Split System or Portable Air Conditioning
A split system has an outdoor condenser and a fixed indoor unit connected by refrigerant pipework; a portable unit is self-contained and vents through a window hose.
A split system has an outdoor condenser and a fixed indoor unit connected by refrigerant pipework; a portable unit is self-contained and vents through a window hose. The right one depends on how permanent the cooling need is.
The case for portable units
Rented properties, occasional use, or a single room needing cooling for a few weeks of summer, where drilling for pipework isn't practical or allowed.
The case for a split system
A room used regularly through the warmer months benefits from a split system's quieter operation, better efficiency and the fact it doesn't need a window left ajar.
Which wins when
If you'll use cooling for more than a handful of weeks a year, in a room you own or have consent to alter, a split system earns its installation cost back in comfort and efficiency.
Compare split and portable for your room
Tell us the room size and how long you'll need cooling for and we'll recommend the option that actually suits the use.
Questions we get asked
Is a portable unit as effective as a split system?
It cools a similar room less efficiently, because the hose expelling warm air also drags some conditioned air out through gaps around it.
Do split systems need F-Gas registered engineers?
Yes — refrigerant handling requires REFCOM (F-Gas) registration, which is a legal requirement for installation and servicing.
Is finance available on a split system installation?
Yes, finance is available on air conditioning installations at 7.9% APR, subject to status.