Australia is well known for its scorching temps. But the winter months can get surprisingly chilly.
Split systems offer heating and cooling functions all in one convenient, highly efficient unit, making them the most popular type of air conditioner in Australia.
So what is the best split system air conditioner? We’ve sorted through all the options so you don’t have to.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is a Split System Air Conditioner?
- What Are the Benefits of a Split System Air Conditioner?
- Our Best Split System Air Conditioner Picks for 2024
- Tips on Choosing the Best Split System Air Conditioner
What Is a Split System Air Conditioner?
Split system air conditioners are made up of a component attached to an internal wall and another portion attached to an exterior wall. Split system air conditioners perform two convenient functions:
- Remove warm air from your home to reduce the temperature while simultaneously blasting cool air into the room.
- Pull warm air from outside to heat your home during the colder months.
Because of their compact size, quick installation, precise temperature control, and versatility, split system units are commonly used in offices, bedrooms, smaller homes, and apartments.
Learn More: When Is the Best Time to Buy an Air Conditioner?
Benefits of a Split System Air Conditioner
A split system air conditioner offers several benefits, including:
- No wall cavity is needed since no ducts are involved
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for property owners or renters
- Ideal for compact spaces or areas that need targeted heating or cooling
- Fast installation time of just a few hours
- Affordable, efficient operation
- Safer than traditional heater types (i.e. bar heaters) during the colder months
- Quiet to run
Our Best Split System Air Conditioner Picks for 2024
Here are our top three picks for the best split-system air conditioner for 2024.
1. Mitsubishi 3.5kW Reverse Cycle Split System
Internationally recognised as an industry leader, Mitsubishi offers a variety of the best split-system air conditioners available.
With its multiple energy-saving features, sleek design, and impressive technology, we particularly recommend the Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP35VG Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner.
The MSZ-AP Series Mitsubishi Split System air conditioner is engineered to be quiet yet extremely powerful. Its advanced inverter technology delivers effective, high-speed heating and cooling while maintaining a high level of energy efficiency.
Features:
- Customisable airflow thanks to its large vertical and horizontal vanes
- Energy-efficient night mode
- Dual barrier coating to reduce dust and dirt build-up for easier maintenance and improved longevity
- Quiet mode
- Night mode features reduced light brightness and disabled beep noises
- Streamlined design to easily blend in with your decor rather than detract from it
Best for:
- Homeowners looking for a stylish, modern split system unit that is still efficient and effective
- Buyers looking for a range of convenient operating functions and settings
Price:
AUD 2,045
2. Daikin CORA Series 2kW Reverse Cycle Split System
Boasting over 90 years of research and development in the industry, Daikin is one of the most trusted brands in heating and cooling.
The Daikin Cora Series split system range quietly cools, heats, and dehumidifies, making it an ideal choice for maintaining healthy, comfortable indoor air.
With advanced inverter technology, the Daikin 2.0kW Split System Cora Series unit offers greater energy efficiency compared to conventional units. This means lower power bills while still keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
Although it is one of the more affordably priced split system units on the market, the Daikin 2.0kW split system doesn’t compromise on quality or technology.
Here are some of the impressive features that made us choose the Daikin 2.0kW Reverse Cycling Split System Air Conditioning Cora Series as one of our top picks:
Features:
- The inclusion of R32 Refrigerant contributes to cost savings and low emissions
- Advanced airflow technology
- Affordably priced yet still powerful
- A variety of intuitive mechanisms that contribute to energy efficiency
- Precision temperature control, within 0.5°C of your preferred setting
- Dehumidifying options
Best For:
- Environmentally conscious homeowners
- Homeowners looking for the best budget-friendly split system air conditioner
- Homeowners who want maximum comfort without compromising on style or preference
Price:
AUD 1,700
3. Toshiba 8kW Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner
If you want maximum power and efficiency, the Toshiba 8kW Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner is an absolute workhorse. We love the durability, exceptionally quiet operation and innovative technology of this versatile unit.
With state-of-the-art inverter and compressor technology, the Toshiba 8kW split system offers a variety of premium features that maximise comfort and offer an exceptional user experience.
Features:
- Various timer options and energy-saving settings
- Noise reduction technology that lowers outdoor noise as well as indoor noise
- Twin rotary compressor technology that reduces energy loss and creates exceptional power output
- Toshiba’s Inverter Technology constantly adjusts the compressor speed, ensuring consistently stable temperatures and reduced fluctuations, ensuring efficiency and quiet operation
- Coated coil technology prevents dust, water, and debris from adhering to the coil, helping keep it clean and dry with minimal maintenance
- 7-year warranty
Best for:
- Homeowners looking for a split system unit that is especially low maintenance
- Homeowners who want maximum cooling and heater power and high energy efficiency
- Buyers looking for a unit that is incredibly quiet yet powerful
Price:
AUD 2,975
Tips on Choosing the Best Split System Air Conditioner
Here are important tips and considerations when choosing the best split-system air conditioner:
Initial and Long-Term Budget — Split system units are among the most affordable options when it comes to air conditioners. Be sure to factor in more than just the upfront cost of supply and installation, though. We recommend looking at long-term cost aspects such as energy efficiency, operating costs, and maintenance requirements.
The Appropriate Power Capacity — Choosing a split system with the correct power, size, shape, and capacity is crucial. If you’re feeling overwhelmed as you try to decide, you can read Our Guide to Properly Sizing Your Split System Air Conditioner for Your Space or get in touch with our experts.
We’ll help you determine the appropriate sized unit for your needs so you don’t end up overpaying on energy costs or dealing with an undersized unit that struggles to heat and cool your space.
Energy Efficiency — The higher the unit’s Energy Star rating, the more efficient and cost-effective it will be to run. This will save you money on energy bills while still maintaining a comfortable interior temperature.
Warranty — Look for a minimum of a 5-year warranty and opt for split system units from trusted brands.
Multiple Fan Speed Options — Multiple fan speeds allow you to easily switch between performance and efficiency.
Operating Noise — To see how loud a particular split system will be, you can check the recorded decibels it produces and watch for features such as a “quiet mode” for when you are trying to sleep.
Desired Features — With constant advances in technology, users can enjoy a variety of convenient features depending on the split system model. Look for self-cleaning features, dehumidifying technology, air purification systems, Wi-Fi-enabled systems, timers, and more.
For an in-depth look at how to decide which air conditioner is right for you, check out our Split System Air Conditioner Buying Guide.
Need Help Picking the Best Split System Air Conditioner for Your Home?
With their quiet operation, targeted temperature control, and high energy efficiency, we highly recommend split system air conditioners for Australian home and business owners who are looking to beat the heat of summer and chilly temps of winter.
We carry a range of superior quality, affordable split systems from the industry’s most reputable brands. As Perth’s trusted supply and installation experts on split system air conditioners, Air Cond Installs WA is here to be your one-stop solution for all your heating and cooling needs.
If you need help deciding what split-system air conditioner is best for your budget, space, and needs, please contact our team. You can speak directly with one of our expert installers to get answers to your questions, personalised advice, or set up a free onsite quote.
