
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 conditioning.
What types of air conditioning are there?
There are several types and versions of air conditioning systems available. You can choose between fixed and mobile air conditioners, and there are monoblock and (multi) split air conditioners. These are often available in different designs, such as wall, floor or ceiling models.
Here are the different types of air conditioners with their features, advantages and disadvantages:

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 a single unit, specifically an indoor unit, where all the components for cooling or heating are located. This type of air conditioner must be installed against an exterior wall, as it expels warm air and brings in fresh air through wall vents instead of an outdoor unit. There are various models available: you can choose between a floor, wall, or ceiling model. Visually, they resemble a radiator, and such air conditioners are mainly suitable for cooling a single 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. There is 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 the installation of Innova 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 power. 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 pollution. Because the outdoor unit contains all the noisy components, the indoor units tend to be somewhat quieter than monoblock air conditioners.
- More freedom in placement. Due to the presence of an outdoor unit, the indoor unit does not need to be connected to the outside air. This provides more options for its placement.
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 loss of 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 don't have to incur installation costs and this air conditioner can possibly be stored away 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 what kind of air conditioner you will get in your home. Which type of air conditioner you should choose, depends on a variety of factors. We list the main ones.
Tip 1: Examine the room(s) you want to cool and heat
Choosing an air conditioner is greatly influenced by the room in which you want to use it, for several reasons.
- First of all, the cooling capacity should be matched to the size and insulation of the room. For a small, well-insulated room, an air conditioner with low cooling power is sufficient. Larger or less well-insulated rooms require an air conditioner with higher power to cool effectively, especially if there are many people present.
- Additionally, it's wise to match the noise level of the air conditioner to the room where you plan to install it. In bedrooms or office spaces, a quiet air conditioner is desirable for a peaceful environment, while in other areas, the noise level may be less important.
- The placement of the air conditioner is also crucial. A monoblock air conditioner must be mounted against an exterior wall, whereas a split air conditioner offers more flexibility in placement. However, in the case of a split air conditioner, there needs to be sufficient space on the outside of the house.
- Finally, the number of rooms to be cooled is important. For multiple rooms, a multisplit system is ideal. If you only occasionally need to cool a single room, such as a bedroom or living room, other types of air conditioners might be more suitable.
Tip 2: Consider additional features
For many, an air conditioner is enough to keep the home wonderfully cool during the hot summer months. But these days, air conditioners can do much more than that.
- Modern air conditioners can often also heat spaces in an energy-efficient manner, thanks to the built-in air-to-air heat pump. These are often monoblocks, so if you want this feature, it’s best to choose this type of air conditioner.
- Additionally, air conditioners can be equipped with air purification to keep indoor air free of dust and bacteria. If you want to add this extra feature to your air conditioner, it’s wise to specifically look for models with air purification options.
Tip 3: Determine your budget
Finally, price is obviously a deciding factor when choosing an air conditioner. Look not only at the price of the units, but also at installation costs. Also consider what you get for that price; a more expensive unit is often of higher quality and lasts longer.
We recommend consulting with a professional air conditioner installer to determine which type of air conditioner is best suited for your specific situation and needs.
Looking for an air conditioner without an outdoor unit? Contact AeroConsult now for more information or check out our range on our webshop.
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