RC AC units,Meter board alterations.

[gordon_s1942]

With Summer approaching I have been considering installing an A/C unit although we dont get that bad a Summer in the mountains but last year I found I didnt tolerate the heat as well as in previous years, but before I get that far, I was wondering about how they connect.
This house has a very small old style meter board and I have read that in NSW, alterations/replacements means one of those 'SMART' meters has to be installed which I would prefer not have just yet.
Old style window units were/are 15 amp plug ins I believe whereas the others are wired direct and I am not sure if a couple of now unused circuits (Stove and HWS) could be used for that purpose.(50 and 15 Amp)
Obviously no matter how well I describe the board here, only an inspection can determine what has to be done but I am still waiting after 3 years for one local installer to call and tell me.
Being in a small country town means you dont often have multiple choices as to who to call.

I would prefer to go the Reverse Cycle split unit than an A/C only unit as heat would be used more often than Cool up here.
Any suggestions and experiences with the split units would appreciated.