What are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems
- Daikin
- Apr 11, 2017
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago

Key Takeaways
Three Key Air Conditioner Types: Split systems are ideal for small spaces, multi-split systems suit homes with multiple rooms needing independent control, and ducted systems provide whole-home comfort with discreet installation.
Choosing the Right System for Your Home: Split systems work best for small apartments or single rooms, multi-split systems suit medium homes with varying temperature needs, and ducted systems are ideal for large homes or open-plan layouts requiring consistent climate control.
Benefits of Each System: Split systems offer energy efficiency and quiet operation, multi-split systems provide flexibility and independent control, while ducted systems ensure seamless, whole-home comfort with minimal visibility.
Why Daikin? Daikin air conditioners offer advanced inverter technology, customisable options, and quiet operation, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency for all types of homes.
Selecting the right type of air conditioner is essential to achieving optimal comfort and efficiency in your home. With so many kinds of air conditioners available, it’s important to choose the system that suits your specific needs and living environment. This guide will help you understand the various types of air conditioning systems and their benefits, so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What Are the 3 Types of Air Conditioning Systems?
When discussing the most common types of air conditioning, it’s helpful to group them into three primary categories:
Split System Air Conditioners: Designed for single rooms or small spaces, offering precise control and high energy efficiency.
Multi-Split Air Conditioners: Capable of cooling or heating multiple rooms with separate controls for each indoor unit.
Ducted Air Conditioning Systems: Best for whole-home solutions, providing uniform temperature control across different zones.
These three types of air conditioning cover a wide range of household needs, ensuring there’s an ideal solution for every home.
Understanding the Different Types of Air Conditioners
There are several different types of air conditioners, each designed for unique spaces and HVAC requirements. Let’s take a look at the most common air conditioner types and how they can fit into your home:
1. Split System Air Conditioners
Split system air conditioners are among the most popular choices for homeowners. They consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, connected by refrigerant piping. Split systems are ideal for cooling or heating individual rooms and are known for their quiet operation and energy efficiency.
Best for: Single rooms or smaller spaces.
Key Benefits:
Precise temperature control for specific rooms.
Quiet operation, making them suitable for bedrooms and living areas.
High energy efficiency, which can lower electricity costs.
Daikin’s Split System Air Conditioners are equipped with advanced inverter technology, providing stable and comfortable temperatures without unnecessary energy usage. Check out the Split System Air Conditioning range to learn more.
2. Multi-Split System Air Conditioners
A multi-split system connects multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit, providing independent temperature control for up to five rooms. This option is perfect for homes with limited outdoor space or where different rooms have varying cooling or heating needs.
Best For: Homes with multiple rooms requiring separate temperature control or limited space for ducted systems.
Key Benefits:
One outdoor unit connects up to five indoor units, saving space.
Customisable indoor units like wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, or bulkhead types to suit each room’s design.
Independent control for each room, optimising comfort and energy use.
Explore the flexibility of Daikin’s Multi-Split Systems, where you can choose from various indoor units to complement your home’s décor.
3. Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
A ducted air conditioning system offers whole-home comfort with an indoor unit connected to ducts that distribute conditioned air through vents in every room. It’s ideal for homes looking for consistent climate control throughout the entire space.
Best for: Larger homes or open-plan layouts where multiple rooms need consistent temperature control.
Key Benefits:
Complete climate control for the entire home.
Discreet installation with only vents visible.
Energy-efficient cooling and heating for large spaces.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution, Daikin’s Ducted System Air Conditioning is designed to deliver optimal comfort and performance.
Which Air Conditioning System Is Best for Your Home?
Choosing the right air conditioning system depends on various factors, including the size of your home, the number of rooms, and your budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which system might be best for you:
Small Apartments or Single Rooms:
A split system air conditioner is a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice. It’s easy to install and perfect for individual room control.
Medium-Sized Homes with Multiple Rooms:
A multi-split system is ideal if you want to maintain different temperatures in various rooms while minimising outdoor space usage.
Large Homes or Open-Plan Layouts:
Ducted air conditioning systems provide consistent climate control across multiple rooms and are discreetly installed, preserving the aesthetics of your home.
If you’re unsure which air conditioning system is right for you, consulting a Daikin specialist can help you evaluate your needs and select the best option.
Why Choose Daikin for Your Air Conditioning Needs?
Daikin is a trusted name in air conditioning, offering advanced technology and reliable performance across all air conditioner types. Whether you need a split system, multi-split system, or ducted system, Daikin has a solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Advanced Inverter Technology: Provides consistent comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Customisable Options: Different styles and configurations to match your home’s aesthetics.
Quiet Operation: Enjoy peace and comfort with Daikin’s quiet operation across all units.
Ready to Find the Perfect Air Conditioner for Your Place?
Explore Daikin’s extensive air conditioning product range to discover the ideal system for your home or find a dealer near you today.
To learn more, explore our other articles on Is It Time to Replace or Repair Your Air Conditioner? and The Anatomy of an Air Conditioner for further insights into maintaining and understanding your cooling system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioning Types
Q: What are the main types of air conditioning systems available?
A: There are three primary types of air conditioning systems: split systems, multi-split systems, and ducted systems. Each type is tailored to different home sizes and cooling needs. Split systems are perfect for single rooms, multi-split systems are ideal for homes with multiple rooms, and ducted systems offer whole-home comfort.
Q: Which air conditioning system is most suitable for a large home?
A: Ducted air conditioning is the best option for larger homes. It provides even cooling and heating across multiple rooms with the flexibility to create zones, making it an energy-efficient and discreet choice for comprehensive climate control throughout the entire home.
Q: What is the difference between a split system and a multi-split system?
A: A split system consists of one indoor unit cooling or heating a single room, while a multi-split system can control the temperature in multiple rooms with several indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. Multi-split systems offer more flexibility and are ideal for homes needing separate control in different spaces.
Q: How do multi-split systems help save space?
A: Multi-split systems are designed to connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This setup is perfect for homes with limited outdoor space, as it reduces the need for multiple external units while still providing individual temperature control in each room.
Q: Are split systems energy-efficient?
A: Yes, split systems are known for their high energy efficiency. With inverter technology, they adjust the compressor speed to maintain a consistent temperature, using less energy compared to traditional air conditioning units. This makes them a cost-effective option for cooling or heating individual rooms.
Q: How do I decide between a ducted system and a split system?
A: The choice depends on your home’s size and layout. A split system is ideal for small to medium-sized spaces or single rooms, while a ducted system is better for large homes or open-plan living spaces that require uniform climate control throughout multiple rooms.












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