1.Split Air Conditioner (Split AC)
Design & Components
Consists of two main units:
Indoor Unit: Mounted on a wall, blows cool air directly into the room.
Outdoor Unit: Placed outside, houses the compressor and condenser.
Connects via refrigerant pipes and electrical wiring.
Installation
Wall-mounted indoor unit is easy to install.
Requires minimal ducting (just small piping for refrigerant).
Installation cost is lower compared to ducted systems.
Performance
Ideal for single-room cooling.
Cooling capacity typically ranges from 0.8 TR to 2.5 TR per unit.
Provides direct airflow; some units have air purification features.
Applications
Homes, offices, and small shops.
Best for individual room comfort, not centralized cooling.
2. Ducted Air Conditioner (Centralized AC / Ducted AC)
Design & Components
One central outdoor unit connected to an indoor air handling unit (AHU).
Network of ducts distributes cooled air to multiple rooms through vents.
Hidden inside the ceiling or walls, giving a clean and seamless look.
Installation
Complex installation requiring false ceilings and ductwork.
High installation cost due to ducts, AHU, and labor.
Needs careful air balancing for even cooling in all rooms.
Performance
Provides centralized cooling for multiple rooms.
Can cover large areas efficiently (from 3 TR to 20+ TR).
Often compatible with VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) or VRV systems for energy efficiency.
Air distribution is even, but cooling is less direct compared to split AC.
Applications
Villas, large offices, shopping malls, hotels.
Best for multi-room or whole-building cooling.
3. Cassette Air Conditioner (Ceiling Cassette AC)
Design & Components
Mounted in false ceiling; only the vent panel is visible.
Blows air in four directions, ensuring uniform cooling.
Comes in 1.5 TR to 5 TR capacities generally.
Installation
Installed in suspended ceilings, ideal for rooms without wall space.
Requires duct connections only for drainage, not for air distribution.
Installation is moderate in complexity.
Performance
Provides 360-degree air distribution, cooling large rooms evenly.
Suitable for spaces with high ceilings or open layouts.
Can be connected to VRF or standalone systems.
Applications
Conference rooms, offices, restaurants, showrooms.
Best for aesthetic spaces where wall units may not be suitable.
Comparison Table
Feature | Split AC | Ducted AC | Cassette AC |
|---|---|---|---|
Installation | Easy, wall-mounted | Complex, needs ducts & ceiling | Ceiling-mounted, moderate |
Cooling Area | Single room | Multiple rooms / whole building | Medium-large room |
Air Distribution | Direct, focused airflow | Even, through ducts | 360° around the room |
Cost | Low to moderate | High | Moderate to high |
Aesthetics | Indoor unit visible | Hidden, clean look | Only ceiling panel visible |
Maintenance | Easy | Complex | Moderate |
Best For | Homes, small offices | Villas, hotels, malls | Offices, restaurants, showrooms |
✅ Summary:
Split AC → Best for single rooms, affordable, easy installation.
Ducted AC → Best for whole-building cooling, clean look, expensive installation.
Cassette AC → Best for large open rooms, even cooling, aesthetic ceiling installation.
