Looking for the best split system air conditioner in Australia? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to, and after taking a deep dive into all of the top split system ACs on the Australian market, we developed this article to help you find a quality system to keep you comfortable all year long.
If you’re not quite sure what a split system air conditioner is or want to know more about how they work, feel free to skip down to our buying guide or FAQ sections. However, if you’re ready to start cooling down today, we will first introduce some of the absolute best split system air conditioners that money can buy in Australia.
Australia’s Top Split Split System AC
With international brand recognition and a proven track record of innovation and operational excellence, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Avanti Series is the absolute best split system air conditioner for Australian homeowners.
1. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Avanti Series
Why we chose the Avanti Series:
- 2.0kW to 5.0kW capacities
- Reverse cycle (heating) optional
- Great for small to medium indoor spaces
- User friendly timers and operation modes.
Combining everything great about split system air conditioners with budget friendly options, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Avanti Series contains the best choices for Australian homeowners. Ideal for small and medium sized rooms, the Avanti series comes in a range of 2.0kW to 5.0kW cooling power capacities, perfect for living spaces, bedrooms, offices, and more.
With the Avanti system, you won’t pay for anything you don’t need, as the reverse cycle heating capability, WiFi compatibility, and many other features are completely optional. Plus, if you want the best of the best with the same great Avanti features, you can always go for the Avanti Plus Split systems which offers industry leading energy efficiency ratings.
With the Avanti, users are granted access to completely control their experience with modes for energy savings, sleep, high power, and more. And coming from an internationally recognized brand, customers can count on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to supply a quality product with 5-year warranties on most system parts and labour.
Other Great Split System Air Conditioners (AUS)
As one of the hottest countries on earth, there are plenty of other great split system ACs on the market in Australia besides the Mitsubishi Avanti. While cooling down a home or business is not a one-size-fits-all problem, below we will outline a generous helping of other top-of-the-line products to fit the demands of various room sizes, budgets, and personal preferences.
2. ActronAir Serene Series 2
What makes the ActronAir Serene a good runner-up:
- Australian owned and operated company
- 2.65kW to 8.5kW capacites
- Suited for all seasons (-25ºC to 60ºC)
- 7 star energy rating
Aussie born and raised, ActronAir has been cooling homes down under for decades, and the Serene Series 2 is one of the company’s most practical models to date.
For those living anywhere in the country, the Serene Series 2 will be able to handle any season with its impressive -25ºC to 60ºC operating range. Providing both heating and cooling, the Serene Series 2 is extremely efficient and able to be controlled from both a remote and wall controller. Outside of ordinary operation, the system also includes an eco-mode, dehumidification mode, boost mode, and self cleaner.
Ideal for apartments, small cabins, prefab homes, and distinct living spaces on large properties, the Actron Air Serene Series 2 occupies minimal space and features a concealed LED display. With timers, 3D airflow, and a high density filter, the Serene Series 2 is designed for easy and pure home comfort.
3. Diakin ALIRA
Attributes of the Diakin ALIRA:
- Heating or cooling modes
- Industry leading efficiency
- Whisper quiet operation
- Air purification and smart features
Daikin is another great global manufacturer that has been a trusted name in air conditioning for quite a bit of time in Australia. The company’s ALIRA is our personal favorite split system, with capacities between 2.0kW and 7.1kW that may be ideal for small living spaces anywhere in the country.
With both heating and cooling capabilities, “comfort” is the Diakin Alira’s middle name as the appliance is also quiet and packed with human-centric features. For instance, the ALIRA can sense when a room has been unoccupied for 20 minutes and will save power accordingly. Likewise, when a room is occupied, users can take advantage of the ALIRA deodorising air purification system which decomposes outdoors and deactivates bacteria.
While it may not be the cheapest split system AC in Australia, Daikin packs all of the beat features into the ALRIA for an experience elevated above the rest. Plus, the energy efficiency of the ALIRA will likely end up saving homeowners money in the long run when compared to cheaper up front, but less efficient systems.
4. Daikin CORA
Why choose the Daikin CORA?
- Heating and cooling, or cooling only
- Energy efficient and quiet operation
- 5 year warranty on parts and labour
- Mobile control optional
While we’re on the subject of Daikin, the company’s CORA split system AC is another great model with many of the same impressive features. Here, the main difference is that the CORA comes in a “cooling only” model, so Australians that already have an efficient heating system will not be overpaying for a reverse cycle component that they may not need.
Complete with the same 5 year warranty Daikin offers on all of their split AC systems, the CORA is able to provide both comfort and peace of mind. The CORA series offers a powerful boost, precision control, and intelligent functions for automatic, ongoing energy and cost savings.
5. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Bronte Series
What’s special about the Bronte Series?
- Cooling only and reverse cycle models
- Clean air technology with self cleaning mode
- Timers, easy operation, and Eco-mode
As we visit differing models from the same brands, let’s circle back to our top choice by featuring the Bronte Series from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Like with the Avanti, Mitsubishi wall mounted Bronte series incorporates energy efficiency, various operating modes, smart features, and easy control.
Of course, the big difference between the Bronte and the Avanti (as well as many other split systems featured on this list), is that the Bronte Series begins at a 6.1kW cooling capacity with models up to 9.5kW ideal for larger rooms and living spaces.
6. Mitsubishi SRK-ZMP Series
What to know about the SRK-ZMP Series:
- 1.7kW cooling capacity
- Dehumidification, dry operation, and self cleaning
- Smart design and Eco-mode
- Optional WiFi control
And for our third and final Mitsubishi product series on this list, homeowners can typically save the most money and time with the international manufacturer’s SRK-ZMP Series. Weighing in with a whopping 1.7kW cooling capacity, the SRK-ZMP Series is designed to help those living in small spaces (like apartments or single bedrooms) save money with year round comfort.
Available as a reverse cycle heating and cooling system, the SRK-ZMP is a great way to maintain a compraftable temperature in any small space. While each appliance comes with a remote control, a WiFi adapter can also be used to control a SRK-ZMP unit from the comfort of any smart device.
7. The Fujitsu Lifestyle Range
Is the Fuji Lifestyle the right choice for you?
- Large range of operating power
- Many smart modes and features
- 5 year warranty
Introducing another great brand of split system AC products, the Fujitsu Lifestyle Range can make a great choice for many Australian homeowners. With capacities ranging from 2.5kW all the way to 9.4kW it is very easy to find a Fujitsu split system that is conventi for your room size and power demand.
Extremely energy efficient with many different smart operating modes available, the Lifestyle Range is intended to be incredibly user-friendly both for budget and comfort. Complete with human sensors, super quiet mode, timers, and remote control, Fujitsu is able to offer all of the same great features as the other completes alongside a 5 year warranty.
8. Haier Tundra Series
About the Haier Tundra:
- Budget friendly, no-frills option
- Full 5 year warranty
- 2.65 kW power capacity
Finally, we’d like to mention a budget-friendly no-frills split system air conditioner in the Haier Tundra Series. Available in only a 2.65kW power capacity, those in apartments and single bedrooms can purchase the Haier Tundra split system A/C knowing that it is backed by the same 5 year warranty as other, more expensive brands.
As a large interatrial manufacturer, Haier includes the self-cleaning function and remote control necessary for ease of use recognized around the world. While the Tundra only has a 3 star energy rating and is limited by a select few operating modes, this system is perfect for occasional use for both heating and cooling a home.
Buying Guide and How to Choose the Best Split A/C
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose between split AC systems. And even once you’ve settled on a brand, finding the perfect series and model may be even more challenging.
For careful property owners investing in their building, we recommend talking with an expert before purchasing your split A/C. However, to help you narrow down your choices, we’ll take a look at what to consider when weighing your options below.
Physical Size & Shape
First and foremost, you’ll need to know the size of your split air conditioner before you purchase and install it. While most split systems are wall-mounted, you will need to ensure that the appliance you are purchasing will be able to fit in the area of your property on which you are hoping to install it.
Here, one must consider the units length, width, and depth as it relates both to the indoor and outdoor living space. Proper ventilation will also be required for the outdoor component to work properly, and noise should also be taken into consideration
Power Capacity
In each of the units described above, the power capacity is shown in kW or kilowatts. As you can probably imagine, the higher the kW rating, the larger space a unit is designed to cool. For a quick reference, small and medium rooms (up to 40 square meters) can typically be cooled by any split system A/C between 2.0kW and 4.0kW.
On the larger end of the spectrum, large rooms over 40 square meters are more likely to find efficient success with a system rated for 5.0 kW and higher. Choosing a split system that is either too large or two small for your room will generally lead to overspending either upfront or on continuous energy, so picking the right size is very important when reaching a final decision.
Upfront Cost and Energy Efficiency
Speaking of spending, upfront cost is a buying factor that is impossible to ignore when considering the best split system AC for your home. While everyone loves to save a few dollars here and there, we cannot stress enough how important ongoing costs are when it comes to cooling your home. Although more energy efficient systems are typically more expensive to purchase, they may end up being cheaper to run on a daily basis.
