Split AC vs Window AC - Which One Should You Buy (2024)

With the temperature levels in India, it is imperative to have an AC. Quite too often you may find yourself wondering whether awindow AC or a split AC is better.Knowing the answer to this question is extremely vital in making the right purchase decision. Doing your research can also keep you from spending unnecessarily. However, to understand the difference between split and window AC units truly, you will have to learn about more than just their price points or installation.

For a comprehensive explanation that answers thequestion, keep reading.

Difference between split AC and window AC

Picking either a window AC or split AC can be quite the task. It is important toknow about the differences as they can affect more than just the price you pay. Here is all you need to know:

Price

Price is the first factor that distinguishes the two, and this is why it is important to have a set budget. Depending on your budget, you can choose the type ofACto go with as it is crucial to account for installation and maintenance also. Typically, in thewindow ACvs. split AC price battle, a window AC is a cheaper variant for the same tonnage. This further extends to maintenance as well, as here too, the costs are lower for window ACs.

Space requirement

The most noticeable window AC and split AC difference lies in the space requirement.Window ACsgenerally require a large amount of space as the entire appliance is just one unit. This means you need to either designate a full window or make adjustments to a wall to accommodate the AC. However, in terms of a split AC, there are 2 separate units that can be mounted on either side of the same wall, giving you some amount of flexibility.

Related articles:How to choose a home AC

Energy consumption and efficiency

Simply comparing window AC vs. split AC, energy consumption numbers will not be different as similar rated units consume similar amounts of power. Further, in terms of AC efficiency, older air conditioners are not as forgiving and newer window AC and split AC models with inverter technology consume less power than their non-inverter counterparts. In the window vs split AC comparison, a lot boils down to the appliance’s BEE rating and the compressor technology employed.

You can also explore: 1 ton window ACs

Noise

A split AC is virtually silent whereas a window AC can be quite loud, even when not operating on a heavy load, as it is fitted to a window frame. Further, the compressor is responsible for most of the noise and in a window AC, the compressor, and the inner blower are one unit. This is not the case with split ACs as the inner and outer mechanisms are separate from each other. The compressor is housed in the outer unit, making it the quieter of the two.

Related articles:Best air conditioners (AC) with price list in India

Cooling capacity

The capacity of an AC, or its cooling ability, is based on its tonnage. However, split ACs are mounted high and designed for cooling larger spaces, whereas window ACs are better for air circulation in smaller rooms. It is also possible to get split ACs of a high tonnage, of above2 ton ACs.

Maintenance and serviceability

The debate between a split AC and window AC – which is best in terms of maintenance, is actually a no-brainer. Since a window AC has just one unit, the cost of maintenance is low, and it is easier to service. However, since a split AC has 2 units, it is tougher to service and requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal results.

Split AC vs Window AC - Which One Should You Buy (2024)

FAQs

Split AC vs Window AC - Which One Should You Buy? ›

Split ACs are ideal for larger rooms and offer quieter operation but require professional installation and higher upfront costs. Window ACs are easier to install and more cost-effective but are noisier and less efficient.

Which is better, window AC or split? ›

The split AC is higher in terms of cooling power than the window AC. The cooling power of the window AC is in the range of 0.75 to 2.5 tons, while the split power can reach 0.80 tons to 3 tons. The split is the best AC in distributing the air according to the place where it is located.

Are mini split AC better than window units? ›

Energy Efficiency: Mini-splits are generally more energy-efficient than window units. They minimize energy loss typically associated with ductwork and use inverter technology, leading to less energy consumption and lower utility bills.

Which is better, split or air conditioner? ›

Mini-splits are more energy efficient than central air units, lowering bills. This is because mini-split air conditioners do not rely on ductwork to transfer cooled or heated air from one room to another as a central AC system does.

Is a mini split AC better than a regular AC? ›

While a central system circulates air throughout the entire home at the same temperature, a mini split system allows each room to be cooled or heated at different temperatures based on your own preferences. Hire a HVAC professional to determine which type of system is best for your home.

Which is better, split type or window type? ›

Simply put, a window air conditioner is simpler to install, less expensive, and easier to maintain than a split air conditioner. They are, however, noisier, take longer to cool, and are less visually appealing than split type models.

Why do people still use window AC? ›

Inexpensive to Run

Especially compared to a central AC unit, window units don't use very much electricity. A window AC requires on average 500 to 1,440 watts to run, while a central unit uses upwards of 3,500 watts. If you only need to cool a small space, window ACs are much more cost effective than central AC units.

What are the disadvantages of a window air conditioner? ›

What Are the Disadvantages of Window Air Conditioners? Disadvantages include lower efficiency than central air, disruptive noise, the need for a window, and not cooling multiple rooms evenly. They are also a pain to remove before winter and install again for summer.

What is better than a window AC? ›

Ductless mini split AC systems provide several advantages over window AC units, in the fact that their noisy parts are located outside where you can't hear them and they keep you safer from outside threats since they only require a small opening.

Do mini splits affect resale value? ›

Flexible Upgrades

This attractive feature is one reason why ductless mini splits increase the value of the home, especially when you go to sell.

Why is split AC better? ›

Split systems consume less electricity than other climate control options so even if you run them for a long period of time you won't break the bank on your utility bills. They also have a quiet operation which increases the efficiency of the unit.

Do split AC units use a lot of electricity? ›

Mini split heat pump systems do not use a lot of electricity energy when compared to a conventional system handling the same heating or cooling loads. These ductless systems are known for their energy efficiency, as they can provide heating and cooling using less electricity than traditional HVAC systems.

How long should a split AC last? ›

With proper maintenance, most units can last anywhere between 10-15 years. The overall quality of the AC unit plays a big role in how long it will last. Cheaper units made with lower-quality materials will not last as long as more expensive units made with better-quality materials.

Which is better, a mini-split or a window unit? ›

Although the initial price for a ductless ac unit is far greater than that of a window ac unit, the eventual utility bills and longevity of ductless mini split units are far less. Consider the long-term goals of your purchase and the intended time of use for your air conditioner units before purchasing.

What is the disadvantage of mini-split? ›

Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems

Upfront cost: The initial installation cost of mini split air conditioners or heat pumps can be higher than traditional systems, especially if multiple indoor and outdoor units are required.

What mini splits to stay away from? ›

Ductless Mini-Split Brands to Avoid:

MRCOOL. Carrier. Klimaire.

What are the drawbacks of window AC? ›

Cons of window unit AC
  • They're inefficient. Window AC units can be much less energy efficient than other types of cooling systems, especially if they're too large for the room they're cooling. ...
  • Their cooling range is limited. ...
  • They're unsightly. ...
  • They're loud. ...
  • They can cause security concerns. ...
  • They've got problems—lots.
May 12, 2023

Which type of AC is best? ›

Split Air Conditioner is a widely preferred AC type suitable for contemporary homes. Renowned for their enhanced efficiency and impressive performance, split ACs stand out as a top choice. Comprising two units and available in diverse configurations, they prove to be perfect for households with multiple rooms.

Is it cheaper to run AC or window unit? ›

If you're trying to cool a single room, a window unit is cheaper than a central air system. However, if you're trying to cool an entire building, running multiple window units at the same time is inefficient and more expensive than a central air conditioning system.

Why are window AC units better? ›

Pros of window air conditioners.

There is no separate vent to worry about, and more noise is directed outside compared to a portable air conditioner. In addition, window air conditioners are often more efficient than portable air conditioners allowing them to cool a larger space at a lower cost.

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