Installing a Split System? Here is all you need to know
Installing a split system seems like an easy task. Choose a unit, dial a phone number, have it installed on the wall, and that’s it. Right?
Not quite, mate.
Each year, we receive calls from Melbourne homeowners who have inquired about the cheapest quote they found, only to discover that the unit they are purchasing is too small for the room. The indoor unit is leaking, or the installer disappeared when the warranty questions began. A split system installation Melbourne is about more than simply installing the unit; size, location, compliance, and suitability all matter. Therefore, before you call, here are the things you should know.
What’s a split system, anyway?
A split system air conditioner consists of two parts: an indoor unit (the unit on the wall) and an outdoor compressor unit. The refrigerant piping links them together, so unless you are a licensed refrigeration technician, it won’t be a weekend job. Split systems are the most efficient way to heat and cool one room, which is why they’re the solution of choice for Melbourne homes that wouldn’t require a ducted system to heat and cool, or are too expensive to install one.
They are silent, efficient, and, with proper servicing, a good one will last for more than 10 years. However, the phrase “a good one” carries a lot of weight in that sentence, and this blog is all about that.
Single Split vs Multi System Air Conditioner: What’s the Difference?
So many people get stuck at this point. Let’s break it down.
A split system is a unit with one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. It is the basic configuration for cooling/heating a single room, such as a living room or main bedroom.
A multi system air conditioner is a type of air conditioner that involves more than one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. You don’t need to have three different outdoor units taking up too much space in your courtyard anymore; you have one outdoor unit that will do the job for the entire house. In multi-systems, you may come across a split system multi-head. This simply means the units are just inside the room the “heads” that are attached to each room but are all connected to the one unit outside. It’s often used for renovations or houses with limited outdoor space, and can be more cost-effective than installing individual systems in each room.
The trade-off? When the outdoor unit goes wrong, it can impact every room in the building. With multiple systems, it’s important to carefully plan the system’s capacity so that no single room is denied air circulation when it is operating at full load on a 40-degree day.
Quick Check: Which One Suits You?
Before you call for a quote, consider the following:
- What space are you cooling (one room or the entire home)?
- Do you have extra space in the outdoor areas, or is the courtyard already cramped?
- Are you going to be running all rooms at once or primarily one or two rooms at a time?
- Is it a new construction, a renovation, or a retrofit in an existing home?
- What is your budget for installing and operating in the long run?
If you’ve responded “whole house” and “tight on space”, it’s likely a multi-head system is worth considering. For one room, budget may be the only factor to consider, and a single split may be sufficient to accomplish the task without complexity.
Before you book, some of the Non-Negotiables You Should Know
The part that most blogs miss is what protects you. With any product, look at the licence and experience, not the reviews.
1. Ensure they are licensed
Split systems must be installed by someone who is a licensed refrigerant handler and a registered electrician in Victoria for the wiring. Before booking, please ask for the licence number. A legitimate installer won’t hesitate to give it to you.
2. Obtain an accurate sizing calculation, not a “best guess” calculation
The capacity unit required depends on the size of the room, the ceiling height, the insulation, the window orientation and even the colour of the roof! If the unit is too small, it will be running all the time and never really cool the room. If it’s too large, it will start to cycle too soon, lose energy, and not dry the air as needed. Neither is what you are paying for!
3. Inquire where the outdoor unit will be placed
Placement has an impact on noise, airflow, and the effort that the compressor must make. If your unit is stuck against a fence or wall with no airflow, and in direct summer sun, it will not perform as well as it will if it is in the shade and has good air circulation.
4. Confirm what’s included in the quote
Does the price include the bracket, piping, electrical isolator switch, removal of the old switch, and compliance certificate? Companies often give cheap quotes until the extras start getting added on the invoice.
5. Inquire about the warranty and who’s responsible for it.
A manufacturer’s warranty is not the same as an installation warranty. You would like both to be explained in writing before the unit is put on the wall.
Some of the Common Mistakes Made By Homeowners
We see the same handful of issues on callouts, time and again:
- Often booking an installation consultation based on price and receiving a system that is too small for the living room.
- Using a multi-head system without determining if the outside compressor can supply enough cooling to all rooms simultaneously.
- Avoiding the hassle of not having a compliance certificate if selling later on.
- Installing the indoor unit over a door or too high in the ceiling can impact air distribution.
- No questions on continuous servicing, then questioning why the unit’s efficiency decreased after year two.
- All of these are innocent errors, individually. But as a whole, they make the difference between a system that works without complaint for over 15 years, and one you have to deal with problems with each summer.
Are the Split Systems Expensive to Run?
Once a well-sized, well-installed split system is in place, it is indeed one of the more productive ways to heat and cool a home. It’s the star rating that matters here. Consider buying units with ratings for your climate zone, and keep in mind that a quality unit may be slightly more expensive initially. Still, it can save you money on power bills over several Melbourne winters and summers.