How to Choose the Right Type of Air Conditioner for Your Home

Not sure if ducted is overkill for your home? Or if a split system can really handle Perth’s 38°C summer days?
You’re not alone.

Choosing the best air conditioner for Perth homes can feel overwhelming with so many brands, models, and features claiming to be “the most efficient” or “whisper quiet.” But in reality, the right choice depends less on marketing claims—and more on your home’s size, layout, and how you use each space.

This guide breaks it all down in plain language. You’ll learn how split, multi-split, and ducted systems differ, what suits Perth’s hot, dry climate, and how to confidently select the system that fits your home (and your budget).

 

1. Split Systems — The Simple Choice for Small Homes and Apartments

Split systems are the most common and affordable type of air conditioner across Perth. They consist of one indoor unit and one outdoor compressor, making them ideal for single rooms or small open areas like living spaces or bedrooms.

When Split Systems Make Sense

If you live in a small apartment or single-storey home, a split system offers an efficient and tidy solution. They’re also a great first step for homeowners upgrading from portable units.

Pros and Cons of Split Systems

Factor	Advantages	Considerations
Cost	Lower upfront cost and installation	Each room needs its own unit
Efficiency	Energy-efficient when cooling one area	Less efficient for whole-home coverage
Aesthetics	Compact, modern indoor unit designs	Visible wall-mounted units may not suit every décor
Maintenance	Simple cleaning and servicing	Multiple units = multiple filters to clean
Ideal Home Type	Small apartments, townhouses, granny flats	May struggle with large open-plan layouts

Split systems are perfect for Perth’s inner suburbs like Victoria Park or Maylands, where brick homes often feature smaller rooms and limited wall cavity space.

Quick Tip: Choose an inverter model with reverse-cycle cooling so your unit heats efficiently during Perth’s cooler winter nights.

If street appeal matters, Brillare’s installers can use colour-matched trunking or discreet louvre screens to conceal outdoor compressors where compliant.

 

2. Multi-Split Systems — Flexible Comfort for Medium Homes

If you want to cool multiple rooms without cluttering your exterior walls, multi-split systems are a clever middle ground. They connect two to five indoor units to a single outdoor compressor, allowing zoned temperature control for different rooms.

Why Multi-Split Systems Work for Family Homes

They’re ideal for medium-sized Perth homes—especially double-storey or semi-open layouts where you want separate temperature control for bedrooms and living areas.

Pros and Cons of Multi-Split Systems

Factor	Advantages	Considerations
Cost	Mid-range installation cost	More expensive than single split setups
Efficiency	Great energy management across zones	Running all units simultaneously may draw higher power
Aesthetics	One outdoor unit for a cleaner façade	Indoor units still visible in each room
Maintenance	Centralised servicing simplifies upkeep	Servicing can take slightly longer
Ideal Home Type	Medium family homes or double-storey layouts	Not suited for full open-plan or large properties

A family in Joondalup with a two-storey home installed a 4-zone multi-split system—keeping upstairs bedrooms cool at night while reducing energy costs by zoning off unused spaces during the day.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for systems with inverter technology and smart zoning to balance energy use between rooms.

If outdoor aesthetics are a concern, a single outdoor compressor keeps your façade clean and uncluttered.

 

3. Ducted Air Conditioning — Whole-Home Comfort and Zoning Control

For homeowners wanting seamless aesthetics and total climate control, ducted air conditioning is the premium choice. It uses a central indoor fan coil (usually hidden in the ceiling) and ductwork that delivers cool or warm air through discreet vents in each room.

Why Ducted Aircon Is the Top Choice for Large or Multi-Zone Homes

If you live in a large, open-plan property or multi-level home, ducted aircon provides even cooling throughout. It’s especially popular in new builds and Perth’s coastal suburbs, where coastal corrosion protection helps extend outdoor unit life.

Pros and Cons of Ducted Air Conditioning

Factor	Advantages	Considerations
Cost	Higher upfront investment	Longer installation time and complexity
Efficiency	Excellent for whole-home cooling; supports zoning aircon	Higher operating cost if poorly zoned
Aesthetics	Invisible vents—no wall units	Ceiling space required for ductwork
Maintenance	Minimal cleaning for indoor vents	Periodic duct and filter servicing required
Ideal Home Type	Large, multi-room or double-storey homes	Not cost-effective for single-room cooling

In Scarborough and Cottesloe, ducted systems with anti-corrosion coatings handle salty sea air and high UV exposure. Regular coil rinses help maintain efficiency and extend lifespan.

