Whether you’re looking for a new air conditioning solution for your home or your business, the sheer number of air conditioning brands and models on the market can be enough to give you a headache. Luckily, almost all of what you see on offer will fit under one of the main 9 types of air conditioning below:
- Single Split and Multi-Split Systems
- Portable Air Conditioners
- Ducted and Central Air Conditioning
- Floor-Mounted Air Conditioners
- Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning
- Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioning
- Ceiling Suspended Air Conditioning
- Monoblock/”No Outdoor Unit” Systems
- Water-Cooled/Air-Water Systems
While this is not a complete list, let’s take a look at these air conditioning types and explore the pros and cons of each to make your decision easier.
A Quick Comparison: Which AC Type is Right For You?
With so many types of air conditioners available, it can be tricky to know which one is the best fit for your space and needs. To make it easier, here’s a quick comparison of the main types, highlighting their ideal use, pros, cons, and suitability for home or commercial settings.
| AC Type | How It Works | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Single Split | One indoor unit + outdoor compressor; cools/heats one room | Quiet indoors, energy-efficient | Fixed location, installation cost | Bedrooms, home offices, single rooms |
| Multi-Split | One outdoor unit + multiple indoor units; separate rooms | Saves outdoor space, individual room control | Higher cost, all units must heat or cool simultaneously | Multi-room homes, offices |
| Portable | Monoblock unit with an exhaust hose through the window | No installation, mobile, inexpensive | Noisy, less efficient, window vent security risk | Renters, temporary cooling, small rooms |
| Ducted / Central | Central unit + hidden ducts and vents | Discreet, even cooling/heating, quiet | Very high installation, invasive retrofit | New builds, major renovations, large homes |
| Floor-Mounted | Split system installed at floor level | Easy access, fits awkward spaces | Occupies floor space, less efficient in large rooms | Small rooms, conservatories, apartments |
| Wall-Mounted | Mounted high on the wall, cool air falls naturally | Affordable, flexible placement | Cannot cool the entire home; needs regular maintenance | Bedrooms, home offices, and small commercial spaces |
| Ceiling Cassette | Mounted in a suspended ceiling, multi-directional vents | Efficient, discreet, easy maintenance | Requires an external compressor, installation labour-intensive | Open-plan offices, commercial spaces |
| Ceiling Suspended | Slim unit just below the ceiling, air blows downward | Saves floor/wall space, omnidirectional airflow | Must be accessible for servicing | Large rooms, server rooms, industrial spaces |
| Monoblock / No Outdoor Unit | All-in-one wall unit with 2 external vents | No outdoor unit, space-saving | Less common, can be noisier | Flats, listed buildings, restricted properties |
| Water-Cooled / Air-Water | Uses water to absorb and expel heat from an external source | Efficient for large-scale, handles high loads | Primarily commercial, complex installation | Large offices, industrial sites, server rooms |
1. Split Air Conditioning Systems: The UK’s Favourite
Single Split Systems
Single split systems are one of the most common types of air conditioning in the UK. They consist of a single indoor unit paired with an outdoor compressor, providing efficient heating or cooling to a single room. Their quiet operation and energy efficiency make them a popular choice for bedrooms, home offices, and small living spaces.
Pros:
- Extremely quiet operation indoors since the noisy compressor is located outside.
- Highly energy-efficient for individual rooms, helping reduce running costs.
- Easy to operate with a simple remote or wall-mounted controller.
- Compact indoor units that don’t take up floor space.
Cons:
- Installation can be costly compared to portable or smaller units.
- Limited to one room; cannot cool or heat multiple areas simultaneously.
- Positioning is fixed, so relocating the system requires professional work.
- Outdoor unit placement may be restricted in flats or certain properties.
Best For: Single rooms, bedrooms, home offices.
Multi-Split Systems
Multi-split systems connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor compressor, allowing temperature control in several rooms from one unit. This system provides flexibility for larger homes or small offices needing climate control in multiple rooms without installing several outdoor compressors.
Pros:
- Reduces outdoor space requirements since only one compressor is needed.
- Individual indoor units can be controlled separately, allowing personalised comfort.
- Energy usage can be optimised by only operating units in occupied rooms.
- Cleaner installation with fewer outdoor units and less visual clutter.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than single splits.
- All units must operate in either heating or cooling mode at the same time, limiting flexibility.
- Installation complexity increases with the number of indoor units.
- Maintenance may be more involved since multiple units are connected to a single outdoor compressor.
Best For: Multi-room homes, offices.
