The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Split System Air Conditioner
Choosing the right air conditioner is not always as simple as picking a brand or selecting the biggest unit available. This guide helps Perth homeowners choose a split system that provides reliable year-round comfort without wasting energy or money.
Choosing The Right Air Conditioner For Your Home
The correct system size, installation location, energy efficiency and features all play a major role in how well your air conditioner performs and how much it costs to run. Whether you are cooling a bedroom, home office, living room or a large open-plan home, this guide will help you choose the right split system air conditioner for your needs.
Why Choose a Split System Air Conditioner?
Split system air conditioners are one of the most popular heating and cooling solutions in Australia. Modern reverse cycle split systems provide both cooling and heating, making them a practical all-year-round solution for Perth homes.
A split system consists of:
Energy Efficient
Modern systems are designed to deliver strong heating and cooling performance while managing power usage.
Heating & Cooling
Reverse cycle systems keep your home comfortable through Perth summers and cooler winter nights.
Quiet Operation
Great for bedrooms, living rooms and home offices where comfort and low noise matter.
Air Filtration
Many systems include filtration to help reduce dust, pollen, pet dander and airborne particles.
Smart Control
Wi-Fi and smart home compatibility lets you control your system from your phone.
Flexible Spaces
Suitable for bedrooms, home offices, living rooms and large open-plan areas.
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the correct size air conditioner is one of the most important decisions you will make. A system that is too small will struggle to cool or heat the room effectively, while a system that is too large may cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and increasing running costs.
| Room Size | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Up to 15m² | 1.5kW – 2.0kW |
| 15m² – 25m² | 2.5kW – 3.5kW |
| 25m² – 40m² | 4.0kW – 5.5kW |
| 40m² – 60m² | 6.0kW – 7.1kW |
| 60m²+ | 8.0kW – 9.5kW |
2.0kW – 2.5kW
Best suited to standard bedrooms, kids rooms and guest rooms.
2.5kW – 3.5kW
Ideal for larger bedrooms, master suites and rooms with more sun exposure.
2.0kW – 3.5kW
Great for studies, home offices and work-from-home spaces.
5.0kW – 6.0kW
Recommended for family rooms, lounges and medium living areas.
6.0kW – 7.1kW
Designed for larger rooms where airflow and coverage matter.
7.1kW – 9.5kW
Best for open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas.
Factors That Affect Sizing
Every home is different. Room size is only one factor, so your final system size may need to change depending on the full room conditions.
Ceiling Height
Higher ceilings increase the total air volume and may require more capacity.
Windows
Large windows and sliding doors can increase heat gain during summer.
Sun Exposure
West-facing rooms and strong afternoon sun may need additional capacity.
Insulation
Well-insulated homes hold temperature better and reduce system load.
Occupancy
More people in the room adds heat and changes comfort requirements.
Open Layouts
Open-plan spaces are harder to cool than enclosed rooms.
Understanding Energy Efficiency
Air conditioners are rated using the Energy Star system. Higher star ratings generally mean lower running costs and greater efficiency, but you should always compare systems of similar capacity.
Compare Like With Like
A 2.5kW unit and an 8.0kW unit are designed for completely different applications and should not be compared directly. Although premium systems often cost more upfront, they can save significantly on power bills over their lifespan.
Features Worth Considering
Modern air conditioners offer far more than simple heating and cooling. These are the features worth considering before you choose a system.
Wi-Fi Control
Turn the system on before arriving home, adjust temperatures remotely, set schedules and monitor usage.
Voice Control
Many premium models integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
Air Purification
Advanced filtration can help reduce dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles and allergens.
Quiet Operation
Important for bedrooms, nurseries, home offices and living spaces.
Self-Cleaning
Some systems dry internal components after operation to help reduce moisture and mould build-up.
Smart Scheduling
Timers and app control can help reduce energy use when rooms are not occupied.
Choosing The Right Brand
At BESS Air, we carefully select brands that offer reliable performance, strong warranties and excellent support.
TECO
Best for budget-conscious buyers, rental properties, bedrooms and smaller rooms. Offers excellent value, selected models with Wi-Fi, reliable everyday performance and a 7-year warranty.
Hisense
Best for homeowners wanting premium features without premium pricing. Includes Wi-Fi, smart home compatibility, self-cleaning technology and strong value.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Best for premium quality and performance, with exceptional reliability, airflow technology, advanced filtration and popular Ciara™ and Bronte® ranges.
Daikin
Best for premium residential applications, with whisper quiet operation, exceptional energy efficiency, advanced air purification and long-term reliability.
What Does Installation Include?
When purchasing a supply and installation package from BESS Air, our standard installation includes the core items required to install, commission and hand over your system.
System Installation
Indoor and outdoor unit installation, refrigerant pipework and interconnecting cabling.
Electrical Connection
Electrical connection and protection completed by licensed trades where required.
Testing & Handover
System commissioning, compliance certification, customer demonstration and worksite clean-up.
Non-Standard Installations
If your installation falls outside a standard back-to-back installation, we will discuss any additional requirements before work begins.
Why Buy From BESS Air?
- Free Perth Metro Delivery
- Licensed Electricians & Refrigeration Technicians
- Family-Owned Perth Business
- Fixed Price Installation Packages
- Professional Installation & Commissioning
- Local Perth Support
- Compliance Certification Provided
Need Help Choosing?
Every home is different. If you are unsure which air conditioner is right for your space, our team can help recommend the ideal system based on your room size, budget and comfort requirements.