As the days become hotter, you’re undoubtedly looking for the best ways to keep cool, especially in the rooms where you spend most of your time. When searching for an air conditioner, you will surely come across the split AC vs window AC debate. Gharpedia through this blog, sheds light on the key differences between window AC and split AC, from design and installation to efficiency and cost, to help you decide which air conditioning system is right for you.
An AC is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make for your home. It consumes lot of energy, which will show on your electricity bills! So, buying the right type and size of an air conditioner is always helpful, depending on your needs, budget, and choice.
The choice between window AC and split AC can have a considerable impact on your comfort and energy expenditures. Understanding how each type works is critical in making an informed decision that meets your cooling requirements. When we compare window AC vs split AC, the capacities, design, cost, aesthetics, operational feasibility, etc. play a major role in making the selection. However, both work on the same principles, but due to their different characteristics, they may be used in different places.
Split AC vs Window AC: The Key Differences
To ease your decision-making, we have prepared a comparison of split AC and window AC hereunder:
01. Design Difference between Split AC and Window AC:
The fundamental distinction between split AC and window AC is the design of their components.
Split AC: A split AC consists of two parts: an outdoor unit, and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit consists of the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve, while the indoor unit consists of the capillary tube (expansion element), evaporator, and cooling fan.
Window AC: A window air conditioner is a single-piece compact portable box housing all the components: condenser, compressor, expansion valve or coil, evaporator, cooling coil, etc.
02. Which is Easy to Install? Window AC or Split AC:
The ease of installation of an air conditioner is an important factor when comparing split AC and window AC.
Split AC: You will need a skilled professional to install a split air conditioner. Installing a split air conditioner is never a good idea, especially if you’re staying in an apartment, because these units can’t be moved around.
Window AC: Installation of window air conditioners is straight forward and does not cost anything extra. Furthermore, they are portable, so you can carry them from one location to another without any hassle.
03. Space Requirements of Window AC and Split AC
Another important consideration when choosing between split AC and window AC is the amount of space required after installation.
Split AC: It requires less space as compared to window AC. The indoor unit is mounted on the wall of your room, while the outdoor unit is mounted at a suitable place outside the building; it is suggested to maintain a maximum 6-meter distance between the indoor and outdoor units.
Know ideas to hide the outdoor unit easily:
9 Best Ideas to Hide Outside Ac Unit in your Home | GharPedia
Window AC: It requires more space as compared to split AC. Since these units are installed in the window, they often block daylight and become a security threat too.
04. Difference in the Capacity Range of Split AC and Window AC
The capacity of an air conditioner denotes its ability to cool a certain room size. It is an important factor in determining whether to use a window or a split AC. The greater the capacity, the easier it is to chill a vast space. Choosing the appropriate capacity is also essential to preventing electrical equipment from overheating.
Split AC: The capacity varies with the size of the room. It has no maximum restriction, so you can get the one that meets your demands.
Window AC: Since their capacity is restricted to 2 tones, this AC is rendered unsuitable for cooling huge spaces.
05. Split AC vs Window AC Cooling Efficiency
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, your air conditioner’s efficiency is critical. Even while both split AC and window AC units have good cooling capacities, they are highly dependent on tonnage and other factors.
Split AC: They are ideal for larger rooms or space which require more uniform temperature management. These systems provide more accurate cooling by using separate inside and outdoor units. The indoor unit can be strategically placed to maximise airflow and provide even dispersion of cool air over bigger surfaces. Split air conditioners often use modern technology that improves temperature control and efficiency in bigger spaces.
Window AC: These little devices are ideal for small rooms. Their single-unit design makes them ideal for direct, localised cooling. Window air conditioners’ simplicity allows them to quickly chill the space they’re in, which is especially useful in small spaces.
06. Window AC vs Split AC Energy Consumption:
Often, people are interested in knowing window AC vs split AC energy consumption. This comparison has a big impact on both your comfort and your electrical expenses.
