An air conditioner is an ideal means of achieving your desired indoor temperature, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. However, there are many types of air conditioners. To help you see the forest for the trees, we list the main types of air conditioner.
What types of air conditioning are there?
1. Fixed air conditioning
A fixed air conditioner is usually the most popular type of air conditioner and is mounted in a fixed place in a room, as the name implies. There are several possible versions of a fixed air conditioner, the most important of which we list.
1.1 Monoblock air conditioner
A (fixed) monoblock air conditioner contains one unit, an indoor unit, which houses all the components for cooling or heating. This type of air conditioner should be placed against an outside wall, as it exhausts hot air and brings in fresh air through wall vents instead of an outside unit. There are different types of versions: you can go for a floor, wall or ceiling model. Visually, they strongly resemble a radiator, and such air conditioners are mainly suitable for targeted cooling of one room and when you don't have space for an outdoor unit.
A monoblock is interesting because of several reasons:
- No outdoor unit. Since only one unit is needed, you don't have to factor in space for an outdoor unit. Aesthetically, this is also slightly nicer.
- Easy and economical installation. Because only one unit needs to be installed, installation is usually a lot easier. This also makes monoblocks cheaper than other types of air conditioning.
- Efficient and energy efficient. An additional advantage of air conditioners without an outdoor unit, such as the Innova Monoblock, is that they cool and heat in an environmentally friendly way through the heat pumps provided.
- Maintenance-free. No need for a technician to come by annually to service your air conditioner.
In addition, a monoblock air conditioner also has some drawbacks.
- Not silent. A monoblock air conditioner is usually slightly louder than a split air conditioner because, among other things, the cooling motor is located in the (only) indoor unit.
- Less freedom in choice of location. A monoblock air conditioner must be placed against an exterior wall, which limits your choice in terms of location.
AeroConsult specializes in installing Innova brand monoblock air conditioners.
1.2 Split air conditioning
A split air conditioner is the best known and most common air conditioning system. This fixed type of air conditioner has an indoor unit as well as an outdoor unit, and both units are connected to each other using cooling pipes. This works as follows: the outdoor unit draws in the outside air, cools it and sends this cool air to the indoor unit through the cooling pipes. The indoor unit then blows the fresh air inside, cooling the room efficiently.
There are different versions of this type as well. For example, you can have the indoor unit mounted on the ceiling, floor or wall, or you can choose to have a unit built in when renovating. The outdoor unit can be placed in the garden, on a roof or on an outside wall.
The main advantages of a split air conditioner are as follows:
- High cooling capacity. Like the monoblock air conditioner, this type of air conditioner also proves to be energy efficient and efficient due to the air-to-air principle of a heat pump.
- Less noise. Because the outdoor unit contains all the noisy components, the indoor units tend to be somewhat quieter than monoblock air conditioners.
- More placement freedom. Due to the presence of an outdoor unit, the indoor unit does not need to be connected to the outside air. This allows for more placement options.
A split air conditioner also has some drawbacks:
- More complicated and expensive installation. Because this type of air conditioner has two units that must both be installed, installation is a bit more complex and expensive.
- More wasted space and less beautiful. The outdoor unit requires a bit more space. Many people prefer a location that is not directly visible because an outdoor unit is not particularly attractive to look at.
1.3 Multi split air conditioner
A multi-split air conditioner is similar to, but goes beyond, a split air conditioner. If multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, it is called a multi split air conditioner. Up to eight indoor units can be connected to one outdoor unit. This allows up to eight rooms to be cooled simultaneously. This makes a multi split air conditioner ideal for efficiently cooling several small rooms. By the way, these indoor units do not all have to be the same model, as long as they are compatible with the outdoor unit.
Because a multi split air conditioner is an extension of the split air conditioner, this type of air conditioner generally has the same advantages and disadvantages. In addition, this type of air conditioning system can cool multiple rooms in a relatively inexpensive way thanks to the use of multiple indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, which can be controlled separately.
2. Mobile air conditioner
Again, the name gives it away: a mobile air conditioner is an air conditioning system that you can move around because of the wheels provided. Such an air conditioner is not installed in a fixed location, so you do not have to think in advance about where exactly you want the air conditioner. This ability to move it around allows you to cool different rooms at different times. So, for example, you can keep your living room pleasantly fresh during the day, and at the end of the day move the air conditioner to your bedroom so you can go to sleep with a comfortable temperature.
Most mobile air conditioners are monoblock systems where the warm air finds its way outside through a duct, but there are also mobile split air conditioners that work with an outdoor unit. This connection to the outside does ensure that portability is still somewhat limited, but you do not have to incur installation costs and this air conditioner can be stored away if necessary when you no longer need the system.
Which type of air conditioner is best to choose?
Are you ready and eager to buy an air conditioner to guard against a potentially hot summer? Then you still need to decide which type of air conditioner you will bring into your home. Which type of air conditioner is the best fit depends on many factors, for example: which rooms, the number of rooms and size of the room(s) you want to cool, your budget, what features you like and personal preferences.
We recommend you consult with a professional air conditioning installer to determine which type of air conditioner is best suited for your particular situation and needs.
Are you looking for an air conditioner without an outdoor unit? Contact AeroConsult now for more information or check out our offer on our webshop.
Interested in an air conditioner?
Are you looking for an air conditioner that you can adjust perfectly and requires no maintenance? Contact AeroConsult now and our experts will be happy to help you.
Want to learn more about the benefits of air conditioners? Check out our latest blog posts now.
Want to learn more about the benefits of air conditioners? Check out our latest blog posts now.
