Choosing the Right Split System Air Conditioner for Your Home
How do I choose the right split system air conditioner?
To choose the right split system air conditioner, match the unit’s cooling capacity (kW) to your room size, ceiling height and insulation. Inverter models offer better energy control, and placement affects efficiency. A licensed installer can calculate the exact size you need.
Introduction
In Brisbane, the wrong air conditioner won’t just struggle it’ll cost you in bills and comfort. Too small, and it’ll run flat-out without cooling the room. Too large, and it’ll cycle on and off, wearing out early and wasting power.
At Precision Electrical & Air, we install hundreds of split systems across the city every year and choosing the right one upfront is the difference between smart cooling and buyer’s regret.
1. What Is a Split System?
A split system air conditioner has:
- An indoor unit mounted to a wall
- An outdoor unit (condenser) mounted to a wall or slab
- Refrigerant pipes connecting the two
Split systems are ideal for cooling individual rooms or open-plan areas.
They’re the most common and cost-effective option for Brisbane homes.
They come in two major types:
- Fixed-speed units – simple on/off operation
- Inverter units – vary output for efficiency and comfort
We recommend inverter models most of the time.
2. How to Size a Split System (Without Guesswork)
The most important factor is room size, but it doesn’t stop there.
Consider:
- Room dimensions (L × W × H)
- Insulation quality
- Window size and orientation
- Wall material and heat gain
- Whether the room is internal or exposed
- Number of people typically using it
General size guide for Brisbane (well-insulated rooms):
- Bedroom (10–20m²) → 2.5–3.5kW
- Lounge/living (25–35m²) → 5–7kW
- Open plan (40m²+) → 7.1kW and above
Undersizing means it won’t cool properly.
Oversizing means high bills and uneven comfort.
We’ll calculate the right size for you during a site inspection.
3. What Features Matter Most?
Ignore the gimmicks. Look for:
Inverter Technology
Quieter, more efficient, and better for solar pairing. We only install inverter-capable systems.
Quiet Operation
Check the indoor dB rating—especially for bedrooms or nurseries.
Energy Star Ratings
The more stars, the better. But don’t chase stars at the expense of correct sizing.
Filter & Maintenance Access
Some systems have hard-to-reach filters. We prefer models with easy cleaning options.
The Best Placement for Your Indoor Unit
Correct placement affects how efficiently the system cools the space.
Avoid:
- Facing large windows
- Above electronics or headboards
- Placing too high on vaulted ceilings
Do:
- Centre the unit to the space
- Aim airflow across the room (not directly at people)
- Allow 15cm+ clearance around the head unit
Our Air Con Install Team will help choose the ideal wall position during installation.
5. Should I Add Multiple Units or a Multi-Split?
If you want to cool more than one room, you’ve got two options:
- Multiple single split systems
- Multi-split system (1 outdoor unit with 2–4 indoor units)
Both work well, but your home layout, breaker space, and cooling pattern will determine which is best. Contact us for help designing a system that balances cost, control, and cooling capacity.
6. Our Brands and Recommendations
We install trusted systems from brands like:
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Fujitsu
- Daikin
- Panasonic
- Samsung
We don’t lock you into a single brand. We recommend based on your budget and your cooling requirements.
FAQs
Can I install a split system myself?
No. Queensland law requires a licensed installer with refrigerant handling accreditation. We provide full compliance and certification.
Do I need a new switchboard for my air con?
Sometimes. We’ll assess whether your current board can handle the load during the quote.
What’s the lifespan of a split system?
Well-maintained units can last 10–15 years. Regular air conditioner cleaning and servicing helps extend their life and keep them efficient.
Can I run a split system on solar?
Yes. Inverter models work especially well with solar power. See our solar pairing guide for more.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right split system is about more than kilowatts. It’s about cooling efficiently, staying comfortable, understanding the cooling settings and not paying more than you need to.
See our article about using ceiling fans with your air conditioner.
We install systems that suit your home, not just your room size and we back them with honest advice, neat installations, and local knowledge.
