Hisense vs Midea: Which Reverse-Cycle Ducted System is Best for Victorian Home?
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Major Benefits
Choosing a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner is a big decision for most Victorian homes. It impacts how comfortably your home heats in winter, cools in summer and how much you spend on energy over time.
That is why Hisense and Midea are often compared. Both brands offer ducted systems in the affordable segment and have models that may qualify for an air conditioning rebate under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
However, the right choice goes beyond price. Heating performance, zoning, ease of use, and long-term support all play a role. This guide compares Hisense and Midea ducted systems to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Table of Contents
- What to Look for in a Good Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner
- About Hisense Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner
- About Midea Ducted Air Conditioning System
- Hisense vs Midea Air Conditioner: Features Comparison
- Hisense vs Midea: Warranty Coverage
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Before comparing brands, it helps to understand what actually makes a ducted reverse cycle system suitable for a Victorian home.
- Right capacity for your home: The system should match your home’s size, layout and insulation. Oversized or undersized systems affect comfort and efficiency.
- Strong heating performance: Victorian winters demand reliable heating, especially during cold mornings and evenings.
- Zoning flexibility: A good ducted system allows different areas of the home to be controlled separately, improving comfort and reducing unnecessary energy use.
- Everyday energy efficiency: Efficiency should be noticeable in daily operation, not just on a specification sheet.
- Quiet operation: Low indoor airflow noise and a well-designed outdoor unit make a big difference in family homes.
- Simple, intuitive controls: Temperature and zone controls should be easy for everyone in the household to use.
- Long-term reliability: Look for solid build quality and a brand with a proven presence in Australia.
- Clear warranty and local support: Straightforward warranty terms and accessible service support are essential throughout the system's life.
Hisense’s current residential ducted offering is built around two main ranges:
- Air Q Compact Ducted
- Air Q Premium Ducted
Both ranges are reverse cycle, single-phase and use R32 refrigerant, which is now standard for modern, energy-efficient residential systems in Australia.
Air Q Compact Reverse Cycle Ducted
The Air Q Compact Ducted range is designed for homes where ceiling space is limited. It is commonly used in renovations, townhouses and properties with tighter roof cavities.
The range covers 8.5 kW, 10.0 kW and 12.5 kW cooling capacities with corresponding heating capacities designed for whole-home winter comfort. It features a compact indoor unit (398 mm height, approx. 43.5 kg). Systems support external static pressure up to 200 Pa with maximum piping lengths up to 50 metres, allowing ducted installation in spaces where larger units may not fit.
Air Q Premium Ducted: For Larger and More Complex Homes
The Air Q Premium Ducted range is designed for larger homes and more demanding layouts, where longer duct runs and higher airflow control are required.
Cooling capacities in this range span 12.5 kW to 18.0 kW, paired with higher heating outputs to support consistent performance across larger spaces during colder Victorian conditions.
These systems feature a splittable indoor unit design, external static pressure up to 250 Pa and maximum piping lengths of up to 75 metres, making them suitable for double-storey homes, wide floor plans and multi-zone setups.
Midea’s residential ducted line-up (excluding VRF systems) includes the Vesta Ducted, Ducted Series - RAC and Quantum Series. Each series is engineered to balance performance, flexibility and value for different home requirements.
Vesta Ducted
The Vesta Ducted range is designed for whole-home applications with a focus on comfort and installation flexibility. These systems use modern R32 refrigerant and are available across typical residential capacities, such as 7 kW, 9 kW, 10.5 kW, 12.5 kW, 14 kW and 17 kW.
Vesta units typically feature a slim, splittable indoor unit design, making them easier to install in ceiling cavities and they support inverter technology for smoother capacity modulation. The range is geared toward homeowners who want reliable year-round heating and cooling along with quieter operation and simple service access.
Ducted Series - RAC
The Ducted Series - RAC is Midea’s R32 ducted line focused on straightforward, reliable ducted comfort. It spans capacities of approximately 7.0 kW up to 17.0 kW, covering most medium and larger residential homes.
Systems in this series are engineered with features such as constant air volume control, low operational noise and a built-in drain pump. Adjustable static pressure helps maintain balanced airflow, which supports comfort across multiple rooms.
Quantum Series
The Quantum Series represents Midea’s higher-capacity ducted offerings, designed for substantial heating and cooling loads. These systems operate on R32 refrigerant with full DC inverter technology, high static pressure performance and multiple fan-speed options.
Models in this series are typically specified for larger ducted jobs where robust airflow and overall performance are priorities. Capacities start at around 20.5 kW and 22.0 kW three-phase units, making them suitable for expansive homes or those with extensive ductwork and multiple zones.
Both brands have models eligible for the air conditioner rebate in Victoria.
A ducted reverse cycle air conditioner is a significant investment for any home. Beyond features and capacity, warranty coverage and after-sales support play an important role in peace of mind over the lifetime of the system. For Victorian homeowners, knowing what each brand offers can help avoid surprises if service is needed years after installation.
Hisense
Hisense offers an extended 7-year warranty on many of its air conditioning products purchased and registered within Australia. This promotional extended coverage applies when the product is registered online within the specified period.
Key points to note:
- Up to 7 years warranty on eligible Hisense air conditioners when registered.
- Warranty includes parts and labour for registered products.
- Warranty is tied to correct installation by a qualified technician.
- Product registration is required to activate the full extended warranty.
Hisense’s general product pages also reinforce ongoing warranty support for its residential air conditioning products.
Midea
Midea provides a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty on its air conditioning base units when installed and used according to the terms stated in its official Australian warranty document.
Key points to note:
- 7 years of coverage on the main air conditioning unit.
- 12 months coverage on accessories (e.g. remotes, filters).
- Warranty is valid only when the system is installed by a qualified professional.
Choosing between Hisense and Midea is not about which brand is better, but which ducted reverse cycle system suits your home. Both brands offer established ducted ranges in Australia, with VEU-approved models that may be eligible for an air conditioning rebate, modern R32 refrigerant, and long-term warranty support when installed correctly.
For Victorian homes, the right choice depends on ceiling space, duct layout, zoning needs, and how the system will be used day to day. If you are unsure, a professional assessment can help you choose the most suitable option with confidence.
1) Are Hisense and Midea ducted air conditioners reliable brands?
Both Hisense and Midea are established manufacturers with a presence in the Australian market and offer residential ducted systems with long-term warranty support.
2) Do Hisense and Midea ducted systems provide both heating and cooling?
Yes. Both brands offer reverse cycle ducted systems that can heat in winter and cool in summer.
3) What is a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner?
A ducted reverse cycle air conditioner is a whole-home system that provides both heating and cooling through ducts hidden in the ceiling, supplying air to multiple rooms.
4) Is ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning suitable for Victorian homes?
Yes. Ducted reverse cycle systems are widely used across Victoria and are designed to handle both cold winters and warm summers.
5) Are Midea and Hisense ducted air conditioners eligible under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program?
Yes. Both Midea and Hisense have ducted air conditioner models that are approved under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
