If you’re trying to keep just one room or an open-plan area nice and warm in winter or cool in summer, you’re probably after something quiet, efficient and an easy fit.
That’s exactly what a split system air conditioner is designed to do.
A popular choice that lets you control the temperature in specific rooms without all of the faff of installing ductwork like you would need with a full-blown cooling system.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the basics and what exactly a split system is and why it might be a good fit for your home or office.
What is a split system air conditioner?
A split system air conditioner is made up of two parts – one inside your home and one outside – that are linked together by a few small pipes.
Traditional air conditioner setups usually rely on a network of ducts to blow air around the place. Split systems pump the cooled (or heated, depending on what you’re after) air straight into the room for the indoor unit.
That means they’re pretty efficient and don’t make much noise, either.
The name is self-explanatory; it’s a split system because it’s split. The outdoor unit sits outside, while the indoor unit is usually on the wall indoors.
It’s best to consider air con units that are high-quality and well-engineered, bosch air con units are a great example of replicable split system air conditioners with a sleek design.
What are the parts of a split system air conditioner?
The indoor unit is the part you’ll see inside. It’s usually mounted high up on the wall with a neat, modern look. It’s often slim and designed to blend in nicely with your decor.
- Inside the indoor unit, the evaporator coil removes heat from the air, starting the cooling process.
- The fan and blower draw in warm air.
- As the air passes over the coil, it is cooled down.
- The blower then pushes the chilled air back into the room.
- An air filter traps dust and pollen to improve air quality.
- This helps the unit run smoothly and efficiently.
Of course, the outdoor unit lives outside. It’s usually on the ground or fixed to an external wall and designed to do the heavy lifting.
- The compressor pumps and pressurises the refrigerant, which moves heat out of your home.
- The condenser coil releases heat from inside into the outside air.
- A fan helps blow the warm air away.
- This keeps the system working efficiently.
How does a split system air conditioner work?
Split system air conditioners work using something called the refrigeration cycle to keep your room (or warm in some cases). Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it all happens.
Soaking up the heat indoors
Warm air from your room gets pulled in through the indoor unit, passing over a cold coil filled with refrigerant. This refrigerant absorbs the heat, cooling the air before it’s pushed back out in the room.
The compressor kicks in
That now-warm refrigerant travels down copper pipes to the outdoor unit. There, the compressor gives it a boost-pressurising it so it can get rid of the heat properly.
Letting the heat out
The hot refrigerant moves through the outdoor coil, where a fan helps release all that heat into the outside air.
Cooling off and starting again
Once the refrigerant dumps the heat, it cools down and makes its way back inside to start the cycle again.
What’s handy is – most modern split systems can also work in reverse, which is incredibly useful in winter. They’ll pull in heat from outside (even when it’s cold) and bring it indoors, which gives you an energy-efficient heater as well.
Before you buy a split system air conditioner
Before you go ahead and buy a split system air conditioner, there are a few things you need to take into account.
Room size
Make sure that the system you pick is the right size for the room. Too small and it’ll struggle to keep things cool (or warm. Too big and the air conditioner will keep switching on and off, which isn’t great for energy use.
How it looks
Since the indoor unit goes up on your wall, you’ll want something that doesn’t clash with the rest of your decor. There are many options of modern design options out there.
Cost and installation
Don’t forget to budget for the installation as well as the unit itself. Although initially, it looks expensive, you’ll save a lot on energy bills in the long run.
Taking a bit of time to think through these points can help you make a smarter, more suitable choice for your space.
If you’re UK-based, it’s worth looking into Worcester air conditioning options, as they offer trusted performance backed by an established name in home heating and cooling.
Tips for looking after your split system air conditioner
Clean the filters regularly
The filter inside the indoor unit can get clogged with dust or fluff over time, which messes with airflow. Give it a clean or swap it out now and then to keep the system running smoothly.
Keep the outdoor unit clear
Leaves, muck, and other bits can build up around the outdoor unit. Make sure it’s got enough space to breathe – good airflow is key to keeping it working efficiently.
Book servicing
Getting a professional in annually is always a smart move. They’ll often clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and make sure everything is working nicely.
A final thought
A split system air conditioner is a smart, quiet, and flexible way to keep your home or workplace comfortable all year round.
Because the noisy unit is outdoors stays outside, you get peace and quiet inside, along with direct heating or cooling.
They’re a solid investment, too, especially if you want a reliable system that can handle both summer heat and winter chills. That said, you’ll want to think about the upfront costs, whether you’ve got space for the outdoor unit, and if it’s the right fit for your room.
For a system that is built to last and performs well year-round, Worcester Bosh air conditioning solutions strike a solid balance between energy efficiency and comfort.
