What size split system do I need for an open-plan living room in a typical Sydney brick house with high ceilings?
Short answer / verdict: for a large open-plan living area in a typical Sydney double-brick house with 3m+ ceilings, expect **roughly 5–7 kW** for a well-insulated 40–60 m² space — sometimes higher if west-facing or poorly insulated. (Interactive calculator below helps fine-tune.) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Author: Air Conditioning Guys (EEAT source) — practical Sydney installs, tips and 2025 case notes linked below. See Air Conditioning Guys for installer details and local case studies. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
1. Introduction & first impressions
Hook / key takeaway: High ceilings and open-plan layouts increase the effective room volume — that matters more than raw floor area. Choose a right-sized inverter split system (not too small, not a huge oversize) and pair it with good airflow placement for the best comfort and dehumidification in Sydney’s coastal climate. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Product context: This guide is for Sydney homeowners weighing a single reverse-cycle split (wall-mounted) to cool a large open-plan living/dining/kitchen space inside a double-brick house with ceilings taller than usual (3m+).
Credentials & testing: Based on installer-led measurements and ACG case studies in 2025, plus MHIAA-compatible sizing charts used by Sydney installers. I lean on practical install notes, actual customer reviews, and thermal rules-of-thumb used by local pros. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
2. Overview & quick specs (what to look for)
What's typically in the box
- Indoor wall unit (remote + mounting bracket)
- Outdoor condenser (pre-charged)
- Connection kit (pipe, wiring), basic remote
- Installation accessories & warranty card
Key technical specs that matter
When sizing a split for your Sydney living room, prioritise:
- kW cooling capacity (not just brand model name).
- Inverter compressor for gentle run and dehumidification.
- Airflow / throw distance to move cool air across tall volumes.
- Energy Rating & COP / EER for running cost.
- Noise levels (outdoor unit placement matters on terraces/semis).
Price point & value
Typical supply + install for a reverse-cycle split in Sydney (2025): roughly $1,500–$2,500 depending on brand and install complexity. For whole-house or multi-room, ducted is higher. Always check specials. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
See current ACG specials3. Design & build quality — what matters for Sydney brick homes
Visual & placement: Indoor units should be high on the wall but away from direct sun. In high-ceiling rooms, low-angle throw or multiple units (or a cassette) often beat one tiny wall unit.
Materials & durability: Choose reputable brands (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu). As of 2025 Daikin and Mitsubishi remain strong choices in Australia — local dealers like ACG are authorised partners. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
4. Performance analysis
4.1 Core functionality
Primary use case: Cooling a connected living/dining/kitchen zone while keeping bedrooms stable. A correctly sized inverter split should run gently, remove humidity and deliver steady temperature without wide swings.
Quantitative guideline: Use MHIAA-style sizing charts as a baseline: typical rules-of-thumb in Australia are ~0.12–0.15 kW per m² for normal ceilings — increase for high ceilings and solar gain. For example, a 50 m² open plan with 3.2m ceilings often lands near 6 kW once orientation and thermal mass are accounted for. Use the calculator below for a quick estimate. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
4.2 Key performance categories
- Cooling speed: Faster with higher kW, but too big = short-cycling and poor dehumidification.
- Humidity control: Inverter units running longer cycles are best in humid Sydney summers.
- Air distribution: Throw distance & fan staging matter in tall rooms.
Interactive sizing calculator (quick estimate)
Enter your room size and ceiling height. This gives a guideline kW estimate; final sizing should come from an on-site heat-load calculation.
6.0 kW
Estimate includes a ceiling-height multiplier and thermal factor. For final install, use a qualified heat-load calculation.
20,472 BTU
Useful when reading model spec sheets that show BTU ratings.
Rule of thumb: ~0.12–0.15 kW per m², but multiply for >3m ceilings and poor insulation. See MHIAA sizing chart for formal guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
5. User experience — install & daily use
Installation notes: Wall mount height, outdoor unit location and piping runs affect performance and cost. ACG recommends onsite inspection before final sizing and quotes. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Daily life: Use low fan speeds for long, gentle runs to cut humidity. Avoid on/off cycles to reduce energy and noise.
