The age-old debate between choosing a Window AC and Split AC has been going on for a while. But, do you have an answer about which air conditioner is the best? Keep reading to know the answer.
Having an air conditioner is important for a house as it can be your friend during the summer season. However, there is always some kind of confusion among people when planning to decide between a Window AC and a Split AC. The struggle is real when they are about to purchase an AC as due to lack of proper information you end up choosing the wrong option.
There has been a divide among people when asked about which air conditioner they would prefer to go with. Some of them prefer the conventional Window Air conditioner, while others stick to Split.
To remove your confusion, I’ll be helping you with the answer regarding Window AC Vs Split AC (with pros and cons). Let’s get started:
What is window/split air conditioner?
| WINDOW AC | SPLIT AC |
|---|---|
 |  |
| You can get it by the name as these air conditioners are wall-mounted and also happen to be budget-friendly. Having a small room or tiny space seems to be the perfect fit for a Window AC as the cooling capacity is considered to be on the lower side. In the past, most of them used to be fixed-speed ACs. However, times have changed and now there are numerous inverter window air conditioners too in the market. A window air conditioner does have a single unit with the front part facing the room and the exhaust installed outside the window. | A split air conditioner looks like the new generation version of cooling your home. Unlike a Window AC, they can cool larger rooms. As you can get by the name, they consist of two units and are split between an indoor one and an outdoor one. The fan and evaporator are placed inside the room, while the condenser and compressor are placed in the outdoor unit. Moreover, a Split AC can be further categorized between a Non-inverter AC and Inverter AC. |
Split AC vs window AC – which is better?
I have both the AC types and I think I can obviously comment on this. I have Split AC for my living room and Window AC for my bedroom. So, I will share my experience on both.
Actually, both the ACs have the same inherent working system. They both depend on heat exchangers and compressing refrigerants.
There are pros and cons of both the ACs. Here’s what I feel:
| FACTOR | SPLIT AC | WINDOW AC |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Low consumption | High consumption of energy due to poor insulation levels |
| Cost | Quite costly | Economical |
| Maintenance | Expensive to maintain and requires regular cleaning | Easy to maintain with low efforts |
| Installation | Easier to install. You can install anywhere in your home | Easy to install, but only in window |
| Digging | You may need to dig a hole in your wall while installing. | No digging required in the wall |
| Cooling | Offers better cooling when compared to a Window AC | Cooling effectiveness is on the lower side |
| Noise level | Does not make noise | Can be quite noisy |
| Warranty | 1-10 Years | 5-12 Years |
| Portability | Not a good option in case you need to shift/relocate to a different city as removing it can take a toll | Easy in terms of installation and removal. So, there shouldn’t be any problem |
Window AC pros and cons
There are several pros and cons that you need to check out. They are as follows –
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy installation | Isn’t a good option when it comes to larger rooms. |
| It is an ideal air conditioner for smaller rooms. | The functioning of a Wall AC is pretty noisy. |
| They tend to be energy savers as operation costs are on the lower side. | Blocked window view. |
| There is no requirement for plumbing work when installing a Window AC. | There are very few features when compared to a Split Air conditioner. |
| Chances of leakage are low. | Have the tendency to pass in hot air and this can lead to the air conditioner being less efficient. |
| It can be relocated with ease from a certain window to the other. | Humid weather can be a hindrance as a Window AC doesn’t work well in such weather conditions. |
| They are affordable when compared to Split AC. | The design of a Window AC is not pleasing to the eye. |
Split AC pros and cons
Similarly, there are a sizeable number of pros + cons of having a split air conditioner.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Provides faster cooling when it is about larger rooms. | It can be costly when you compare it with a conventional Window AC. |
| No requirement of making holes in the wall. | Installation does require professionals who have a thorough knowledge of a Split AC. |
| Split Air conditioners tend to consume a lower amount of power. | Cost of maintenance and repair will be on the higher side. |
| Tend to be stylish and attractive in the looks department. | The exterior compressor does make a lot of noise. |
| Nearly all split air conditioners have a remote control. This makes it easier to control. | It isn’t a good option to install a split air conditioner. |
| Very silent in terms of its operation throughout. | You might have to change some parts in a couple of years as it suffers from longevity issues. |
| You’re ensured completely pure air. | In terms of portability it isn’t a wise option. |
Things to know before buying a split/window AC
Modern ACs come with same technologies and are equally good with pros & cons. Here’s what you need to know before buying the right AC for your home.
