Split-system and multi-split systems are the most popular types of air conditioning systems in Melbourne. Not only are they incredibly efficient, the initial cost for these units ranges from $600 to $5500 each, making them a high value option. They are usually used to cool areas of around 60 square metres, whether this is an open plan room, or one or more smaller rooms.

That’s all great to know – but how do you go about deciding which split-system is best suited to your needs? Here’s a guide to help you decide!

Choosing the right capacity

Choosing an air conditioning system with the right capacity is essential to increasing the efficiency of your system, reducing running costs and maintaining the perfect temperature all the time. Cooling and heating capacities are rated in kilowatts (kW). The capacity that you actually need will take all of the following into consideration:

The total size of the room – which means length, width and height

The type of room – living room, kitchen, office, bedroom

The size and orientation of windows and/or glass doors

Shading and curtains on windows

Insulation of your ceilings, walls and floors

The local climate

The running costs

Heating and cooling systems account for around 40% of the energy usage in the average Australian home. So keeping those costs as low as possible is an essential factor when choosing the air conditioning system for your Melbourne home.

The easiest way to work out what the overall running costs of your air conditioning system will be is to look at the Energy Star Rating. While star ratings are different for heating and cooling (important if you choose a reverse cycle air conditioner), in general, the more stars you see, the less it costs to run, and the fewer greenhouse gas emissions it contributes.

Features worth having

Usually, the more features your air conditioning unit has, the more it will cost initially. But in the long run, these features can help you reduce both the running and the maintenance costs of your heating and cooling system. Some features worth having include:

Reverse cycle system – both heating and cooling

Inverter – slows down and speeds up compressor instead of turning it on and off, thus reducing wear and tear and improving efficiency

Multiple operating modes – including sleep mode, dry/dehumidifying mode and economy or Eco mode

Human Presence sensor – automatically switches to Eco mode when no one is in the room

Adjustable louvres – helps to direct airflow to exactly where it’s needed

Restart delay – protects your unit from restarting too soon after being turned off

Demand Response Enabling Device – allows your energy provider to remotely turn on Eco mode during peak demand times, thus reducing strain on the power grid. Depending on your energy provider, a DRED enabled air conditioning system may earn you financial incentives.

As you can see, there is a lot to keep in mind when trying to choose an air conditioning system in Melbourne. That is why it is always best to get an expert opinion from a professional air conditioning system supplier and installer like Staycool. We have over 30 years of experience, and we always ensure you’re getting a fully compliant system that is exactly what you need!