means you can control your air conditioner from your smartphone, whether you're chilling on the lounge or on your way home from work. 

Imagine stepping into a perfectly cooled or heated home every time—now that's smart living.

Take Control of Your Comfort With Midea

By now, you probably have a solid understanding of a split system air conditioner and why it's such a great option for your home. It's efficient, versatile, and designed to make your life easier. 

So, what's the next step?

At Midea, our range of split system air conditioners combines the latest technology with user-friendly smart features; all wrapped up in a sleek design that fits seamlessly into your space.

We understand that choosing the right air conditioner is a big decision. 

If you're still asking, "What is a split system air conditioner?" and wondering how it will work for your home, our friendly Mida team is here to help with any questions.

Please call us on 1300 726 002 or complete this online form, and we'll be in touch soon.

FAQs About “What Is a Split System Air Conditioner?”

Why It Is Called Split A/C?

It's called a "split" system because the components are literally split into two units: the indoor unit that cools or heats your room and the outdoor unit that houses the compressor and condenser.

This setup makes it different from older window units or portable A/Cs, where everything is contained in one box.  

Is a Split A/C Better Than a Central A/C?

It depends on your needs and preferences! Split systems are great for cooling or heating individual rooms or smaller spaces.

They offer more control over individual room temperatures and are generally more energy-efficient than running a whole-house central A/C system if you only need to cool specific areas.

Central A/C, on the other hand, is better suited for larger homes or when you want to cool the entire house.  

Does a Split A/C Consume More Electricity?

Generally, no. Split systems, especially those with inverter technology, are very energy efficient!

They can be more economical to run than older A/C models or ducted A/C systems, particularly if you're only cooling the rooms you're using.

However, the actual energy consumption will depend on things like the unit's energy rating, the size of the room, and how often you use it.