This is one of those questions that most people only ask when they need to buy one, right? It is a simple question that has a not so simple answer.
More than one!
Even if you have no clue as to which company makes the best brands there is a good chance that you have heard some of the names before. Fujitsu, Samsung (yes, they make air conditioners too), Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (if I had a dollar for everyone who asks which one of those are better), Midea, Actron, Hitachi, Daikin and LG.
These air conditioning brands are pretty much the “majors” who dominate the Australian market.
And out all of them, which one is the best?
The air conditioning supply chain is mostly still working on a dealer system. Air conditioning companies align themselves with brands to gain a price advantage through higher sales but also to offer what they feel is a quality product worth selling. Nothing wrong with that. But they can’t all service every brand and hope to give each one their full attention and high sales. That’s one of the reasons you can be made to feel like they are pushing one brand over another buy telling you “they are the best”. What your not likely to hear is ” we have a warehouse full of these things we really need to get rid of “. Although that kind of honesty would probably be appreciated by a keen buyer looking for a good price on an over stocked but decent brand.
Well……. the real question you need to ask is not just which brand is best, but also which model is best for YOU. Out of all of these top level air conditioning brands, they all have three major features that make them a good buy.
- High efficiency – compare efficiency ratings on wall split systems
- Very quiet indoor and outdoor units
- 5 year residential warranty
They are the first three things that most people care about. Of course back up service is important too. They all have good back up service, but in this industry which has peak periods ( middle of summer and winter) they can all fall short from time to time. Generally they are all pretty good in responding to a service call in a reasonable amount of time. But remember, a quality brand is much less likely to cause you problems with break downs.
What are the things that might make one brand better for you over another?
- Your budget
If you are working on a budget, be guided by that. For example, a Samsung unit will save you anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on the KW size compared to a Daikin or Mitsubishi. Some units like the Samsung or LG brands now offer wifi options for controlling your air conditioner from your smart phone. It cost a little more for thoset feature so you need to think about if you need something like that
- The installation requirements
Where and how is it going to be installed? Some split system models will only give you 5m in pipe work length between the indoor and outdoor unit before extra refrigerant needs to be added to the system. That will add extra installation costs, because if it is not added, your hard earned money is paying for a system that is not going to work to it’s maximum efficiency. It is important details like these that make hiring experts a wise decision.
- Indoor and outdoor dimensions
Some units are bigger than others. For example, a 5kw Samsung unit is just under 1100mm wide. But a Fujitsu 5kw unit is just under 800mm wide. Imagine buying a split system from an online or bulk store only to find your unit won’t fit in the space you want it too! Also, a Fujitsu 6.8kw out door unit is significantly smaller than most other brands. If you are locating the outdoor unit on a balcony, you may want to save on space.
- Indoor fan power
When you get into large sized rooms that require a long air flow, some units offer a powerful fan mode. Mitsubishi Electric units (MSZ71GE) are capable of pushing air up to 12m. In those situations that might be the right unit for you. But if your room is not that long it probably doesn’t matter to much.
- Great features
Of all the brands right now, the latest Samsung air conditioners seem to stand out as the brand that is offering consumers a great feature. Integrated wireless technology. At the moment they are the only brand that has it. Is it a gimmick? Not really. While it may seem superfluous to control your air conditioner from your phone whilst sitting in the same room as the remote controller, it certainly makes sense to be able to turn it on before you set off for home from work so you can come home to a nice warm house. Or turn your office air conditioner on whilst on your way to work. While most units do have programable timers in there remote controls, who remembers to set it? It is defiantly much easier to do it from your phone, especially when you can also set a reminder to your self to do it and you always have it on you.
- Efficiency ratings
The efficiency ratings below give you an idea on the comparative efficiency at both ends of the price scale.
Understanding air conditioning efficiency ratings
Daikin FTXS25LVMA – EER 4.44 / COP 4.43 (more expensive brand)
Mitsubishi MSZ25GE – EER 4.46 / COP 4.38 (more expensive brand)
Samsung AQV09TW – EER 4.42 / COP 4.54 (less expensive brand)
Midea MSCP09M4 – EER 4.42 / COP 4.54 (less expensive brand)
As you can see, the higher the price of a split system air conditioner doesn’t necessarily mean higher efficiency ratings.
The conclusion:
All of the major brands mentioned here are of the highest efficiency and quality. If you stick to the well known names you probably won’t have any issues with your air conditioner working properly and lasting you a long time. Brands to avoid would be sold through hardware stores and be on the cheap side. If it’s cheap. it is cheap for a reason! There are also some brands online that have units made in China and then re-branded here. Remember also that you are better of with a company that has a service network available for their units. Most cheap brands don’t.
