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When it comes to keeping your home comfortable throughout the year, the right heating and cooling system will make a major difference. With rising energy prices and Melbourne’s ever-changing weather, homeowners are looking for systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.
One option that continues to be as popular as ever is the split system air conditioner. Unlike ducted systems, a split system is fully electric. But is a split system really worth installing in your home? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your living space, budget, and long-term needs.
In this article, we’ll explore how split systems work, their advantages and drawbacks, and whether they’re the right fit for your home.

A split system air conditioner consists of two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is typically mounted on a wall and is responsible for delivering conditioned air into the room, while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser.
Unlike ducted systems that are hidden in the ceiling, or portable units that take up valuable floor space, split system air conditioners are designed for simplicity and efficiency.
The two units are connected by refrigerant piping and electrical wiring, allowing heat to be transferred either out of or into the home. Most modern split systems are reverse cycle, meaning they can both cool and heat your home.
As the name suggests, a split system has two modes, heating and cooling. In cooling mode, the system extracts heat from inside your home and transfers it outside. In heating mode, the process is reversed, drawing heat from the outside air and bringing it indoors, even in cold conditions.
This process is highly efficient because it moves heat rather than generating it, which is why split systems often outperform traditional electric heaters or older cooling systems in terms of energy use.
The indoor unit delivers cool or warm air directly into your space, while the outdoor unit handles the heavy-duty work of transferring heat. This design keeps noise levels low inside and provides an energy-efficient solution for year-round comfort.
One of the biggest advantages of a split system is its energy efficiency. Compared to portable heaters or window units, split systems use less electricity to achieve the same level of comfort.
Many models also come with inverter technology, which adjusts power usage based on the temperature, reducing energy waste.
Over time, this can turn into significant savings on your energy bills.
As reverse cycle systems use less electricity to heat and cool your home, they can significantly reduce your ongoing energy bills. Heating your home can account for up to a third of household energy costs in Victoria.
With government programs like the Victorian Energy Upgrades heating and cooling discounts can help reduce the upfront cost of installation, with some households eligible for rebates worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the system and upgrade.
As most split systems offer both heating and cooling functions, they provide a complete climate control solution. This is particularly useful in regions with hot summers and cool winters, where a single system can handle both extremes.
Compared to ducted systems, split systems are relatively simple to install. They don’t require extensive ductwork, making them ideal for existing homes, apartments, or extensions where installing ducts would be costly or impractical.
Split system installation in Melbourne is typically completed within a day, depending on the size of the unit and complexity of the job.
Split systems are designed to heat or cool specific areas rather than the entire house. This allows you to control the temperature in individual rooms, reducing energy use in spaces that aren’t being used.
For households that spend most of their time in one or two rooms, this targeted approach can be more efficient than whole-home systems.
Modern split systems are designed to operate quietly, with most of the noise-producing components located in the outdoor unit. This makes them suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices where noise levels matter.
Many split systems include built-in filters that help remove dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. This can lead to a healthier indoor environment, particularly for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

While split systems offer many advantages, they may not be the right solution for every home.
A single split system is typically designed to service one room or a small area. Larger homes may require multiple units, which can increase installation costs and affect the appearance of the home’s exterior.
Although split systems are generally more affordable than ducted systems, there is still an upfront cost for purchasing and installing the unit. The price can vary depending on the brand, size, and time it takes for installation.
However, this cost is often offset over time through energy savings.
The indoor unit is mounted on a wall and remains visible, which may not suit all interior designs. Similarly, the outdoor unit needs to be placed somewhere outside the home, which can affect the look of the exterior if not positioned carefully.
To keep a split system running efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. This includes cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring the outdoor unit is free from debris.
Homeowners can also rely on Maroondah Heating and Cooling for regular maintenance and servicing of multi split air conditioning and split conditioners. Neglecting maintenance can reduce performance and shorten the lifespan of the system.
Deciding whether a split system is worth installing in your home depends on your specific needs.
A split system is often a great choice if:
A split system may not be ideal if:
In these instances, a ducted system or multi-split setup may be more suitable for your property.
One of the main reasons why homeowners choose split systems is their long-term value. While the initial investment can seem significant, the energy efficiency of modern units often results in lower running costs compared to older heating and cooling methods.
Inverter technology ensures the system doesn’t constantly switch on and off, which reduces energy consumption and wear on components. This not only saves money but can also extend the lifespan of the unit
Split systems are generally more environmentally friendly than traditional heating systems, particularly those that rely on electric resistance heating. By transferring heat rather than generating it, they use less energy and produce fewer emissions when powered by electricity.
Choosing an energy-efficient model with a high star rating can further reduce your environmental impact.
Console units can be installed on the floor or ceiling. This style of split system air conditioning unit is more commonly found in commercial installations, in particular hotels and petrol stations, but they can also be installed in domestic homes where a high air flow is required.
A bulkhead is installed when a standard wall mounted unit is not possible, usually due to the lack of wall space or if ceilings are concrete. A bulkhead is quiet and suitable for any application.
Ceiling cassettes are cleverly designed so that they can be attached to the ceiling for greater flexibility when wall space is limited. Ceiling cassette units are more commonly used in commercial applications but can also be installed in homes where wall space to suit a wall-hung system is lacking.
If you are considering a split system air conditioning system, a multi head air conditioner could be right for you. Multi head split systems is a term used for a split system with more than one indoor unit. Each room has allocated to it a unit, which can heat and cool, on command.
A multi head air conditioner or multi split air conditioning can be a great way to heat or cool the home evenly. You can have the unit in as many or as little of the rooms in your home as you want.
With a split system air conditioner, homeowners will find that all the hardware is outside the home. This is good for visual reasons, as well as sound reduction and repairs. With split system air conditioners, the good looking unit is indoors, while the grunt work is completed by an outdoor unit.
Here at Maroondah Air we are the leading supplier and installer of Daikin split systems. A Daikin reverse-cycle split system is one of the most energy efficient ways to maintain a steady temperature in a small room or section of your home.
As Daikin split systems come in a number of different makes and models, the energy efficient rating varies. We recommend getting in touch with our team to find out which system will suit your home.
While most split systems last for about 7 years on average, the Daikin Split Systems are renowned for lasting longer than 10 years. The efficiency and longevity of your split system depends on how well it has been maintained, and whether it is regular serviced.
Maroondah Heating and Cooling can provide all necessary services and repairs for your Daikin split system in Melbourne, simply get in touch today.
If you decide a split system is right for your home, consider the following:

There is no right or wrong answer when deciding if a split system is worth installing in your home. For many homeowners, the answer is yes, as it offers the perfect balance of affordability, efficiency, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for targeted heating and cooling.
As the leading supplier and installer of split systems in Bulleen, Greensborough and Malvern, Maroondah Air is here to help. From ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, ducted air conditioners, hydronic systems and evaporative cooling.
Get in touch with our Maroondah Heating and Cooling team today to find out if the Daikin Split System will suit your Melbourne home or office space. Give us a call on 03 9738 2000 or send us an online request for a quote now.
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