Split vs Multi-split vs Ducted — here's how to choose the right setup for your rooms, budget and property.
1 indoor + 1 outdoor — quiet & efficient
Pros
⚠Cons
Best for
Bedrooms, lounges, home offices
Typical installed price
£1,600 – £2,300 per room
2–5+ indoors on a single outdoor
Pros
⚠Cons
Best for
2–4 rooms; typical UK semis/terraces
Typical installed price
£3,800 – £6,500 (2–4 rooms)
Hidden grilles, whole-home feel
Pros
⚠Cons
Best for
Renovations, larger homes, open-plan
Typical installed price
£4,000 – £12,000+
See how the different systems stack up against each other
| Feature | Split System | Multi-Split | Ducted (Concealed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical rooms | Single room (bedroom/lounge) | 2–4 rooms on one outdoor | Whole zones / larger homes |
| Installed cost (guide) | £1.6k–£2.3k per room | £3.8k–£6.5k (2–4 rooms) | £4k–£12k+ |
| Aesthetics | Wall-mounted unit | Wall-mounted units | Concealed grilles |
| Outdoor units | 1 per room | 1 for multiple rooms | 1+ (depends on size) |
| Noise indoors | Very quiet (≈19–25 dB) | Very quiet | Quietest (remote fan) |
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Get answers to common questions about air conditioning systems
A single split system is ideal: it's quiet, efficient and has the lowest upfront cost for a single room.
Yes — a multi-split connects multiple indoor units to a single outdoor, keeping the outside tidy.
They work best during renovations or where ceiling voids allow for short ducts to grilles.