Operating Noise
Operating noise is another critical thing to consider before installing a split system AC. Both indoors and outdoors, the components of an air conditioning system can be very loud if made from cheap materials, which will end up damaging your peace of mind throughout continuously noisy operation.
Like in the way of energy efficiency, low noise and “whisper quiet” AC systems are typically more expensive, but also worth it for many users. After all, low operating noise can quite literally help you sleep at night when considered against a clunky noise-maker.
Warranty Protection
No matter how much you choose to spend on your split system, the best way to protect your investment is with a good warranty period. As you can see above, most of the reputable manufacturers include a 5 year warranty on parts and labour of a high quality split system AC. Anything less can be seen as risky, whereas anything beyond 5 years can be considered a premium.
Bonus Features
Last but not least, the various bonus features of today’s best AC split systems will factor into a purchaser’s personal preferences. While not everyone needs smartphone control, there are many homeowners out there that love adjusting the AC from their cell, and will pay a premium price to do so.
Beyond just WiFi and cell phone control, many of the best systems of today have great sensing features and auto-functions for implementing different operating modes. For the eternally busy, having such smart features in place is a great way to keep a home’s temperature comfortable without the ongoing necessity of manual control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Split System Air Conditioning
Before we wrap things up, here are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear about split system air conditioning systems.
What is a split system air conditioner?
A “split system” air conditioner is one of the most popular types of home cooling, which gets its name from having two “split” parts: one on the inside of a building and one on the outside. Split system air conditioners (or ACs) are known for being relatively inexpensive and easy to install as well as generally quiet and energy efficient.
How does a split system air conditioner work?
Similar to a heat pump hot water system, most split system air conditioners are able to cool down interior temperatures as they pump refrigerant gas and a condenser. The gas is cooled to vaporize into a liquid, and then pushed at high pressure back into a gas. During this evaporative process, the temperature of the circulating air drops dramatically.
The indoor component of a split system (containing the blower and air filter) is typically mounted on a wall of a home or business, so that the cool air can fall and be disbtubed throughout the room. The dual indoor/outdoor components in most split system ACs are connected via gas piping and electrical wires, but do not require any new duct work in the building.
Which brand split system air conditioner is best?
For Australian consumers, Mitsubishi has consistently been one of the best split system air conditioner brands for decades. Although there are plenty of other great domestic and international brands, Mitsubishi continues to move forward with innovative, depedable, and expert-designed appliances year after year. Of course, this does not mean that other brands (such as those featured in this article) should not be considered.
What are the advantages of a split system air conditioner?
When compared to full in-home air conditioning, split systems come with a number of conveniences and advantages. After a simple installation process, split systems typically take up minimal space when wall-mounted and are very easy to operate.
Weighed against other home cooling alternatives, split systems are also commonly lauded for their efficiency, quiet operation, cost savings, and other features. Many split system ACs also provide heating during the colder months of the year.
What are the disadvantages of a split system air conditioner?
While some systems are designed for whisper-quiet operation, split systems are still too noisy for some homeowners, with both the indoor and outdoor components creating their own noise. And although they are designed to take up minimal space, some property owners simply do not have either the indoor or outdoor wiggle room to accommodate a large AC unit.
How do you install a split system air conditioner?
The easiest, and safest, way to install a split system air conditioner is to call a professional. Most systems from reputable manufacturers include an option for professional installation to be accounted for in the purchase price, and we almost always recommend choosing to do so.
With this said, if you have electrical and building experience, you can save money on labour by installing it yourself. Here, it is important to reference the manufacturer’s instructions before voiding the warranty or damaging the unit or your property.
Can split system air conditioners be used to heat a home?
Yes, some split system air conditioners can be used to heat a home. ACs with heating capability are often called “reverse cycle,” and will be specified by the manufacturer on each appliances product page. In many cases, home and business owners are able to save on upfront costs of heating and cooling systems by using the same appliance for both purposes. If you are thinking about using a system in this way, a heat transfer kit is another great option, that makes use of the differences in temperature throughout your home.
What is a multi split air conditioning system?
As implied by the name, a “multi split” air conditioning system is simply a split system with multiple indoor outlets. Most multi split AC units have one compressor outdoors and several indoor components to blow the treated air throughout different rooms. Multi split air conditioning systems may be necessary when attempting to cool down a large building without central AC.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it: everything you need to know about finding the right split system air conditioner in Australia. We hope that this guide has assisted you in finding your next potential home cooling appliance, while also answering questions along the way.
At Enviro Friendly, we are experts in sustainable building with a focus on eco friendly upgrades for Australian buildings. If a split system AC doesn’t seem right for you, we urge you to consider other options, such as an evaporative cooling system or portable air conditioner for your home or business.