Picking the wrong size is the most common split system mistake we see. Too small and it runs flat out all winter without ever getting the room warm. Too big and it cycles on and off, wasting power and never quite feeling comfortable. In Ballarat the question is really "how big do I need to heat this room on a frosty July morning?"
Why Ballarat homes need to size for heating
Ballarat winters are some of the coldest of any major regional city in Victoria, and most of the work a reverse-cycle system does here is heating. A split system's heating output drops as the outside temperature falls, so a unit that is perfectly sized for a mild Melbourne home can struggle in Ballarat. That is why we size based on heating capacity first.
Rough sizing guide by room size
- Up to 20m² (bedroom, study): 2.5kW
- 20–30m² (main bedroom, small lounge): 3.5kW
- 30–45m² (lounge room, family room): 5kW
- 45–60m² (larger living area): 7kW
- 60m² and up (open-plan kitchen, living and dining): 8kW or more, or consider two units
These are starting points for a reasonably insulated room with standard 2.4m ceilings. Treat them as a guide, not a quote.
Things that mean you need a bigger unit
- High ceilings. Many of Ballarat's Victorian and Edwardian homes have ceilings well over 3m. More air to heat means more capacity.
- Little or no insulation. Older weatherboards often have none in the walls and patchy insulation in the ceiling.
- Large windows or single glazing. Glass loses heat fast in winter.
- Open doorways and stairwells. If the room opens onto a hallway or upstairs, warm air escapes.
- West-facing rooms. These can need extra cooling capacity on hot summer afternoons.
One big unit or two smaller ones?
For a large open-plan area, a single 8kW unit can work well. But if the space is L-shaped or broken up, two smaller units often heat more evenly. We'll suggest whichever gives you the most even comfort for the money.
Get it measured properly
We measure the room, check insulation, ceiling height and windows, and recommend the right size before you buy. Our split system installs start from $1,499 + GST for a 2.5kW unit supplied and installed, and every install is done by our own licensed, ARCtick-certified electricians. Still deciding between system types? Read our split vs ducted guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size air conditioner do I need for a bedroom in Ballarat?
Most bedrooms up to about 20 square metres suit a 2.5kW reverse-cycle split system, provided the room is reasonably well insulated. Larger or poorly insulated rooms may need 3.5kW.
Is it better to oversize a split system?
Slightly oversizing for Ballarat's cold winters is usually safer than undersizing, but a unit that is far too big can short-cycle and waste energy. A proper on-site measure is the best way to get it right.
How much does a split system cost in Ballarat?
Our split systems start from $1,499 + GST for a 2.5kW unit supplied and installed on a standard back-to-back job. Larger units and longer pipe runs are quoted for free.
Need this sorted properly?
We're happy to talk it through over the phone or come out for a free, no-obligation quote across Ballarat and surrounds.
