5.0 kW split systems
342
models on the register
Short answer
342 5.0 kW split systems are registered for sale in Australia in 2026, from 4.2 to 5.4 kW. Supplied and installed, most land between $2,100 to $3,300; up to three licensed local installers will quote your actual job.
Prices are estimates, not quotes (how we estimate them). Rebate rules checked September 2026.
Compare 3 quotes for my houseA 5 kW split is the living-room unit. It cools a standard insulated room of up to about 42 m², or about 35 m² with big west-facing glass. That is a lounge and dining room, a large family room or a small open-plan space.
This is the biggest size class on the register: 342 models from 26 brands. It is also a wider class than the name suggests, running from 4.2 to 5.4 kW. The tables below list every model; the notes here help you read them.
At a glance
- Models342from 26 brands
- Installed, estimate$2,100–$3,300
- Quietest indoorsBonaire CRC691115049.4 dB(A), 5.2 kW
- Most efficient (average zone)ActronAir WRE-050DS5 cooling stars, 5 kW
- Reverse cycle90%heat and cool
- R32 refrigerant99%the current low-GWP standard
5.0 kW
342 models · installed $2,100–$3,300
| Brand | Model (outdoor / indoor) | Type | Cool kW | Heat kW | Cool stars | Heat stars | Indoor dB | Installed, estimate | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikin | RKM50WVMA / FTKM50WVMA | Wall split, cooling only | 5 | – | 5★ | – | 61 | $2,100–$3,300 | Get quotes |
| Daikin | RXM50AVMA / FTXM50AVMA | Wall split | 5 | 6 | 5★ | 3.5★ | 61 | $2,100–$3,300 | Get quotes |
| Daikin | RXM50WVMA / FTXM50WVMA | Wall split | 5 | 6 | 5★ | 3.5★ | 61 | $2,100–$3,300 | Get quotes |
| Panasonic | CU-HZ50DKR / CS-HZ50DKR | Wall split | 5 | 6 | 5★ | 3.5★ | 61 | $2,100–$3,300 | Get quotes |
| ActronAir | WRC-050DS / WRE-050DS | Wall split | 5 | 6 | 5★ | 3★ | 61.5 | $2,100–$3,300 | Get quotes |
| Midea | MFEP50VB-W/MFEP50VB-N | Wall split | 5 | 6 | 5★ | 3★ | 61.5 | $2,100–$3,300 | Get quotes |
Every model on the Energy Rating register marked available in Australia. Stars are the zoned label for the average climate zone (average zone); indoor noise is the registered sound power level, measured the same way for every model. Installed prices are estimated 2026 supply-and-install ranges, not quotes (how we estimate them); your installer confirms the number. Browse and filter everything in the full catalogue.
What size room does a 5 kW split system suit?
Check the actual capacity on the quote, because a 4.2 kW unit covers noticeably less than a 5.3 kW one. At about 120 watts per square metre, the common capacities in this class work out like this.
| Rated cooling | Models on the register | Standard room up to | Room with big west glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 kW | 45 | about 35 m² | about 30 m² |
| 4.6 kW | 23 | about 38 m² | about 32 m² |
| 5.0 kW | 190 | about 42 m² | about 35 m² |
| 5.2 to 5.3 kW | 66 | about 44 m² | about 37 m² |
If your open-plan area is over about 45 m², price a 7 kW split as well. Under about 29 m², a 3.5 kW will do. The size calculator sorts it out in a minute.
What to prioritise in a 5 kW split
- Stars, because a living-room unit runs for long afternoons. The median reverse cycle 5 kW rates 3.5 cooling stars in the average zone. The best rate 5, a big gap in running cost over a summer.
- Heating stars in a cold climate. Only seven 5 kW models reach 3 cold-zone heating stars, six of them Daikin. The median is 2.
- Noise matters less than in a bedroom, but the spread is still wide: 49.4 dB(A) for the quietest and 60 for the median.
- Reverse cycle. 35 of the 342 are cooling only, which is the wrong buy for most of Australia.
The running cost calculator shows what a star or two is worth at your electricity price.
How much does a 5 kW split system cost installed?
Usually about $2,100 to $3,300 supplied and installed in 2026, as an estimate for a standard single-storey job. Premium brands sit toward the top. An upstairs head, a long pipe run or double brick adds to it. Some 5 kW jobs need a new circuit, which is about $300 to $900.
The split system cost guide covers the extras. Get up to three local quotes and make sure each one names the exact model and capacity, so you're comparing a 5.0 with a 5.0.
FAQ
5.0 kW split systems: common questions
Is a 5 kW air conditioner big enough for an open-plan living area?
For an open-plan space up to about 42 m² with average sun, yes. Larger open-plan areas, high or raked ceilings and big west glass usually need a 7.1 kW. Measure the whole space without doors, including the kitchen end.
What's the difference between a 5 kW and a 6 kW split?
About 8 m² of room at the same loading. A 6 kW suits a space of up to about 50 m². There are fewer 6 kW models to choose from, so installers often compare a 5 kW and a 7.1 kW for the same room.
Does a 5 kW split system need its own circuit?
Sometimes. It depends on the unit's current draw and what else is on the circuit. The installer's electrician should check the switchboard and say so on the quote. Budget about $300 to $900 if it needs one, or $1,000 to $3,500 if the switchboard itself needs upgrading, and look for it as a separate line when you get up to three local quotes.
How much does a 5.0 kW split system cost installed?
Typically $2,100 to $3,300 supplied and installed in 2026, depending on size and the job. 5.0 kW: $2,100 to $3,300. Pipe runs, a new circuit or a second storey add to it. Get up to three local quotes for your actual job.
Which is the quietest 5.0 kW split systems?
On the registered indoor sound level, the Bonaire CRC6911150 (5.2 kW) is the quietest at 49.4 dB(A). Compare within the same size: bigger units are louder. See the quietest split systems ranking.
Which is the most energy efficient?
For the average climate zone, the ActronAir WRE-050DS (5 kW) has the highest cooling rating here at 5 stars. Star ratings on the zoned label run to 10, and a star is worth more in a hot zone than a mild one. For cold-climate heating, the Daikin FTXM46AVMA leads at 3 stars.
What size split system do I need?
Roughly 2.5 kW for a bedroom, 3.5 kW for a large bedroom or small living room, and 5 to 7.1 kW for open-plan living. West glass and poor insulation push it up. Use the size calculator for your room.
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