Split Systems
Split Systems | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Mascot
Imagine stepping into your Mascot home and feeling an instant wave of clean, perfectly tempered air—no stuffiness, no lingering odours, just effortless comfort. That’s the difference HEP’s split-system specialists bring. Our technicians design and install high-efficiency heating and cooling solutions that respond in real time to Sydney’s changing weather, while advanced filtration and smart airflow controls quietly work behind the scenes to elevate your ventilation and air quality.
Whether you’re retrofitting a townhouse or fitting out a new apartment, we tailor each system to your floorplan, lifestyle and energy goals. Enjoy whisper-quiet operation, lower power bills and the peace of mind that comes from breathing healthier indoor air every day. Ready to feel the HEP difference? Book your obligation-free consultation in Mascot and let fresh, balanced comfort flow through every room.
FAQs
What exactly is a split-system air conditioner and how is it different from a ducted unit?
A split system is made up of two main components: an indoor fan-coil unit that delivers conditioned air to the room and an outdoor condenser that expels heat. The two parts are connected by insulated copper pipework and electrical cabling that run through a small wall penetration. In a ducted system, a single indoor unit sits in the ceiling space and pushes air through a network of ducts to multiple rooms. Split systems are ideal when you only need to condition one or two areas, want lower upfront costs, or have limited roof space. They are also quicker to install and easier to retrofit into existing homes or apartments in Mascot, where roof cavities can be tight in older terraces and semis.
Is a split system powerful and efficient enough for Mascot’s climate?
Yes. Mascot experiences warm, humid summers and mild winters—conditions that perfectly suit modern inverter split systems. Inverter compressors modulate their speed to match the exact cooling or heating load, so you only use the energy you need. Units with 5- or 6-star energy ratings can deliver a Coefficient of Performance (COP) above 4.0 in heating mode, meaning 1 kW of electricity can produce around 4 kW of heat. For summer, an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) near 4.0 keeps running costs low even on 30 °C+ days. Because you’re conditioning just one room, there’s no energy wasted on unoccupied zones, making split systems a very economical option for Mascot households.
How does a split system help with ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Although the primary job of a split system is to heat or cool the air already inside the room, most premium models now incorporate multiple IAQ features: • Multi-stage filtration: A pre-filter captures dust and pet hair; a high-density filter traps PM2.5 particles; and optional activated-carbon or catechin layers absorb odours and VOCs. • Ionisers or plasma streams: These neutralise airborne bacteria, mould spores and some viruses by emitting charged ions. • Fresh-air intake kits: Certain brands allow an optional duct to be added so a controlled amount of filtered outside air is introduced, improving ventilation and reducing CO₂ buildup—handy in tightly sealed apartments near Mascot Station. • Dehumidification mode: During steamy Sydney afternoons, the indoor unit can run a ‘dry’ cycle that removes moisture without excessive cooling, making the space feel more comfortable and preventing mould growth.
What size (capacity) split system should I choose for my room?
Capacity depends on floor area, ceiling height, insulation quality, window size/orientation and occupancy. As a rough guide for Mascot’s brick and weatherboard homes with 2.4 m ceilings: • Up to 15 m² (small bedroom or study): 2.0–2.5 kW model. • 15–25 m² (larger bedroom or small living): 2.5–3.5 kW. • 25–40 m² (medium lounge/dining): 4.6–5.0 kW. • 40–60 m² (open-plan area): 6.0–8.0 kW. If the room faces west and gets strong afternoon sun or has poor insulation, go up one size. For apartments, always check strata bylaws for outdoor-unit placement and noise limits. A professional load calculation (Heat Load or Manual J) will ensure you don’t oversize, which can cause short-cycling and higher energy bills.
How often should my split system be serviced in Mascot and what does maintenance involve?
We recommend a professional service at least once a year, ideally in spring before peak summer demand. In coastal suburbs like Mascot, salty air and fine aircraft residue from Sydney Airport can accelerate corrosion, so twice-yearly checks may be worthwhile. A routine service includes: 1. Cleaning or replacing indoor filters and deodorising media. 2. Flushing the condensate drain to prevent leaks and mould. 3. Inspecting the outdoor coil and washing off salt, dust and pollen. 4. Checking refrigerant charge and inverter performance. 5. Verifying electrical connections, fan balance and thermostat accuracy. Regular home maintenance—vacuuming the filter every two to four weeks—will keep airflow strong and energy consumption low.
Do split systems use environmentally friendly refrigerants and what are the noise levels?
Most current models use R32 refrigerant, which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675—about one-third that of older R410A—while delivering higher efficiency. When installed and serviced correctly, refrigerant is contained within a sealed loop, so emissions are minimal. As for sound, modern outdoor units operate at 45–52 dB(A) on high fan speed, dropping to the low 40s in ‘quiet’ mode. Indoor units can be as low as 19–25 dB(A), comparable to a whisper. When positioning the condenser on a Mascot terrace or apartment balcony, we follow local council guidelines to ensure noise emissions at the nearest boundary stay below 5 dB(A) above background levels at night, keeping neighbours happy.