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Thanks John
Hi Jason, I am in Perth and am looking at replacing 3 split units, which were installed by the previous property owner (2 TECOs and 1 Celestial). The A/C guy that came around gave me 2 quotes(Fujitsu and Hier) to replace the current 3.5 Kw units. There is about a $300 difference per unit between them and he recommended the Fujitsu over the Hier but advised that he had not had any complaints about the Hier. I have been doing my research on the 2 brands but apart for vermin problems regarding the Fujitsu, I have not seen too many bad reviews about them. Your thoughts please.
Roger
Hi Roger, Fujitsu are a solid reliable brand and I would have no problem recommending them. Not so sure about the Haier units.
Great information. You gave good ideas in the content. This information is beneficial for anyone who wants to take the convenience of air conditioning within their budget.
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Heating and Cooling Ottawa
We have had some quotes previously about a year ago regarding reverse cycle ducted aircon to the upstairs area of our house in WA approximately 180m sq Upstairs and they suggested 14 kw system one of the installers who we are more keen we had a quote on previously 11,000 dollars aprox for samsung with a wifi e zone controller we have lso been recommended LG brand and this year the company is plugging the fujitsu as a brand as they are official installers.
Which brand would you recommend go with and would you bother having seperate temp sensors for different rooms so we can set the temp for different locations etc. is the ezone contoller worth it over the manufacturer premium controllers wifi control?
Hi Clive, all three brands you mentioned are good brands. I would say Fujitsu are a good ducted system and also Mitsubishi Electric.It is worth getting the system zoned for flexibility and long term running costs but it really comes down to wether that kind of functionality is important to you in regards to the seperate temperature zoning. Is a couple of degrees here or there worth it?
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Hi just recently bought AC split type inverter MIDEA brand for my room and they’ll set up unit the next day ..hoping it’s a decent brand and efficient… Never thought of reading reviews about it until I’ve found this blog.. I’m still crossing my fingers though I’ve read not the best brand but it’s good one hoping this will work well.
It has a five year warranty so you should be all good!
i want to buy a 1 hp aircon inverter split type. what brand do you recommend. its only for a room with a measurement of 3090 x 3200.
A 2.5kw unit is fine for a space of that size. Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Panasonic, LG are all brands that are well worth buying. Be guided by your price and you should be all good.
i am looking a for a air condition for my kitchen who does get vey hot like sauna, . we are confused which one to choose Daikin or Mitsubishi electric please help me choose
Mitsubishi Electric 5.0kw wall system MSZ-SF50VE2-E1/MUZ-SF50VE-E2
Daikin 5,0kw wall system FTXB50C/RXB50C
Hi Tina, both brands are of top quality so you really can’t go wrong. Personally the mitsubishi electric air conditioners are my choice, we have sold them for years and have very few issues with them.
Great info and amazing thread too!!!…..but still need guidance….please help. I am looking at spending about $1300 – $1800 (plus fitting) to get a split system in the lounge/kitchen which is 45sqm. I am told a 6 would do, but 7 would be better??….but not sure on what is the best value for money in my price range. Any suggestion on units? Thanks
To get a fixed price quote you can use our online quoting system. It is fast, easy and free.
https://www.currentforce.com.au/split-system-air-conditioner-quote/
Do not use Fujitsu. If there are any gecko’s in your area it is only a matter of time before you blow one of your boards. This will take approximately 2 – 4 weeks to get repaired. I have had multiple problems with my Fujitsu AC units in two locations. Fujitsu’s warranty service is terrible. Their agents are incompetent and they regularly refuse to honour the warranty charges. DO NOT USE THEM!!!!
I have a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 7KW aircon for two years. Does a great job heating and cooling. Have had no problems.
Considering another air con 2.5kw for the bedroom. Have been quoted for a Carrier brand unit. Carrier is a well known brand and has been around forever BUT I cannot find any reviews. The ones I have found are for different ducted systems in the USA. And I may add they are unfavourable.
Does anyone have knowledge on the performance of the domestic 2.5kw Carrier air conditioner?
If you have geckos or lizards of any sort do not touch Fujitsu have a look at the new Mitsubishi units. Insurance will not cover your unit for vermin damage. All of the companies are aware of their electrical units vulnerability. They have done very little about it.
Most people say that a good air conditioner is one that provides efficient cooling. But don’t you think that besides providing efficient cooling air conditioner should also consume less electricity?
Good brand air conditioners have more benefits. Benefits include mobility, easy installation, cost and convenience. If you are thinking of purchasing a new air conditioner try to go for high star products because they have high energy performance.
Hi Jason,
Please advise on which one of the following ducted reverse cycle air conditioner would be better for a large house 580 sq mt house in terms of efficiency, low noise and warranties;
TOSHIBA 20 .0 Kw (3-phase)with 6 zones v/s DAIKIN 20.0 Kw (3-phase) with 6 zones.
Hi Toshak, we don’t work on the Toshiba or Daikin brands. Mitsubishi and Fujitsu have some great ducted units which are worth a look.
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