We’re bloody lucky to be living in Australia. But, it certainly is a country of weather extremes.
Depending on where you live in our glorious sunburnt country, heating and cooling can account for 20% to 50% of your energy bill.
So, when shopping around for an AC, it makes sense to choose the most energy-efficient model and the correct size that meets your budget.
But we know that for most people, sorting through all the different makes and models on the market is hard yakka.
What size do you get? What brand is the best? How much should I pay?
No need to stress - we’ve got all the info you need right here.
In our guide, we’re going to discuss split-system air conditioners - what they are, what to look for, how they’re installed and what kind of dollars you can expect to pay.
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Split system air conditioners are also known as ductless or reverse-cycle air conditioners.
You’ve most likely seen them installed in many homes and businesses. In fact, they’re one of the most popular air conditioning systems found in modern Aussie homes.
But don’t confuse them with the noisy, clunky, through-wall rattlers of the ‘80s.
Today’s wall-mounted units are sleek, sophisticated and sexy.
Plus, they offer titan functionality features such as smart connectivity, inverter technology and whisper-quiet operation.
A split system runs on electricity, providing heat and refrigerated cooling.
Split system air conditioners consist of 2 units: an outdoor compressor and an interior wall-mounted unit. Pipes connect the two units to transport refrigerant.
Here’s how the refrigeration cycle works in cooling mode:
Split-systems may be the cool kid on the block, but they’re not suitable for every home.
Consider buying a split system air conditioner if:
If you’re looking to heat and cool an open-plan space over 60m², have a double-story house and /or a flat roof, consider ducted air conditioning.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking bigger is better.
If you go with the largest kW unit, all it’ll do is make you feel like you’ve tied one on the night before – cold and clammy.
If you choose the wrong size AC, it will not only affect its performance but you’ll be peeved when you get the power bill.
Follow this air conditioner size guide to choose a suitable air conditioner capacity.
| Room size | Example | Capacity | |
| Up to 20m2 | Bedroom, study, small kitchen | 2 to 2.5kW | |
| From 20 to 40m2 | Bedroom with an ensuite, small lounge | 2.5 to 5kW | |
| From 40 to 60m2 | Large bedroom, mid-sized lounge | 4 to 6kW | |
| 60m2 and above | Open-plan areas, large lounge | 5 to 9kW |
If you’re looking for a whole-home heating and cooling solution, a ducted reverse cycle system may be the way to go.
Check out our super handy blog for more tips on choosing the correct split system size for your room. Or you can use the size calculator on our home page.
No one wants to breathe in stale, toxic air that smells like last night’s cooking fiasco.
A stellar air filter will ensure your home maintains healthy indoor air quality, free of dust, allergens, smoke, nasty germs, mould spores and nasty odours.
Some systems can generate a bucket load of noise, especially when it's cranked right up. A super loud unit can be super annoying while you’re working, watching TV or trying to set a mood.
So, pay attention to the decibels (dBA) of the unit. Most standard air-con units operate anywhere between 19 and 60 dBA. The lower number is the decibel reading when the indoor unit is running on low, and the higher number is when it’s in beast mode.
Energy-saving motion sensors detect human movement and automatically switch the unit off or lower the output, then kick back in when you wander into the room.
The more energy-efficient your air conditioner is, the less it costs to run. Which means less money you have to fork over to the power company.
All modern reverse cycle split systems display a Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL). The ZERL provides a seasonal efficiency rating for our three climate zones:
This label will help you choose a suitable unit for your climate zone, and ratings run up to 10 stars for heating and cooling.
Read our blog to discover the top 5 energy-efficient units on the market in Australia today.
Many factors can affect how a small split-system air conditionerperforms based on its position.
However, your best bet is to install it in a high spot over your bed to ensure you get direct airflow.
Here at Hello Breeze, we sell and install only top-notch brands we can trust, which all offer a 5-year parts and labour warranty.
The cost of a split system air conditioner depends on the brand and the size of the unit. For example, the range of split system air conditioners at Hello Breeze varies from 2.0kW to around 10.1kW.
Prices fall into the following ranges:
All prices include GST and installation.
The split-system air-con installation process is as follows:
Installers will hang the interior unit on the wall near the ceiling in your chosen room.
They will then choose the best location for the outdoor compressor to ensure the condensation from the unit drains adequately.
Only licensed installers can install air conditioning systems in Australia due to the complex electrical, drainage and carpentry requirements.
The cost to install a split system typically ranges between $1500 and $4000.
Standard split system air con installation performed by the Hello Breeze rockstars takes between two and three hours.
When you buy your split system air conditioner from us, we include installation in the price of the unit.
The Hello Breeze team of professional, licensed, and insured installers will always:
All A/C prices include installation and GST. The cost of a split-system air conditioner depends on:
We’ve got a sweet as range of split systems to suit your needs and budget. Then, the process of getting the ball rolling is a breeze:
Tell us your heating and cooling needs. Then we’ll give you our professional two cents.
Know what you want? Get a quote online to discuss the cost of a split-system air conditioner for your home now! Or wait for a call from one of our climate control rockstars. They may be able to give you some numbers on the spot if the job is straightforward.
Got a quote from a competitor? No worries! We’re super competitive, so tell us what you’ve got, and we’ll see what we can do.
Once you give us the nod, you set the date and time. Then, one of our accredited tradies will arrive on time, loaded with caffeine, and ready to install.
Our installation Specialists will fit your shiny new unit and give you thorough, hands-on training before they shoot through.
Once your air conditioning installation is complete, one of our team members will check in with you to ensure everything is good as gold.
But what if your new unit starts acting up like a tween left unsupervised for the weekend? Don’t worry; just get on the blower, and we’ll get onto it quick-smart.
Here at Hello Breeze, you can trust you’re receiving a world-class system.
We know this because we sell only the best and most reliable brands built to take on Australian conditions:
We started with one location in Brisbane and Gold Coasts, but now, we’re sprouting up all over this glorious sunburnt country.
Because we:
Here at Hello Breeze, we’re here to make your life easier, and we offer the very best air conditioning service around. Guaranteed.
Take a Captain Cook at our split systems now. If you’re unsure which suits your home, lifestyle or budget, we’ll talk you through it.
So, c’mon! Get on the blower and have a mag with us on 1300 712 732 about the cost of a split system air conditioner installation in your home today.