Floor-standing or wall-mounted air conditioner: which suits you?

What is a wall-mounted air conditioner?

A wall-mounted air conditioner is the most widely used type of split-unit air conditioner. The indoor unit is fixed high on the wall and blows air horizontally into the room. Because it is mounted high, the air spreads well through the room and the airflow is usually not aimed directly at people.

A wall-mounted unit is compact, relatively easy to install and available in a wide range, from entry-level models to premium designs. For most living rooms and bedrooms, a wall-mounted unit is the obvious choice. View the full wall-mounted unit range from Aircobrabant.

What is a floor-standing air conditioner?

A floor-standing air conditioner stands low on the floor or is fixed to the wall just above the floor. The indoor unit blows air upwards along the wall, which gives an even temperature distribution in the room. A floor-standing unit has the same technical performance as a wall-mounted unit of comparable capacity.

A floor-standing unit is more visible in the room than a wall-mounted unit, but it offers specific advantages in situations where a wall-mounted unit cannot be used. View the full floor-standing unit range from Aircobrabant.

When should you choose a wall-mounted unit?

A wall-mounted unit is the best choice in most standard living rooms and bedrooms where there is enough free wall space high up in the room. The unit hangs at a height of about 1.80 to 2 metres and needs at least 15 cm of free space above the unit and on either side. A wall-mounted unit is also the most aesthetic choice if you want the air conditioner to be as unobtrusive as possible, because modern wall-mounted units have a compact, sleek profile. Design models such as the Daikin Stylish or Emura are designed deliberately as interior objects and hardly stand out in a modern interior.

When should you choose a floor-standing unit?

A floor-standing unit is the better choice in a number of specific situations. With large windows or glass facades that run down to the floor, there is not enough free wall space high enough for a wall-mounted unit. In historic buildings or characterful interiors where drilling into walls is undesirable, a floor-standing unit is a less invasive option. A floor-standing unit placed under a large window blows warm air upwards along the glass, which greatly reduces cold radiation and the cold-draught effect. This is a major comfort benefit in winter. The unit also sits at eye level, so it is easy to reach for operation and filter cleaning without a ladder or stool.

Comparison at a glance

Air distribution: wall-mounted versus floor-standing unit

The biggest functional difference between the two types is the air distribution. A wall-mounted unit blows air horizontally into the room from a high position. This mixes cold and warm air well, but at maximum setting it can feel draughty to people sitting directly in the airflow.

A floor-standing unit blows air upwards along the wall. The air rises, cools the room and then gradually sinks again. This gives a more even temperature distribution without a direct airflow on people. In winter, the floor-standing unit heats the room in a similar way to a radiator, but with a much higher efficiency.

Price: the difference between wall-mounted and floor-standing units

At a comparable capacity, the prices of wall-mounted and floor-standing units are close together. The purchase price is comparable and the installation costs also differ little, because the pipework is laid in a similar way for both types. The range of floor-standing units is narrower than the range of wall-mounted units, so there is less choice in capacities and versions.

Which type suits you?

Choose a wall-mounted unit if you have enough free wall space high up in the room, if aesthetics and a compact appearance are important, if you choose a design model such as the Daikin Stylish or Emura, or if you want a wide range of capacities and series.

Choose a floor-standing unit if you have large windows or glass facades that run down to the floor, if you want to counteract cold radiation near windows in winter, if drilling into walls is undesirable in your interior or building, or if you want to be able to reach the unit easily for operation and maintenance.

Still not sure? During the free survey, our advisers will assess which type best suits your room and situation.

Buy a floor-standing or wall-mounted unit from Aircobrabant

Aircobrabant supplies both wall-mounted units and floor-standing units from Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric , including installation by our own STEK-certified engineers. You always get a fixed price up front and more than 20 years of experience with both types in the Eindhoven region and surrounding area.