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What is a Split AC System?

What is a Split AC System?

Many people ask what a split AC system is when cooling their home or office. Among the most common forms of energy efficient and flexible cooling in urban areas such as London are split AC systems. Learn what is a split unit air conditioner, how it works and whether it is right for your cooling and heating needs.

Understanding Split AC System

Starting with the basics. So what is a split ac system? A split AC is an air conditioning system that has two main parts: a condenser and a blower. A indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor units are usually mounted on the wall or ceiling and cool the air in the room. A compressor and condenser in the outdoor unit help heat escape the indoor space.

Unlike window ACs which are single-unit, split-unit air conditioners are flexible and not as obtrusive. They’re great for cooling single rooms or zones and are common in homes and businesses.

How Does a Split AC System Work?

  • Cooling Process: The warm air from the room is taken into the indoor unit and blows over the evaporator coils of refrigerant. It cools the air because the refrigerant reflects the heat.
  • Heat Expulsion: The refrigerant is now pumped to the outdoor unit. Here the compressor and condenser release the heat to the outside air.
  • Air Circulation: Cooled air is blown back into the room with a fan in the indoor unit.

This process is repeated constantly to maintain the desired temperature. And separating the indoor and outdoor units is what makes split AC systems so efficient and quiet versus other air conditioners.

Types of Split AC Systems

1. Wall-Mounted Split AC

This is the most common split system, with an indoor unit mounted on the wall. For homes, small offices and individual rooms – wall-mounted systems can be easily installed and provide effective cooling.

2. Ceiling-Mounted Cassette AC

Cassette split systems are ceiling mounted so are suitable for larger areas or commercial applications. These units distribute air equally in all directions and therefore find application in offices, shops and restaurants in open-plan areas.

3. Multi-Split AC Systems

A multi-split system has a single outdoor unit serving several indoor units, with zoning capability. This is perfect for homes or offices that need zoned cooling/heating without multiple outdoor units.

4. Floor-Mounted Split AC

Designed for rooms with little wall or ceiling space, floor-mounted systems are installed near the ground. They’re mostly used for homes and smaller offices that can not afford wall-mounted or ceiling units.

5. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are a popular choice to retrofit older building construction, and allow zone-based cooling without ductwork. They are very energy efficient and permit temperature control in specific areas.

Benefits of Split AC Systems

  1. Energy Efficiency: The split air conditioning systems use less energy to cool individual rooms than the entire building. This targeted cooling reduces energy consumption thus being an eco friendly choice.
  2. Quiet Operation: Unlike traditional systems the noisy compressor is outside so the indoor environment is free of distracting sounds.
  3. Easy Installation: A split system needs no ductwork, so it is faster to install than central ducted air conditioning systems. A small hole in the wall for the refrigerant pipes connects the indoor and outdoor units.
  4. Aesthetic Design: Modern split AC units are slim and discreet – they will fit in with any home or office decor. They are less bulky than window units or ducted ac units.
  5. Versatility: Split systems can provide cooling or heating so are usable year-round. They feature remote control and programmable comfort settings.

Applications of Split AC Systems

1. Residential Homes

Split ACs are common in homes for room-by-room cooling and heating. They’re ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and home offices, providing energy efficient temperature control and near silent operation.

2. Commercial Spaces

Commercial split systems are used in offices, retail stores & restaurants for uniform comfort of employees and customers. Some cassette or multi-split systems are selected to cool larger spaces.

3. Hospitality Industry

Hotels and resorts use split systems for guest comfort. Often multi-split systems are installed so every room has independent room temperature control, but without visible bulky connections between rooms.

4. Educational Institutions

Classrooms, lecture halls and libraries benefit from quiet split systems operation. Their ability to cool specific zones helps students and staff learn in an optimal environment.

5. Healthcare Facilities

In hospitals, clinics and medical offices temperature and air quality control is required. Split systems find application in patient rooms, consultation rooms, laboratories.

6. Spaces Without Ductwork

In older structures or at homes where ductwork installation is impractical ductless split AC systems are the best option. They offer efficient cooling with no modification to structure.

Conclusion

Now you know what a split AC system is, it is easy to see why it continues to be a favourite pick for home and office heat and air conditioning. The energy efficiency, the quiet operation and the design of a split unit there will give you comfort and convenience.

At Hamilton Air Conditioning, we install and maintain split Air Conditioning in London at Hamilton air conditioning. As authorised installers of Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu we supply custom cooling & heating solutions. Call us today to see how a split AC system could improve your indoor comfort.

Matthew Connery
By: Matthew Connery

Matthew Connery is the Director of Hamilton Air Conditioning in London. He is a skilled Business Strategist who delivers energy-efficient and cost-saving solutions to commercial and domestic clients from leading air conditioning brands. 

Jan 22 2025