Single Split Air to Air
AKA air conditioning. Yes, it’s a heat pump. Yes, they also do heating. Yes, they are efficient.
The single split air conditioning system is the simplest form of air to air heat pump. It consists of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, refrigerant pipes between the two. This ‘climate control’ does heating and cooling to maintain comfortable rooms all year round.
The indoor units are either wall mounted, floor mounted, concealed or ducted. All types require one indoor unit per room except for ducted which can be zoned to supply multiple rooms.
Pros
Low install cost
High efficiency (COP)
Fast heat up time
Cooling normally included
Different variations available
Vast choice in the market
Cons
No Government funding
Requires F-Gas qualified installer
Requires separate outdoor units per indoor unit. (scroll down)
Multi Split Air to Air
The multi-split air to air is a type of air conditioning outdoor unit that can accommodate up to 5 air conditioning indoor units.
Some manufacturers allow connection to a DHW tank for hot water as well as heating and cooling.
Each indoor unit has it’s lineset (refrigerant pipes and cables) run back to the outdoor unit.
Pros
Larger compressor is more efficient
Reduces the number of outdoor units
Designed for residential use
Outdoor unit power doesn’t have to sum indoor unit power
Cons
No Government funding
Requires F-Gas qualified installer
Can’t heat and cool at the same time unlike 3-Pipe VRV/VRF.
