Two ways to get a split system. Here is how they differ and which suits your rooms.
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Standard or pre-charged systems
Standard and pre-charged air conditioners are both split systems that cool and heat. A standard system is fitted and commissioned by an F-Gas certified engineer, comes in many sizes and styles and can run several rooms from one outdoor unit. A pre-charged system arrives sealed, needs no F-Gas engineer and suits one room where the outdoor unit can sit close by.
| Standard installed | Pre-charged | |
|---|---|---|
| F-Gas engineer needed | Yes | No, for a typical install |
| Electrician needed | Yes | Yes |
| Rooms per outdoor unit | One or several | One |
| Pipe run | Longer runs possible | Limited to the supplied kit unless a technician extends it |
| Indoor unit styles | Wall, floor, cassette, ducted | Mostly wall-mounted |
| Cooling and heating | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Whole homes, larger rooms, businesses | One room where the outdoor unit can sit close by |
RefrigerantStandard systems mostly use fluorinated refrigerants, which only F-Gas certified engineers may handle. Pre-charged systems use a non-fluorinated refrigerant sealed in at the factory.
Who fits itStandard: an F-Gas engineer plus electrical work. Pre-charged: usually an electrician or an installer who fits these units.
PipeworkStandard systems are charged on site to suit the pipe run. Pre-charged systems are charged for the supplied kit, so longer runs need a technician.
PerformanceBoth are inverter heat pumps that cool, heat and dehumidify. Compare the energy ratings and outputs in each quote.
ServicingBoth need cleaning and servicing. Any refrigerant repair on either type needs a qualified engineer.
WarrantyCheck what each manufacturer requires, such as registration and annual servicing, to keep the warranty.
Home or business, how many rooms and the system type you would like.
Only installers who cover your postcode and fit your system type.
Weigh up prices, equipment and warranties, then choose, if you want to.
An air conditioner with an indoor unit in the room and an outdoor unit outside, joined by refrigerant pipes and a cable.
Units of cooling or heating output. 1 kW is about 3,412 BTU per hour. Units are sold in sizes such as 2.5 kW (9,000 BTU) and 3.5 kW (12,000 BTU).
A compressor that speeds up and slows down to hold the temperature, rather than switching fully on and off. Quieter and more efficient.
Seasonal efficiency ratings for cooling (SEER) and heating (SCOP). Higher numbers mean less electricity for the same comfort.
The qualification needed to install and work on equipment containing fluorinated refrigerants, which most standard systems use.
A split system sealed at the factory with a non-fluorinated refrigerant and a pre-flared pipe kit, so a typical install needs no F-Gas engineer.
One outdoor unit serving two or more indoor units in different rooms.
Water removed from the air while cooling, carried outside by a drain pipe or pump.
Another name for a reversible air conditioner: it moves heat from outside air into the room in winter.
It depends on the room and the house. Pre-charged installs can be quicker, but standard systems may suit the job better. Compare quotes for both for the same room.
Both are inverter heat pumps. Efficiency depends on the model, so compare the energy ratings and the seasonal efficiency figures in each quote.
A pre-charged system serves one room. Adding rooms later means another system or replacing it with a multi-split.
Yes. Both need a suitable electrical supply, usually a dedicated circuit, connected by a qualified electrician.
Yes. Both are reversible air-to-air heat pumps.
Yes. Choose "Help me decide" in the form and installers can advise and quote for the system that suits your rooms.
General information only, not technical, legal or planning advice. Installers confirm system size, siting and any permissions for your property. Updated October 2026.
Sources: The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations (GB) and GOV.UK guidance on F-gas; Approved Document P (electrical safety) and the Building Regulations for England and Wales; the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (air conditioning inspections); manufacturer installation guidance for split systems.