Single vs. Multi-Split Systems: Which One is Better for You?

Not happy with the performance of your existing heating or cooling?  You may want to upgrade to single or multi-split systems, but it’s not always an easy choice to make! According to the Energy Rating website, space heating and cooling appliances make up 40% of household energy use in Australia.

What option is right for your home? Will it keep it cool or warm enough when you need it to, and how good is its energy efficiency? These are some of the questions we can answer for you.

This article will delve into these split system models in detail, what Templestowe Heating & Cooling offers, and help you find the perfect fit.

What are Single-Split Systems?

If you’ve been looking for single-room air conditioning, single-split systems offer a simple solution with ultimate control in any space you choose! They also come in window-wall mounted units, although it is less common.

Extracting the heat from the outside air, they transfer it to an indoor unit with a heat exchanger and fan to blow the heated air around the room. Instead of generating heat directly with an electric element, they use heat pump technology to extract heat from the outside air. It’s easier than ever to control the warmth and coolness of your space.

There are many more advantages to single-split systems. Let’s take a look!

1. Lower Initial Costs: Single-split systems are generally more affordable upfront, making them accessible for homeowners on a budget.
   
2. Energy Efficiency: By focusing on specific rooms within your home, single-split systems cut back energy consumption in comparison to whole-house systems.
   
3. Sleek Compact Design: These units are compact and suitable for spaces with limited installation room.
   
4. Easy and Quick Installation: With their straightforward design, single-split systems allow for easy and quick installation.
   

Why might a single-split system not be for you?

Limited Zoning Options. Since single-split systems are designed to heat or cool one area at a time, this can cause issues for larger spaces or homes needing multiple zones.

Inadequate for Larger Areas. Making use of a single unit to control the temperature across multiple rooms can lead to uneven air distribution and inconsistent comfort levels.

The system compressor located outside may be noisy, but this can impact your neighbours, so always ask about council noise level regulations. You may also need three-phase power for larger systems as they can have high electrical consumption.

Since April 2020, the Energy Rating Label used on room air conditioners is visible at retail stores. This new label shows the energy rating of the air conditioner based on its efficiency over a typical heating or cooling system in cold, average, and hot Australian climate zones.

What Are Multi-Split Systems?

A multi-split system has an outdoor unit that pulls heat from the outside air, transferring it to multiple indoor outlets (or heads) in different parts of the home through refrigeration piping. Depending on how much space you need to heat, outlets can be operated all at once, one at a time, or several at a time. Air temperature is controlled by a thermostat.

This system doesn’t generate heat directly using an electric element; rather, it uses heat pump technology to extract heat from the outside air.

Multi-split systems are a good option for larger homes or commercial spaces where you can control the temperature with ease.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of Multi-Split Systems!

1. Space-Saving with One Outdoor Unit: Connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit means you don’t need to install multiple external units.
2. Flexible Installation Options: Whether you need wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or floor-standing units, a multi-split system can accommodate your layout. Only heat areas that you use.
3. Energy Efficiency and Quiet Operation: Optimising the performance of a single outdoor unit serves multiple indoor spaces. Less heat is lost than ducted systems!

Why might a multi-split system not be for you?

Complex Installation Process. The installation of multi-split systems can be more complicated than single-split systems. If you have limited backyard space, you might not be able to install the outdoor unit.

Higher Initial Costs. The upfront investment for multi-split systems is typically higher due to the need for multiple indoor units. If you’ve just purchased a home and have limited funds, for example, multiple systems might not be within your budget.

In some cases, you may need three-phase power for larger systems as they have high electricity consumption. This adds to the installation cost. Always talk to your supplier or retailer about what size systems work best to heat your home.

Starting in April 2022, new multi-split reverse-cycle air conditioners with a cooling capacity of less than 30kW will be required to have a Zoned Energy Rating.

It is recommended to set your temperature between 18°C to 20°C. Every 1°C higher will add around 10% to your heating bill.

Single and Multi-Split: Maintenance Considerations

When picking between a single and multi-split system, you need to think about how often you need to maintain it.

For a single split system, you will need to consider maintaining the outdoor unit, such as cleaning the condenser coils, checking the refrigerant levels, and ongoing compressor care so it is running smoothly.

A single-split system also requires indoor unit maintenance, such as filter cleaning every 3 months (depending on use), clearing the condensate drain, and inspecting the evaporator coil for dirt build-up.

What about a multi-split system? Similar to the single split unit, the outdoor unit needs cleaning, refrigerant checks, and the compressor inspected. That said, the complexity of multiple indoor units means your system may be working harder.

Indoor unit maintenance includes filter cleaning, checking the drainage pipes, and looking at additional evaporator coils for dirt and dust.