2. Portable Air Conditioners: The Flexible Solution
Portable air conditioners are standalone monoblock units that can be moved between rooms. They draw in room air, cool or heat it, and vent hot air through a window via an exhaust hose. Portable ACs are ideal for renters or temporary setups where permanent installation is not possible.
Pros:
- No installation required; simply plug in and start using.
- Mobile and flexible, it can be moved between rooms as needed.
- Relatively inexpensive to purchase compared to split or ducted systems.
- Provides temporary cooling without structural changes or professional help.
Cons:
- They are typically noisier than split systems, which may affect sleep or concentration.
- Less efficient than other AC types; may struggle to cool larger rooms.
- Exhaust hose requires a window, reducing security and potentially letting in dust or insects.
- Takes up floor space and may obstruct furniture or pathways.
Best For: Renters, temporary cooling, small rooms or flats.
3. Ducted & Central Air Conditioning: The Whole-Home Option
Ducted or central air conditioning systems are designed to provide heating and cooling throughout an entire home or building. A central unit pushes air through a network of hidden ducts to multiple vents, giving consistent temperature control in every room. This system is ideal for new builds or major renovations where ductwork can be incorporated.
Pros:
- Provides even, whole-home temperature control for maximum comfort.
- Discreet, with ducts hidden in walls or ceilings.
- Quiet indoor operation since the central unit is located away from living areas.
- Can integrate with smart thermostats or home automation systems.
- Adds value to new-build or renovated properties.
Cons:
- Very high installation costs and invasive retrofitting in existing homes.
- Requires professional planning and installation, including ductwork.
- The external unit may be large and visually prominent.
- Maintenance and repairs can be more complex than standalone units.
Best For: New builds, major renovations, large homes, and commercial buildings.
4. Floor-Mounted Air Conditioners
Floor-mounted air conditioners are a type of split system designed to sit at floor level. They are ideal for spaces where wall or ceiling installation is impractical. These units are particularly useful in conservatories, small rooms, or areas where accessibility for maintenance is important.
Pros:
- Easy access for maintenance and filter cleaning.
- It can fit into awkward or small spaces where other units cannot.
- Ideal for elderly users or conservatories with limited wall space.
- Typically quieter indoors than portable units.
Cons:
- Occupies floor space, which may interfere with furniture or movement.
- Less efficient in large rooms due to airflow limitations.
- It may not blend aesthetically with some interior designs.
- Requires careful placement to avoid blocked airflow.
Best For: Small rooms, conservatories, apartments.
5. Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning
Wall-mounted AC units are a popular choice for homes and small offices. Installed high on a wall, they allow cool air to naturally flow downwards, cooling the room efficiently. Their affordable installation and flexible placement make them ideal for single-room cooling.
Pros:
- Affordable and simple to install.
- Flexible placement in most rooms, even older properties.
- Efficient airflow distribution for single rooms.
- Easy to operate with remote controls or smart features.
Cons:
- Cannot cool or heat an entire home alone.
- Requires regular maintenance of filters for longevity and efficiency.
- It may not be suitable for rooms with high ceilings or large open spaces.
- The indoor unit is visible and may affect the room aesthetics.
Best For: Bedrooms, home offices, small commercial spaces.
6. Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioning
Ceiling cassette AC units are mounted in suspended ceilings and typically feature 2–4 vents for multi-directional airflow. They are discreet and provide even air distribution, making them ideal for open-plan offices, retail spaces, and commercial areas.
Pros:
- Efficient cooling occurs as cold air naturally sinks and spreads evenly.
- Discreet installation in ceilings, preserving room aesthetics.
- Easy access via ceiling panels for maintenance.
- Can cover larger spaces more effectively than wall-mounted units.
Cons:
- Requires an external compressor, often positioned far from the unit.
- Installation involves piping and ceiling work, which is labour-intensive.
- Higher initial cost than standard split systems.
- Servicing may require specialist technicians.
Best For: Open-plan offices, commercial spaces with suspended ceilings.
7. Ceiling Suspended Air Conditioning
Ceiling-suspended units sit just below the ceiling and distribute air downward. They are slim and save floor and wall space, making them suitable for large rooms, server rooms, or industrial spaces where unobstructed floor area is needed.
Pros:
- Saves valuable floor and wall space.
- Omnidirectional airflow is possible with multiple vents.
- Easy to maintain and cost-effective for larger spaces.
- Suitable for spaces without suspended ceilings.
Cons:
- Must remain accessible for servicing, limiting placement.
- Installation may require structural adjustments.
- Less common in residential settings, primarily for commercial or industrial use.
