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Types of air conditioning

The systems you’ll come across, and where each one fits.

9 guides · about 30 minutes of reading

  1. 01Wall-mounted split systemsA wall-mounted split system pairs an indoor unit fixed high on a wall with an outdoor unit outside, joined by refrigerant pipes. It is a common choice for fixed air conditioning in UK homes, and most models heat as well as cool.4 min read
  2. 02Multi-split systemsA multi-split system runs two or more indoor units, usually in different rooms, from one outdoor unit. Each room has its own controls, and your home needs only one outdoor unit rather than one for each room.3 min read
  3. 03Ducted air conditioningDucted air conditioning hides the indoor unit in a loft, ceiling void or cupboard, and ducts carry the air to grilles in the rooms. Only the grilles are visible, but it needs space and usually more building work than a wall-mounted system.4 min read
  4. 04Ceiling cassettesA ceiling cassette is a split system's indoor unit set into the ceiling, with only a flat panel showing. It suits larger and open-plan rooms with space above the ceiling, but in most houses fitting one means building work.3 min read
  5. 05Floor-standing and console unitsFloor-standing and console units are split-system indoor units that sit at floor level rather than high on a wall. They suit rooms with no suitable high wall and are well placed for heating, but they take up floor-level space.3 min read
  6. 06Portable air conditionersA portable air conditioner is a self-contained unit on wheels that cools a room and sends the heat outside through a hose, usually out of a window. It needs no professional installation, but it is noisier and less effective than a fixed split system.4 min read
  7. 07Through-the-wall units without an outdoor unitThrough-the-wall air conditioners keep all their parts in one indoor unit that draws and expels outside air through two holes in an outside wall. They need no outdoor unit, but are noisier indoors and usually less efficient than a split system.3 min read
  8. 08Evaporative air coolersAn evaporative air cooler blows air through a wet pad so that evaporating water cools it. It uses little electricity and needs no hose or installation, but it isn't air conditioning, adds humidity and does little on humid days.3 min read
  9. 09Fixed or portable: which is right for youA fixed split system cools better, runs more quietly and can heat efficiently, but needs professional installation and somewhere for the outdoor unit. A portable suits occasional hot spells, renters and homes where a fixed system isn't possible.3 min read