Best Split System Air Conditioner: What to Consider Before Choosing One
Choosing the best split system air conditioner is not just about picking a popular brand or the cheapest unit.
The right system depends on your room size, property layout, insulation, energy goals, noise preferences, installation requirements and how you plan to use the space.
For homes, apartments and smaller areas across Manly, the Northern Beaches and greater Sydney, split system air conditioning can be a practical and efficient way to heat and cool specific rooms without installing a full ducted system.
In this guide, we explain what to look for when choosing the best split system air conditioner for your home.
If you are planning a new system, PSB Air can help with air conditioning installation and advice on the right option for your property.
What Is a Split System Air Conditioner?
A split system air conditioner has two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit is usually installed on a wall inside the room, while the outdoor unit sits outside the property. The two units work together to heat or cool the space.
Split systems are commonly used in:
bedrooms
living rooms
apartments
home offices
smaller homes
individual rooms
open-plan areas
spaces where ducted air conditioning is not practical
Most modern split systems are reverse cycle, which means they can provide cooling in summer and heating in winter.
Is a Split System Right for Your Home?
A split system can be a good choice if you only need to control one room or a specific area of the home.
It is often a practical option when:
you do not need whole-home air conditioning
you want a more affordable installation option
the property does not have space for ductwork
you want heating and cooling in one room
you live in an apartment or smaller home
you want separate control over different rooms
you need a system for a bedroom, office or living area
If you need to heat or cool multiple rooms, you may want to compare split systems with ducted air conditioning or multi-split systems.
You can read more in our guide to split system vs ducted running costs.
What Makes the Best Split System Air Conditioner?
There is no single best split system air conditioner for every home.
The best choice is the one that suits the room, the property, your comfort needs and your long-term running costs.
When comparing options, consider the following factors.
1. Correct System Size
System size is one of the most important parts of choosing a split system air conditioner.
If the unit is too small, it may struggle to heat or cool the room properly. This can make the system work harder, run for longer and use more energy.
If the unit is too large, it may cycle on and off too often, which can affect comfort and efficiency.
The right size will depend on:
room size
ceiling height
insulation
window size
sun exposure
room layout
how many people usually use the room
whether the space is open-plan
whether the room is upstairs or downstairs
A professional installer can help assess the space and recommend the correct system capacity.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another key factor when choosing a split system air conditioner.
A more efficient system may cost more upfront, but it can help reduce long-term running costs when used correctly.
When comparing systems, look at the Zoned Energy Rating Label. This label helps compare how the system performs across different Australian climate zones, including cooling and heating performance.
This is especially useful because a system that performs well in one climate may not be the best option for another location.
For homes across Sydney and the Northern Beaches, it is important to choose a system that can handle warm summers, cooler winter mornings and regular year-round use.
3. Heating and Cooling Performance
Most split system air conditioners are reverse cycle, which means they provide both cooling and heating.
This makes them useful throughout the year, not just in summer.
When comparing systems, think about how you will use the room across different seasons.
For example:
a bedroom may need quiet overnight cooling and occasional winter heating
a living room may need stronger cooling during summer afternoons
a home office may need consistent comfort during the day
an apartment may need a compact system with efficient performance
If winter heating is important, you can also read our guide on what temperature to set your air conditioner in winter.
4. Quiet Operation
Noise levels can make a big difference, especially in bedrooms, home offices and living areas.
A good split system should provide strong performance without becoming distracting.
When comparing systems, consider:
indoor unit noise
outdoor unit noise
night mode or quiet mode
where the outdoor unit will be installed
whether the unit will affect neighbours
whether the system will be used overnight
Quiet operation is particularly important for apartments, townhouses and homes where the outdoor unit may be close to windows, balconies or neighbouring properties.
5. Airflow and Comfort
A good split system should do more than simply blow cold or warm air into the room.
It should distribute air in a way that feels comfortable and consistent.
Poor placement can lead to uneven temperatures, draughts, hot spots or cold spots.
Before installation, consider:
where the indoor unit will sit
where the airflow will be directed
whether furniture may block airflow
whether the unit is suitable for the room shape
how far the air needs to travel
whether the outdoor unit has suitable ventilation
Correct unit placement can improve comfort, performance and long-term efficiency.
6. Filtration and Air Quality Features
Many modern split systems include filters designed to help capture dust and airborne particles.
Some systems also include additional filtration or air purification features, depending on the brand and model.
For most homes, the key is to keep filters clean and make sure the system is maintained properly.
Dirty filters can reduce airflow, affect comfort and make the system work harder than it should.
