With energy costs and climate change concerns on the rise, energy-efficient heating and cooling options have become increasingly important for Australian households. Choosing the right HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that suits your home’s needs and Australia’s climate is vital.
Modern split system air conditioners now come equipped with smart features and inverter technology for improved performance. Inverter units in particular can help save on electricity bills thanks to innovative compressors that adjust according to the current temperature.
Regarding split systems, a 5kW capacity is well suited to providing effective and efficient cooling and heating for medium to large spaces in the average home. But with so many brands and models available, how do you determine what is truly the best 5kW split system on the market in Australia?
This guide will provide an overview of split system air conditioners, look at how to select the appropriate size, and recommend some of the top 5kW systems from leading brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Samsung, and more. We’ll cover aspects like energy ratings, noise levels, smart features, warranties, and professional installation.
What is a Split System Air Conditioner?
A split system air conditioner is a cooling and heating solution that comes in two separate units – an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit is mounted on a wall or floor within your home and contains an air filter, air circulator fan, and evaporator coil to distribute cooled or heated air. The outdoor unit contains components like a compressor, condenser coil, and condenser fan. It works by directing refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.
Split system technology has improved drastically in recent years when it comes to energy efficiency and smart climate control. Modern units run on inverter compressors that can precisely adjust cooling or heating output to match the current conditions. This is an upgrade over traditional single and multi-speed compressors that would run at one constant speed before switching off once your desired temperature was reached.
Inverter air conditioner units provide more steady temperatures, faster cool down, quieter and more energy efficient operation overall. This technology allows them to achieve higher Energy Star ratings that can save you significantly on electricity costs over time.
Leading split system brands available in Australia include:
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Fujitsu
- Panasonic
- Hitachi
- Samsung
- LG
These companies manufacture air conditioners designed specifically to suit Australian home and climate needs. Their 5kW capacity units offer the ideal cooling and heating output for spaces like master bedrooms, large living rooms or open plan layouts between 35 to 60 sqm.
What Size Split System Do I Need?
When choosing a split system unit, it’s important to get the correctly sized system for your space. A system that is too small won’t be able to cool or heat effectively. A system that is too large will be energy inefficient and cost more upfront.
As a general guideline for 5kW systems:
- 5kW capacity is ideal for room sizes of 35-50sqm
Some examples would be a master bedroom with ensuite or a medium to large living room area.
- Go smaller (2.5-4kW) for spaces under 35sqm like standard bedrooms or small living rooms
- Go larger (6-8kW) for open concept areas over 50sqm
To determine the optimal size, consider the room dimensions, exposure to the sun, the number of people typically occupying the space, and quality of insulation in your home.
A HVAC specialist can assess your cooling and heating needs and recommend the best split system based on these factors. An undersized or oversized unit will end up costing you more in energy bills and reduce system lifespan.
What 5kW Split System is the Best
When it comes to 5kW split systems, these top models on the Australian market stand out for their performance, features, and reliability.
1. Inverter Ducted Daikin
The Daikin 5kW Inverter Ducted system offers streamlined, whole home heating and cooling. This energy efficient unit comes with Daikin’s advanced inverter technology for smooth comfort control.
Key Features:
- Ultra quiet operation
- WiFi control capability
- 5 year warranty
The Daikin 5kW Inverter Ducted system offers streamlined, whole home heating and cooling. This energy efficient unit comes with Daikin’s advanced inverter technology for smooth comfort control.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- Ultra quiet operation creates a peaceful environment
- WiFi control capability allows convenient adjustment from anywhere
- 5 year warranty provides peace of mind
2. Daikin Cora Series FTXV50W
Part of Daikin’s stylish Cora designer series, this 5kW condenser unit provides fast area cooling and heating with reliable climate control for living spaces up to 60sqm.
