7 Types of Aircon: The Complete Guide (2026)

Choosing the right types of aircon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for comfort, energy bills, and long-term reliability—especially in Singapore, where heat and humidity are part of daily life.

With so many types of air conditioners on the market, from simple window units to advanced multi-zone systems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide is written to be your single, authoritative reference. We’ll walk through the different types of air conditioning systems, explain how each aircon system works, and show which aircon type is suitable for HDB flats, condos, landed homes, and offices in Singapore.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what type of air cooling makes sense for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Quick Takeaways

• There are many types of aircon, but split air conditioners are the most practical and popular choice for homes in Singapore due to their balance of comfort, cost, and energy efficiency.

• The right aircon type depends on your space, usage habits, and installation constraints—not just brand or price.

• Inverter technology matters if you use aircon daily, as it significantly reduces energy consumption and long-term electricity bills.

• Window and portable air conditioners still have niche uses, but they are generally less efficient and less comfortable compared to modern split systems.

• Professional assessment is crucial—choosing the wrong aircon system can lead to uneven cooling, higher bills, and premature wear.

Understanding Air Conditioning in Singapore

Before diving into the types of aircon, it helps to understand why air conditioning is not a luxury here—it’s a necessity.

Singapore’s climate is hot and humid, with consistent year-round conditions. That means:

• Air conditioners are often used daily

• Systems must handle high moisture levels

• Energy efficiency matters because usage hours are long

An air conditioner is more than a cooling appliance. It’s a complete cooling system designed to:

• Remove heat from the room

• Reduce the humidity in the air

• Circulate and filter indoor air

Different homes and spaces require different aircon types, and choosing wrongly can lead to high energy consumption, uneven cooling, and unnecessary repair costs.

The Main Types of Aircon Explained

There are several types of air conditioning units commonly used in Singapore. Each type of air cooling has strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

1. Split System Air Conditioners

Split systems are by far the most popular choice for homes here. When people talk about home aircon, they are usually referring to split air conditioners.

What Is a Split Air Conditioner?

A split air conditioner consists of:

• The indoor unit, which is wall-mounted inside the room

• An outdoor condenser unit, installed outside the home

These two parts are connected by piping, allowing heat to be transferred outside while cool air circulates indoors.

Why Split Air Conditioners Are So Popular

• Quiet operation (the noisy components are outside)

• Strong cooling performance

• Excellent energy efficiency, especially with inverter technology

In fact, one of the biggest advantages is that modern inverter systems adjust cooling output dynamically, resulting in significant energy savings compared to older models.

Where Split Systems Are Suitable

• HDB bedrooms

• Condos

• Landed homes

• Living rooms (with higher BTU units)

For most households, this aircon type can be the best all-round cooling solution.

2. Multi-Split Air Conditioning Systems

A multi-split system is an extension of the standard split setup.

How Multi-Split Systems Work

• Multiple indoor units connect to a single outdoor condenser

• Each indoor unit can operate independently

This type of aircon is ideal when outdoor space is limited—common in condos and apartments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Saves outdoor space

• Clean exterior appearance

• Flexible temperature control

Cons

• If the outdoor unit fails, all connected indoor units are affected

• Higher upfront cost compared to single split units

Still, for space-constrained homes, multi-split systems are often the best compromise.

3. Window Air Conditioners

The window air conditioner is one of the oldest types of air conditioners, but it still exists in Singapore, especially in older flats.

What Is a Window Unit?

A window unit is a single self-contained system installed on the window or wall opening. Unlike split units, everything—compressor, condenser, and evaporator—is housed in one box.

Advantages of Window Aircons

• Lower upfront cost

• Simple installation

• No outdoor unit required

Limitations

• Noisier operation

• Lower energy efficiency

• Less powerful cooling

Window air conditioners and window units are now far less common, but they can still be suitable for rental units or older properties with existing fittings.

4. Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are designed for flexibility rather than performance.

How Portable Units Work

These air conditioning units sit on the floor and vent hot air through a window using an exhaust hose.

They don’t require permanent installation.

When Portable Air Conditioners Make Sense

• Temporary living situations

• Rooms where aircon installation isn’t allowed

• Short-term cooling option

Key Drawbacks

• Higher energy consumption

• Less effective cooling

• Noisier than split units

While convenient, they’re rarely the primary air conditioning system for long-term use.

