The standard split system residential air conditioning process involves an indoor air handling unit, or units, and an outdoor compressor unit. They are connected via copper piping through which refrigerant flows and by which heat is moved from the indoor to the outdoor unit for release. Reverse cycle split systems can be used for heating as well as for cooling. The heating mode of these types of air conditioner units is generally regarded as one of the most cost efficient forms of heating available today.
Wall Mounted Split Systems
The most common and simplest type of split system air conditioner involves a single indoor unit and it is often referred to as a “wall mounted split system”. This type of residential air conditioning is perfect for single rooms and cost efficient solutions, where the outdoor unit can be positioned nearby.
Multi Head Split Systems:
A reasonably new air conditioning technology, multi-head split systems allow you to have a number of individually controlled indoor units all running off of one outdoor compressor unit. However, they are typically not the most cost effective air conditioning option since they require an individual indoor unit for each room and additional engineering for the outdoor compressor unit is typically required. Nevertheless, they can be a great air conditioning solution when there is limited space for outdoor units or where there is insufficient roof space for a ducted system. This is often the case in town houses.
Inverters
Split system air conditioners that include an inverter allow you to alter their speed based upon cooling demand. Inverters use a microprocessor-based intelligent sensor that monitors changing conditions. This information is then relayed to an “intelligent” compressor that can vary its rpm to match the changing conditions. Instead of shutting off like non-inverter systems do, it simply reduces its output. Inverters provide the following benefits:
- Energy consumption is reduced by as much as 30%.
- Temperature fluctuations are minimised.
- The time it takes to reach optimum temperature is reduced by as much as 1/3.
- Voltage peaks are eliminated since the compressor is not constantly turning off and on.
- You experience a quieter operation since it is generally operating at lower RPMs.
Unit Selection
Choosing the right type and size of air conditioning system for your home is a very important decision as it directly impacts the comfort level for the whole family and it can add considerable re-sale value to your property. There are many variables that come into play when sizing and selecting the best split system air conditioning solution for your home. A qualified professional will take into account your room sizes and dimensions, types and locations of windows, type of insulation in your home, solar orientation and other variables to ensure that you end up with the most efficient and cost effective solution.
Brands
There are many brands of excellent and affordable split air conditioning systems in Australia today. Some of the most highly regarded are Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Daikin and Midea. Mistsubishi Electric’s split air conditioners are known for their reliability, quietness, energy efficiency and proven performance in the tough Australian environment.
So regardless of which type of residential split system air conditioner you select, you can’t go wrong when it comes to investing in the comfort and health of your family. After all, summer is right around the corner.