Split System Air Conditioning Installation Cost
6th June, 2024As the average temperature in Australia continues to rise every year, there’s never been a better time to invest in a split-system air conditioner. These types of air conditioning systems are known for consuming less energy and having low maintenance requirements. However, there is a lot of confusion regarding the installation costs of such appliances which often discourage the potential buyers.
The air conditioning installation work in Australia is governed by the Australian Refrigeration Council. So, if you want to install a split air conditioning system in Adelaide or surrounding areas, you need to hire a team of technicians who are certified for the job. The cost of split system installation depends on a number of factors. However, before we explore those factors, it is important to learn a bit about the basics of a split air conditioning system.
What is Split System AC?
A split air conditioner has two major segments: a compressor installed outside and an air outlet unit installed inside. It does not require a series of ductwork networked throughout the ceiling. Instead, it relies on a set of pipes that connects the outdoor unit to the inside air unit. The air conditioner disperses refrigerant through the copper pipes that cycle through the system to generate either heater or cold air, depending on the requirements.
As the refrigerant gas pumps through the condenser, it cools down and gets vaporized into a liquid. The liquid is then pushed into the evaporator, which allows it to expand and change back into a gas. Due to the rapid expansion of the gas, the temperature drops significantly.
Air from the room is drawn into the air conditioning unit and passes over the evaporator coils, cooling the air. The cooled air is then blown back into the room. As the process repeats, the air continues to circulate until the desired temperature is reached by the air conditioning system.
Influential Factors on Split System Installation Prices
While split system air conditioners are known for being energy efficient, the installation cost of these units is determined by several factors. Some of those factors are described below:
System Size
Based on the size of your property, you need to decide the capacity of the air conditioner. For example, if you have a small room of around 25 square meters, you will need a small or medium capacity air conditioner, while a space that’s larger than 60 square meters requires a high capacity air conditioning unit. The bigger the air conditioner size and system capacity, the higher its price.
Complexity of Installation
The installation costs of a new air conditioner also depends on the complexity of the installation work. If you are asking the technicians to install the appliance at a hard-to-reach place, they may charge you additional installation costs. When you are running on a tight budget, it is better to research about these things before buying.
Installation Location
The cost of air conditioning installation may also vary depending on the location. If you live in a place where the mercury reaches over 35°C, you will need a more powerful air conditioner for cooling. Similarly, if the temperature drops below 10°C, your air conditioning unit may need to work harder to keep the room warm. So, you need to spend extra money for having powerful air conditioning systems installed.
Labour Costs
The labour costs will vary in different areas of Australia. Usually, the AC installation costs are competitive in areas where you have plenty of options for HVAC technicians. Moreover, if you have specific installation requirements that do not fall under the regular split system installation service, the technicians may charge you extra.
Quality of Equipment
The installation costs may also vary dramatically depending on the quality of equipment used for the process. If you want your technician to use the latest tools and equipment to efficiently complete the installation in the shortest time possible, the charges are going to be higher. At the same time, the traditional installation process may cost less, but may take several hours to complete.
Additional Features
The cost of an air conditioning system is more likely to be higher if the appliance comes with additional features. A sophisticated air conditioning unit keeps your energy bills low by using some smart features, but you need to pay a higher price upfront while buying the appliance. Also, the installation process of such appliances with advanced features is often quite complex, adding to the installation charges.
Warranty and Maintenance Plans
Lastly, you may need to spend a few dollars extra to buy the additional warranty and maintenance plans for the appliance. In most cases, electrical appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines come with a manufacturer’s warranty. However, you may need to purchase extended warranty and maintenance plans on top of the existing warranties to extend the coverage.
While you compare the installation cost of split system air conditioners in Adelaide, you should make sure the service provider is certified by the Australian Refrigeration council.
Why Consider a Split System Air Conditioner
When compared to other available options in the market, a split system air conditioner has several advantages to offer. Check out some of those major benefits of split system installation.
Energy Efficiency
Split-system air conditioners are designed for maximum energy efficiency. While each unit can be individually assessed to determine its degree of thermal efficiency, they are generally more energy efficient than other types of air conditioning systems, such as ducted or window ACs. Split-system air conditioners consume less energy to cool/heat a room and do it faster. It is ideal for small homes and rooms and is more cost-effective than ducted air conditioning systems.
Quiet Operation
Split systems are very quiet. If you live in a warm climate where you need to use air conditioning for most of the day, this feature can make a lot of difference. In fact, these split-system air conditioning units are quieter than ceiling fans. If your split-system air conditioner is making loud noises, it is a sign of a malfunction that needs to be addressed soon.
Flexible Installation
You do need to hire a registered professional for split system installation. However, the process is comparatively straightforward. The technician will mount both the indoor and outdoor units in place and connect them with internal pipe mechanisms. If you want to move the system to another place, a technician can easily demount the units and install them in your preferred location.
Customized Cooling
Split air conditioning units are known for cooling down the room quickly, even during unbearable hot summer days. Most split system air conditioning units come with smart inverter technology where the compressor can achieve the desired temperature much faster than a window or ducted air conditioning system.
Ease of Maintenance
Regular maintenance and cleaning of a split system air conditioner are also quite easy when compared to ducted systems. Most split system units these days come with reusable filters that you can clean and put back into the system easily. The split system air conditioning units are ideal for property owners and renters as they require minimal maintenance and servicing work.
Enhanced Aesthetics
A split-system unit fits well with almost all kinds of surroundings. Their minimalistic and sleek appearance blends seamlessly with most interior designs. While a majority of the split system air conditioners come in white colour, there are several options in other colours as well. They look reasonably attractive and do not disrupt the aesthetics of your home. Unlike window ACs, split systems do not look obtrusive.
Windows Aren’t Required
If you do not want to block your windows while installing air conditioning systems, a split-system air conditioner is a better option. The indoor unit is mounted on the wall while the outdoor unit is installed outside. The technician only needs to make a small hole on the wall to pass the pipes and cables to connect both the units, causing minimal obstruction. With this air conditioning option you can access your windows freely.
If you want to cool multiple rooms, you can invest in a multi-split system air conditioner. In such cases, multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit.
How Long Does it Take to Install Split-System Air Conditioning?
As mentioned earlier, installing a split-system air conditioner is much more straightforward than installing a ducted air conditioning system. This type of air conditioner is ductless. Thus, a technician will install the indoor unit onto a wall, while the outdoor unit will be installed outside the room as close as possible to the indoor unit.
The technicians also need to drill a hole in the wall to connect the refrigerant pipe, drain pipe and electrical wires between the internal unit to the external unit. Lastly, the technicals will configure the appliance before handing the control over to you. The entire process usually takes about four to eight hours, depending on the installation requirements, equipment used, and the skill levels of the technicians.
Trust True Air to Install Your Split System Air Conditioners
When it comes to split system installation, True Air is the most trusted name in Adelaide. Our team has the experience and skills to install a split system, regardless of which brand it is from. We also offer same-day air conditioning service across Adelaide and its suburbs for homes, offices, retail stores, commercial spaces and more.
Through our quality installation support, we ensure that your split air conditioning system delivers optimum efficiency and requires the least amount of maintenance work for the years to come. Our team of licensed professionals provides the best air conditioning installation service that meets your specific needs within your budget.
Apart from the installation assistance, we also offer maintenance, replacement, and repair services at the most reasonable prices. At True Air, our team is dedicated to delivering the most fulfilling experience to our clients with the utmost professionalism. Call us today to get split system installation done in an efficient manner.