Regular air conditioning maintenance can help keep the system operating properly and reduce the risk of avoidable performance issues.
7. Smart Controls and Ease of Use
Many split system air conditioners now include features such as timers, Wi-Fi control, app control, sleep mode and energy-saving modes.
These features can be useful, but they should not be the only reason you choose a system.
The most important factors are still correct sizing, energy efficiency, installation quality and suitability for the room.
Smart controls can help if you want to:
turn the system on before you get home
control the unit from your phone
schedule heating or cooling times
reduce unnecessary usage
monitor comfort more easily
For some systems, Wi-Fi control may be built in. For others, it may require an additional adapter, so this is worth checking before you buy.
Best Split System Air Conditioner Brands
There are several well-known split system air conditioner brands available in Australia.
Common brands homeowners may compare include:
Mitsubishi Electric
Daikin
Fujitsu General
Panasonic
LG
Each brand has different models, features, price points and warranty options.
Rather than choosing based on brand alone, it is better to compare the specific model, system size, energy rating, noise level, warranty, available features and suitability for your home.
A reputable installer can help recommend a system that suits your room, budget and long-term needs.
Best Split System for Bedrooms
For bedrooms, the best split system air conditioner is usually one that is quiet, efficient and correctly sized for the room.
Important features may include:
quiet operation
sleep mode
efficient heating and cooling
good temperature control
compact indoor unit design
low indoor noise levels
A bedroom unit does not usually need the same capacity as a large open-plan living area. Choosing the right size is important for comfort and energy efficiency.
Best Split System for Living Areas
Living areas are often larger than bedrooms and may need a higher capacity split system.
Open-plan spaces, large windows, high ceilings and afternoon sun can all affect the size and performance required.
For living areas, it is worth considering:
system capacity
airflow direction
energy efficiency
noise levels
heating performance
where the indoor and outdoor units will be installed
whether the room opens into other areas
A professional assessment can help make sure the system is powerful enough without being oversized.
Best Split System for Apartments
Split systems can be a practical option for apartments, but installation requirements need to be checked carefully.
Apartment installations may involve:
body corporate approval
outdoor unit placement
balcony space
drainage requirements
noise considerations
access limitations
strata requirements
Before choosing a system, it is important to confirm what can be installed and where the outdoor unit can be located.
Split System vs Ducted Air Conditioning
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they should choose a split system or ducted air conditioning.
A split system is usually better suited to heating or cooling one room or area. It can be more affordable to install and may cost less to run when only one space needs to be controlled.
Ducted air conditioning is designed to heat or cool multiple rooms or the whole home. It is usually more discreet and can offer zoning, but it generally costs more to install.
The right choice depends on your property, budget and how many areas need air conditioning.
If you are still comparing options, you may find these guides helpful:
What Does a Split System Air Conditioner Cost to Install?
The cost of installing a split system air conditioner can vary depending on the system, property and installation requirements.
Installation costs may be affected by:
system size
brand and model
indoor unit location
outdoor unit location
wall type
electrical requirements
pipework and drainage
access to the installation area
whether an old unit needs to be removed
A simple back-to-back installation will usually be more straightforward than a more complex installation where the indoor and outdoor units need to be placed further apart.
You can read more in our guide to air conditioning installation cost.
How to Keep Split System Running Costs Down
The right split system can help manage running costs, but how you use it also matters.
To help improve efficiency:
choose the correct system size
set a sensible temperature
close windows and doors while the system is running
use timers or smart controls where available
clean filters regularly
avoid blocking the indoor unit
keep the outdoor unit clear
book regular servicing
turn the system off when the room is not in use
If you are using your split system for heating in winter, you can also read our guide on whether running your air conditioning unit in winter costs more.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Split System
Choosing the wrong split system can lead to poor performance, higher running costs and reduced comfort.
Common mistakes include:
choosing a unit based on price alone
installing a system that is too small
installing a system that is too large
ignoring the room layout
placing the indoor unit in the wrong position
not considering outdoor unit noise
overlooking energy efficiency
choosing a system without checking installation requirements
skipping regular maintenance
The best split system air conditioner is one that is properly selected, correctly installed and maintained over time.
Need Help Choosing the Best Split System Air Conditioner?
If you are unsure which split system air conditioner is right for your home, PSB Air can help.
Our team can assess the room, consider your heating and cooling needs, recommend a suitable system and complete the installation properly.
For homes, apartments and buildings across Manly, the Northern Beaches and greater Sydney, PSB Air can help you choose a split system air conditioner that suits your space, budget and long-term comfort needs.
Contact PSB Air to discuss split system air conditioning installation.
