Wall Split vs Cassette vs Ducted: Which Aircon Type for Your Bangkok Home?

When it comes to air conditioning in Bangkok, the type of system you install matters just as much as the brand. Each type has distinct advantages and limitations, and choosing wrong means either wasting money or living with a system that does not suit your space. Here is a straightforward comparison of the three main types available in Thailand.

Wall-Mounted Split System

This is what most people picture when they think "aircon." A rectangular indoor unit mounted high on the wall, connected to an outdoor unit by refrigerant piping. It is by far the most common type in Bangkok condos and apartments.

Advantages

• Lowest cost: Purchase price starts from 8,000-15,000 THB for a basic unit, and installation costs are the most affordable of any type
• Easy to install: A standard installation takes 3-5 hours with minimal structural modification
• Easy to maintain: Cleaning is straightforward and inexpensive at 300-500 THB per service
• Individual room control: Each room has its own unit and thermostat, so you only cool rooms you are using
• Wide availability: Every brand makes wall splits, and every technician can service them

Disadvantages

• Visible on the wall - some people find them aesthetically unpleasing
• Uneven cooling in large or L-shaped rooms since air blows from one direction
• Each unit needs its own outdoor unit (or a multi-split system), which can clutter balconies
• Limited to about 24,000 BTU maximum per unit

Best for: Standard condos, apartments, individual bedrooms, and living rooms up to 35 square meters. This is the right choice for 80% of Bangkok residents.

Ceiling Cassette

A ceiling cassette sits flush with the ceiling, with air blowing in four directions (4-way) through vents. Only the front panel is visible below the ceiling. Requires a false ceiling (drop ceiling) for installation.

Advantages

• Even cooling: Air distributes in four directions, providing uniform temperature throughout the room
• Clean aesthetics: Nearly invisible - only a flat panel visible on the ceiling
• Powerful: Available in high BTU ratings (18,000-60,000 BTU) suitable for large spaces
• No wall space used: Ideal when wall space is limited or you want clean walls

Disadvantages

• Requires false ceiling: Cannot be installed without a drop ceiling, which most standard condos do not have
• Higher cost: Unit price 25,000-80,000 THB plus more expensive installation
• More expensive to clean and maintain: Cleaning costs 800-1,500 THB per unit
• Harder to repair: Access can be difficult depending on ceiling configuration

Best for: Houses with false ceilings, offices, retail shops, restaurants, and large living areas. Common in townhouses and commercial spaces.

Ducted System

A ducted system uses a central unit hidden above the ceiling that distributes cooled air through ductwork to multiple vents throughout the space. The indoor unit is completely hidden, and only air grilles are visible on ceilings or walls.

Advantages

• Completely invisible: No indoor units visible anywhere, just discreet air grilles
• Whole-home cooling: One system can cool multiple rooms through ducted zones
• Quiet: The indoor unit is far from living spaces, so noise is minimal
• Highest capacity: Suitable for large homes and commercial spaces

Disadvantages

• Most expensive: System cost 50,000-200,000+ THB plus significant installation cost
• Requires extensive false ceiling space: Ductwork needs 25-40cm of ceiling void
• Must be planned during construction or major renovation - almost impossible to retrofit
• All-or-nothing cooling: Without zone dampers, you cool the entire space even if only using one room
• Expensive maintenance: Cleaning costs 1,500-3,000 THB and takes longer

Best for: New-build houses, luxury condos designed with ducted systems, and commercial spaces where aesthetics are paramount.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Wall Split	Cassette	Ducted
Unit Cost	8,000-45,000 THB	25,000-80,000 THB	50,000-200,000+ THB
Installation	3,000-8,000 THB	8,000-15,000 THB	15,000-50,000+ THB
Cleaning Cost	300-500 THB	800-1,500 THB	1,500-3,000 THB
False Ceiling Needed	No	Yes	Yes (extensive)
Best Room Size	Up to 35 sqm	20-60 sqm	Whole home
Aesthetics	Visible unit	Flush panel	Invisible

Our Recommendation for Bangkok

For most Bangkok condos and apartments, wall-mounted split systems are the practical choice. They are affordable, easy to service, efficient, and every technician in Bangkok can work on them. If you are building or renovating a house with false ceilings, cassette units offer the best balance of aesthetics and performance. Ducted systems make sense only for new construction where you can plan the ductwork from the start.

Not sure which type suits your space? Contact us for a free site assessment. We will visit, measure, and recommend the right system type and size. We provide professional installation across Bangkok including Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, and Ladprao.