How Does A Split System Air Conditioning Unit Work?
A split system air conditioning unit is one of the most popular systems on the market right now. To decide whether a split system unit is suitable for your home it is good to understand how they work.

Split system air conditioning is the air conditioner of choice by nearly 70% of consumers. By understanding how it works, you will be able to determine if this is the best choice for your home.

Why Is It Called Split System?


Its name itself is already a clue. It is called a split system because it comes with two components, an indoor and outdoor unit are needed. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, while the outdoor unit houses the condenser and compressor. Pipework and electrical cabling links/connects the two parts. Pipes and cabling are usually seen from the outside of the house running down the outside wall, a trunking/capping product is usually used to cover and protect this.

A wall hung split system has the indoor unit hanging on a wall within the home and provides air conditioning in just one room or area of the house.

Contrary to what most people think a ducted air conditioning system is also a split style unit as it also contains an indoor and outdoor unit, The difference is that ducts are used to deliver the conditioned air to different parts of the house. Nearly all central air conditioning relies on split system units since they are typically more energy efficient.

How Does It Work?


The refrigerant is stored in the outdoor unit of the split system unit. In case you don’t know what that is, it is the pressurised gas in the compressor or outdoor unit. The gas passes through the tubes/pipes in the unit and later turns into liquid. Once this happens, the liquid then turns into a gaseous state after going through the expansion valve. This process involves the release of a huge amount of heat.

The resulting gas is then used to cool the air at a low temperature. It is called a refrigerant for this reason. The process is cyclical and goes on as the gas returns to the compressor ie. the pump. Due to the indoor unit’s coil containing the gas at very low temperatures, the air inside the space is cooled.

The air conditioning unit blows the cooled air into the room so that those who are inside can feel the effects.There is a thermostat inside the unit that regulates the operation of the cycle, fan and compressor and thus the temperature of the room.

What Is The Installation Process Like?


The Ducted split system air conditioner is a more difficult installation that should only be installed by professionals, the wall hung split system is an easier install but still must be installed by a professional tradesman. We do not recommend installing the unit by yourself as it will void any warranties.

The outdoor component is fitted directly outside or as close to the indoor component of the system. The pipes are run into the wall mounted unit or into the roof for a ducted system.

Most air conditioning units need a direct power supply from the electrical switchboard, however some smaller ones can be run directly off an existing local power circuit close by. For this there are still limitations as you would not want too many systems connected up this way.

Why Is It A Popular Choice?

One of the main reasons why split system air conditioning is popular is because it is a quiet system to run. This is because the condenser fan and compressor are outside. You should be able to sleep peacefully or go about your day even when it is on.

Aside from that, its design is generally less conspicuous and it is easy to make the split system air conditioning unit blend into the background because of how sleek it is.

Split system air conditioners are also easy to use and maintain. Most units have a basic remote control that makes it easy to change the temperature or turn the appliance on or off as you wish.

If you are interested in a wall mounted split system visit our split system air conditioners collection to see all the options we have available. We are also able to help arrange installation of your new unit with our network of preferred installers.