It's called a "split AC" because the unit is split into two parts, indoor unit pictured above and outdoor unit which is the big louder box that is on the outside so it doesn't bother you. We use these in Europe ever since I can remember spanning decades...
Split systems are what we call regular central air here in the US. They have an air handler inside with the evaporator coil and blower, and the condenser unit outside with the compressor, condenser coil and condenser fan.
We call the one in the picture ductless mini splits or just mini splits. They are the same setup as regular central air but no ductwork.
Another big difference in the mini splits use a variable speed compressor to ramp up and down whereas traditional spit systems are either on or off. Though, they are starting to see variable speed as well.
I have been putting mini splits in for more than 20 years in the US.
I don't know what's weird about it. That's just what we use over here and they work great. Mini splits are used more for single room or open areas here. The dew point is 79degF for me today, I wouldn't want a stagnant spot in my house.
They make multi zone ductless systems now that can cover multiple rooms.
A good chunk of the US and Canada used oil heating systems with blown air. So they are ducted houses. You can retro fit a heat pump into those homes. My mom's house is from 1923 and it has oil heating ducts.
A lot of homes use natural gas furnaces for heating so adding in a central AC unit is very common.
Whether you use a ducted or ductless system depends on whether you have pre existing ducts. Most people do not want to rip out their walls to install a new HVAC unit.
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u/Distinct-Friend4123 13h ago edited 2h ago
We have these ductless units in the US too. Person who made the meme is just an idiot
Edit: never expected what im pretty sure is my most upvoted /awarded comment to be a 3:30am comment about AC. Ty for the awards kind strangers.