Not every “type of aircon” list applies to Singapore. Central heating-style systems, geothermal units and hybrid systems are common overseas, but they’re not what you’ll find in an HDB flat, condo or Singapore office. Here are the seven types actually installed across Singapore, and how to tell which one you have.
1. Split-Type Aircon (Wall-Mounted)
The most common type in Singapore homes. One indoor unit is mounted on a wall, connected to one outdoor compressor. It’s quiet, efficient, and the standard choice for a single room in an HDB flat or condo bedroom. Most new installations use R32 inverter models. Regular aircon servicing keeps a split unit running at the efficiency you paid for.
2. Casement Aircon (Window Unit)
A Singapore-specific fixture, mounted directly into or below a window. Common in older HDB flats built before split systems became standard. Casement units are compact and don’t need an external compressor, but they’re noisier and less efficient than modern splits. If you have one, see our dedicated guide to casement aircon servicing, since these units need a different servicing approach than wall splits.
3. Multi-Split System
One outdoor compressor connected to two to five indoor units, each cooling a different room. This is the standard setup for homeowners who want to cool an entire flat without installing a separate outdoor unit for every room. It’s more complex to service than a single split, since a fault in the outdoor unit affects every connected room.
4. Ducted (Concealed) Aircon
The indoor unit sits hidden in the ceiling void, distributing cool air through ducting and vents with no visible indoor unit at all. Found mainly in landed properties, penthouses and larger condos where ceiling space allows it. Ducted systems look clean but are harder to service, since access panels and duct runs need checking, not just a visible unit. Our guide on ducted aircon systems covers this in more depth.
5. Cassette Aircon
Mounted flush into a false ceiling, blowing air out in four directions. Common in offices, retail units and larger homes with false ceilings, and efficient for cooling a wide, open area evenly.
6. VRV/VRF System
Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow systems run multiple indoor units off one large commercial-grade outdoor system, with each unit’s cooling adjusted independently. This is what you’ll find in office buildings, malls and larger commercial premises. See our full breakdown of VRV and VRF systems and the pros and cons of each.
7. Portable Aircon
A standalone unit on wheels that vents hot air out through a window or wall duct, with no installation needed. It’s useful as a temporary fix or for renters who can’t install a fixed unit, but it’s the least efficient option on this list for long-term use.
Which Type Do I Have?
Look at your indoor unit. Mounted on a wall with no ducting means split-type. Built into or below a window means casement. Multiple wall units running off one outdoor compressor means multi-split. Flush in the ceiling with no visible box means ducted or cassette, depending on the shape. Freestanding on wheels means portable. If you’re still unsure, WhatsApp us a photo and we’ll identify it.
Servicing Requirements by Type
Every type needs regular aircon servicing to stay efficient, but the process differs by system. Casement and window units need their own approach because of how they’re mounted. Ducted systems need duct and access-panel checks in addition to the standard clean. Multi-split and VRV systems need the outdoor unit checked as carefully as each indoor unit, since one compressor issue affects every connected room. Whatever type you have, WeiWei Aircon has serviced it for over 30 years.
FAQs
What’s the most common aircon type in Singapore homes?
Split-type (wall-mounted) and multi-split systems are by far the most common in HDB flats and condos.
Is a casement aircon the same as a window aircon?
They’re closely related. “Casement” specifically refers to the built-in-window units common in older Singapore HDB flats. See our casement servicing guide for details specific to this type.
Do all aircon types need the same servicing?
No. Ducted and VRV systems need extra checks, such as ductwork and multiple indoor units, that a single split doesn’t.
Which type is cheapest to run?
Inverter split-type units are generally the most energy-efficient for a single room. Portable units are the least efficient per hour of use.
I don’t know what type I have. Can you help?
Yes. WhatsApp us a photo of your indoor unit and we’ll identify it and advise on servicing before you book anything.
