Split system guides
Plain-English answers to the questions we get asked every week — sizing, real costs, servicing and more. No jargon, no “call for a quote” runaround.
Prefer something you can print or save? Browse our free downloadable resources — including official ARC consumer publications.
What size split system do I need? A room-by-room guide
How to size a split system for Melbourne homes: the kW-per-square-metre rule, what changes the answer, and why oversizing costs you twice.
5 min read
Split system installation cost in Melbourne: real prices
Actual installed prices for split systems in Melbourne — published, not hidden behind a quote form — and the only four things that can change them.
6 min read
Back-to-back installation explained (and what makes an install non-standard)
What installers mean by a back-to-back split system install, why it's the benchmark price, and what genuinely adds cost.
4 min read
Split system running costs in Melbourne: cooling and heating
Roughly what a split system costs to run for cooling and heating in Melbourne, why they're efficient, and how servicing keeps bills down.
5 min read
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for a new air conditioner?
Why split systems need a dedicated circuit, how to tell if an older switchboard will cope, and what an upgrade involves — from licensed electricians.
4 min read
Split system servicing: what's included and how often it's needed
What a proper aircon service covers, how often a split system should be serviced in Melbourne, and what happens when it isn't.
4 min read
Commercial split systems up to 18 kW: a guide for business owners
Split system cooling for shops, offices, gyms and childcare centres — sizing, priority response, planned maintenance and what to ask an installer.
5 min read
Aircon not cooling? What to check before you call anyone
Split system running but not cooling? The settings, filter and airflow checks that fix it surprisingly often — and the signs it's a refrigerant or electrical fault that needs a licensed technician.
5 min read
Aircon leaking water inside? Causes and what to do
Water dripping from your split system's indoor unit usually means a blocked condensate drain — here's what's happening, what you can safely check, and when to switch it off and call.
4 min read
Aircon making noise? Normal sounds vs the ones that matter
Clicks, gurgles, rattles, grinding and squealing — which split system noises are normal, which mean a loose part, and which mean switch it off and book a repair.
4 min read
Aircon smells bad? What each smell means
Musty, damp or burning smells from a split system each point to a different cause — dirty filters, coil mould, drainage problems or an electrical fault. What to check and when to call.
4 min read
Aircon not heating? Settings, defrost cycles and real faults
Reverse-cycle split system blowing cold air in winter? Often it's the mode, the defrost cycle or airflow — sometimes it's a genuine fault. How to tell the difference.
4 min read
How often should aircon be serviced?
Once a year for a typical Melbourne home — more for heavy use, bayside homes and businesses. Why the interval matters and what skipping it actually costs.
4 min read
How long do split systems last?
A well-installed, well-maintained split system commonly runs 10–15 years; a neglected one can fail in under 8. The factors that decide which one yours is.
4 min read
Aircon repair or replace? How to decide with real numbers
Age, repair frequency, efficiency and refrigerant type decide whether fixing your split system makes sense — a practical framework with real Melbourne installation prices for comparison.
5 min read