Multi-Split vs. Single-Split – Which Air Conditioner Is Best?

Are you looking for a new air conditioner and are you deciding between a single-split and a multi-split system ? You're not alone. This choice depends heavily on the size of your home or office, the number of rooms you need to cool or heat, and your budget.

In this comprehensive article, we discuss the features, advantages, disadvantages, and costs of both systems. This will help you easily determine which type of air conditioner best suits your needs.

What is a Single Split air conditioner?

A single split air conditioner consists of one indoor unit connected to a single outdoor unit. This type of system is the most commonly used air conditioner in homes and small offices.

• Indoor unit : provides cooling or heating for a single room.
  

• Outdoor unit : dissipates heat and contains the compressor.
  

• Application : Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, small offices or individual spaces.
  

It is a simple solution that is especially suitable for users who only want to provide climate control for one room.

Benefits of Single Split Air Conditioners

1. Lower purchase costs : A single-split air conditioner is generally less expensive than a multi-split system. Ideal if you only want to cool or heat one room.
   

2. Easy installation : Because only one indoor and one outdoor unit are required, installation is quick and easy. This saves time and installation costs.
   

3. High energy efficiency : Modern single-split air conditioners use inverter technology and are very energy-efficient. This means lower power consumption and lower energy bills.
   

4. Individual control : You can set the temperature in the respective room completely independently, without affecting other rooms.
   

5. Compact and quiet : Suitable for bedrooms or studies, because the indoor unit operates quietly and takes up little space.
   

6. Reliable and easy to maintain : Less complex technology and only one outdoor unit means less chance of malfunctions and easy maintenance.

Disadvantages of Single Split air conditioners

Limited to one room: A single split air conditioner can only cool or heat one room at a time. If you want to supply multiple rooms, you'll need multiple systems.

Multiple outdoor units required: For each additional indoor unit, an outdoor unit must also be installed. This takes up space on the facade, balcony, or roof.

Less aesthetic: Multiple outdoor units can look cluttered, especially in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.

Total costs higher for multiple rooms: Although a Single Split air conditioner is cheaper per unit, the total costs quickly add up if you want air conditioning in multiple rooms.

Limited flexibility: You cannot easily expand the system or combine it with other indoor units such as cassette or floor units (which is often possible with Multi Split).

What is a Multi Split air conditioner?

A Multi Split air conditioner consists of a single outdoor unit that can be connected to multiple indoor units (often 2 to 5). This makes the system suitable for cooling or heating multiple rooms simultaneously.

• Indoor units : various models such as wall units, cassette units or floor units.
  

• Outdoor unit : more powerful than single split and supports multiple indoor units.
  

• Application : Ideal for multi-bedroom homes, offices or small commercial properties.
  
  

Benefits of Multi Split air conditioners

One outdoor unit for multiple rooms: With a Multi Split air conditioner, you can connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This saves space and creates a sleeker look for your facade or balcony.

Cool or heat multiple rooms simultaneously : Ideal for homes with multiple bedrooms, a living room, and a home office, for example. Each room can be individually heated to the desired temperature.

Individual room control : Each indoor unit can be adjusted independently. This is convenient if you want cool air in the bedroom but heating in the living room.

Flexible combinations : You can combine different types of indoor units, such as wall-mounted, floor-standing or cassette units, depending on the space available.

Save space outdoors : Instead of multiple outdoor units (as with a Single Split), you only need one. Perfect for houses and apartments with limited outdoor space.

Quieter and more energy-efficient in use : Modern inverter technology ensures more efficient energy use and quieter operation, even with multiple indoor units running simultaneously.

Future-proof and expandable : You can often add additional indoor units later, as long as the outdoor unit capacity allows.

Disadvantages of Multi Split air conditioners

Higher purchase costs : A multi-split system is more expensive to purchase than a single-split system. Costs can quickly mount up, especially if you want to connect multiple indoor units.

More complex installation : The piping and connections are more complex. This requires a specialized installer and therefore costs more time and money.

Dependent on a single outdoor unit: If the outdoor unit malfunctions, all connected indoor units will shut down simultaneously. With a Single Split, only the affected room is affected.

Capacity limitations: An outdoor unit can only support a certain number of indoor units (usually 2 to 5). For larger homes or offices, this may not be enough.

Higher maintenance costs: Maintenance is more complex and therefore often more expensive than with separate Single Split systems.

Less flexible when moving: If you want to rearrange a room or move an indoor unit, this is more difficult due to the shared connection to the outdoor unit.

Multi Split vs. Single Split: Key Differences

Keywords processed: multi split vs single split power consumption, multi split vs single split air conditioner.