1. AC capacity and room size
AC capacity requirement is always decided by room size, walls specifications, number of people, sun exposure, windows, and door. Some experts say the height of the room should also be considered.
So, while deciding which AC to buy, you should first calculate the size of your room.
- For less than 80 Sq Ft – 0.75 ton
- 80 to 120 Sq Ft – 1 ton
- 120 to 190 Sq Ft – 1.5 ton
- 190 to 300 Sq Ft – 2 ton
- 1 ton = 12,000 BTU per hour
1.5 ton = 18,000 BTU per hour
2 ton = 24,000 BTU per hour
3,412 BTU = 1 Kilo Watt per hour
Here, BTU means British Thermal Unit, which is the international standard measurement of energy. It is the ‘energy amount’ used to raise the temperature of 0.45 liters of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Further Reading: Difference Between 1 Ton And 1.5 Ton AC
2. Inverter or non-inverter?
If you are likely to use your AC more than 6 months to year-round, with more than 10-12 hours in a day, then I will suggest you to go for inverter one.
This will save you around 15 – 19% on energy consumption as compared to non-inverter AC.
Inverter AC’s compressor is controlled by Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), which is also known as inverter drive. This inverter drive controls the speed of the motor that rotates the compressor as per different load conditions during the entire usage.
On the other hand, the non-inverter AC compressor runs as per the temperature set by you. It runs either at zero or 100%. This increases the power consumption.
Inverter ACs are new in the market and their technology is still improving. Maintenance of inverter ACs can be little expensive compared to non-inverter ACs.
However, it will save you a lot on the electricity bills in long run.
3. Copper vs aluminium condenser
I am not an electrical engineer but let me try my best to describe the difference between Copper vs Aluminium Condenser in Layman’s term.
Actually, it is hard to repair aluminium condenser once broken. Also, it has a very bad reputation in long run. Once leaked, the whole unit has to be replaced.
Most of the modern air conditioners now come with copper oil condenser. They are little costly but they give better cooling effects.
They require low maintenance and can be easily repaired by any local technician when there is a leak. Also, they are reliable and has a longer shell life.
If you see the technical side of it, the main function of these coils in ACs is to transfer the heat. Copper has higher heat transfer coefficient than aluminium, which means Copper coil condenser based air conditioners will give faster cooling effects than the aluminium ones.
4. Energy Star Rating
According to a research by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, average consumers in India prefer ACs that have higher star labels/ratings. They are willing to pay more for air conditioners that are energy efficient.
The Bureau Of Energy Efficiency introduced this Energy Star Ratings in 2006 for electronics/appliances. This is to help the consumers informed themselves about energy saving and the environment.
ACs with 4-5 Star are much expensive but if you are going to use more than 12 hours in a day, go for 5 Star. Your power bills will come down and thus more savings.
5. Manufacturer warranty & services
This is probably the most important thing to look for when you buy any new electronic or gadget because electronics items are considered to be unpredictable.
You never know what might happen in coming days or months. It may last for just 30 days or even for 10 years. So, always look out for warranty.
Another one is after-sale services. Having multiple service centers is really important.
You do not want to run around the whole day or take a day off just to get a small service done at home or what if the product needs to be uninstalled and taken to the service center. It becomes a nightmare.
Bottom line
Numerous factors do separate both the ACs. Split AC’s might be a better alternative when it comes to cooling efficiency due to being the newer generation of air conditioners. If you see window air conditioners, they can be affordable and also much easier in terms of installation.
Technically speaking, I would suggest getting an AC which suits you in terms of your requirements. Whether it is a Split or Window AC, it all boils down to a list of factors that I’ve mentioned above in the article as that would make it easy for you to make a pick.
Happy cooling!