Know How Your Split System Air Conditioner Works

Australia's often blistering summers and chilly winters require the comfort and convenience of a well-functioning air conditioner, preferably a split-system air conditioner.

The split system air conditioner is increasingly becoming the popular choice among Aussies for their air conditioning needs, more so than the traditional window-based or central air conditioning systems.

But what exactly is a split-system air conditioner, and how do they work? Join us as we delve deeply into the nitty-gritty of this marvellous appliance.

What is a Split System Air Conditioner?

A split-system air conditioner is a type of air conditioning system that essentially splits into two parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit is placed outside the room or house where the air conditioner is to be installed, while the indoor unit occupies space within the room.

The indoor and outdoor units communicate and operate in conjunction to deliver a lovely, cool (or toasty warm) environment within your room or house.

The Parts of a Split System Air Conditioner

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a split system air conditioner is and how it works, let’s understand its parts a bit better.

• Indoor unit: The indoor unit of a split-system air conditioner is the part that you would commonly see mounted on a wall within your home. This indoor unit is composed of the following crucial components:
• Air filter: An integral component of any air conditioner is the air filter. Located within the indoor unit, the air filter’s critical function is to clean the air that is drawn into the system. It filters out dust particles, allergens, and other contaminants to ensure that you get only clean and fresh air.
• Cooling coil or evaporator coil: The cooling coil, also known as the evaporator coil, is where the actual cooling of the air takes place. This component is filled with refrigerant that absorbs heat from the indoor air as it passes over the coils. The cooled air is then blown back into the room.
• Air blower : Once the air is cooled down, the air blower helps circulate it throughout the room. It’s responsible for the flow of cool air that we feel when we stand near the air conditioner.
• Outdoor unit: The outdoor unit, often installed outside the premises of the home, is just as vital as the indoor unit. Key parts of the outdoor unit include:
• Compressor: The compressor of a split-system air conditioner plays a pivotal role. It compresses the refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the indoor air and converts it from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas.
• Condenser coil: Once the refrigerant is compressed, it is pumped into the condenser coil. The heat from the high-pressure gas refrigerant is released into the outside atmosphere, cooling it down and reverting it to a low-pressure state.
• Expansion valve: Before the cooled refrigerant is sent back to the evaporator coil in the indoor unit, it passes through the expansion valve. The valve’s role is to control the volume of refrigerant moving into the cooling coil, ensuring efficient operation.
• Fan: Similar to the fan in the indoor unit, the outdoor unit also has a fan. This fan helps disperse the heat that is released from the condenser coil out into the external environment.

Each of these parts plays a crucial role in the operation of a split-system air conditioner. Understanding how these various components work helps you appreciate the complexity and efficiency of your air conditioner – and reminds you just how important it is to ensure their regular maintenance and care.

How Do Split System Air Conditioners Work

Only split-system air conditioners are designed to keep our homes comfortable by cooling or heating the air as needed. To make it easy to understand, let’s break down how they work in four simple steps.

Step 1: Indoor Air is Drawn in

First, the air from your room is pulled into the indoor unit through the air filter. This filter helps to trap dust particles, allergens, and other impurities, ensuring that clean air passes through the system.

Step 2: Cooling or Heating the Air

The cleaned air is then passed over a part called the “cooling coil” or “evaporator coil” in the indoor unit. This coil contains a special substance called a “refrigerant” that can absorb heat. When warm air from your room comes into contact with the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, cooling it down.

Step 3: Releasing the Absorbed Heat Outdoors

The now-heated refrigerant travels to the outdoor unit. Here, the heat absorbed from the indoor air is released through another component called the “condenser coil.” A fan in the outdoor unit helps to release the heat outside your home, allowing the refrigerant to cool down and become ready to repeat the process.

Step 4: Circulating the Cool Air in the Room

Lastly, the cool air that has been created by this process is pushed back into your room by the indoor unit’s fan or blower. This maintains a comfortable temperature in your area.

Now that you know how split-system air conditioners work, you can appreciate their ability to create the perfect temperature in your home and enjoy their comforting effects. Before purchasing one, though, take note of the zoned energy rating label to understand how energy-efficient it is and how it would impact your energy bills in different seasons.

Why A Professional Is Important For Installation and Maintenance

Installation and maintenance of a split-system air conditioner, whether it’s a Mitsubishi Electric or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries model, can often appear quite daunting.

While many leading brands and major brands might claim simple installation or minimal maintenance, it’s always best to have a professional at the helm.

Professionals come with specialised knowledge of the safest and most effective ways to install split-system air conditioners.

They understand the difference between various models, from the running costs and power consumption to the potential cooling or heating capabilities. They can help you find the right air conditioner size for your room or open-plan areas and show you how to maintain them properly.

A professional’s regular maintenance services can extend the life of your split system unit. From cleaning filters to diagnosing potential ongoing problems early, keeping your aircon unit in top shape is a task best left in the skilled hands of a professional.

They understand the telltale signs of struggling aircon, whether it’s a unit that’s running frequent short cycles, the unit failing to cool down the room properly or noticing unexpected hikes in your energy bills.

The role of a professional does not end with just installations and repairs. They also take responsibility for teaching the homeowner how best to use their split system air conditioner, from showing how to control the temperature using the remote control, advising on the wi-fi compatibilities, or explaining how best to clean around the indoor and outdoor units for their longevity.

Let’s Appreciate The Split System Air Conditioner

The split-system air conditioner is indeed a clever piece of modern-day technology. Combining powerful cooling and heating abilities with relatively quiet operations, energy efficiency, and the flexibility to control individual room temperature, split system air conditioners provide comfort to most homes in Australia throughout the year.

Whether it’s cooling down a sweltering summer day or keeping an icy winter night warm and cosy, we can always rely on our split systems to keep us comfortable.

With a better understanding of how split system air conditioners work, you’re equipped with the knowledge to use the system more efficiently while also understanding the importance of professional help. So, sit back, adjust the temperature just the way you like it, and let your split system air conditioner do all the hard work!

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.