Best For: Large rooms, server rooms, industrial spaces.
8. Monoblock/“No Outdoor Unit” Systems
Monoblock systems are all-in-one wall-mounted units with two external vents, removing the need for a separate outdoor compressor. They are perfect for flats, listed buildings, or properties where outdoor installation is restricted.
Pros:
- No separate outdoor unit required, ideal for restricted spaces.
- Compact and space-saving.
- Relatively easy to install compared to split systems in tight locations.
Cons:
- Less common than traditional splits.
- It can be noisier than other split systems.
- Limited availability of units in the UK market.
Best For: Properties with external installation restrictions.
9. Water-Cooled/Air-Water Systems
Water-cooled systems use water to absorb heat and expel it through cooling towers or external water sources. These systems are primarily commercial solutions for large buildings or industrial spaces, offering highly efficient cooling for heavy-duty applications.
Pros:
- Highly efficient for large-scale commercial or industrial applications.
- Capable of handling very high cooling loads reliably.
- Can integrate with centralised building management systems.
Cons:
- Primarily suitable for commercial use, not residential.
- Complex installation and ongoing maintenance requirements.
- Higher upfront cost compared to conventional systems.
Best For: Large offices, industrial spaces, server rooms.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Air Conditioning
With so many air conditioning types on the UK market, choosing the right one can be a real challenge if you’re not an AC expert, that is. To help you get started, here are some of the things you should think about before buying your next air conditioning unit.
Domestic vs. Commercial
Are you looking for an AC to install at home, or are you planning to get air conditioning in your entire workplace? For home use, most people choose wall or floor-mounted AC systems. However, the truth is that not every aircon is as powerful, so if you are tasked with equipping a large office space with dozens of people and electronic devices working, you will need a much more powerful unit. In that case, you will probably be looking at ducted air conditioning or a ceiling or wall-mounted unit.
Heat, Cool or Both
It’s important to know that most air conditioning types offer both heat and cooling options, so you can use them as your primary method of regulating the temperature at any time of the year.
Aesthetics
You can find air conditioning units in various shapes, sizes and colours. When you choose between a wall-mounted air conditioner and a freestanding unit, for example, think about how they would fit within the interior of the room (the same way that you would consider any new piece of furniture).
If you are looking for a discreet AC in a commercial setting, when possible, you should explore the idea of central or ducted air conditioning, which allows you to have the units hidden within a suspended ceiling. That way, the units, along with all unsightly wiring, are kept out of sight.
Energy Efficiency
Efficiency is a key factor when choosing the right air conditioning type. Where the budget allows it, it’s worth investing a little bit more in your new AC unit at the start, as the difference will be offset by the lower cost of electricity down the line.
If you are investigating the different air conditioning types for your business, you should also look for existing government schemes. One such scheme is the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) Scheme, which allows companies to claim back 100% of the cost of eligible air conditioning installations and equipment from their annual tax bill.
Noise
Whether you are trying to relax at home or concentrate in the office, a quiet AC system is a must. Older AC models are significantly noisier than the newer air conditioning types on the market. Noise levels should definitely be on your list of things to consider when buying air conditioning, especially if you’re thinking about whether you should go for a portable solution or not.
Functionality
One of the basic features to always think about when choosing an AC is speed – how quickly does the air conditioning heat or cool a room? This is a crucial element of efficiency.
Going beyond the basics, today, you can get smart air conditioning with additional features, such as remote control, timer, sleep mode and an automatic mode that switches the settings of the unit based on the detected temperature in the room.
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, you can also look into the dehumidifying and purification capabilities of the air conditioner for cleaner and better air. Some AC units come with an ionic deodorising filter which reduces unpleasant odours and reduces the presence of viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Cost
When choosing any appliance, cost is one of the leading factors to keep in mind. The same goes for AC units, so it’s important to have a clear budget set out from the start. Your local air conditioning expert should be able to offer you suitable options within the price range you outline for them. We can also help advise you on some cost-saving measures.
Doing the Maths
First things first, you have to work out what cooling capacity you require, or in other words, find out how powerful the air conditioner needs to be to cool down the room you would like to put it in. The calculation depends on several factors, including the dimensions of the room, how many people usually are there and what equipment or appliances you have in the room.
Use this handy air conditioning calculator to get started with your planning.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are struggling to choose between all the air conditioning types, leave the calculations to the experts. With decades of experience in AC installation and repairs, the team at PRA Air Conditioning can help you find the right air conditioning unit for your home or business. Simply get in touch with us today.