4 Efficiency Features to Look for in a Residential Split Air Conditioning Unit

Split air conditioners are often ideal for households that want to save money on air conditioning. The absence of ductwork in split ACs simplifies installations and eliminates the need for costly retrofits. Modern split air conditioners also have incredible efficiency ratings that can generate significant annual savings on residential cooling. Some units come with advanced features that can further boost efficiency and increase convenience.

As you shop around for a split AC, discover four must-have features to consider for the new unit.

Conventional air conditioners have single-speed compressors and fans. When the unit is on, it operates at a fixed speed with a fixed voltage output. Thus, whether the demand for conditioned air is low or high, the unit will consume the same energy throughout. Fixed-speed units consume a lot of power and put a lot of stress on the components.

Inverter split air conditioners use inverter technology for cooling. The units have variable speed drives that generate variable frequency and variable output. They match the compressor speed to the cooling load, meaning that when the cooling demand is low, the compressor runs at a low speed. When the cooling load is high, for example, on a hot summer afternoon, the AC operates at high speeds.

According to research, inverter split systems can generate 40% more energy savings than conventional units. Since the compressor runs at low-to-moderate speeds most times, less stress is placed on the components. This performance can increase the lifespan of the AC.

Standard AC filters that meet Australia's Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings can easily remove large airborne particles from the air. These particles include dust, hair, pollen and plaster and wood particles. However, they may fail to capture smaller particles, such as smoke, mould spores and bacteria.

Split ACs with air purification features can trap even the smallest pollutants in the air. Some units come with photocatalytic filters that utilise the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology. This technology allows filters to trap the smallest pollutants in the air, including bacteria, mould spores and other microorganisms.

Some split air conditioners use ionisers to purify the air and get rid of odour and gas pollutants. Ionisers can also trap dust and pollen and improve indoor air quality. If you have loved ones who suffer seasonal allergies, invest in a split unit that uses ionisers or photocatalytic filters to purify the air.

Most modern split air conditioners come with digital thermostat displays that enable users to preset their preferred settings. However, digital displays don't allow remote access. Thus, you have to be in the room to regulate your air conditioner. For better convenience, comfort and efficiency, choose a unit with WiFi and remote access capabilities.

A split air conditioner with WiFi capability can connect to your home internet. By using an app on your phone, you can control the thermostat while kilometres away from home. This feature allows you to turn on the AC long before you get home, thereby eliminating the need to crank up the unit for instant cooling. You can also turn the AC off if you forgot to do so before leaving the house.

Multi-split air conditioners come with multiple air handlers for efficient zoning. However, even with zoning features, ACs often run in unoccupied rooms, which leads to energy wastage. Occupancy sensors in modern units can significantly lower cooling costs in households.

These sensors detect when a room is empty and turn off the air. They also turn the AC back on when someone enters the room. By turning off the air, the unit's cooling load reduces. This prompts the compressor to lower its speed, thereby reducing the unit's energy consumption.

Are you ready to invest in a split air conditioner? Choose your preferred unit from our broad range of split air conditioning systems, or contact us for a consultation.