General Information
 

Hi Wall Split Systems

Hi wall split systems are the most common types of air conditioning installed today.  They consist of two parts - an outside unit and an inside unit.  The inside unit is a heat exchanger and is mounted on a wall inside the room to be cooled - it consists of a fan which blows air over coils containing refrigerant which can cool or heat the room.  The outside unit contains the other half of the heat exchanger which does the opposite of the one inside.  It also houses the compressor thereby keeping the noisiest parts outside.  A cooling only model removes heat from inside the room and transfers it outside.  A reverse cycle can work in either direction, i.e. it can take the heat from inside the room and take it outside or take the heat from the outside and bring it inside.

Reverse cycle is the most efficient form of heating and cooling.  It can be up to 4 times more efficient at heating than a radiating heat source i.e. electric fan heater or bar radiator.  A top quality inverter model can cost as little as 5c* per hour to run, compared with 50c* per hour for some fan heaters.

Installation must be carried out by licensed tradespersons to comply with the relevant legislation.

Suitable for

•  Air conditioning rooms where ductwork is impossible due to building structure, i.e. ground floor appartments, raked ceilings.
•  People living in rented accommodation and those on tight budgets.
•  Installing to a new extension which is not being serviced by a main house system.

How to determine the capacity required

Firstly measure the dimensions of the room or space to be cooled.  Once you have the area in square metres you will need to allow around 0.2kW per square metre as a general rule of thumb.  If you have high ceilings, poor insulation or large unshaded windows you may need to allow more.

Once you have the capacity requirements you can then select a unit with sufficient capacity for the job.  If for example you need 5.5 kW and your room is well insulated and does not get a lot of afternoon sun, a 5kW unit may suffice.  If you are unsure, please ask one of our consultants for assistance.

How to determine the correct position for the unit.

Ideally the indoor unit will be at the middle of the room on the longest side of a rectangular room.  Generally you will need around 150mm space either side of the unit free from obstructions, 400mm below the unit and 200mm above the unit to the ceiling.  The unit should also be located on an outside wall to allow for a drain.  If space permits, the outdoor unit should be mounted back to back with the indoor unit in a position which gives at least 600mm clearance in front of the unit and sufficient clearance all round the unit. It should not be located in a position where the noise will impact on neighbouring dwellings.

Again if you are unsure of locating the unit, please contact one of our sales consultants or discuss the location with the installer.

Key Benefits

•  Very efficient - especially inverter models.
•  Low internal noise - the noisiest part, the compressor, is located outside of the room.
•  Doesn't humidify the room like evaporative air conditioners.
•  Only requires a small hole for the pipework to be installed (around 6cm)

Our after sales service gives you peace of mind.

We only use trusted installers and tradespersons to perform work for us so we offer a full guarantee on all our installations.  Just one call to our office and we take care of the warranty claims for you.  In the event you have any problems, just call our office on 8345 0470 during business hours and we will look after the entire warranty process. 

Online Ordering

We are happy to fulfill online orders.  We can provide a quotation for supply and delivery.  Please note that we can not accept credit card payments for online orders.  Orders must to be paid via direct deposit to our bank account before shipment can be made.

Hi-Wall Split Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.    How do I find a good tradesman to install the unit for me.

A.    Let us arrange a professional installation from a qualified tradesman.  We can supply and install most brands of split system air conditioning.  We also provide a full back up warranty service.

Q.    My airconditioner is not working properly, how do I go about getting a warranty service call.

A.    Firstly you should contact the installer - they should return and check their work.  The installer should have given you a completed warranty card.  You will need to have this card and the receipt.  The warranty card should have a contact number for the service department.  If you do not have the details for the installer and it is found to be an installation fault you will be given the bill which could be around $700 to regas the unit. If you purchased the air-conditioner from us and we arranged installation,  just call our office on (08) 8345 0470 and we will arrange a service call for you.

Q.    Why are split systems better than the old box type units.

A.    Many reasons - split systems are much more efficient, quieter, don't require cutting large holes in the wall or take up window space and are more effective at cooling the whole room.

Q.    What is a 'standard installation'?

A.    We define a standard installation as a single storey dwelling with the units mounted back to back and a distance back to the switchboard no more than 10m.

Q.    The compressor drips water when I use it in winter, does it have a leak?

A.    It is normal for moisture in the air to condense on the coils and drip from the unit.  It is like dew forming on a car if it is left out overnight.  If the water is going to be a problem, talk to your installer about fitting a drain.  This water is suitable for watering plants so can be allowed to run off into the garden.

Q.    Is it a problem if the outdoor unit gets wet when it rains?

A.    Reputable brands are designed to be out in the open and this will not be a problem.  At our showroom we have several units on the roof of the building and they have operated without problems for many years.

Q.    Can one big split system do the whole house?

A.    No.  Split systems are designed to do one room or open area.  To do the whole house you would need a split system in every room or a ducted system.

Q.    Can I get a cooling only system?

A.    Yes - there are a variety available but as the cost of cooling only is about $50-$100 cheaper, 99% of customers opt for the added heating benefit as well.

Q.    I want to air condition 2 bedrooms - can I get a system with multiple heads?

A.    Yes - there are a number of systems available but as the cost of these systems installed is more than two individual systems, most people opt for individual systems.

Q.    I was given a system that was pulled out of a house that was demolished, can you install it?

A.    Since we cannot give a warranty on second hand systems our company will not install these.  If the system had not been properly decommissioned it may need to be re-gassed and it would probably cost around $1000 to install and re-gas.  This is a lot of money to spend installing a unit without a warranty.

Q.    How do you convert Horsepower into kilowatts (kW)?

A.    You don't because there is no constant relationship between the two.  Ask about the kilowatt capacity of the unit.  For more information on horsepower click here.

Q.    Can I install the unit myself?

A.    Unless you are a licensed refrigeration technician - No.  To do so would be unlawful and also void any warranty. 

Q.    I have an existing unit that needs to be replaced - would it be cheaper to install a new one and use the old copper pipes?

A.    Since the newer units mostly use the latest R410a gas and the older units used mainly R22 gas, the pipes would have to be replaced due to incompatibilities.  There is the added cost of decommissioning and removing the old unit to be added.  We may be able to use the existing electricity supply.

Window/Wall Air Conditioners

One of the earliest type of reverse cycle air conditioners available in Australia - the self contained 'roomie' was the most predominant type of air conditioning around.  On 1st April 2006, new requirements known as  Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS) requirements came into force.  This meant that certain types of air conditioner had to comply with these minimum standards.  Since roomies are not efficient they were effectively legislated against and their manufacture or importation after this date was prohibited.  Because of this stock is very limited and those who have an aging system should get a new one now, as they will soon be unavailable, and the homeowner will be left with a hole in the wall to patch up.

We would not recommend anyone putting a large hole in the side of their house just to accommodate a room air conditioner. 

*Assuming a rate of $0.20 per kWh - Inverter unit running at 20% of full power - 2400W fan heater.
 

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Last modified: 10/14/08

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