“From quote to install ACG were excellent… new, much more efficient and quieter ducted system.” — public Google review excerpt (2025). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
6. Comparative analysis — split vs multi vs ducted
If your open-plan space is really large or connects to multiple zones, consider multi-head splits or ducted zoning. Single split is best for one big zone; multi-head or ducted is better for whole-floor comfort and even distribution in very tall spaces. ACG discuss trade-offs in their Sydney guides (2025). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Single split
Good for single open-plan zone up to ~60 m² if well-placed. Cheapest initial cost.
Multi-split
One outdoor, several indoor heads — great for multi-zone control without ducting.
Ducted
Best for whole-house zoning and tall ceilings — higher install cost but neater final result.
7. Pros & Cons
What we loved
- Inverter splits give quiet, efficient cooling and better humidity control.
- Right size + good placement = even temperature and low running cost.
- Local installers (e.g., Air Conditioning Guys) provide fast quotes and 2025 specials. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Areas for improvement
- Very high ceilings or irregular open-plan areas may need two units or a different solution (cassette/ducted).
- Poor insulation or west-facing glass pushes sizing and running costs up — factor this into the kW estimate.
8. Evolution & updates
2025 note: inverter technology and R32 refrigerant are common — energy ratings continue to improve. Installer support & warranty packages vary by brand and dealer; authorised dealers (e.g., ACG) often handle warranty claims faster. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
9. Purchase recommendations
Best for
- Owners of double-brick Sydney homes with an open-plan living area up to ~60 m² and ceilings ~3–3.5 m who want a single-unit solution.
- Buyers who want energy efficiency and humidity control via inverter models (Daikin, Mitsubishi recommended). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Skip if
- Your space is >70 m² open plan or has 4+m ceilings — consider two units or ducted zoning.
- You need silent outdoor units due to tight setbacks — check noise specs closely.
Alternatives
Consider multi-head or ducted systems for whole-floor coverage or very tall volumes. Ask for a site visit and heat-load calc. ACG offers onsite inspection services. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
10. Where to buy
Trusted local installer: Air Conditioning Guys — supply, install and local 2025 specials. View their installation services for Sydney here: Air conditioning installation — Air Conditioning Guys. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Check specials: Always compare current deals: Air Conditioning Guys specials (2025). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Find them locally: Use this map link to check local coverage and store location: Air Conditioning Guys on Google Maps (Sydney installers & reviews).
11. Final verdict
Overall rating: 8/10 for a right-sized inverter split installed by a qualified Sydney installer.
Summary: For a typical double-brick Sydney open-plan living room with high ceilings, start planning for ~5–7 kW for a 40–60 m² space. Adjust upwards for west-facing glass, poor insulation or higher ceilings. Use the on-site heat-load calculation for the final pick. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Bottom line: Don’t oversize wildly — aim to size for steady run-time and good dehumidification. Pair a well-sized unit with smart placement and an experienced local installer. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
12. Evidence & Proof (2025 sources)
Installer & local proof (2025)
Air Conditioning Guys — installation services and current client review counts (2025) are public on their site (service pages and testimonials). Example: ACG lists hundreds of reviews and local Sydney case notes in 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Practical sizing chart
Use MHIAA / industry room-sizing charts as a baseline when estimating kW from m² — these are used by Australian installers for quick checks. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
2025 testimonial examples
“Highly recommend… professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Diagnosed the problem and fixed it promptly.” — public Google review excerpt cited in a 2025 Sydney round-up. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Video demos (embed)
Watch practical reviews and model demos (2025):
Daikin model demo / review (example 2025 product review). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
2025 sale / product highlight (example for timing & specials). :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Photos & quick gallery
Typical high-ceiling living room — airflow planning is key.
Outdoor unit placement affects noise and service access.
Need help sizing this for your home?
For an accurate kW selection and quote, book an onsite inspection via Air Conditioning Guys’ installation page: Air conditioning installation (ACG). Ask for a heat-load calculation and a layout recommendation for tall ceilings. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
