Single split, multi-split or ducted air conditioning?

Single split: one room and one outdoor unit

A single split pairs an indoor unit with an outdoor unit. It is a straightforward layout to discuss when one bedroom, living room or garden office needs cooling. The installer still needs a suitable pipe route, drain and electrical supply.

For one priority room, ask for a drawing or marked photograph of both unit positions. Several separate single splits may give useful independence between rooms, but need more outdoor space.

Multi-split: several indoor units on one outdoor unit

A multi-split connects several indoor units to one compatible outdoor unit. It can reduce the number of outdoor units while serving different rooms. Available combinations and simultaneous performance depend on the model.

Ask how the system will perform when the rooms are used together, whether heating and cooling modes can be mixed, and what happens if the outdoor unit needs repair. Check the cost and technical limits of adding rooms later.

Ducted: concealed equipment with grilles

A ducted layout distributes conditioned air through ducts and grilles, with the indoor equipment concealed in a suitable void. It is worth discussing during a renovation when ceiling or loft access is available.

Compare ceiling-space requirements, maintenance access, return-air paths, drain access and any building work. Ask exactly which rooms have independent temperature control. A neat grille layout does not by itself mean every room is a separate zone.

Use your home to choose the layout

Draw a simple floor plan and mark your priority rooms, outdoor space and likely pipe routes. Then ask installers to price the practical alternatives for the same comfort requirements.

• One room: compare a single split with any property-specific alternatives.
• Several rooms: compare multi-split with separate systems and their outdoor footprint.
• Major renovation: ask whether ducts and service access fit the proposed ceilings.
• Flat or restricted exterior: discuss permitted equipment positions and any specialist internal system.
• Heating as well as cooling: ask for the design assumptions and performance at the temperatures relevant to your home.

What to ask at the survey

Request model numbers, intended capacity for each room and an explanation of the sizing. Ask how pipework will look, where water will drain, how filters will be reached and who completes making good. Compare the complete installation scope for each layout.