Keeping cool in Australian summers is a priority but we don’t always need to buy the largest and most expensive air conditioner. In rooms where space is limited, sometimes a smaller split system air conditioner is ideal. In this article we will look at the best of the smallest split system air conditioners, and how to choose the right sized split system for your home.

What is a Small Split System Air Conditioner?

A small split system air conditioner is a small air conditioner with an inside and outside unit that cools the air. The two units are connected by insulated tubes which are piped through a small hole in the wall. To cool a room, the split system absorbs air from the space and passes refrigerant over an evaporator coil, absorbing the heat in the air. The resulting cold air is then blown into the room.

Small split system air conditioners have a capacity of 2kW to 3.3kW for cooling rooms up to 20 to 30 square metres. The indoor unit, which is often wall mounted, blows the cool air into the house, and the outdoor unit expels the heat gathered from the indoor system. Most split system air conditioners are wall mounted and white, measuring between half a metre (500mm) and a metre (1000mm) wide. Small split systems usually measure 250mm height by 760mm width. The smallest split system air conditioner on the market is the Mitsubishi Electric MSZ -AP Mini Series, measuring 250mm height.

Advantages of Small Split System Air Conditioners

Small split system air conditioners offer a plethora of advantages like energy efficiency, reduced cost and quiet operation that make them a wonderful option for small to medium sized spaces. The many advantages of a small split system air conditioner include:

• Compact design: The compact design means split system air conditioners take up minimal space and can be easily placed on walls or floors.
• Energy efficiency: The most energy efficient air conditioner is a split system. The design with an indoor and outdoor unit results in split systems using less energy to cool a room than other types of air conditioners. Residential split systems have to meet the minimum energy performance standards in Australia, so you know that a split system is going to be energy efficient. Usually split systems use between 2kW and 5kW of energy but smaller models will use even less, lowering electricity bills.
• Quiet operation: Split systems are known to be quiet because the noisy components like the compressor and fan are housed in the outside unit. The indoor unit is quiet because of acoustic installation. The smaller the split system, the quieter the operation.
• Cost effective: Small split system air conditioners are more cost effective as their compact design makes them less expensive to purchase and less expensive to run.
• Easy installation: Small split system air conditioners are easier to install than other systems like ducted cooling. A split system simply requires the indoor unit to be connected to the outdoor unit with refrigerant piping, electrical wiring and a drainage system. Although it is a simpler procedure than other air conditioners, it still requires professional installation by installers who have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of the installation.
• Improved air quality: By filtering and circulating the air, split system air conditioners remove pollutants and improve air quality.
• Easy maintenance: A small split system air conditioner is easy to maintain and requires less maintenance than other types of air conditioners.

Three of the Smallest Split System Air Conditioners

The three smallest split system air conditioners are:

Mitsubishi MSZ-AP 15/20 Mini Series

The MSZ-AP 15/20 Mini Series is a sleek and compact wall-mounted split-system air conditioning unit and has the smallest indoor unit dimensions in the Australian market at just 250 mm height by 760 mm width. This size makes it perfect for installation above a door or window frame and the ideal solution for a bedroom or home office. Although the MSZ-AP15/20 was designed with smaller rooms in mind, the cooling output isn’t compromised, operating at 1.5 / 2.0 kW and delivers an effective cooling solution in a discrete unit.

Key Features

• Powerful cooling
• Compact design
• Quiet operation
• Easy installation
• Reverse cycle

Daikin Alira-X 2.5kW

The Daikin Alira-X 2.5kW is a split system air conditioner that delivers a perfect fusion of whisper quiet comfort, industry leading energy efficiency and indoor air quality technology. The Daikin Alira-X 2.5kW measures 295mm in height and 800mm in width. It is perfect for small living areas or bedrooms.

Key Features

• Ideal for small spaces
• Energy efficient
• Heats and cools

Mitsubishi Heavy Industry 2kW SRK 20 ZSA-W Avanti

The Mitsubishi Heavy Industry 2kW SRK 20 ZSA-W Avanti is ideal for small to medium spaces. Measuring 290mm height by 870mm width, it is one of the smallest split systems which would suit a small living area, bedroom or home office. It even comes with optional smart control.

Key Features

• Compact design
• 3D Auto airflow
• Allergen clear system
• Energy efficient
• Optional Wi-Fi control

How To Choose the Right Small Split System Air Conditioner

When deciding on the right small split system air conditioner, there are a range of factors to consider.

• Room size: The size of the room is a good indication of the size of the air conditioner you will need. A good way to calculate the size you need is to use the 0.15kW rule. For every square metre of room area, you will need 0.15kW of cooling. To find out the square metre of a room, multiply the length by the width. While room size is important, ceiling height should also be considered. If you have higher than normal ceilings, include that as a factor for increasing the air conditioner size.
• Insulation: Insulation plays an important role in keeping heat or cool air inside a home. If your home is well insulated, it will produce less heat transfer and keep rooms at a more comfortable temperature.
• Climate: The temperature where you live impacts the type of air conditioner you will need. A hot and humid climate like Darwin will need a stronger split system than a cooler area like Tasmania.
• Budget: How much it costs will always be a factor in split system air conditioner choice. When considering your budget, take into account the purchase, installation, running costs and maintenance.
• Energy efficiency: The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is determined by energy efficiency ratio (EER) which is the ratio of the cooling capacity to the power output. An energy efficient air conditioner will have a higher EER than a less energy efficient unit. It is important to consider the energy efficiency rating of a split system air conditioner as this will determine ongoing costs.
• Noise levels: The noise level of a split system tends to be a lot quieter than other types of air conditioners as the loud part of the unit is outside the home. Air conditioner sound is measured in decibels (‘dBA’) which is a weighted scale for judging loudness that corresponds to the hearing threshold of the human ear. The louder a sound, the higher the decibel level. A comfortable noise level for a split system air conditioner indoor unit is 19 to 50 dBA.

Small split system air conditioners are ideal for cooling small to medium sized rooms. While the smallest split system air conditioner currently on the market is the Mitsubishi MSZ-AP 15/20 Mini Series, there are still plenty of other small air conditioners to choose from. The right small split system air conditioner for you will depend on a variety of factors like the size of the room, your budget and energy efficiency. Our article guides you through the range of small split system air conditioners, their key features and what to consider when looking for a small split system air conditioner. For further information, contact the experts in cooling at Simply Air.