5. Cassette Air Conditioning Systems

Cassette units are a popular aircon type in offices and commercial spaces.

What Makes Cassette Units Different

• Installed in the ceiling

• Distribute air evenly in four directions

• Blend discreetly into interiors

Best Uses

• Offices

• Retail spaces

• Large open areas

They are not usually installed in your home unless there is a false ceiling and sufficient ceiling height.

6. Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

A ducted system is a premium air conditioning solution designed for whole-home cooling.

How Ducted Systems Work

• One main cooling unit

• Air is distributed via concealed ducts

• Only vents are visible in each room

Advantages

• Clean, minimalist design

• Uniform cooling

• Very quiet operation

Considerations

• High installation cost

• More complex maintenance

• Best planned during renovation

This type of aircon is often found in high-end condos and landed homes.

7. Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioning is commonly used in large buildings rather than homes.

Where Central Systems Are Used

• Shopping malls

• Hotels

• Large offices

They rely on centralised chillers and extensive ductwork, making them impractical for your home but highly efficient at scale.

Comparing the Types of Aircon at a Glance

Aircon Type	Best For	Energy Efficiency	Cost
Split units	Homes	High	$$
Multi split	Condos	High	$$$
Window aircons	Old flats	Low	$
Portable air conditioners	Temporary use	Low	$$
Cassette units	Offices	High	$$$
Ducted systems	Luxury homes	Very high	$$$$
Central air conditioning	Commercial	Very high	$$$$

Choosing the Right Aircon Type for Your Home

When deciding for your space, consider:

• Room size

• Usage patterns

• Installation constraints

• Long-term energy savings

If you use aircon daily, inverter technology and efficient inverter systems are essential to control electricity bills.

Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Costs

Modern air conditioning systems are designed to reduce energy consumption, but only when properly sized and installed.

An efficient aircon system:

• Cycles smoothly

• Avoids frequent on-off operation

• Maintains stable temperatures

This is where professional assessment matters more than brand alone—even reputable names like Daikin perform best when correctly matched to the space.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

• Choosing based on price alone

• Oversizing the unit

• Ignoring airflow and layout

• Selecting the wrong types of air distribution

A mismatch can lead to discomfort, noise issues, and higher bills.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cooling Solution

There are many types of air conditioning available today, but the best choice depends on how you live, the layout of your home, and how often you use aircon. A well-matched aircon type delivers comfort, reliability, and long-term energy savings.

If you’re unsure which system is suitable for your space, a professional assessment can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your air conditioning system performs at its best.

Comfort in Singapore isn’t about buying the most expensive unit—it’s about choosing the right one.

Not Sure Which Aircon Type Is Right for Your Space?

Choosing the wrong aircon system can quietly cost you more every month—through higher electricity bills, uneven cooling, and premature breakdowns.

At 338 Aircon, we don’t push brands or upsells. We assess your home layout, room size, usage habits, and budget to recommend the most suitable aircon type for long-term comfort and energy savings—whether it’s a split system for your bedrooms or a multi-split setup for your entire home.

Avoid costly mistakes. Get it right from the start.

👉 Book a Professional Aircon Assessment with 338 Aircon

✔ Singapore-based specialists

✔ Transparent, honest advice

✔ Solutions tailored for HDBs, condos & offices

✔ No-obligation consultation

Because the right aircon type isn’t about buying more—it’s about choosing smarter.

FAQs

1. Why does the type of aircon matter more than the brand?

The aircon type determines how effectively heat and humidity are removed from your space. Even the best brand will underperform if the system type is unsuitable for the room size, layout, or usage pattern.

2. Is it better to install one powerful aircon or multiple smaller units?

In most homes, multiple split units provide better comfort and energy efficiency than a single oversized unit. This allows you to cool only the rooms you use, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

3. Can changing aircon types lower my electricity bill?

Yes. Upgrading from older window units or non-inverter systems to modern inverter split air conditioners can significantly reduce monthly energy usage, especially in homes where air conditioning is used daily.

4. Are ducted aircon systems always the best long-term solution?

Not necessarily. While ducted systems offer clean aesthetics and quiet operation, they are costly and less flexible. For many homes, split systems provide a better balance of performance, ease of maintenance, and cost control.

5. How do I know if my current aircon type is wrong for my home?

Common signs include uneven cooling, frequent on-off cycling, excessive noise, and high electricity bills. These often indicate a mismatch between the air conditioning system and the space it is cooling.