Types of Air Conditioners Explained: Which One is Best For Your Home?

So, you’ve finally decided it’s time to upgrade or install an air conditioner in your Victorian home. Maybe you’ve endured one too many hot summers or shivered through a chilly Melbourne winter. Either way, we’re glad you’re here. Because let’s face it — choosing the right air conditioner is no small task. There are numerous options available in the market. Plus, you need to choose a model that is eligible for the VEU rebate. So, deciding the right brand, right capacity, choosing the air con under a budget — All this becomes trickier. 

But don’t stress. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain the types of air conditioners, highlight their pros and cons and—yes—discuss how Victorian energy rebates can make your choice even more affordable.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. Split System Air Conditioners
2. Multi-Split System Air Conditioners
3. Reverse Cycle Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
4. Portable Air Conditioners
5. Window/Wall Air Conditioners
6. Which Air Conditioner is Best for Your Home?
7. Let’s Talk About Air Conditioning Rebates in Victoria
8. Final Thoughts
9. Frequently Asked Questions

This is probably the most common type of air conditioner in Australia — and for good reason.

A split system has two main parts: an indoor unit that blows cool or warm air into your room and an outdoor unit that disperses the heat. The two are connected via refrigerant pipes and control wiring.

✅ Pros:

1. Energy-efficient (especially inverter models)
2. Great for individual rooms or open-plan spaces
3. Relatively affordable to install
4. Qualifies for the Victorian government split system rebate

❌ Cons:

1. Not suitable for cooling or heating the entire home unless you install multiple units
2. The outdoor unit needs sufficient space

Think of this as the big sibling of the single split system. Here, one outdoor unit powers multiple indoor units across different rooms.

✅ Pros:

1. Efficient way to control the temperature in multiple rooms
2. Takes up less space outside than having multiple outdoor units
3. Sleek design and quiet operation
4. Eligible for rebates under the Victorian government free air conditioning rebate

❌ Cons:

1. Installation is more complex and costlier than single split systems
2. If the outdoor unit fails, all the connected units stop working

However, if you invest in a good brand like Midea or Rinnai, there are low chances of your outdoor unit failing. In case it fails for once, both brands have a 7-year warranty. So you can get it repaired easily and without any hassle.

If you want to know the detailed review of this air conditioner, please read these blogs :

➡️Rinnai Air Conditioners Review and Understanding its VEU Benefit

➡️Midea Multi-Split Air Conditioner Review – Is It the Right Choice?

If you’re after whole-house comfort and don’t want to see units hanging on your walls, reverse cycle ducted systems are the way to go.

They use a central indoor unit (usually placed in the ceiling or under the floor) connected to a series of ducts that deliver air to each room through vents.

✅ Pros:

1. Perfect for larger homes
2. Discreet — no visible units in each room
3. Zoned control lets you choose which areas to cool or heat

❌ Cons:

1. Higher price and costlier installation
2. Not all models are eligible for rebates
3. Needs professional planning and regular maintenance

However this systems are eligible for air conditioning rebate under VEU program. This means you can get a substantial discount when you go through an accredited provider. We will talk more about this later in the blog.

So keep reading the blog till the end to know how to save upto 8000$ while purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner.

These are the plug-and-play types — compact, easy to move and ideal for renters or short-term use.

✅ Pros:

1. No installation required
2. Can be moved from room to room
3. Affordable upfront cost

❌ Cons:

1. Noisier and less energy-efficient
2. Limited cooling capacity — best for small rooms
3. Not eligible for Victorian energy upgrades (VEU program)

An older-style option, but still relevant for smaller homes or units. These units are installed in a window or wall opening and contain all the components in one box.

✅ Pros:

• Simple and cost-effective
• Easy to install in window spaces

❌ Cons:

• Noisy
• Not as efficient or sleek as split systems
• Limited features & not eligible under VEU Rebates

That depends on:

1. The size of your home
2. How many rooms you want to cool/heat
3. Whether you rent or own
4. Your budget
5. Energy usage goals
6. Your eligibility for a Victorian government free air conditioning rebate

If you're looking for:

1. One room only: Go for a split system
2. Multiple rooms, different settings: Consider a multi-split system 
3. Whole home: Ducted is your best friend
4. Temporary use or renting: Portable is an option, but less efficient

By now you’re probably wondering — what’s this rebate thing everyone’s talking about?

Well, Victoria is actually one of the best states in Australia when it comes to energy upgrade incentives. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers rebates for energy-efficient products, including air conditioners.

What is the VEU Scheme?

The VEU scheme is a government initiative that helps Victorians reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut power bills. If you install a VEU-approved split system, you may be eligible for a significant air conditioning rebate.

To claim this rebate:

• The system must meet minimum energy performance standards
• It must be installed by an accredited provider
• You must be replacing an existing (non-efficient) heater or cooler

However, under VEU guidelines, the co contribution of atleast $1000 is required to claim the rebate.

We know what you are thinking! Which brands are eligible? You can find the Top Air Conditioning Brands Eligible Under the VEU Scheme in this blog.

Alright, now that you know what type of system suits your home, let’s talk about how to actually claim the rebate.

You’ll need to go through an accredited provider and that’s where EcoOrigin comes in. We're approved under the VEU program and help homeowners in Victoria install eligible systems, handle the paperwork and make sure you claim the full rebate you’re entitled to.

✅ What EcoOrigin Helps You With:

1. Free consultation and eligibility check
2. Suggesting VEU-approved units according to your needs & home size
3. Professional installation with zero upfront cost
4. Handling your rebate claims from start to finish

It’s smooth, reliable and completely stress-free.

Choosing the right air conditioner can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you understand the types, your home’s layout and the amazing energy rebates available in Victoria, the decision becomes much easier.

If you’re in the market for a new system and want to take full advantage of the Victorian government's free air conditioning rebate, consider working with a trusted, accredited provider like EcoOrigin. We’ve helped thousands of Victorians upgrade their systems, reduce their power bills and enjoy better comfort all year round.

1. Which type of AC is best for home use?

A reverse-cycle split system is ideal for most Victorian homes. It’s energy-efficient, heats and cools and qualifies for rebates under Victorian Energy Upgrade (VEU program).

2. What is the best type of air con for a house?

For single rooms, go with a split system. For multiple rooms, a multi-split system is best. Both options are eligible for the air conditioning rebate in Victoria.

3. What is the most efficient type of air conditioner?

Inverter split systems are the most efficient. They use less power and many are approved under the Victorian energy rebate program.

4. What are the 4 types of air conditioners?

Split, multi-split, ducted and portable — with only split, multi-split and ducted systems usually eligible for the Victorian air conditioning rebate.

5. Which air conditioners are covered under the VEU scheme?

Many high-efficiency split and multi-split systems are eligible. Check out our guide: Top Air Conditioning Brands Eligible Under the VEU Scheme

‍

‍