About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
Split AC Unit Guide
By Travis Baugh
A split AC unit (or split system air conditioner) is a cooling system that separates the hot side from the cold side of the system. It consists of two main components: an outdoor unit (condenser/compressor) and an indoor unit (furnace or fan coil) connected by refrigerant lines. This design allows for quiet, efficient, and even cooling throughout your home.
How Split System Air Conditioning Works
The split system operates on basic thermodynamics: moving heat from inside your home to the outside.
David Fowler, owner of Family Heating and Air in Pensacola, Florida, breaks down how a split system works in simple terms.
“You have one unit inside and one unit outside,” Fowler said. “The two are connected and heat is transferred from either inside to outside or outside to inside.”
Here is the step-by-step cooling process for an air conditioner:
- Heat Absorption: The indoor unit pulls warm air from your rooms and passes it over an evaporator coil filled with AC refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat, instantly cooling the air, which is then circulated back into your home.
- Heat Transfer: The heated refrigerant travels through lines to the outdoor unit.
- Heat Release: The outdoor compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, increasing its temperature. It then flows through the condenser coil, releasing the trapped heat into the outside air and returning the refrigerant to a liquid state.
- Repeat Cycle: The cooled liquid refrigerant returns indoors to repeat the process, maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature.
Learn more in our guide on how an AC works.
Key Components of a Split AC System
A split system air conditioner consists of several key components that work together to ensure effective cooling:
- Condenser (outdoor unit): Releases absorbed heat outdoors. It houses the compressor and condenser coil.
- Compressor : The is the heart of the system. It pressurizes the refrigerant gas, which helps facilitate heat transfer from the indoor to the outdoor unit.
- Evaporator coil: Located inside (often in an air handler or furnace), it absorbs heat from indoor air.
- Refrigerant : The chemical fluid that circulates between units, carrying heat out of your home.
- Air handler: Circulates the conditioned air through your ductwork and into your living spaces.
5 Major Benefits of Split AC Units
Why choose a split air conditioner over other cooling methods? Here are the top advantages:
1. Even Cooling Throughout the Home Consistent, Even Cooling
Unlike window units that only cool a single room, split air conditioning systems use ducts to distribute cool air evenly, eliminating hot spots and ensuring every corner of your home is comfortable.
2. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
Many split systems feature advanced filtration that traps dust, allergens, and pollutants. Regular air filter replacement helps ensure cleaner, healthier air for your family.
3. Superior Energy Efficiency
Modern split AC units are designed to minimize energy waste. High SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings mean these units deliver powerful cooling while consuming less electricity, helping lower your monthly cooling bills.
4. Quiet Operation
Because the noisy components (compressor and condenser) are located outside, the indoor operation is incredibly quiet, keeping your home peaceful.
5. Smart Control & Convenience
Control your entire home's climate from a single thermostat. Paired with smart thermostats, you can adjust temperatures from your phone, optimizing comfort and savings automatically.
How to Choose the Right Split AC Unit
Selecting the perfect split air conditioner depends on your home’s specific needs.
- Home Size & Layout: Larger homes require higher tonnage (cooling capacity) to maintain comfort. Insulation quality and ceiling height also play a role. Your local Bryant dealer can help you find the right air conditioner size for your home.
- Cooling Capacity (BTUs): An undersized unit won't cool effectively, while an oversized one will cycle on and off too frequently. Your local dealer can calculate the exact size you need. “It’s important to think about the efficiency of the unit,” Fowler said. “That can go a long way in impacting your energy bill.”
- Energy Efficiency Ratings: Look for high SEER2 ratings to maximize long-term savings.
- Noise Levels: If outdoor noise is a concern, check the decibel (dB) rating of the central air conditioner. Quiet models typically run between 50–60 dB.
Split HVAC System Installation and Maintenance
Proper AC installation is critical for performance. The indoor unit is typically placed in a basement, attic, or closet, while the outdoor unit sits in a ventilated area. Professional installation ensures refrigerant lines are sealed and ductwork is optimized.
To keep your split AC unit running for 12–15 years:
- Replace air filters regularly.
- Clear debris (leaves, dirt) from the outdoor unit.
- Schedule annual AC maintenance with a professional technician.
“It’s kind of like a car,” Samantha Houchin, owner of The Weather Changers in Denver, Colorado, said. “You have to get oil changes to help the engine run. It's the same thing with heating and cooling. doing routine maintenance, make sure that the system runs the way that it's supposed to.”
Connect With A Bryant Dealer on Split Air Conditioners
At Bryant, we offer a wide range of types of air conditioners that provide exceptional energy efficiency, quiet operation, and improved air quality. Our reliable and innovative cooling solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of every homeowner. Contact your local Bryant dealer today to discover the best air conditioner for your home or to schedule an AC replacement appointment.
Discover Bryant Air Conditioners
A Bryant air conditioner offers reliable performance, energy efficiency, and advanced cooling technology to keep your home comfortable year-round. With high SEER2 ratings, Bryant units provide cost-effective operation, reducing energy bills while delivering powerful cooling. Their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, and quiet operation enhances home comfort. Plus, Bryant’s smart thermostat compatibility and industry-leading warranties make it a trusted choice for homeowners seeking efficient, dependable cooling solutions.
FAQs
Split systems use high-efficiency compressors and require professional installation with refrigerant piping and wiring, which adds to the overall cost.
Common issues include refrigerant leaks, dirty filters, or faulty sensors that affect cooling performance. Regular AC maintenance helps prevent these problems.
A well-maintained split AC system can typically last 12–15 years on average, depending on usage, maintenance, and local climate.
Split systems have higher installation costs and energy bills than window or portable air conditioners.
A split AC unit has two main components: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser connected by refrigerant lines. This design offers quiet operation and efficient cooling for homes.
Learn More About Air Conditioners
- Get in the know on air conditioning service
- Find out what is an inverter air conditioner
- Find out how long do AC units last?
- Learn how to clean air conditioners
- Discover the difference in a heat pump vs air conditioner
- Learn about AC sizes: 2 ton, 3 ton, 4 ton, 5 ton