Split AC: Split air conditioners are well-known for their innovative features, such as inverter technology, which improves energy efficiency drastically. Inverter technology enables the compressor to operate at varied rates, changing the cooling output as needed, rather than shutting down completely when it reaches the desired temperature. This continuous functioning, without the energy peaks associated with starting and stopping, minimises overall power use. By ensuring that the unit uses power appropriate to the cooling requirement, it avoids the significant energy consumption associated with standard on-off cycles. This not only lowers your electricity expenses, but also helps to provide a more environmentally friendly cooling solution.
Window AC: Window air conditioners are generally thought to consume more power, particularly in models with lower energy efficiency ratings (EER). The EER number indicates how much cooling a unit offers per watt of power. Higher EER values imply more energy efficiency, so if you’re searching for a window AC, selecting one with a high EER can result in cheaper energy expenses over time.
07. Window AC vs Split AC: Which Makes Less Noise?
This is the most obvious difference between window AC and split AC.
Split AC: Split ACs are quieter than window ACs because of their design: one unit inside, one outside. Because the compressor is in the AC’s exterior unit, the noise does not impact users in the room. So, if you’re seeking air conditioning for your workstation or modern home décor, split AC may be a better option.
Window AC: Because the compressor is in a single case within the room and closer to the user, it makes a lot of noise when it is turned on. This can cause inconvenience for those in the room.
08. Split AC vs Window AC Maintenance
Maintenance expenses might be a deciding factor in the debate of split AC vs window AC.
Split AC: They require professional servicing regularly. In addition, because there are two independent units, servicing costs may be higher.
Window AC: They require low maintenance and are easy to service because all components are compactly constructed. Window ACs are compact in design, thus they do not need much maintenance until a component inside the casing fails.
Follow these tips to maintain your AC:
Stay Cool This Summer With 5 Must-Know AC Maintenance Tips
09. Split AC vs Window AC Price
Your purchasing power will determine whether split AC or window AC is the best option for you.
Split AC: A split AC is costlier than a window AC of the same capacity. You need to install two units-one indoor and one outdoor. The price of split AC approximately ranges from Rs. 25,000 to 60,000.
Window AC: The price of a window air conditioner ranges from Rs. 16,000 to 40,000. The price rises as you increase the capacity and look for more features.
09. Split AC vs Window AC Price
Your purchasing power will determine whether split AC or window AC is the best option for you.
Split AC: A split AC is costlier than a window AC of the same capacity. You need to install two units-one indoor and one outdoor. The price of split AC approximately ranges from Rs. 25,000 to 60,000.
Window AC: The price of a window air conditioner ranges from Rs. 16,000 to 40,000. The price rises as you increase the capacity and look for more features.
10. Applications of Split AC and Window AC
The fundamental difference between window AC and split AC is their various applications based on their characteristics.
Split AC: Split AC units are ideal for large spaces such as offices, conference rooms, and oversized bedrooms. Its sleek form and low noise can also be important considerations when selecting an air conditioner to match the aesthetics of a place.
Window AC: Because of its portable design, this unit is ideal for portable applications, such as those living on rent. This is also a great option if you need an air conditioner for a tiny room.
Split AC vs Window AC: The Verdict:
From the above comparison of split AC vs window AC, we can conclude that both ACs are different in terms of their aesthetic, design, and cost. Of course, both have advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to decide which one suits your requirements. The choice mainly depends on the size of the room and how and where you want to install an air conditioner. Of course, the budget is also a consideration. If you have a limited budget, opt for a window AC. Split AC, on the other hand, should be your first choice if you want an air conditioner that matches the modern design of your space.
However, window air conditioners are becoming a little obsolete due to heavy noise, blocking of daylight, aesthetics, non-uniform cooling etc. In the split AC vs window AC debate, you need to consider all the above factors to zero in on what’s best for you. We hope that our efforts will be useful to you in selecting the appropriate air conditioner for your space.
If you’ve bought an air conditioner, but don’t know where to install it, read the following article:
Revealed! Best location For AC For Maximum Cooling
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