Key Features:
- Whisper quiet at 20dB(A)
- Grade A energy efficiency
- 2 year warranty
Part of Daikin’s stylish Cora designer series, this 5kW condenser unit provides fast area cooling and heating with reliable climate control for living spaces up to 60sqm.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- Whisper quiet at 20dB(A) won’t disturb you
- Grade A energy efficiency reduces electricity costs
- 2 year warranty protects your investment
3. Samsung 5.0kW GEO AR5500
This smart Samsung split system has speedy performance paired with integrated wifi and app control features. It’s a great option for open plan layouts.
Key Features:
- Fast 9.4 ISEER cooling
- 10-year warranty on compressor
- Works with SmartThings ecosystem
This smart Samsung split system has speedy performance paired with integrated wifi and app control features. It’s a great option for open plan layouts.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- Fast 9.4 ISEER cooling reaches desired temp rapidly
- 10-year warranty on compressor provides long-term peace of mind
- Works with SmartThings ecosystem for total home automation
4. Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP50VG
This Mitsubishi Electric model delivers efficient and reliable comfort with its advanced inverter technology and durable components.
Key Features:
- High-density filters
- Quiet outdoor unit at 46 dB
- Regularly rated #1 brand
This Mitsubishi Electric model delivers efficient and reliable comfort with its advanced inverter technology and durable components.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- High-density filters improve indoor air quality
- Quiet outdoor unit at 46 dB won’t disturb the neighbourhood
- Regularly rated #1 brand for quality and performance
5. Fujitsu ASYG18KMTA
Fujitsu’s 5kW wall mount split system provides high energy savings with its inverter A++ capabilities and human sensing technologies.
Key Features:
- 4.5-star cooling efficiency
- Motion detection sensors
- Washable odor filters
Fujitsu’s 5kW wall mount split system provides high energy savings with its inverter A++ capabilities and human sensing technologies.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- 4.5-star cooling efficiency significantly cuts electricity usage
- Motion detection sensors switch to the Eco mode when the room is empty
- Washable odor filters keep air clean and fresh
6. ActronAir Serene Series
The ActronAir Serene split system offers straightforward operation for affordable 5kW heating and cooling.
Key Features:
- Simple LCD remote control
- Low operating costs
- Protective blue fin condenser coating
The ActronAir Serene split system offers straightforward operation for affordable 5kW heating and cooling.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- Simple LCD remote control for easy adjustment
- Low operating costs help cut energy spending
- Protective blue fin condenser coating prevents corrosion
7. Hitachi RAS-S50YHAB
This Hitachi split system air conditioner comes packed with features including wide angle airflow and intelligent humidity control for total comfort.
Key Features:
- Flexi Cooling Design
- R32 Refrigerant
- 10 Year Warranty on compressor
This Hitachi split system air conditioner comes packed with features including wide angle airflow and intelligent humidity control for total comfort.
Why It’s One Of The Best:
- Flexi Cooling Design allows customized airflow
- R32 Refrigerant has lower global warming potential
- 10 Year Warranty on compressor ensures lasting performance
How to Install Split System in Sydney Australia
Installing a split system air conditioner in your Sydney home is a job best left to ABC Air – licensed professionals. Improper installation can negatively impact performance and safety.
Here is a quick overview of the split system installation process:
- Survey Site – An HVAC technician will survey your space to determine the optimal positioning of the wall-mounted indoor unit and external condenser. Considerations include ventilation, drainage, sunlight exposure, etc.
- Mount Indoor Unit – The inside wall unit will be securely mounted at a height and location that allows for proper air circulation.
- Install Outdoor Unit – The external unit needs an outdoor area with proper airflow and ventilation for heat release. This also keeps outdoor noise away from bedrooms and living spaces.
- Refrigerant Piping – Copper piping connects the indoor and outdoor units to enable refrigerant flow and heat transfer. Proper sizing, connections and leak testing is critical.
- Condensate Drainage – Condensate drip pans and drainage pipes redirect water away from the unit to prevent leaks, mold and damage.
- Electrical Wiring – The system’s power supply, control wiring and grounding must be securely installed per standards. The circuit breaker size needs to match the appliance load.
