Split AC or Window AC: What is the best AC for you?
Confused? We help you decide
As the days get hotter, you're probably on the lookout for the best ways to keep it cool – especially the rooms where you spend most of the time working or sleeping. When shopping for an air conditioner, you’re most likely to be pulled into the split ac vs window ac debate.
So what are the key differences between a split ac and a window ac, and how do you choose one over the other? We help answer all such queries, so read on.
Split AC vs Window AC: What are the big differences?
The key differentiating factor is the design. Window AC, as the name suggests, is a single unit that is mounted in a dedicated window frame. The front with the buttons and vents face the inside of the room, while the rest of the mechanism juts out the back.
Split AC essentially ‘splits’ the unit into an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit doesn’t require a dedicated window space and can be wall mounted, while the outdoor unit with the compressor is placed outside.
Is a Window AC better suited for a bedroom and office or Split AC?
Window AC only requires a single space in a window, and is easy to install. But with a maximum capacity of 2 tons, Window ACs are best suited for smaller apartments.
Split AC needs space indoors and outdoors for the installation of the two units, and requires professional help. They are usually mounted closer to the ceiling and are designed to quickly cool larger spaces. With a wider range of cooling capacity available in the market, Split ACs are ideal for bigger apartments and office spaces.
Split AC or Window AC: Which consumes less electricity?
Electricity consumption is based on the air conditioner’s star-rating; higher the rating, the more efficient is your ac. A 5 Star AC can theoretically consume up to 10% less energy than a 4 Star AC.
So if you’re buying an AC for periodic usage in a small room, a 3 Star or Star rated AC should suffice. But for larger rooms and extended usage, a 5 star AC will be the most efficient.
However the inverter technology is the big game-changer in the AC category. Window ACs or Split ACs with inverter technology are far more efficient than non-inverter ACs since their compressor can operate at different capacities. Based on the room temperature, a 1.5 ton inverter ac can automatically alternate between 0.5 ton to 1.5 ton capacities to cool the room while consuming less electricity. A non-inverter won’t have such flexibility.
Split AC vs Window AC: Which is the quieter of the two?
There’s no competition here, as split acs produce little to no noise, making them perfect for classrooms or offices. Since the compressor is fitted into the outdoor unit, all the noise-producing grunt work happens outside the room.
In a window ac, all the mechanism is fitted into a single unit that is placed on your window sill, so there’s no way to keep the noise at bay. Even when not operating at heavy loads, window ACs tend to produce a fair amount of noise.
Split AC vs Window AC: Which is costlier?
Besides the space constraints, star rating and maximum capacity, another factor that influences buying decisions is the price. And in the Split AC vs Window AC price battle, the latter comes out as a clear winner.
No matter the brand, a window ac will always be cheaper than a similar capacity split ac. Take for instance the Croma 1.5 Ton 3 Star Window AC, which is available for ₹29,990 on croma.com. In comparison, a Croma 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC costs ₹36,990 on croma.com. You also end up saving on installation charges by opting for a window ac.
Split AC vs Window AC: Which is easier to maintain?
Since window ac is a single unit, it is typically cheaper to maintain and easier to service. A split ac, with its two units, needs a bit more effort to service, and also periodic maintenance to keep running at the optimal level.
Split AC vs Window AC: How to choose the AC that is best suited for me?
In the Split AC vs Window AC debate, you need to take into consideration all the above factors to zero in on what’s best suited to your requirement.
If you require a no-fuss air conditioner to cool a small room or apartment, a window ac should suffice. With a maximum capacity of 2 tons, there’s not a lot in terms of choices, but in its favour is the lower cost of buying and maintenance.
When in the market for a Split AC, there’s a wider range of choices in terms of design, colours, star-rating and capacity. These are likely to incur extra installation charges, but are quieter of the two and are adept at efficiently cooling larger spaces.
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