Townhouses and apartments: Comparing Hitachi RAC 1-1 and Multi-Split to make the right choice from the start.

Date: 27-02-2026

Choosing the right air conditioning system right from the finishing stage of a townhouse or apartment is an extremely important decision, directly affecting the architectural aesthetics and long-term operating costs of your home. To address this issue, the two most popular solutions currently are Hitachi Room Air Conditioner (RAC 1-1) and Multi-Split systems.

Let's compare the 1-in-1 Room Air Conditioner (RAC) and the Hitachi Multi-Split system in detail with Up.Tech. A technical analysis of inverter technology, efficiency, and space optimization for townhouses and apartments will help investors and contractors choose the right solution from the start.

Compare Hitachi 1-in-1 and Multi-Split Room Air Conditioners to choose the right one from the start.

In the high-end residential HVAC sector, defining the system configuration right from the design stage is a key factor determining the operational efficiency and aesthetics of the building. For modern townhouses and apartments, the two most popular choices today are the Room Air Conditioner (RAC) 1-1 split air conditioning system and Hitachi's Multi-Split system.

Analysis of the operating principles and configuration of a Room Air Conditioner system 1-1

The Room Air Conditioner (RAC) line is a traditional product line, distinguished by the simplicity of installation and maintenance of Hitachi air conditioners, typically the airHome series using R32 refrigerant, operating in an independent configuration: one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit.

The system incorporates Vector DC Inverter technology, allowing the compressor to precisely adjust its rotation speed to meet the actual cooling load. A key technical feature is the SafeGuard protection system, which combines a thermal relay and a fire-resistant metal casing, ensuring safe operation under fluctuating voltage conditions from 130V to 300V.

RAC is the optimal solution for spaces with diverse needs and purposes, or renovation projects where large-scale copper piping is challenging. In particular, the FrostWash™ feature automatically cleans the heat exchanger, maintaining the rated airflow without requiring frequent manual maintenance.

Hitachi Multi-Split System: The Optimal Outdoor Unit Density Solution

Unlike the 1-1 configuration of RAC air conditioners, the Hitachi Multi-Split system is designed to address the limited space for outdoor units in apartment balconies or townhouse facades.

A single high-capacity outdoor unit can distribute refrigerant to up to five different indoor units. This is based on the principle of variable refrigerant flow via an electronic expansion valve (EEV), allowing for independent control of each zone.

With Hitachi's high-efficiency Inverter compressor technology, the Multi-Split system achieves superior energy savings when operating in partial load mode. The outdoor unit is designed to withstand high temperatures and dissipate heat effectively, minimizing the air recirculation often encountered when installing too many RAC outdoor units close together in a confined space.

So when should contractors prioritize Room Air Conditioners?

While multi-systems offer space efficiency, in some cases, a Room Air Conditioner (RAC 1-1) is a safer and more effective option:

When one RAC outdoor unit fails, only one room is affected. In contrast, with a multi-system, a compressor failure in the outdoor unit will cause all indoor units in the house to stop working.

RAC 1-1 systems typically have shorter piping lengths but are simpler to install and experience less pressure loss in the piping compared to multi-systems that require splitter (refnet) or manifold.

For apartments with only one or two rooms, using a RAC 1-1 results in lower initial investment costs, and the installation, vacuuming, and refrigerant charging process is simpler than with a more complex multi-system.

Smart Control Solution: airCloud Home for both RAC and Multi-Split Systems

Hitachi air conditioners have upgraded the user experience through the advanced airCloud Home application, compatible with both systems. Technically, the system uses an integrated or external Wi-Fi module to connect to the Cloud. Owners can manage operating schedules, monitor power consumption, and utilize the Smart-Fence feature (automatic adjustment based on the user's GPS location).

Both product lines support Human Sensor technology, allowing the unit to automatically switch to energy-saving mode or increase power based on the presence of people in the scanning area, maximizing the system's SEER (System Efficiency Ratio).

Up.Tech - Professional Hitachi Air Conditioning Solution Consulting and Implementation Unit for Your Project

Choosing between a 1-in-1 or Multi-Split Room Air Conditioner depends not only on personal preference but also on the design drawings, heat load calculations, and the electrical system's load capacity.

Up.Tech is proud to be the exclusive distributor of Hitachi air conditioners in Vietnam, partnering with investors and contractors in realizing Hitachi's air conditioning solutions. We are committed to providing genuine equipment with core technologies such as the corrosion-resistant Green Fin heat exchanger and Wasabi PM2.5 air filtration system, ensuring durable and high-standard comfort for your project.

See also:

=> When should you choose Hitachi ceiling cassette air conditioners for offices and showrooms?

=> Hitachi Chiller systems in industrial environments: Stable cooling solutions for large and continuous loads

=> Hitachi Air 365 Max VRF air conditioning solution: Energy-saving technology combined with independent zone control



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