- Air Conditioning
Best Split System Air Conditioner Brands in Australia
When you live in a hot and humid climate like us, air conditioning is practically a necessity: it becomes part of your life, and having it ready and prepared is the key to comfort and a quality home life.
So if you are looking to buy an air conditioner, want to renew the one you already have in your home, or simply want more information about them and the best brands that you can find on the market, keep reading.
Today we bring you very useful and relevant information about what the brands available in Australia can offer you, their quality, effectiveness and profitability.
We know that brands are very different from each other and that there are many different types of air conditioners (Central / Ducted, Window, Split System or Portable Air Conditioner), so we will be as clear as possible so that your choice is the one that best suits you and your home.
This list contains the best Australian air conditioner brands according to consumers (more than 1000 Australians were interviewed to collect the data – Canstar’s Blue):
- Panasonic
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Kelvinator
- Fujitsu General
- Samsung
- LG
- Daikin
Panasonic
Panasonic is a very popular company worldwide. It is known for its electronic appliances for the home and has also carved out a niche in the air conditioning market.
Some of its main characteristics are:
- Smart home technology,
- flexible and easy-to-use control solutions,
- designed with energy efficiency in mind to take care of your pocket and the environment,
- wide variety of innovative and flexible products to meet different needs or R32 refrigerant.
They have air purifiers that also clean the ambient air of the house and eliminate possible viruses and bacteria from the home, something very useful nowadays.
The price of this company is also slightly higher than many other brands, ranging from more than $ 1,000 and up to $ 4,000 for the high-end models. In addition, many of these air conditioners come with an inverter included to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
There are three key split system categories in the Panasonic range:
Panasonic ECONAVI
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 8.0KW
- Nanoe-G Technology (Purification System)
Panasonic Cooling-Only
- Type: Cool Only
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 8.0KW
Panasonic Reverse Cycle
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 8.0KW
Panasonic Multi Split
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 5.2KW — 10KW
Images source: panasonic.com/au
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is by and large thought of as a premium brand due to its performance system and the great power of some of its elements or units that keep you cool in the hottest months.
It has a cooling capacity of 1.7kW to 9.5kW, Wi-Fi connectivity for easy use by all family members, automatic temperature control mode, an “Allergen Clear” system that fights against allergens. All this is accompanied by a high price too, up to and over $ 2000.
Here are some of the models that are currently available on the market:
AVANTI® SERIES
- Type: Two models - Cool Only / Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.0KW — 5.0KW
AVANTI PLUS® SERIES
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.0KW — 6.0KW
BRONTE® SERIES
- Type: Two models - Cool Only / Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 6.3KW — 9.5KW
SRK-ZMP SERIES
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 1.7KW
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries also has a range of Multi Split Systems:
SCM-ZM SERIES
- Max. Indoor Units 3 — 6
- Capacity: 6.0KW — 12.5KW
SCM-ZS SERIES
- Max. Indoor Units 2 — 3
- Capacity: 4.0KW — 5.0KW
The Avanti PLUS series is characterized by its super efficiency, with seven stars. It has motion sensors that save energy and technology, betting on a more ecological and sustainable operation.
Compared to its competitors, Mitsubishi obtained the highest customer rating. The only exception was in terms of quality/price ratio, where it achieved a lower score for its high cost.
Images source: mhiaa.com.au
Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric, not to be confused with the first mentioned, is another brand completely but sharing the Mitsubishi name.
Mitsubishi electric air conditioners feature wide air flows and long horizontal blades specifically designed to help push air into rooms. It has both standard models with the classic characteristics of most air conditioners and other ‘Premium’ ones with a greater range of speeds and functionalities.
Among its most common features are the Blue Fin capacitor, economic mode, night mode, emergency operations … Some of the models are also Demand Response Enabling Devices (DRED) compatible.
As for the price, they could be considered a high-end brand, with prices that range between $ 1,000 and that can exceed $ 4,000. It should also be noted that the low noise of the devices and all the functionalities that it integrates stand out. On the other hand, Mitsubishi Electric isn’t known for their brand reliability.
Some of their most popular products are:
MITSUBISHI MSZ-AP Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.0KW — 7.8KW
MITSUBISHI MSZ-LN Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 6.0KW
MITSUBISHI MSZ-EF Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 5.0KW
MITSUBISHI MSY-GN Series
- Type: Cooling only
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 8.0KW
Mitsubishi Electrics also has a wide range of Multi Split Systems:
- MXZ-2F52VF-A1 - 2-Port
- MXZ-2F52VGD - 2-Port
- MXZ-3F54VGD-A1 - 3-Port
- MXZ-4F71VGD-A1 - 4-Port
- MXZ-4F80VGD - 4-Port
- MXZ-5F100VGD - 5-Port
- MXZ-6F120VGD - 6-Port
Images source: mitsubishielectric.com.au
Kelvinator
Kelvinator is part of the Electrolux group of companies. Kelvinator is one of the most affordable brands on the market right now.
The power that their devices have varies across its range from 1.6kW to 8kW and Its price, as we pointed out, is quite affordable, from $500 at entry level to $1000 at the upper range, thus suiting any pocket.
However, its energy efficiency is not comparatively high and it moreover generates more noise than other available brands.
In keeping with its low price tag, its features aren’t as broad as more expensive alternatives.
