Split Air Conditioners: 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only associate air conditioning with cooling? That’s not entirely true. Split air conditioners have much more to offer than just lowering the temperature.
In countries like the United States, nearly every home — as many as 87% — is equipped with air conditioning. Here, that’s not yet the standard. In the past, a simple fan was enough to get through most summer days. But today, we can all use a little extra cooling power.
Still, cooling isn’t the only strength of a split air conditioner. We’ve listed the five most frequently asked questions — along with clear answers — to help you get the most out of your AC!
1. What is a split air conditioner and how does it work?
As the name suggests, a split unit air conditioner consists of two separate units. One unit is installed on the outside wall, while the other is placed in the room you want to cool or heat — usually mounted on the wall.
Using a refrigerant that circulates between the indoor and outdoor units, the system extracts warm air from inside and expels it outside, effectively cooling the indoor air. In winter, this process can be reversed: the system draws heat from the outside air and releases it indoors. This means it works much like a heat pump, quickly warming up the space.
This makes a split air conditioner perfect for quickly heating your living room during colder months. Your central heating system — often less energy-efficient — can be turned down a notch or even switched off completely.
Prefer to stay cool at night? You can also install a unit in the bedroom to enjoy comfortable sleep during sticky summer nights.
Did you know you can also get a multi-split air conditioner these days? It features one outdoor unit connected tomultiple indoor units, allowing you to control the climate in different rooms. Super convenient!
2. What are the advantages of a split unit air conditioner?
Still unsure about getting a split-unit air conditioner? Let the many advantages convince you:
Energy-efficient: Split-unit air conditioners are more energy-efficient than central heating systems. They only cool or heat the rooms that are actually in use, helping you save on your energy bill.
Quiet operation: The indoor unit of a split air conditioner is generally very quiet, since the noisier components are located in the outdoor unit.
Improved air quality: All Qlima models are equipped with filters that remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air — contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
Multi-functional: Qlima split units offer both cooling and heating options, making them suitable for year-round use in every season.
Long lifespan: With proper maintenance, split units generally last longer than other types of air conditioning systems.
3. I live in an apartment — can I use a split-unit air conditioner?
In many apartment buildings, installing an air conditioner is subject to rules set by the homeowners’ association (HOA) or housing corporation. Always check whether you need permission to install the outdoor unit, and where it may legally be placed.
Qlima split-unit air conditioners are designed for rooms up to a certain size. Some models work perfectly in larger spaces of around 145 m³, while others are more suitable for smaller rooms up to 85 m³.
The most important thing is that you have enough space to install both units. The outdoor unit can often be placed on a balcony, but other options include the roof or an area next to your front door.
Be sure to discuss the installation options with a technician beforehand, so you know exactly where space needs to be reserved.
4. Can I only use a split air conditioner for my home?
Unlike a mobile air conditioner, which you can move around, a split-unit air conditioner is always fixed in place. Once mounted, it does its job in that specific location — you can't simply detach the indoor unit and use it somewhere else temporarily.
But that doesn’t mean split air conditioners are limited to use inside your home! Did you know that Qlima also offers a special mini split air conditioner, perfect for use in your caravan, garden house, or houseboat?
The Mini Split Airco MS-AC 5001 is compact and easy to install yourself. It’s ideal for small spaces but still delivers powerful performance. So even when you're away from home, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or convenience.
It might be the only split-unit air conditioner that’s this easy to install — and also to remove again if you’re moving your caravan to another spot. Of course, it’s equally well-suited for permanent setups in spaces like a houseboat or garden cabin.
5. How much does a Qlima split unit air conditioner cost?
Qlima air conditioners are competitively priced yet offer excellent quality — truly the best of both worlds. If you're looking to cool or heat a smaller room, you'll need a less powerful model than for larger spaces. The price also depends on the extra features you choose, such as air purification, remote control, or additional indoor units for multi-room setups.
Depending on the model, you can expect prices to range between €1,000 and €2,000.
The average installation cost is around €1,200 to €2,500. However, with our SC models, you can handle much of the installation yourself. These models come with a pre-filled quick-connect system. So, you have full control over the size of your investment.
Investing in a Qlima split unit air conditioner means long-term comfort and outstanding indoor air quality.
Choose sustainability, lower energy bills, and a pleasant indoor temperature all year round.
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