From Single Splits to VRF Systems: Which Air Conditioning Solution Is Right for You?

Choosing the right AC system matters

Air conditioning isn’t “one size fits all.” The right system depends on the size of your property, how many rooms you want to cool or heat, your budget, and how much control you’d like over individual spaces.

At EACON LTD, we design and install everything from single-room split systems to complex VRF solutions for hotels, offices, and commercial buildings. This guide explains the main options and helps you decide which is right for you.

1) Single Split Systems: Ideal for homes & small spaces

A single split system is the simplest and most common setup:

• 1 indoor unit + 1 outdoor unit

• Perfect for a single room such as a bedroom, loft conversion, living room, or garden office

Advantages:

• ✅ Cost-effective (lowest upfront investment)

• ✅ Fast installation (often in one day)

• ✅ Energy efficient for individual spaces

• ✅ Quiet, compact, and available in stylish designs

Example:One of our recent projects in Basingstoke involved fitting a 2.5 kW Daikin wall-mounted split unit in a customer’s garden office. It provided both cooling in summer and heating in winter, allowing them to work comfortably all year round without relying on the main central heating.

Best for: Homeowners who want targeted comfort in one or two rooms.

2) Multi-Split Systems: Flexible for several rooms

A multi-split system connects several indoor units (wall-mounted, ducted, floor-standing, or ceiling cassette) to one outdoor unit.

Advantages:

• ✅ Multiple rooms served by a single outdoor unit (great for limited outside space)

• ✅ Indoor units can be different types and capacities

• ✅ Independent control of each room

• ✅ Efficient inverter technology reduces running costs

Example:In Oxford, we installed a 4-room multi-split system for a family who wanted AC in their bedrooms and living room. With one discreet outdoor unit on the side wall, each room could be individually controlled, keeping the kids cool at night without wasting energy in unused areas.

Best for: Homes or small offices with 3–5 rooms needing cooling/heating, but limited space for multiple outdoor units.

3) VRF / VRV Systems: Smart solutions for large buildings

VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) or VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems are the most advanced option. They connect multiple indoor units (sometimes dozens or even hundreds) to a central outdoor system.

Advantages:

• ✅ Scalable — ideal for hotels, offices, or apartment blocks

• ✅ Highly efficient, even with long pipe runs

• ✅ Simultaneous heating and cooling possible (different rooms at different temperatures)

• ✅ Centralised or individual control

• ✅ Low running costs for large-scale usage

Example:For a boutique hotel in Berkshire, we installed a Daikin VRV system that allowed guests to control their own room temperature while the hotel management had centralised monitoring. The system improved guest comfort ratings and reduced overall energy costs.

Best for: Commercial buildings, hotels, offices, and large residential developments where flexible, scalable comfort is essential.

Comparing the options

Feature	Single Split	Multi-Split	VRF / VRV
Best for	1 room	2–5 rooms	Large buildings / multiple floors
Cost	£ (entry-level)	££ (medium)	£££ (high investment)
Outdoor units	1 per indoor	1 for several indoors	1 for many indoors
Installation time	1 day (typical)	2–4 days	Months, depending on size
Control	Simple remote	Individual room control	Individual + centralised
Efficiency	Very high for 1 room	High	Extremely high for large-scale use

Key factors when choosing your system

1. How many rooms need cooling/heating?

   • 1 room → Single split

   • 2–5 rooms → Multi-split

   • More than 5 rooms / commercial → VRF

2. Do you have space for outdoor units?

   • Limited outdoor wall/roof space → Multi-split or VRF

3. Budget & long-term savings

   • Single split = lowest cost upfront

   • Multi-split = balance between flexibility and cost

   • VRF = highest investment but lowest per-room running cost for large properties

4. Future expansion

   • VRF systems can grow as your building expands, while splits are fixed per unit.

Why choose EACON LTD for your installation?

• FGAS-certified contractor: all systems installed legally and safely.

• Brand expertise: experience with the biggest Manufacture's in the World.

• Local service: covering Reading, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Basingstoke, and London.

• Tailored design: we don’t push one solution — we recommend the system that fits your property and budget.

• Professional finish: tidy trunking, secure mounts, full commissioning, and customer aftercare.

Common questions

Q: How long does installation take?

• Single split: often 1 day

• Multi-split: 2–7 days depending on number of rooms

• VRF: months for large buildings, phased to reduce disruption

Q: What brands are best?We recommend Daikin, MHI, and Mitsubishi Electric for their efficiency, reliability, and support in the UK market.

Takeaway

Whether you’re cooling a single loft bedroom or managing climate control for an entire hotel, there’s a solution that fits your needs. The key is choosing the right system and having it installed by a trusted FGAS-certified professional.

At EACON LTD, we help homeowners and businesses find the perfect balance between comfort, efficiency, and budget.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 07802 579 775

📧 Email: contact@eaconltd.co.uk

🌐 www.eaconltd.co.uk