Split vs Window Air Conditioner

An air conditioner has three main parts, viz.compressor, condenser and evaporator. Compressor and condenser are located outside the area to be conditioned, i.e. the room. In a split AC the Condensor & Compressor units are seperated from evaporator and may be placed outside the room.The evaporator is located inside the room, usually with the panel. This is the part which actually cools the room air.

The window air conditioner is physically a single unit installed half inside and half outside the room, in a window / ventilator, etc. The outside portion has the compressor & condensor, and the inside portion has evaporator / control panel.

Regarding the efficiency, both are equally efficient and are suitable for different situations. The efficiency actually depends more on other factors, e.g. location, atmosphere, insulation than on type of the AC.

Below are some of the differences which should be kept in mind before buying an AC.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPLIT AC AND WINDOW AC

Design

In Window air conditioners heat exchangers, compressors, motors and connecting pipes are placed on the same base. On the other hand, split ACs consist of 2 units - Indoor Unit & Outdoor unit.

Space

Window ACs occupy more space than split ACs.

Installation

Window AC installation is easier than in Split AC.

Cost of equipment and installation cost

A one-ton split AC is going to cost your more than a one-ton window AC. Split AC is more costly than window AC. Also, the installation of a split costs more since you need to install two units-one indoor and one outdoor, which then need to be connected through copper tubing. You also need to spend on a mounting stand to fixed outdoor unit, whereas a window AC requires only spending on fixing one unit. Nowadays, most flats and houses reserve the required box space in the wall to fit the AC, so you don't even have to spend on drilling a hole in your wall to accommodate the unit.

Split Air Conditioner

Window Air Conditioner

Multiple Units

In Window AC, Multiple cooling units is not possible. Multiple cooling units are possible in split ACs with single outdoor unit catering to multiple indoor units.

Running cost of electricity

Now this cannot exactly be called a point of difference. But for those who think a split AC will lead to higher electricity bills, here's the myth-breaker-both ACs consume almost the same amount of units. Split may consume wee extra electricity, but it's a very marginal difference and shouldn't affect your buying decision.

Noise level

For those light sleepers who need the quiet while sleeping, the ideal choice is a split AC as it hardly makes any noise. This is because the noisy operation (the compressor) is kept outside the house. A window air conditioner is noisier, so if you are a sound sleeper, you shouldn't mind the window AC.

Service

Window AC is easier to service than Split AC.

Capacity

Generally the Max. capacity of Window AC is limited to 2.0 Ton whereas for Split AC there is no such restriction.

Usage pattern

The buying preference in India is more tilted towards the window AC since it is cheaper.

Both split and window ACs are equally effective. However, it is necessary to know the difference between the two, so you can pick the type that would suit your home the best. If you don't have space outdoors to mount a compressor, then there's no point in considering a split AC. For the average middle class home, window air conditioners are to reckon with, keeping the affordability factor in mind.