That being said, its entire range has programmable speeds and flows, timed, night mode, economy mode and sleep mode. One of its most popular elements is that it has a dust filter that removes any large particles in the air. It is also quite resistant to corrosion, which extends its service life.
Some of the models available on the current market are:
KELVINATOR REVERSE CYCLE
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 3.5KW — 9.0KW
KELVINATOR COOLING ONLY
- Type: Cool Only
- Capacity: 7.1KW
Images source: kelvinator.com.au
Fujitsu General
Fujitsu is one of the most popular and established air conditioning companies on the market. It is perhaps one of the ones with the greatest variety of products and ranges.
Of its most popular type, wall-mounted air conditioners, it also has three different ranges to choose from: Classic, Lifestyle and Designer.
The Classic range is designed to be fast, efficient and easy to use. The Lifestyle range is the most efficient in energy saving and at the same time it is aesthetically very elegant, seeking to adapt to the design of the homes. The Designer range boasts the highest quality and a sleek, modern aesthetic design, with many more features and functionalities than the other two.
It should also be noted that although it usually has offers, it also has prices that even exceed $ 4,000. Almost all of its products have a human sensor, which means that if it does not detect movement for 20 minutes it automatically turns off, and others can also be controlled by remote control.
In general, it is highly valued in terms of reliability, value for money and overall customer satisfaction.
Fujitsu classic range
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 9.2KW
Fujitsu lifestyle range
- Type: Cool Only / Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.1KW — 9.4KW
Fujitsu designer range
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 5.0KW
Fujitsu multi spli
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.3KW — 8.0KW
Images source: fujitsugeneral.com.au
Samsung
Samsung, which also has air conditioning options for commercial use, offers cooling capacities between 2.5kW and 8kW.
They also work with turbo mode to quickly reach the desired temperatures whether warmer or cooler. Plus a sleep function mode to automatically adjust the ideal temperature and airflow and speed.
It has a 24-hour programmable timer so you can set an operating schedule on your device, useful if you are away from home frequently. It has many modes and functions: turbo, sleep mode, dry mode…. The unit is discreetly positioned behind the ceiling and provides a customizable (speed, direction etc) and silent air flow according to the client’s preference.
It is also capable of removing up to 8.45 pints of excess moisture from the air per hour, making it highly recommended for hot and humid climates.
Another very interesting selling point to mention is that in the event of a power outage the system is capable of automatically restarting.
Samsung latest models:
SAMSUNG GEO Wind-Free™ AR9500 SERIES
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 8.0KW
samsung GEO AR5500 SERIES
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.0KW — 9.4KW
SAMSUNG GEO + SERIES
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 8.0KW
SAMSUNG MULTI SPLIT FJM NASA SERIES
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.6KW — 10.0KW
Images source: samsung.com/au
LG
The LG brand offers a very wide range of air conditioners which includes the typical wall mounting systems, split systems, ducts and multi split to choose according to the consumer’s taste. All have the option of “Active energy Control” to be able to establish a limit of energy consumption and thus be more efficient. You have the option to install Wi-Fi Smart Control for supported models as an add-on.
Some of its most popular features are ultra-low operating mode sound, outdoor quiet mode, outdoor unit noise reduction, various filter systems, and self-cleaning.
The price range is between $ 1,000 and $ 3,000, which is quite competitive in today’s market. Its reputation for reliability and value for money stands out.
LG Split System Air Conditioners are divided in 2 groups:
LG SPLIT SYSTEMS
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 9.4KW
LG MULTI SPLIT
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 7.1KW — 14.0KW
Images source: lg.com/au
Daikin
Daikin products are mainly divided into three models: a wall-mounted Split system, a multi-blade system and a ducted air conditioner. Some of its functionalities are reverse cycle, cooling and being Wi-Fi compatible. This brand does stand out for being considered “super efficient” and It should be noted that this company is the only one that has been backed by the Asthma Council.
Other programs included are silent night mode, a mode to “dry” the humidity in the room, a powerful cooling / heating mode to reach the desired temperature more quickly, automatic functions such as automatic restart when there is a power outage.
The price varies depending on the characteristics you want your air conditioning to include.
Highly valued in terms of functionality, the features it includes and the reliability that the brand provides.
Daikin has the following ranges:
DAIKIN US7 Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 5.0KW
DAIKIN ZENA Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 6.0KW
DAIKIN Cora Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle / Cool Only
- Capacity: 2.5KW — 9.4KW
DAIKIN Alira Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle
- Capacity: 2.0KW — 9.4KW
DAIKIN lite Series
- Type: Reverse Cycle / Cool Only
- Capacity: 2.0KW — 7.1KW
Multi Split VRV IV-S / SUPER MULTI NX
- Type: Reverse Cycle / Cool Only
- Capacity: 5.2KW — 24KW
Images source: daikin.com
Conclusion
Mitsubishi and Panasonic come out on top in terms of power and capacity, the final customer choice between which depending a lot on the functionalities offered. I.e. if you are looking for a more sustainable model or perhaps one that supports Wi-Fi and remote control.
It should be said that a good air conditioning system comes with a heavy price to pay. Prices aside, all the brands that we have analyzed are reliable and guarantee of good products.
If you are interested in learning more about things to consider before installing air conditioning in your home, you can’t miss our article 10 things to consider before installing Air Conditioning.
