What type of aircon unit do I have?
Are you unsure about the type of air conditioning unit you have in your home or office? In order to book an appointment with us we need to make sure we send someone who is familiar with the type of air conditioning system you use. In this guide, we will explore six common types of air conditioning units in Singapore: wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted (cassette), window unit (casement), ducted, portable, and central units.
Wall-Mounted Unit
A wall-mounted air conditioning unit is installed on the wall, typically near the ceiling. This is the most common air conditioning unit type in most condos and HDBs in Singapore. It consists of a rectangular indoor unit and an outdoor compressor unit. The indoor unit is mounted on the wall and blows cool air into the room. It generally has a compact design and has a digital display and control buttons.
Ceiling-Mounted (Cassette) Unit
A ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit, also known as a cassette unit, is installed in the ceiling. It can be suspended from the ceiling or installed inside it. It has a square or rectangular shape and is flush with the ceiling surface. The cassette unit is has multiple air vents that distribute cool air evenly across the room. It blends well with the ceiling and is controlled through a remote or wall-mounted control panel.
Window Unit (Casement)
A window air conditioning unit, also called a casement unit, is designed to fit in a window frame or a slot cut into a wall. It consists of a single unit with both the evaporator and condenser in the same container. The window unit is installed directly in a window or wall opening. It has a compact form factor, with one side exposed to the exterior and the other side facing the interior. It typically has manual controls or a remote.
Ducted Unit
A ducted air conditioning unit is concealed within the structure of a building. It consists of a central indoor unit connected to a series of ducts that distribute cool air throughout the building. The indoor unit is usually hidden in a ceiling, wall or crawl space, with only the vents visible in the room. It provides centralised cooling and can be controlled via a thermostat or a central control panel.
Portable Unit
A portable air conditioning unit is a standalone unit that can be moved from one room to another. It typically has wheels for easy mobility. The unit includes an exhaust hose that needs to be vented out of a window or through a wall. Portable units come in different sizes and designs, but they usually have a control panel or remote for adjusting settings. They provide localised cooling and are ideal for smaller spaces or temporary use. Portable air conditioners are generally difficult to service and top-up refrigerant gas due to their unconventional designs.
Central Aircon Unit
Centralised air conditioning units are designed to cool larger spaces, such as commercial buildings, offices, malls or multi-room residences, by utilising a network of ducts and vents. The indoor unit, located in a utility room, basement or in the roofing, contains the evaporator coil, blower fans, and controls, and is connected to a series of ducts that distribute cool air to individual rooms or zones. Registers or vents in each area allow for adjustable airflow, while a thermostat or central control panel maintains the desired temperature throughout the building. The appearance of the ducts of these units can sometimes be indistinguishable from ducted aircon units. Maintenance of these units can be difficult as it may require access to the interior of the ceiling or cooling tower.
Last updated
