Air conditioning without an outdoor unit
By Airva Editorial Team · Reviewed by Airva Technical Review · Updated 13 July 2026
When there is genuinely no place for an outdoor unit — for example some flats or conservation-restricted properties — systems that avoid a separate external condenser can be worth exploring.
How they differ
These systems handle the heat exchange differently from a standard split system, typically through wall vents rather than a wall-mounted condenser. That changes what they suit:
- Best for specific single rooms where an external unit is impossible.
- Consider cooling performance, wall requirements and appearance compared with a conventional split.
Is it right for you?
For most homes a standard split or multi-split is more effective, so this is usually a fallback rather than a first choice. An installer survey is the best way to confirm feasibility.
Request an installer match and we will factor in your constraints.
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