The best split system air conditioner is the one that is the right size for the room, has strong star ratings for your climate, suits how you use the space, and is installed properly by licensed tradespeople. No single model is the best for every home. A quiet unit suits a bedroom, a larger one suits an open plan living area, and a well chosen mid range model installed correctly will outperform a top shelf unit that is badly fitted. Here is what to look at when you are choosing, so you buy for your home and not for the sales pitch.
No, and be wary of anyone who says there is. A ranking of models tells you how they performed in someone else’s house. What matters is how a unit performs in your room, with your sun exposure, your insulation and your habits. The questions worth asking are about size, efficiency, features, support and installation, in roughly that order.
Yes. A unit that is too small runs flat out and never quite cools the room. One that is too large switches on and off constantly, which wastes power and leaves the air feeling clammy. Size comes first, based on the room, because the best split system air conditioner on paper is the wrong choice if it does not suit the space. Only then do you compare models of that size. If a salesperson recommends a unit before measuring or asking about the space, treat the advice with caution. Our split system air conditioning team sizes every system from the room itself.
Non ducted air conditioners must display a Zoned Energy Rating Label. The Energy Rating website explains that it gives star ratings for three climate zones, hot, average and cold, so you can compare similar sized systems on the numbers that apply where you live. More stars means more efficient compared with similar models.
Compare like with like. A star rating on a large unit and one on a small unit are not directly comparable. You can look up models and estimate yearly running costs for your postcode with the government’s Energy Rating Calculator. In a warm climate where cooling does most of the work, the cooling stars matter most, though heating stars are worth checking if you plan to use reverse cycle in winter.
An inverter compressor is the one we would not skip, since it runs more efficiently and quietly. Reverse cycle heating is also worth having for the small extra cost, as it saves buying a separate heater. Beyond that, think about where the unit will go.
For a bedroom, check the indoor noise level. A few decibels make a real difference at night. For a living area, airflow and capacity matter more. Wifi control, sleep modes and timers are useful if you will actually use them, but they should not drive the decision. Extra filtration features are a bonus, not a reason to pay a lot more.
A little, mostly for support. We install all the major brands, including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Panasonic, LG and Samsung, and most mainstream brands perform similarly at the same size and rating. The better question is what stands behind the unit: the length and terms of the warranty, whether parts are readily available in Australia, and whether a local technician can service it. A cheaper unknown brand can look good until you need a part.
Often, yes. We can install a unit you have already bought, and you can also ask us to supply one. Before you buy, check that it is the right size for the room, that it shows a Zoned Energy Rating Label, and that the warranty is valid in Australia. Ask us first if you are unsure, since we would rather help you choose before you pay than find a problem on installation day.
A great deal. In Queensland, a split system must be installed by a licensed electrician and a licensed refrigeration mechanic, or by someone who holds both licences, and a DIY installation can void the warranty. Poor pipework, a badly placed outdoor unit or a rushed electrical connection will shorten the life of even the best unit. A power circuit may also need to be added, which our electrician services team handles as part of the same job.
Humidity is common in coastal areas, and so is salt air. If you live close to the beach, ask about corrosion protection for the outdoor unit, since salt can wear on the coil and casing over time. Regular servicing matters more in these conditions, and our air conditioning repairs team can look after it once the system is in.
If you are comparing models and want a second opinion, we are happy to give you one. At BG Electrical and Air Con we will look at the room, explain the options plainly and recommend the best split system air conditioner for your home and budget. You can read more about our air conditioning installation, or get in touch for a free onsite quote.
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