Floor-standing vs Wall-mounted Split Units: Which is Better?

If you’re looking into air conditioning then getting the right one is make or break. To a large extent, your choice will be determined by the space you’re trying to cool. A small apartment versus a home with multiple levels are going to have very different requirements. So to this end, understanding the various types of AC units that are available, and which one is best for you, is essential. 

In this guide, we’ll look at two types of indoor units used in split AC systems – floor-standing and wall-mounted. While both fall under the general category of ‘split systems’, their use cases do differ. So we’ll explain how each of them work, their respective advantages and disadvantages, as well as which type will be best for you. Then we will talk about how to go through the process of choosing the right one.

What is a Floor-standing AC?

A standing AC is often also called a floor-standing air conditioner or sometimes a portable air conditioner. It’s a unit that is, as you would expect from its name, designed to stand on the floor rather than being mounted on a wall or ceiling.

Often these come in the form of a portable air conditioner, a unit that is fairly easily movable and may also have wheels to ease repositioning. They often have a flexible hose that can be vented through a window to expel hot air. Portable ACs really come into their own when cooling individual rooms or spaces where installing something permanently isn’t an option.

Under the umbrella of standing ACs you will also find floor-standing split systems which have an upright indoor unit that is connected to an outdoor compressor. More powerful than portable units, these are suitable for larger rooms or commercial environments. We will look at split ACs now in more detail.

What is a wall-mounted AC?

It’s important to note that both floor-standing and wall-mounted units can be part of a split AC system. The term ‘split’ actually refers to having an indoor and an outdoor unit, rather than the specific mounting style of the indoor unit. A split AC unit is an air conditioning system that has both an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor part is usually mounted on a wall inside the room, while the outdoor unit is installed outside the building. They are connected by pipes and wiring so the refrigerant can move between them.

You’ll find split AC systems in both residential and commercial spaces and they are popular due to having both quiet operation and good efficiency. They work by the indoor unit drawing in warm air and passing it over a coil containing refrigerant which then absorbs the heat and is pumped to the outdoor unit, where the heat is released. 

Modern split ACs often include a variety of additional features including remote controls, programmable timers and air purification filters.

Floor-standing vs Wall-mounted Split Units: Which is Better?

It’s not a question of which is better overall, but which type of indoor unit suits your space best. Both floor-standing and wall-mounted units are used in split systems and offer different benefits depending on room layout, aesthetics, and installation constraints.

Advantages of Portable AC Units

Floor-standing split AC units are permanently installed systems where the indoor unit stands on the floor and is connected to an outdoor unit. These are different from portable ACs, which do not require installation and can be moved between rooms.

• Flexible: The great thing about portable standing AC units is they can be easily moved from room to room and many models have wheels for easier movement. They’re generally not too cumbersome and if, for example, you are moving between rooms in the middle of the day you can move them with you.
• Simplicity: These units require very basic installation which involves connecting the hose to a nearby window. Most of the natural light coming through is not obstructed as only a small part of the window is needed so they’re great for homes where you want to keep the internal décor intact.
• Efficient: Compared to central air systems, portable ACs are much more affordable. Their design makes them perfect for cooling small areas and helping in reducing overall energy consumption if you have a targeted approach in how you use them.

Advantages of Floor-standing Split Units

• Installation: Mini split systems are relatively easy to install since they don’t require ductwork. So connecting the two units (indoor and outdoor) usually only involves simply drilling a small hole for piping. So overall it’s less invasive than many other systems.

• Efficiency: These systems offer great energy performance and unlike ducted systems there is no energy loss from air travelling through ducts.

• Control: Mini splits provide zoned temperature control by using separate air handlers in each room. So you can have customised heating and cooling with places you’re occupying kept comfortable, while spaces you’re not using can be adjusted to conserve energy.

How to choose the right AC unit

It’s not easy but choosing the right air conditioner involves considering several factors, including the type of unit, size, features, and energy efficiency. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision but as always it’s worth speaking to experts such as Daikin to ensure you get the best possible system for your requirements.

The ideal place to start when you’re choosing between different types of AC units – such as portable, floor-standing split, or wall-mounted split – is to consider the size and layout of your space. Standing AC units are best for individual rooms or temporary setups, while split AC systems can cool multiple rooms or larger areas, providing more flexibility and better energy efficiency.

The other aspect to consider is capacity. An undersized unit will struggle to cool your space, while an oversized one will consume more energy than necessary. So consider the size of the room carefully.

Many modern air conditioners offer advanced features like air purification, heating, and programmable timers. So think about which add-ons are important to you. Also look for units with eco-friendly refrigerants which provide better energy efficiency and a lower environmental impact. 

Finally, there are a lot of design options so think about the aesthetics of your space and which AC unit would complement your décor.

About Daikin

When it comes to standing or split AC units Daikin has every aspect of air conditioning and HVAC systems covered, offering a wide range of systems for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. From packaged units and split systems to ductless mini-splits and advanced VRF (VRV) technology, Daikin products are engineered for optimal performance, energy efficiency, and comfort year-round.

Daikin leads the industry in innovation and customer support and has business in 170 countries with millions of systems installed. Learn more about Daikin’s HVAC products by contacting us today.