Split systems are among the cheapest ways to heat and cool a room — if you choose an efficient unit, set a sensible temperature and keep it maintained. Here’s what drives the cost.
7 min read FreshDuct Melbourne Melbourne, Victoria
Split systems are among the cheapest ways to heat and cool a room — if you choose an efficient unit, set a sensible temperature and keep it maintained. Here’s what drives the cost.
Efficient to RunCheaper than many think
Star RatingHigher = lower bills
Habits MatterSet temp & maintenance
Running cost comes down to the unit’s efficiency and size, the temperature you set, how well it’s maintained, and how many hours it runs. A right-sized, efficient, well-maintained system set to a sensible temperature is genuinely cheap to run.
Are Split Systems Cheap to Run?
Modern split systems are among the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home — often cheaper to run than people expect, and far more efficient than older electric heaters or running a whole ducted system for one room. A reverse-cycle split produces several units of heating or cooling for each unit of electricity, which is why they’re the efficient choice for room-by-room comfort. The actual cost depends on the levers above.
Efficiency and Star Rating
The biggest fixed factor is the unit’s efficiency, shown by its star rating (and the newer Zoned Energy Rating Label). A higher star rating means more heating or cooling per unit of electricity, so lower running costs — which is why a slightly more expensive efficient unit can be cheaper over its life. Correct sizing also matters: an oversized or undersized unit runs less efficiently than a right-sized one. See our sizing guide.
The Temperature You Set
Set temperature has a big effect on running cost. Every degree of extra heating or cooling makes the system work harder and use more energy. In summer, a setting around 24–25°C, and in winter around 18–20°C, balances comfort and cost — pushing the thermostat harder than that adds noticeably to the bill for little extra comfort. Letting the system maintain a steady sensible temperature is more efficient than big swings.
Maintenance Keeps Costs Down
A dirty system costs more to run. Clogged filters and a fouled coil restrict airflow and heat transfer, so the unit works harder and uses more electricity to deliver the same comfort — efficiency losses of 15–30% are common in neglected units. Cleaning the filters regularly and having the system serviced keeps it running at the efficiency you paid for. Maintenance is one of the easiest ways to control running costs. See our service guide.
Reducing Your Running Costs
To run a split system cheaply: choose an efficient, right-sized unit; set a sensible temperature and avoid extremes; use zoning by only conditioning the rooms in use (a key split-system advantage over whole-home ducted); keep filters clean and the system serviced; and use the timer and eco modes. Together these keep a split system genuinely economical. See our choosing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are split systems expensive to run?
Generally no — modern reverse-cycle split systems are among the most efficient ways to heat and cool, producing several units of heating or cooling per unit of electricity. They’re often cheaper to run than people expect and far more efficient than older electric heaters. The actual cost depends on the unit’s efficiency and size, the temperature you set, how well it’s maintained, and how many hours it runs.
How can I reduce my split system running costs?
Choose an efficient, correctly sized unit; set a sensible temperature (around 24–25°C cooling, 18–20°C heating) and avoid extremes; only condition the rooms you’re using; keep the filters clean and the system serviced; and use timer and eco modes. A dirty or oversized system, or one pushed to extreme temperatures, costs noticeably more — so these habits add up.
Does the star rating really affect running costs?
Yes — the star rating reflects efficiency, so a higher-rated unit delivers more heating or cooling per unit of electricity and costs less to run. Over the years you own the system, a more efficient unit can save enough on running costs to justify a higher upfront price. It’s worth weighing efficiency, not just purchase price, when choosing.
Does a dirty split system cost more to run?
Yes. Clogged filters and a dirty coil restrict airflow and heat transfer, forcing the system to work harder and draw more electricity to deliver the same comfort — efficiency losses of 15–30% are common in neglected units. Cleaning the filters regularly and servicing the system restores its efficiency, making maintenance one of the simplest ways to keep running costs down.
Is it cheaper to run one split system or ducted heating/cooling?
For conditioning one or a few rooms, a split system is usually cheaper because you only condition the space you’re using, whereas whole-home ducted systems condition more area. For whole-home comfort, ducted has its place. The efficiency advantage of splits is room-by-room zoning — only running what you need, when you need it.
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