When investing in a hotel or renovating an existing property, one of the critical decisions is: Should you choose a central heating and cooling system or install individual air conditioning units in each room?
This choice directly impacts not only the initial investment cost but also operating expenses, energy efficiency, guest satisfaction, and maintenance ease.
Let’s compare both options in detail from a hospitality perspective.
What is a Central System? Advantages
Central systems such as Chiller + Fan Coil, VRF/VRV systems, or central air handling units manage the climate of the entire building from a single point. Only cooled or heated air or water is distributed to individual rooms.
Advantages:
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Energy efficiency: High COP/EER values reduce total energy consumption, especially advantageous in hotels with variable occupancy.
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Aesthetic: No visible split units in rooms, allowing for cleaner design.
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Quiet operation: Outdoor unit noise is eliminated; only quiet fan coil or concealed units are inside rooms.
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Centralized control: Entire system can be managed via automation; no energy wasted in empty rooms.
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Longevity and reliability: With proper maintenance, these systems operate trouble-free for many years.
Considerations:
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High initial investment cost
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Requires mechanical rooms, shaft spaces, and duct/piping infrastructure
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Malfunctions can affect multiple rooms simultaneously
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Technical expertise required, especially for large systems
When to Choose Individual Air Conditioning (Split Units)?
Each room typically has an independently operating split or multi-split air conditioner. Guests can control their room’s climate individually.
Advantages:
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Lower initial investment: Suitable for small hotels or renovation projects.
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Ease of installation: Can be installed without adding extra ductwork or piping.
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Independence: Only the affected room is impacted in case of a failure.
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Short installation time and less technical staff required.
Disadvantages:
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Lower energy efficiency: Can consume 20–30% more energy than a central system during simultaneous operation.
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Maintenance challenges: Each unit requires separate filter cleaning, refrigerant check, and outdoor unit inspection.
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Noise issues: Indoor fan or outdoor unit noise may affect guest comfort.
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Aesthetic concerns: Visible units in rooms and multiple outdoor units on the facade.
7 Key Criteria to Review Before Deciding:
| Criteria | Central System | Individual Units |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | High | Low |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Medium |
| Room Control | Centralized via automation or zoned | Fully independent |
| Guest Comfort | Quiet, uniform climate | Noise and comfort variations possible |
| Maintenance & Service | Centralized, organized | Dispersed, time-consuming |
| Aesthetic & Architectural Impact | High integration | Visible units indoors/outdoors |
| Long-term Cost | More advantageous | Higher energy consumption and maintenance |
Recommended System Selection for Different Hotel Types:
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Large City Hotels (100+ rooms): VRF or Chiller + Fan Coil system
Why? Energy efficiency and centralized control are crucial. -
Boutique Hotels (10–30 rooms): Split units or compact VRF systems
Why? Ease of installation and low cost are prioritized. -
Resorts and Holiday Villages: VRF or central water-cooled system + heat recovery
Why? Heating and cooling may be needed simultaneously. -
Renovated Older Buildings: Multi-split systems
Why? Minimal intervention to existing structure, easy installation.
Hybrid Systems: Combining Both Options
Yes. Modern hotels can use central systems in some areas and individual units in others.
Examples:
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VRF system in guest rooms
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Central air handling unit in the lobby
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Individual split units in technical rooms
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Special humidity-controlled central system in SPA areas
This approach provides an optimal balance between efficiency, comfort, and cost.
Conclusion: Every Hotel is Unique, So Should Be the Solution
There is no single answer to “Which system is best?”
The right choice depends on project scale, location, guest profile, investment budget, and operational vision.
While individual units may appear attractive for short-term low costs, central systems generally offer more sustainable solutions in terms of energy efficiency, guest comfort, and brand image over the long term.
İlker KURAN
Alperen Mühendislik Ltd. Şti.