Which air conditioner suits your situation?

For a small apartment or one room

• Best choice : Single Split air conditioner
  

• Why : Inexpensive to purchase, easy to install and ideal if you only want to cool the bedroom or living room, for example.
  
  

For a family with multiple bedrooms

• Best choice : Multi Split air conditioner
  

• Why : You can cool or heat multiple rooms simultaneously with just one outdoor unit. It's aesthetically pleasing and more practical than multiple separate units.
  
  

For home workers with office space

• Best choice : Single Split or Multi Split , depending on the size
  

• Why : If you only need a separate study, choose a Single Split. If you also want to cool the living room and bedrooms, a Multi Split is more efficient.
  
  

For offices or small businesses

• Best choice : Multi Split air conditioner
  

• Why : Multiple rooms can be controlled separately, so that employees and customers always have a comfortable climate.
  
  

If outdoor space is limited (balcony or facade)

• Best choice : Multi Split air conditioner
  

• Why : You only need one outdoor unit, which is space-saving and visually more attractive.
  
  

Summary:

• Single Split = economical and efficient for one room .
  

• Multi Split = flexible and comfortable for multiple rooms with only one outdoor unit.

Costs, installation & maintenance

When choosing between a single-split and multi-split air conditioner, it's not just the initial cost that matters. Installation and maintenance also vary significantly between systems. Below, we explain what you should consider.

Cost of Single Split air conditioners

• Purchase price : on average between €1,200 and €2,500 , depending on brand, power and design.
  

• Installation costs : often relatively low, because the system is easy to install.
  

• Total cost : very affordable for those who only want to cool or heat one room.
  

• Additional rooms : for each room you want to cool additionally, you will need a new complete set (indoor and outdoor unit), which can increase the costs.
  
  

Costs of Multi Split air conditioners

• Purchase price : on average between €2,500 and €6,000 for systems with multiple indoor units.
  

• Installation costs : higher, because more pipework is required and the configuration is more complex.
  

• Total costs : more expensive in the short term, but often cheaper than multiple separate Single Split systems when used in multiple rooms.
  
  

Installation

• Single Split installation
  

• Relatively easy and quick to install.
  

• Often ready within one day.
  

• Suitable for apartments, small houses and individual rooms.
  
  

• Multi Split installation
  

• Requires more preparation and expertise.
  

• The piping to multiple indoor units makes the installation more complex.
  

• Usually takes longer (several days for larger projects).
  
  

For both systems, installation must be carried out by a certified F-gas installer , because refrigerants are used.

Maintenance

• Single Split maintenance
  

• Annual maintenance is usually sufficient.
  

• Less complex and therefore cheaper (average €100 - €150 per year).
  

• Maintenance includes cleaning filters, checking coolant and general operation.
  
  

• Multi Split maintenance
  

• More complex, because multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit.
  

• Annual maintenance often costs more (on average €150 - €250 per year).
  

• Disruptions have a direct impact on multiple rooms.
  
  

Cost comparison in practice

Conclusion:

• Single Split is the most economical choice for one room.
  

• Multi Split is an investment, but in the long run it is more practical and cheaper if you want to cool or heat multiple rooms.

Subsidy & sustainability

• ISDE subsidy : sometimes available for air-to-air heat pump air conditioners.
  

• Energy efficiency : Multi-split and single-split air conditioners with inverter technology save up to 30% on energy compared to older models.
  

• Sustainability : use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R32.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which air conditioner is cheaper to use: Single Split or Multi Split?
A Single Split is cheaper to purchase, but for multiple rooms a Multi Split can be more energy and cost-effective.

2. Can I expand a Multi Split later?
Yes, depending on the type of outdoor unit, you can often add additional indoor units.

3. Is a Multi Split noisier?
No, both systems are whisper-quiet; the noise output depends mainly on the model and power.

4. Do I need a permit for installation?
In most cases not, unless major changes are made to the facade.

5. What is better for sustainability?
Both systems are energy-efficient with inverter technology, but Multi Split uses fewer outdoor units and can therefore be more sustainable.

Conclusion

The choice between a Single Split and a Multi Split air conditioner depends largely on your personal situation, home and budget.

• Do you want to keep one room , such as a bedroom, living room, or home office, comfortable? Then a single split air conditioner is the most logical, affordable, and simple choice.
  

• Do you want to cool or heat multiple rooms simultaneously, but install just one outdoor unit for a sleek and aesthetically pleasing result? Then a Multi Split air conditioner is the best investment.
  

Both systems are energy-efficient, quiet and sustainable, provided they are properly maintained and professionally installed .