Split Air Conditioner VS. Central air conditioner, Which One is Suitable for You?

Central air conditioner or split air conditioner, it is a common topic in home decoration. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different needs and scenarios. The following is a comparison from many aspects:

1. Room size

Central air conditioner

• It is applicable to large houses, villas, and commercial spaces.
• It can cover multiple rooms and is suitable for large areas that require unified temperature control.
• It is concealed for installation and suitable for families pursuing high-end decoration effects.

Split air conditioner

• Applicable to small and medium-sized houses, with each room installed independently.
• Each air conditioner is controlled independently, suitable for use scenarios with personalized needs.
• The initial installation cost is low, suitable for users with limited budgets.

2. Cooling/Heating Capacity

Central air conditioner

• High power, suitable for multiple rooms at the same time.
• Even cooling/heating, small temperature fluctuation, high comfort.

Split air conditioner

• Good cooling/heating effect for a single room, fast startup.
• Suitable for single-room use, but low energy efficiency when multiple air conditioners are used at the same time.

3. Installation and Space Requirements

Central air conditioner

• The installation is complex and requires advance planning in conjunction with the decoration (such as ceiling design).
• Hidden installation, high aesthetics, but high requirements for the building height (about 25-30 cm reserved).

Split air conditioner

• Easy to install, each room is designed independently.
• It does not affect the structure of the house, but multiple external units may affect the appearance of the exterior wall.

4. Energy and Operation Cost

Central air conditioner

• High energy efficiency, especially variable frequency models, are more energy-efficient when used in multiple rooms at the same time.
• The initial installation cost is high, but the energy consumption is economical in long-term use.

Split air conditioner

• The energy consumption of a single unit is low, but the overall energy efficiency is low when multiple units are running at the same time.
• The initial installation cost is low, but the long-term operating cost is high.

5. Appearance and decoration matching

Central air conditioner

• Hidden design, integrated with the overall decoration, high aesthetics.
• Suitable for modern simple and high-end decoration styles.

Split air conditioner

• The appearance is visible (wall-mounted AC, floor standing AC), which may affect the overall decoration style.
• The new model has a strong sense of design and can meet some decoration needs.

6. Noise

Central air conditioner

• The main unit is placed outdoors, and the operating noise is low.
• The indoor air supply is quiet, suitable for users who are sensitive to noise.

Split air conditioner

• There is noise in both indoor and outdoor units, especially in old models.
• The quiet performance of high-end split models is gradually improving.

7. Initial cost and maintenance

Central air conditioner

• The initial installation cost is high (usually 30,000-100,000￥, depending on the size of the apartment).
• The later maintenance cost is high (such as cleaning pipes and maintaining the main unit).

Split air conditioner

• The initial cost of a single unit is low (about 2,000-15,000￥/unit), and the total cost depends on the number of rooms.
• Easy to maintain, and a single unit failure does not affect the use of other rooms.

8. Comprehensive Pros and Cons

9. Suitable Crowd and Scenario Advice

Central air conditioner

• Suitable for large houses and families who focus on beautiful decoration and comfort.
• Suitable for scenarios where multiple rooms and multiple users are used at the same time, such as villas, offices, etc.

Split air conditioner

• Suitable for users in small houses or single rooms.
• Suitable for scenarios with limited budget or short-term use, such as renting a house.

10. Suggestions

• If the budget is sufficient and the decoration effect is high, choose a central air conditioner.
• If you pursue economy and practicality and the house area is not large, choose a split air conditioner.
• The choice between the two mainly depends on the house area, budget, decoration plan, and usage requirements.

We are professional air conditioner manufacturer with 30+ years experience; if you have a specific room type or budget requirement, please tell us, and we can further recommend a suitable solution for you!