Wall mounted split systems

Advantages

These are another popular type of heating unit, they are actually more efficient to run on heating than on cooling.

Purchase and installation costs are relatively low and they can also be used to cool your home in Summer. The term “split” refers to the unit effectively being split in half. The indoor unit gets mounted on one side of the wall and the outdoor unit gets mounted outside (within 20 metres of the indoor unit but the closer it is the cheaper the install costs). This means the noisy part, the compressor, is outside so the indoor unit is very quiet with only a slight fan noise. The systems available range from small units suitable for a small study right up to large units suitable for large open living areas (up to 100 square metres).

Disadvantages

Split systems need a defrost cycle when temperatures get close to or below zero degrees and they will not operate as normal during this time.

They are usually only suited to one room or area. If you want your whole home cooled, you will likely need one in the living area and one in each bedroom. It can therefore get expensive when multiple units are required.