If this sounds like a big stress for you, there’s no need to worry. Templestowe Heating and Cooling offer general maintenance, which includes analysing the functioning, identifying potential issues and carrying out preventative maintenance. We also offer scheduled servicing and commercial maintenance if you need a comprehensive performance review.

Single vs. Multi-Split Systems: A Comparison

So, you have a large family home. What system is the best investment? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

Should you install a single or multi-split system? It depends on your property type and individual heating and cooling requirements. According to Sustainability Victoria, reverse cycle split system air conditioners with seven or more stars can use up to 70% less energy than a 2-star model of the same capacity.

For example, a 7-star 2.5kW split system air conditioner can use as little as 270 kWh per year, compared to over 900 kWh for a 2-star model of the same size.

Let’s have a look at the Sustainability Victoria website and how you can compare cooling running costs.

A 6-star split system air conditioner for a room of 12 square metres has an annual energy cost of $6 and 0.1 tonnes of GHG emissions per 10 years.

A 5-star split system air conditioner for a large area of 60 square metres costs $33 annually and uses 0.6 tonnes of GHG emissions per year.

A 3.5-star multi-split reverse cycle air conditioner for a 100 square metre small house costs $57 annually and uses 1.1 tonnes of GHG emissions every 10 years.

A 3.5-star multi-split reverse cycle air conditioner costs $124 annually and uses 2.3 tonnes of GHG emissions every 10 years.

These figures were updated in December 2024 and compare approximate annual energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions for various types of cooling systems for a range of areas cooled in an average existing (pre-2005) house in Melbourne (mild) climate and average cooling usage.

Zoning and Personalised Comfort

MSZ-AP Series

The Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP Series is a heating and cooling solution for single rooms and compact homes.

1. The vertical and horizontal vane designs are double the size of the previous model, allowing the airflow direction to be adjusted and improve airflow control.
2. The high-power motor also combines with the “long” mode to push air out further.
3. The full inverter ensures a high level of performance, including finer control of operation efficiency. As a result, improved power management is applied to all heating/cooling ranges, and improved comfort is achieved while consuming less energy.

2-Port Multi-Split – MXZ-2F52VF-A1

This 2-port multi-split air conditioning system gives you individualised comfort throughout your home by connecting two indoor units to a single outdoor unit.

1. Compatible indoor units range from wall-mounted, floor-standing, ceiling-concealed, and ceiling cassettes to ceiling-suspended units.
2. Control the temperature of all air conditioner units even if a combination of different models has been used. Occupants in different rooms can select a temperature (within the same mode) that suits them.
3. The MXZ series has a guaranteed operating range of -10°C to 46°C (Cooling), -5°C (-15°C*1) to 24°C (Heating). An optional air protection guide is required where the ambient temperature is lower than -5°C.

Aesthetic and Design Impact

With a single outdoor unit serving multiple indoor units, multi-split systems cut back the visual clutter of multiple external units. The variety of indoor unit styles available ensures that interior design considerations are met.

The MSZ-LN Series enhances the look of any home with its unique gloss finish, brushed texture, and modern sophistication. Instead of an indispensable modern appliance, it’s a contemporary work of art. Choose from Ruby Red, Onyx Black and Pearl White.

With multi-split systems, the MXZ series is conveniently designed to keep the exterior of your home clutter-free, with the ability to connect multiple (2-8) indoor air conditioning units to a single outdoor unit.

So, what’s the verdict? It depends on your property size, energy efficiency, how often you want to maintain it, the installation process, design preferences, and how much you’re willing to spend. Units will be more comfortable with a single-split system, but if you’re in a large home and are okay with heating/cooling a single room, a single-split is still a great buy.

If you want more customisation options, a multi-split system is perfect for indecisive couples or larger families wanting a system in each room. All in all, it’s up to you, but if you’d like guidance, Templestowe Heating and Cooling are your reliable service agents.

Need Heating and Cooling in Melbourne? Call Now!

Whether you want air conditioning in your Rosanna, Ringwood, Viewbank, Preston, Surrey Hills or Donvale home, Templestowe Heating and Cooling can help.

Proudly serving Australian families since 1966, we provide the latest products and can help you take advantage of what new technology has to offer.

With 100% product warranty, fully insured and accredited service and technical support, no subcontractors, and a local showroom, we support schools, builders, nursing homes, hospitals, restaurants, real estate agents, homeowners, and everything in between with brands (from Daikin to Mitsubishi and Panasonic) you can count on.

Call 03 9852 2335, email mail@temptv.com.au, contact us online for a free quote or visit us in Templestowe! We provide a full after-sales service and repairs onsite.