What Is a Split System?
A split system is the most popular type of air conditioning unit installed in Australian homes. It consists of two connected components: an indoor unit (evaporator) mounted on an interior wall and an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) installed outside the building. Refrigerant lines and electrical cables connect the two units through a small hole in the wall.
How It Works
Modern split systems are reverse-cycle units, meaning they can both cool and heat a room. In cooling mode, the indoor unit absorbs heat from the room and transfers it outside via the refrigerant. In heating mode, the process reverses — the outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air and pumps it indoors.
Key considerations when choosing a split system include:
- Room size — units are rated in kilowatts (kW); an undersized unit will struggle to maintain temperature
- Energy rating — look for the Zoned Energy Rating Label, which shows performance across Australian climate zones
- Inverter technology — inverter models adjust compressor speed rather than cycling on/off, providing better energy efficiency
- Noise level — important for bedrooms and living areas; check the dB rating for both indoor and outdoor units
Installation Requirements
Split system installation involves both refrigeration and electrical work. In Australia, this means the installer must hold:
- An ARCTick licence (Refrigerant Handling Licence) — required to handle refrigerant gases under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
- An electrical licence — required to run the dedicated power circuit and connect the unit to the switchboard
How It Relates to Licence Verification
Installing a split system without the correct licences is illegal and can void the manufacturer’s warranty. An unlicensed installer may also compromise refrigerant handling, posing environmental and safety risks. Use TradieVerify to verify that your air conditioning installer holds both a valid refrigerant handling licence and the appropriate electrical licence for your state.