Difference Between Window AC And Split AC: Window AC Vs Split AC

Planning to buy a new AC? If you are a new buyer, you must be confused between the Window AC and Split AC. Right?

Well, many people have this confusion. So why not clear that? Let’s settle the battle of Split AC vs Windows AC in this article.

What Is A Split AC?

As the name suggests, split AC is a two-unit AC where the compressor, condenser, and other related parts will be in one unit, and the evaporator is in another unit.

The unit with the compressor and condenser should be assembled outside the room, and the unit with the evaporator should be inside the room.

What Is A Window AC?

Window ACs should be assembled on the window frame. Unlike Split ACs, Windows ACs have only one unit with a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The complete unit needs to be assembled on a window.

Differences Between Window AC Vs Split AC

We will find the differences between window AC vs split AC based on the following criteria, and then we will decide which one to choose based on your requirements.

• Energy Efficiency
• Space Consumption
• Cooling Capacity
• Noise Level
• Looks and Aesthetics
• Safety
• Comfort and Convenience
• Pricing
• Brand
• New Technologies

Energy Efficiency

In simple words, the energy efficiency of an AC can be defined as the amount of cooling it provides per unit of electricity it consumes. This is called the Energy Efficiency Ratio( EER)

The more the value of ERR, the better the AC is, and the less amount of money you need to spend on your electricity bill.

In India, the energy efficiency of AC is defined by star rating value. The Bureau Of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the central body for certifying the energy efficiency of ACs.

BEE has made it mandatory for all manufacturers to print an energy efficiency label ( Star Rating) on all air conditioners. The more star rating an AC has, the better energy-efficient the AC is.

Star Rating values vary from one star to five stars. Five stars is the best rating, whereas one star is the worst. If the AC is five-star rated, then it would be the most energy-efficient.

Both Split AC and Windows AC come with a 5-star rating. But in the case of Window AC, there are very few options with a 5-star rating. On top of that, all new technologies are mostly implemented in Split ACs.

So even though both Window AC and Split AC with a 5-star rating consume almost the same electricity, split AC has an edge due to the wide variety of options and new technologies.

Space Consumption

Since Windows AC is a single-piece unit, it consumes less space in your room. You need to find a place next to your window to install the window AC.

In the case of Split AC, you need a good amount of space inside your room. On top of that, you need to find a space to keep the outdoor unit. There will be pipes connecting the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

You may need to drill through the wall for those pipes to pass through. So, not only does Split AC take up more space, but it also makes your room cluttered.

Well, we learned that Window AC is better if we talk about space consumption. But is it a viable option?

We Indians live in apartments with a very minimum gap between two apartments. If you place an AC on a window, there is a chance that your AC may hit your neighbor’s window. So think about that.

You may also need to have a specially designed window grill just to fit a window AC. Split AC does not need any window cutout.

Also, the outdoor unit of the Split AC is smaller than a Window AC. So your neighbor won’t complain about your AC hitting their window.

So in terms of space Consumption, window AC is a better choice, but if you think practically, then Split AC makes more sense.

Cooling Capacity

The tonnage defines the cooling capacity of an AC. More tonnage means better cooling capacity of the AC. For a medium to large room, 1-2 ton AC is more than enough unless you stay in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai.

Split ACs are available in the range of .5 tons to 2.5 tons. However, getting a 2-ton window AC is difficult. In that sense, Split AC is a more viable option in terms of cooling capacity.

Due to the various new technologies available in split ACs, they can give better cooling capacity than similar tonnage window ACs.

Noise Level

Since the compressor and the condenser of a window AC are in a single unit and assembled in your window, you will hear a lot of noise. Although during the daytime you may not feel the noise, it is more annoying at night.

Split AC usually has its outdoor unit way out of your room. Usually, it is installed on top of your window roof or attached to the wall using some bracket. So unless you open your window, you won’t be able to hear the compressor sound.

Split ACs also come with technologies that keep the compressor sound very low. So if you are concerned about the noise level, you should go for a Split AC.

Looks And Aesthetics

No doubt, split AC looks much better and is pleasing to your eyes. But the problem is that you need to arrange all the wires and pipes in the proper place. Otherwise, it looks worse than a Window AC

Nowadays, Split ACs come in different colors and different designs. You may also see some floral skins on split ACs that look great and for sure enhance the elegance of a room.

In the case of Window AC, all you can see are the fins. Because the whole unit will be outside of your window, You may not see wires and pipes dangling around, but window AC won’t enhance the look of your room for sure.

Safety

Safety should be the main consideration when buying an AC. Right? If you have a kid, then I would suggest you stay away from window AC.

The reason is simple. Window AC is easily accessible to kids. They can easily put their fingers inside the AC unit, which is a big safety issue.

They can even touch the wire inside. Stay away from Window AC if your kids do not know what he or she is doing.

Spilt ACs are NOT easily accessible to kids and even though they can reach the AC, there is no such easy way to put their fingers in.

Comfort And Convenience

As I said before, Split ACs are much quieter than window ACs. That adds to your comfort level.

In the case of Window AC, those are way too loud and cause annoying sounds. But those are easy for servicing as service people don’t need to climb to service it.

Split ACs are tough to service. The technician needs to climb to get the outdoor unit down and then service it. That is why Split AC servicing is always costly.

Pricing

Pricing plays a key role in deciding which AC to buy. Windows ACs are way cheaper than Split ACs as Windows ACs have everything in a single unit, reducing the production cost.

Split ACs on the other hand, are very costly. However, you may get split AC for cheap if you buy from non-branded companies. If you want to buy something good, you have to shell out a good amount of money.

On top of that, if you want to buy a 5-star rated split AC, you may need to spend a minimum of INR 40K to 50K. Same tonnage and the same energy-efficient window AC you may get for 10K less.

So although split AC is costly, it comes with a lot of benefits. For long-term investments split ACs are the best.

Brand

Well, nowadays, many reputed brands have stopped making window ACs. People do not prefer window AC and companies make less profit by selling a window AC.

Companies also do not like to invest money and space in Window ACs. The same amount of space and money if they invest in other areas they can make more money

So if you are brand-conscious then you have no option except to choose a split AC

New Technologies

You won’t see many new features in Windows ACs as companies do not like spending on a product that gives them less profit.

For example, inverter technology is an excellent technology for saving energy. But it is not available in window ACs. Samsung has recently launched a Wind-free AC, which is also not available in window AC.

Numerous other technologies are available in split ACs but not available in window ACs. So if you want to enjoy new technologies in your AC, then split AC is the best.

The Verdict: Window AC Vs Split AC: Which one to buy?

• If you are bothered about your electricity bill, choose a split AC
• If you want to buy a high-cooling capacity AC, then choose a split AC
• If you want to enjoy new technologies in your AC, go for a split AC
• If you want a quieter room and want to enhance your room’s look, split AC is best
• If you have very little space inside your room, the window AC is good
• If you are running short of money and want to buy an AC for the short term, a window AC is the best choice

Conclusion: Window AC vs Split AC

That’s all we have in this article to explain the differences between Window AC Vs Split AC. I hope I have enough insights to decide which AC is the best based on the different parameters mentioned. Still, if you have any questions or queries, write to me in the comment section, and I will be happy to help.