You want an air conditioner, but you don't know which type best suits your situation. Split or monoblock: it seems like a simple choice, but the differences are greater than you think.

Making the wrong choice means higher costs, more hassle during installation, or a system that simply doesn't work well in your home. This article helps you make the right decision.

Split or monoblock: the key differences at a glance

Create a split air conditioning consists of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. They are connected to each other via pipes and work together to efficiently cool or heat a room.

Create a monoblock air conditioning It is housed in a single casing. The unit is located entirely indoors, but does require one or two holes in the wall for intake and exhaust.

The main differences at a glance:

Power: Split air conditioners are generally more powerful and suitable for larger spaces.
Sound: With a split air conditioner, the noisiest part is outside; a monoblock makes more noise indoors.
Installation: A split air conditioner requires a certified technician and refrigerant lines; a monoblock is easier to install.
Holes in the wall: Both types require a pass-through; for a monoblock, this involves one or two holes of 160 to 200 millimeters.
Price: Monoblock air conditioners are often cheaper to purchase, but split air conditioners are more energy-efficient to use.

When should you choose a split air conditioner?

A split air conditioner is the better choice if you are looking for long-lasting comfort and energy efficiency. They are quieter, more powerful, and more suitable for larger or multiple rooms.

Choose a split air conditioner if:

you want to cool a large living room, open kitchen, or office space
you also want to use the air conditioner as a heat pump in the winter
you want as little noise indoors as possible
you are looking for a permanent solution with a long lifespan

View the selection in the air conditioning webshop if you want to compare which model suits your situation.

When is a monoblock air conditioner the better option?

A monoblock air conditioner is ideal if you want quick cooling in a specific room without major renovations. No outdoor unit is required, and the installation is less complex.

A monoblock is the smart choice if:

you live in an apartment where an outdoor unit is not allowed or does not fit
you want to cool a bedroom, office, or small living space
you do not want to hire a certified air conditioning technician for refrigerant lines
you are looking for a relatively fast and affordable solution

Please note: in high humidity, a monoblock can remove up to 15 liters of moisture from the air per day. An extra condensate drain saves you a lot of hassle with emptying the reservoir.

The installation of a split air conditioner: what is involved?

The installation of a split air conditioner is a job for a certified technician. Refrigerant lines must be laid, the outdoor unit must be mounted, and a penetration through the facade is required.

What you can expect from a split air conditioning installation:

a hole in the wall for the pipe penetration, typically with a diameter of 65 to 80 millimeters
mounting of the outdoor unit to the facade or the roof
connection to the electricity grid, sometimes with a separate circuit
commissioning and inspection by an F-gas certified technician

For more information about what is involved in a complete installation, read more on the page about air conditioning installation.

Have the through-hole professionally drilled

Whether you choose a split or monoblock air conditioner, you always need a hole in the wall. That sounds simple, but it is a precision job that requires craftsmanship.

A drilling mistake results in cracks, damage to pipes or reinforcing steel, or a hole that is not in the right place. You want to prevent that.

How De Betonboorder helps with your air conditioning installation

We drill the pass-through holes for your air conditioner professionally and neatly, in both stone and concrete. Whether it is a monoblock or a split air conditioner, we ensure that the hole is drilled in the right place and with the correct diameter.

What you can expect from us:

Holes from 160 to 200 millimeters for monoblock air conditioners, including optional condensate drain
Drilling in stone walls with dust extraction, drilling in concrete walls with water-cooled equipment
Protection of walls and floors with standard drywall protection
Finished with a facade grille so that virtually nothing is visible from the outside.
Experience in occupied properties, always with an eye for your surroundings
The workspace is left tidy afterwards.

In many cases, we schedule the job within two days. Request a professional immediately and we will contact you within 24 hours.

Which is better, a split or monoblock air conditioner?