Split System Air Conditioning Installation: What the Job Actually Involves
4 min read · Air Conditioning · Published 2026-05-20
A split system is the most common way to air condition a room or open-plan area on the Gold Coast. Here is what the installation process looks like from quote to commissioning.
A split system has two parts: an indoor unit mounted on the wall or ceiling, and an outdoor compressor unit. Refrigerant lines connect them through the wall. The installation looks straightforward but has enough variables — positioning, drainage, electrical supply and refrigerant handling — that the quality of the install matters as much as the brand of the unit.
We supply and install split systems through our air conditioning service, with sizing and placement done on site. We cover growing suburbs like Coomera and established family areas including Robina.
Choosing indoor unit position
The indoor unit should be positioned to throw air across the room, not directly at where people sit. High on an interior wall is the standard. Avoid corners where airflow becomes turbulent, and avoid positioning directly above a bed or workstation. Condensate drainage must gravity-drain or be pumped out; the installer plans this as part of positioning.
Outdoor unit placement
The outdoor unit needs clear airflow around it, shade where possible, and reasonable distance from bedrooms. It must be mounted securely, on a wall bracket or concrete pad, with the refrigerant line run through the wall as short as possible. Longer line sets reduce efficiency slightly and cost more in materials and labour.
Tip: North or east-facing walls generally give outdoor units better conditions than west-facing walls, which get the worst of the afternoon heat.
Electrical requirements
Most split systems from around 2.5 to 8 kW run on a dedicated single-phase circuit. Larger units and all multi-head systems may need three-phase power or a dedicated sub-board circuit. The switchboard must have a spare breaker slot, or the scope of the job expands to include a board modification. We check this at the quote stage, not on installation day.
Refrigerant and commissioning
Refrigerant handling is an ARCtick-licensed activity. We pressure-test, vacuum the lines and charge the system before commissioning. The unit is run through its modes and the operation is explained before we leave. This is not a job that should be rushed to finish in an hour.
Key takeaways
- Indoor unit position affects comfort; outdoor unit position affects efficiency and noise.
- Check switchboard capacity for spare breaker slots before installation day.
- Refrigerant handling requires an ARCtick licence — unlicensed work is illegal.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a split system installation take?
- A standard single-head split system takes most installers half a day. Complex line runs, difficult wall penetrations or switchboard modifications add time.
- Can you install a unit I already bought?
- Yes, provided the unit suits the space and can be installed to manufacturer specifications. Bring the model number when enquiring.
- How quickly can FitElec attend?
- We are open 24 hours for urgent electrical work and book standard jobs within days. Call Jayson on 0425 663 172 for a current schedule.
- Where does FitElec work?
- FitElec is based at Palm Beach and services the whole Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Coomera and everywhere in between.
Related services
Questions? Call FitElec on 0425 663 172 — Gold Coast's licensed electricians.