What Size Split System Do I Need for My Canberra Home?
What Size Split System Do I Need for My Home?
Choosing the right-sized split system air conditioner for your Canberra home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about energy efficiency, performance, and long-term savings. Go too small, and your system will struggle. Too big? You’ll waste energy and money.
At Air Turners Canberra, we help you calculate the perfect AC size for your space, climate, and needs. Here’s what you need to know.
📏 Why AC Size Matters
Split system sizing refers to cooling or heating capacity, measured in kilowatts (kW). The right size ensures:
- Faster temperature control
- Lower energy bills
- Less wear and tear on components
- Longer lifespan for the unit
🧊 Too Small = Overworked System
- Takes too long to cool or heat
- May run continuously
- Shorter lifespan due to stress
🔥 Too Big = Short Cycling
- Reaches temperature too fast, then shuts off
- Creates hot and cold spots
- Wastes energy and causes humidity issues
🏡 General Split System Sizing Guide (Canberra Homes)
| Room Size (m²) | Recommended Split System Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 m² | 2.0 – 2.5 kW |
| 20–30 m² | 3.5 kW |
| 30–45 m² | 5.0 – 6.0 kW |
| 45–60 m² | 7.0 – 8.0 kW |
| 60+ m² | 9.0+ kW or multi-split system |
👉 These figures are estimates. Canberra’s climate, insulation, ceiling height, and window size all influence the final requirement.
🌡️ How Canberra’s Climate Affects Sizing
Canberra has:
- Cold winters with sub-zero nights
- Hot, dry summers with temps over 35°C
- Dry air, so the humidity load is low
This makes reverse-cycle split systems ideal—but you must size for both heating and cooling. Many under-sized units struggle in winter.
🔍 Other Factors That Affect Split System Size
🧱 1. Room Insulation
- Good insulation = smaller unit required
- Poor insulation = bigger unit needed
🪟 2. Windows & Sun Exposure
- North-facing windows increase cooling demand
- Double glazing can help reduce size requirements
🛋️ 3. Ceiling Height
- Standard 2.4m ceilings = typical sizing
- High ceilings need more kW capacity
👨👩👧👦 4. Number of Occupants
- More people = more heat = larger system
📍 Example: Sizing for a 3-Bedroom Home in Canberra
- Living area (open plan, 45m²) → 7.0–8.0kW unit
- Bedrooms (each ~12–15m²) → 2.5kW per room
- Recommendation: One large split for the living area + separate units for bedrooms or a multi-split system
🛠️ Why You Should Get a Professional Heat Load Assessment
At Air Turners, we perform on-site assessments to ensure:
- Precise kW calculation
- Brand/model compatibility
- Correct unit placement for airflow
📉 This prevents poor performance and keeps your running costs low.
✅ Air Turners Canberra: Your Local Split System Experts
Whether you’re heating one room or the whole home, we’ll help you choose the right size, brand, and model based on your home’s needs.
What we offer:
- Free in-home consultations
- Licensed and insured installations
- Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Fujitsu and more
- Local experience with Canberra’s unique climate
📞 Get the Right AC for Your Home Today
Ready to install the perfect split system? Don’t guess the size—get expert advice from Canberra’s trusted HVAC professionals.
📞 Call Air Turners Canberra at 02 6294 4443
📩 Or Request Your Quote Online
📚 More HVAC Tips
- How to Choose the Right Split System for Canberra’s Climate
- Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs a Service
- Mitsubishi Electric Fault Codes and What They Mean

