Split system heat pumps / air conditioners are an effective way of providing warm or cool air to your home, keeping your family comfortable during New Zealand summers and winters. But how exactly does a split system heat pump / air conditioner work? In this article, Fujitsu General outlines the benefits of split system heat pump / air conditioning, including how they operate, their functionalities and considerations you should take into account when installing a system in your home.

What is a Split System Heat Pump / Air Conditioner?

Unlike older wall or window mounted systems, which included all componentry in one unit, split system heat pump / air conditioners use a separate indoor and outdoor unit. Split system heat pumps / air conditioners are available in several configurations, including wall mounted, floor standing and ducted models.

How Does a Split System Heat Pump / Air Conditioner Work?

In a split system heat pump / air conditioner, to cool the room down, the indoor unit absorbs heat from the room through the refrigerant, while the outdoor unit releases this heat outside, cooling the refrigerant which is then cycled back to the indoor unit. The process is reversed during heating mode. The indoor and outdoor units are usually connected using two lengths of tubing. As such, the outdoor units are often located on the nearest wall to the location of the indoor components.

How to Find the Best Split System Heat Pump / Air Conditioner

When looking for your next residential heat pump / air conditioner, there are a number of features that can make your life easier and your home a more comfortable space to live in. 

Fujitsu split system heat pump / air conditioners are equipped with a range of features that enhance efficiency and provide a comfortable living environment, including an Apple-Catechin Filter to absorb fine dust and invisible mould growth, a Super Quiet operating mode and a variety of timer functions.

Discover the benefits of split system heat pump / air conditioning by browsing Fujitsu General’s range of units below.

The Pros and Cons of Split System Heat Pumps / Air Conditioners

While there are numerous benefits of split system heat pump / air conditioning, external factors, such as the design of your home, may not allow the installation of the indoor and outdoor units in close enough proximity to each other. Below we’ve listed some of the most compelling benefits of split system heat pump / air conditioning, as well as some of the potential issues you may encounter when installing a system in your home.

What are the Benefits of Split System Heat Pump / Air Conditioning?

The benefits of split system heat pump / air conditioning over other types of heating and cooling units include:

• Energy Efficiency: Fujitsu split system heat pump / air conditioners use inverter technology to maintain a consistent temperature in rooms where an indoor unit has been installed, reducing overall energy consumption. Find out more energy-saving heat pump / air conditioning tips here. 

• Ease of Installation: Requiring less ductwork than a whole home system, a split system heat pump / air conditioner will likely come with a lower installation cost than a ducted system

• Flexibility: If you are looking for a more cost-effective solution of heating and cooling multiple rooms than a ducted system, consider a Fujitsu split system heat pump / air conditioner. The indoor units may be able to feed a singular outdoor unit, reducing overall product, installation and maintenance costs.

• Quiet Operation: With a range of quiet operating modes for the indoor unit, Fujitsu split system heat pump / air conditioners ensure peaceful comfort at all times of day. Outdoor units have also been designed to emit as little noise as possible, minimising disruption to neighbours.

• Air Quality Improvement: Many Fujitsu split system heat pump / air conditioners feature an Apple-Catechin Filter to trap dust, pollen and invisible mould spores, redistributing cleaner, safer air into your home.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Split System Heat Pump / Air Conditioner

While a split system heat pump / air conditioning system may sound perfect for your home, there are a number of things you should take into account before committing to purchasing one. They include:

• Outdoor Space Requirements: One of the biggest concerns with a split system heat pump / air conditioner is that outdoor space is required to install the unit. Certain types or designs of homes may not be able to accommodate the outdoor unit of a split system heat pump / air conditioner.

• Aesthetic Concerns: If the aesthetic properties of your home are important to you, a ducted heat pump / air conditioner may be more suitable for your needs.

• Limitations of Indoor Unit Placement: While split system heat pump / air conditioners is generally possible in any home, the indoor unit needs to be placed in a location where power and tubing can be easily routed to it. This may impact the exact placement of the indoor unit in various rooms of your home.

• Electrical Requirements: Installation of a split system heat pump / air conditioner may require upgrades to the electrical system of your home, especially if it is an older build.

• Cooling Multiple Rooms: Split system heat pumps / air conditioners can only distribute air within a single room, meaning they may not be suitable to heat / cool the whole house or multiple rooms. Consider using a ducted or multi system if you want to heat / cool your whole home or multiple rooms.

Considerations When Installing a Split System Heat Pump / Air Conditioner

If you have decided that a Fujitsu split system / air conditioner would make an ideal addition to your home, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure you choose the right units for your heating and cooling needs:

• Room Size: The size of your room will determine the rough size of indoor heat pump / air conditioning unit you require. Ensure you measure the total floor area as well as the ceiling height when completing your calculations.

• Level of Insulation: Insulation in your ceiling and walls helps to maintain a more consistent temperature inside your home, enabling your heat pump / air conditioner to perform more efficiently.

• Room Orientation: Rooms with large west-facing windows receive the harshest of the afternoon sun, which needs to be taken into account when purchasing a split system heat pump / air conditioner.

• Climate: New Zealand’s climate can be extremely varied. Consider the average temperature year-round in your location to determine the right unit for your home.

• Professional Inspection: Contact your local Fujitsu installer for a convenient service that produces a tailored quote for your home. Our installers can assist you with choosing the most suitable system for your home and provide split system maintenance after your heat pump / air conditioner has been installed.

Buy The Best Split System Heat Pumps / Air Conditioners from Fujitsu

Fujitsu split system heat pumps / air conditioners are an effective way of heating and cooling multiple rooms throughout your home. Our Fujitsu Assist Tool can help you decide which unit is best for your home before reaching our to your local Fujitsu installer for a tailored quote and future split system maintenance requirements.