Split AC Vs Window AC: What’s The Difference?

Air Conditioner has become an essential part of everyday life. Whether it’s businesses or homeowners, having an AC is a part of living or working comfortably. There are many ACs, but the most commonly used are split ACs and Window ACs. Now, the question arises: Which one of these ACs is best for your business or home? To understand this, you must know the difference between split AC and window AC. Let’s dive deep into the discussion of split AC vs window AC and find the right fit for you.

What is a Split AC?

A split AC is an air conditioner with separate indoor and outdoor units, which makes it less noisy. Split ACs come in a variety and may include additional specifications such as Wi-Fi connectivity and artificial intelligence. Some split ACs also have multi-indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit. These types of AC provide centralised cooling across different rooms. Split ACs are more efficient than window ACs because they offer better cooling and lower energy consumption.

What is a Window AC?

A single compact cooling system is referred to as a window AC. It occupies the window space and is best suited for smaller rooms. Window ACs are somewhat conventional ACs, as better options are available in the market. However, they are cost-effective and require less maintenance. They are also suitable for offices where outdoor unit allocation is not possible, or the dedicated space for AC is small.

Split AC Vs Window AC: Key Differences

The difference between split AC and window AC can be majorly based on the cooling rate, energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness. Here is a comparison table of both ACs.

Feature	Split AC	Window AC
Design	Split AC has a sleek, modern design with decorative prints.	Window AC has a cubical shape and compact design.
Indoor/Outdoor Units	It has separate indoor and outdoor units.	Single Unit, No separation between indoor & outdoor units.
Installation	It may require drilling into the wall. Installation is tricky and should be done by a professional.	It is comparatively easy to install compared to Split AC.
Cooling Capacity	It is available for 1 to 3 tons, and is ideal for 120-450 sq. ft. rooms.	It is available from 0.75 to 2 tons, best for rooms up to 200 sq. ft.
Noise Level	Due to the outdoor compressor, it has a quieter operation (20-30 dB).	Since the compressor is inside, it has noisier operation (40-60 dB).
Energy Efficiency	The energy efficiency rating is up to 5 stars. Also, inverter Split ACs save up to 30-50% energy.	The energy efficiency rating is 3-5 stars. It is less efficient than Split AC. The energy saving is up to 15-20%.
Maintenance	It requires servicing 2-3 times a year.	It is easy to maintain and requires less frequent service.
Space Requirement	Indoor and outdoor units take up the wall and external space	Compact and requires only window space
Air Quality	Advanced filtration with anti-bacterial, dust, and air purifiers	Basic filtration may lack advanced air quality features
Power Consumption	800W to 2000W, depending on tonnage and efficiency	900W to 1500W; higher energy consumption in comparison to Split AC
Suitability	Best for larger rooms (120-450 sq. ft.) and offices	Suitable for smaller rooms (up to 200 sq. ft.)

Pros and Cons of Split AC

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of Split AC.

Pros of Split AC:

It comes in various modern and sleek designs. You can choose the colour and design of the Split AC to match the aesthetics of your office.
These ACs are energy efficient and come in up to 5-star ratings.
You can choose the ones that have advanced technology integrated such as wifi connectivity, motion sensing, etc.
These ACs offer quick cooling even in larger spaces.
Some split ACs have air purifying features to establish good quality air in the environment.
It produces low noise.

Cons of Split AC:

It requires regular maintenance from time to time.
It is not easy to install and requires a significant amount of wall and outdoor space for installation.
Split ACs are costlier compared to window ACs and the price differs on the basis of features, brand and capacity.

Pros and Cons of Window AC

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of window ACs.

Pros of Window AC:

It is a cost-effective AC.
It is best suited for small spaces.
It is a single unit and requires less space for installation.

Cons of Window AC:

The capacity of window ACs is up to 2 tons only.
There are not many window AC designs.
The energy consumption is higher.
It is not suitable for large spaces.
It creates more noise than split ACs

Conclusion

If it comes to this question, which AC should you buy? Consider the factors such as cooling capacity, energy consumption, room space, noise production and price.
Split ACs are better than window ACs in terms of high cooling capacity, less noise production, low energy consumption, and integrated technology.
Meanwhile, window ACs are less space-consuming, cost-effective, easy to install and require low maintenance.
You must choose between split AC and window AC based on your business requirements.

FAQs

Q. Is window AC better than split AC?

Split AC vs window AC is a debate that will never end. Both ACs serve the purpose of cooling, but both have advantages and disadvantages. You must go for a window AC if you have a small space and need a cost-effective solution. You must go for a Split AC if you need an energy-efficient, higher cooling capacity, and technology-integrated AC.

Q. Does window AC consume more electricity?

Yes, when it comes to split AC vs window AC power consumption, the latter consumes more power. Therefore, split ACs are a more energy-efficient option if you are buying an AC.

Q. Which type of AC is best?

Split ACs are preferred over window ACs because they offer more features and have a higher cooling capacity. The added advantage of a split AC is that it consumes less power and produces less noise.

Q. Which AC has low maintenance?

Window ACs have low maintenance compared to split ACs. However, you may require to service the AC once or twice a year.