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Split system air conditioner installation is the most common way Adelaide homes add cooling and heating. A reverse cycle split system cools in summer and heats efficiently in winter, and it can be installed room by room as budget allows. Getting it right comes down to choosing the right size, positioning both units well, and having the refrigerant and electrical work done by properly licensed people.
SuperFox is an enquiry service. We pass your enquiry to one local air-conditioning technician, who calls you back and quotes. For more on air-con in Adelaide, see our air conditioning Adelaide hub.
What is a split system?
A split system has two parts: an indoor unit (usually high on a wall) and an outdoor unit containing the compressor. They are connected by insulated copper refrigerant pipes, a drain line for condensate and control cabling. Reverse cycle systems can run the refrigerant in either direction to cool or heat the room.
| Type | Suits |
|---|---|
| Wall-mounted single split | Bedrooms, living rooms, home offices |
| Multi head split system | Several rooms where outdoor space for units is limited |
| Floor console | Rooms without suitable wall space, or for heating comfort |
| Ducted | Whole-home comfort; see ducted air conditioning |
Signs it’s time for a new split system
- Rooms that are uncomfortable on hot days even with fans
- An old unit that’s noisy, inefficient or needs regular repairs
- An older system using refrigerant that’s harder to source
- Gas or electric bar heaters used for winter heating
- A renovation or extension that needs its own heating and cooling
If an existing unit has stopped cooling, it may be worth getting an air conditioner repair quote before replacing it.
What’s involved in split system installation
- Site assessment. The technician measures the room, checks insulation and sun exposure, and recommends a capacity. Our guide on what size air conditioner you need explains how sizing works.
- Choose positions. The indoor unit needs a clear path for airflow; the outdoor unit needs airflow, access for servicing and a stable base, ideally out of the harshest afternoon sun.
- Mount the units and core a hole through the wall for the pipework.
- Run refrigerant pipes, drain and cabling, then pressure test and evacuate the lines.
- Electrical connection by a licensed electrician, often on a dedicated circuit with safety switch protection.
- Commission the system, check it runs correctly in both modes, and show you how to use it.
You should receive a certificate of compliance for the electrical work, and keep the manufacturer’s warranty paperwork and installation details.
Split systems in Adelaide homes
Adelaide summers bring runs of very hot days, sometimes above 40 °C, and those are the days a split system has to cope with. Outdoor units placed in full western sun or a cramped side passage work harder, so placement matters. In winter, a reverse cycle split is one of the most efficient ways to heat a room, which is why many Adelaide households use them year-round.
Older double-brick homes take longer to core through. Coastal suburbs need outdoor units protected against salt air, and some manufacturers offer coastal treatments. In the Adelaide Hills, where winters are colder, heating capacity matters as much as cooling. Before adding several units, it’s worth checking your switchboard has room; an old board may need a switchboard upgrade.
What affects the price of split system installation?
We don’t publish prices; the technician quotes after assessing the site. The main factors:
- Unit capacity and brand
- Back-to-back vs longer pipe runs
- Outdoor unit position: ground level, wall bracket, roof or second storey
- Wall construction: brick, double brick or weatherboard
- Electrical work: a dedicated circuit, switchboard space or upgrade
- Removing an old unit, including safe recovery of its refrigerant
- Multi head systems and number of rooms
See our guide to split system installation cost for more detail.
Licences and what to ask the installer
Air-conditioning installation involves refrigerant, so the technician must hold a refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), known as ARCtick. The ARC says state licences don’t replace this. A restricted split-system licence covers installing single split systems; multi head split systems and servicing or repairs require a full refrigeration and air-conditioning licence. You can check a licence at lookforthetick.com.au.
The electrical connection must be done by a licensed electrician (some technicians hold both licences). Electrical licences in SA are administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and can be checked on its public register.
Ask the installer:
- What ARC licence do you hold, and who does the electrical connection?
- How did you work out the size for this room?
- Where will the outdoor unit go, and how long is the pipe run?
- Is a dedicated circuit needed, and does my switchboard have room?
- Will I receive a certificate of compliance for the electrical work?
- What servicing does the manufacturer’s warranty require?
Regular air conditioning servicing keeps the system efficient once it’s in.
Getting your split system sorted
Send one enquiry through the contact form or call 08 6800 6079. Tell us the rooms and their approximate size. We pass the details to one local air-conditioning technician, who calls you back within 24–48 hours to quote.