💡 Note: Modern ducted systems use reverse-cycle cooling and inverter compressors, giving efficient year-round temperature control in Perth’s fluctuating climate.

 

4. Which System Is Best for Your Perth Home?

Every Perth home is unique—but here’s a simple decision path to help narrow your choice:

Home Type	Recommended System	Why It Works
Small apartment / unit	Split System	Affordable, efficient, and easy to install in compact spaces
Medium family home	Multi-Split System	Customisable zoning for different rooms without outdoor clutter
Large or open-plan home	Ducted System	Whole-home comfort with discreet vents and zoning control

Perth Climate Tip: With long, dry summers and cooler coastal evenings, choose energy-efficient aircon WA models featuring inverter technology and reverse-cycle cooling. These balance performance and power use across seasonal changes.

In WA, prioritise higher energy-star ratings and pair ducted systems with zoning aircon to avoid cooling unused rooms.

See how our team designs and commissions systems for lasting performance on our air conditioning installations in Perth page.

 

5. Comparing Efficiency, Noise, and Maintenance

When comparing split vs ducted air conditioning in Perth, homeowners often overlook three critical areas—efficiency, noise, and maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

• Split systems: Great for targeted cooling in smaller zones.
• Multi-splits: More efficient than running multiple single units, especially with inverter technology.
• Ducted: Best for large spaces when paired with zoning and smart thermostats.

In WA’s climate, aim for units with at least 4–5 star ratings (AEER/ACOP) and inverter compressors to cut running costs.

Noise Levels

• Split and multi-split: Indoor heads often operate in the mid-20s dB range—about as quiet as a library.
• Ducted: Practically near-silent indoors, since fans are isolated in the roof cavity.

Maintenance

• Split: Clean filters every few months.
• Multi-split: Same as single split; annual service recommended.
• Ducted: Professional servicing every 12–18 months maintains duct hygiene and air quality.

💡 Tip: Regular servicing maintains energy efficiency, prevents airflow issues, and keeps noise low—especially important in Perth’s dry, dusty climate.

 

6. Choosing the Right Size and Installer

Even the best air conditioner for Perth homes won’t perform properly if it’s the wrong size or poorly installed.
Undersized systems run constantly and never reach target temperature; oversized ones short-cycle and waste energy.

That’s why working with experienced, licensed technicians is essential.

Brillare’s expert team conducts on-site assessments to choose the right AC size for your home, considering:

• Room volume and insulation
• Window placement and sunlight exposure
• Building materials (brick, double-storey, or open-plan layouts)
• Perth’s local climate conditions

Small bedrooms often need 2.5–3.5 kW, mid-size living areas 5–7 kW, and large open-plan zones 7 kW+. Exact sizing depends on insulation, glazing, and home orientation.

Learn more about our air conditioning installation services in Perth.

Professional installation ensures safety, compliance, and warranty protection for your investment.

 

7. Making the Confident Choice

When it comes to finding the best air conditioner for Perth homes, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — but there is a right fit for every lifestyle.

• Choose split systems for small, focused cooling zones.
• Choose multi-split systems for flexible, zoned comfort across rooms.
• Choose ducted systems for premium whole-home control and quiet operation.

Each option, when properly sized and installed, delivers reliable comfort through Perth’s hottest days and coolest nights.

 

FAQs

Is ducted always better than split in Perth?

Not always. Ducted suits large or multi-zone homes, while split systems are ideal for single-room or smaller spaces.

How many rooms can a multi-split support?

Typically 2–5 indoor units per outdoor compressor, depending on brand and total capacity.

What size AC do I need for open-plan living?

Usually 7 kW+, but exact sizing depends on your insulation, glazing, and layout—Brillare can confirm this during a site visit.

 

Book Your Air Conditioning Installation in Perth

Whether you’re upgrading a single room or designing a full-home cooling solution, Brillare’s licensed installers make the process easy, efficient, and transparent.

📞 Call our Perth team on 08 9415 0762 or contact us for a free quote.

Your home deserves the right comfort solution — and Brillare helps you choose it with confidence.