Multi Split Air Conditioning

Caerdyddblue on 28/07/2023 - 12:17

Hi,

I've recently moved into a 2 storey townhouse which has 2 separate split air conditioning units that are extremely old and inefficient. I'm considering the benefits of having a multi split air conditioner installed as opposed to 2 x single split units. The Gree outdoor unit supplies the living room area and the Carrier supplies the master bedroom upstairs, these will near enough never be used at the same time but as far as I've seen that doesn't matter too much if using a multi split.

Are there any major pros/cons that I haven't considered from anyone who have had one installed?

As they are both older units I feel like upgrading them both into 1 multi split unit at the same time is most cost effective than re-installing both separately, aswell as a lower maintenance cost with only have the 1 outdoor unit. Also as seen in the photos it would free up space at one end of the balcony. The only con that I can see is the additional cost of running piping across the top of the doors. The red X marks where the interior unit is housed, the location of the upstairs unit is just above the edge of the photo outside of the frame.

Have you preferred sourcing the units yourself then finding an installer or just getting it done as a package? If so, any recommendations appreciated!

Located in southern suburbs of Melbourne. The bedroom is 11 sqm and living room is 25 sqm.

https://imgur.com/a/8B20n7P

Thank you for any feedback!

Electrical & Electronics Air Conditioner

Comments

  • leiiv on 28/07/2023 - 12:27
    +4

    Have you compared the prices? The major cons is probably that there are a lot less deals for a multi split compared to a single split. That is, you are most likely to get 2 x single split much cheaper than 1 x multi split.

    • Caerdyddblue on 28/07/2023 - 12:38

      That's true about the deals they are much harder to find, I may be factoring in the reduction in installation costs too much. I was generally finding between $2-$3k for both options. Is single splits always able to be placed on top of each other? This could help save space at the very least.

    • boomramada on 28/07/2023 - 14:43

      And the installation cost would be x2.? but not sure how the installation cost going to be when removing two and putting one or two.
      I had Multi Split unit without any issues other than incorrectly installed it initially but later fixed it.

  • try2bhelpful on 28/07/2023 - 12:34
    +5

    Look into the efficiencies of a big unit compared to a smaller one. We found that often the smaller ones are more efficient than the big ones. Also if you have a failure with a unit you don’t take out heating or cooling for the whole house.

    • Caerdyddblue on 28/07/2023 - 12:39

      Interesting! Do you remember any particular sources for comparing or did you simply look at the energy rating of each product?

    • JIMB0 on 28/07/2023 - 12:52

      That's running at rated capacity. After the room reaches the set temperature the larger unit will use the inverter to reduce output and have around the same efficiency of the smaller unit.

  • Stopback on 28/07/2023 - 12:47

    Do a checkup on your units give them a clean ex.

    You can also spray water on your indoor unit to clear dust.

    Just put a garbage bag to collect water.

  • JimmyF on 28/07/2023 - 12:48
    +5

    I'm considering the benefits of having a multi split air conditioner installed as opposed to 2 x single split units

    Compare the prices, you'll generally find there is no cost savings for a multi split setup vs 2 single units.

    The pros of single units, if one breaks, the other keeps working. One can be heating while one cooling etc.

    Cons are more outside space as it is two units.

    But looking at your photos, space seems a bit limited, so up to you. Talk to the installers for a quote. You could wall mount the units on top of each other if that helps.

    • JIMB0 on 28/07/2023 - 12:53

      You could wall mount the units on top of each other if that helps.

      It's a rendered board so would transmit noise inside.

    • Muzeeb on 28/07/2023 - 13:12
      +2

      More room for the Weber family Q

  • wannagrababargain on 28/07/2023 - 13:31
    +3

    Probably only worth the extra complexity if you are thinking about a 4 x split, or have really limited outdoor space.

  • JimB on 28/07/2023 - 14:24
    +3

    Installation will be cheaper to retain external units and pipes were they are.

    Add to that, 2 separate units will be much cheaper than multi-head splits and also extra redundancy.

    No advantage to go multi-head.

    My advice, replace with Mitsubishi splits. 2.6 and 3.5kw units should do it.

  • Caerdyddblue on 28/07/2023 - 15:08
    +1

    Consensus seems to be to do single splits rather than the multi, if I'm able to place them on top of each other that would be the perfect resolution! Thanks everyone!

    Any recommendation on brands? Mitsubishi, Daikin seem most reliable/popular. Time to start looking for single split deals!

    • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2023 - 16:31
      +1

      Mitsubishi was highly rated when I was looking at units a few years back, don’t know if things have changed since.

    • RDY4ME on 28/07/2023 - 16:38
      +1

      Im looking at splits currently, Mitsubishi keeps coming up as reliable.

  • Iwantthebestprice on 28/07/2023 - 18:26

    I have a 4 multi split system from Fuji.
    The lounge is a massive split system unit and the 3 rooms all have a smaller split system unit.
    Works well, only 1 big unit outside on the roof and everyone gets a split system.
    But issue is you obviously can’t use them all at once. I can use 2 bedroom ones easily or even 1 lounge and 1 bedroom but haven't tried more than that.
    I assume the unit only has an X amount of power it can output but I doubt it’s enough for all 4 units.
    That said I like the space saving I could not imagine having 4 seperate aircon on units on my roof.

    But I might add one more. Does anyone know if it’s possible to add a second outdoor unit to a split system which currently operates off 1 unit by any chance?

    • resisting the urge on 17/01/2024 - 12:40

      I'm the opposite.

      4 single splits, so if one fails there is minimal impact while repairing. Also, they work more efficiently as there is less piping losses than in multi-head units, and no ducting losses that people get with ducted units. and by closing doors create zones ideal and controlled by each person.

      All have an absence detector, so stop using power when people forget to turn them off.

      I also find them cheaper to install, maintain and buy. Downside is the number of units outside, however they are smaller and quieter if you buy decent ones.

      Also, you can create rules in Home Assistant that control/prevent waste if you link them to it.

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