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Window AC vs Split AC Which is Better

The use of AC for respite from summer is every day, but when it comes to buying AC for home or office, split AC vs window AC are the most popular choices. A window AC unit is fitted in the window and is available at a low price, making it ideal for small spaces. On the other hand, split air conditioner units have one unit inside and one unit outside, which reduces noise and is better suited for large spaces. Both window type AC and divided ACs have their advantages and disadvantages, which depend on your requirements and budget. Let’s know which one will be better for you.

What is Window AC?

A window air conditioner is an air conditioner used to keep the room cool in summer. It is fitted in the window. All its essential components, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve, are assembled in a single unit. It is usually designed to be installed directly in the window, making it very compact and practical.

Window AC Parts:

  • Compressor: The Compressor is the most crucial part of the air conditioner. Its function is to compress the gas and convert it into a gas with high pressure and temperature.
  • Condenser: The condenser’s primary function is to cool the gas and convert it into a liquid form. A condenser is necessary for cooling; it removes heat from the room.
  • Evaporator: This component, located within the room, is responsible for cooling the air. When the compressor heats the air, it is expelled through the evaporator, which then cools the air and returns it to the room.
  • Expansion Valve: This valve reduces the gas pressure, allowing the room to cool to the desired temperature through the condenser.

Function of Window AC

First, the warm air in the room is drawn through the evaporator. Then, the hot air is processed by the work of the compressor and condenser, emitting heat to the outside. Eventually, the cool breeze reaches the room, making it cooler.

What is Split AC

A split type air conditioner is also an air conditioner that has two separate units. An indoor unit, which is placed inside the room, and an outdoor unit, which is placed outside. Pipes connect both these units. The “split” in the name of Split type ACs itself tells that it has two units, one inside and one outside.

Split AC Parts:

split ac indoor unit and outdoor unit
  • Indoor Unit: It is fitted with an evaporator and fan, which draw in the hot air from the room, cool it and send it back into the room.
  • Outdoor Unit: This section comprises the compressor and the condenser. The compressor compresses the gas, and the hot gas is cooled by the condenser, which turns the gas back into a liquid.

Function of Split AC

When you turn on Split type ac, the indoor unit draws in the warm air from the room and sends it to the evaporator for cooling. The evaporator cools the air and returns it to the room. The compressor in the outdoor unit compresses the gas, which becomes extremely hot. Then, this hot gas is cooled by the condenser, and the gas turns into a liquid.

Difference Between Window AC and Split AC

window ac vs split ac

During the summer season, it becomes necessary to install an air conditioner (AC) in every home and office. However, when it comes to buying an AC, people often get confused about choosing between a window AC and a split type ac. Are you also struggling with the same question? Let’s explore the differences between the two types of AC, their advantages and disadvantages, and determine which one is most suitable for you in this article.

1. Installation Process

Window AC Installation Advantages:
  • A window type air conditioner unit is the easiest to install. It is easy to fit it in most windows. No significant changes in the wall or piping are required for this. A technician sets up a window type air conditioner in approximately 1-2 hours.
  • The installation of a window type ac is very economical, costing around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500. Sometimes dealers also offer free installation.
  • No additional accessories or fittings are required.
  • It is also easy to shift from one place to another.
Window AC Installation disadvantages:
  • Window type air conditioner causes the window to close, reducing light and ventilation.
  • This AC is inadequate for large rooms.
  • Often, the window needs to be closed permanently after installation.
  • Window ac stand price: Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 plus installation charges: Rs. 200 to Rs. 500.
Split AC Installation Advantages:
  • During installation, a split AC does not require disturbing a wall or window, and thus does not compromise the room’s appearance.
  • Comparing Window AC vs Split AC, Split type ac is more suitable for larger rooms due to its larger capacity.
  • Can be installed anywhere on any wall of the room.
Split AC Installation disadvantages:
  • The installation of a split AC unit is very complicated and time-consuming.
  • The Split ac installation charges can range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 or more, depending on the location.
  • Split air conditioners are permanent fittings in the wall.
  • If you shift from one place to another, then apart from the problems, the expenses also increase.
  • Split AC stand installation Charges range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500

2. Window AC vs Split AC Price

Price Advantages:

Window AC

  • The purchasing price of a window air conditioner is much lower than that of a split AC.
  • For people with a limited budget, window type air conditioner is better in window AC vs split type ac.
  • Many basic models are available at affordable prices.

Split AC

  • Split type acs are more expensive due to their superior design, advanced features, and higher quality.
  • Due to its high cost, the technical equipment and systems of split type air conditioner are of high quality. It is more durable and requires less maintenance.
  • Being expensive, split air conditioners come with advanced technological features, such as innovative cooling, an air purifier, and a better temperature control system.
Disadvantages:

Window Air Conditioner

  • Due to the low price, the window airconditioner limits the features and technology.
  • When looking for higher capacity, the options in window type air conditioners are also limited.

Split AC

  • Due to the high cost of split type ac, it does not fit into everyone’s budget.
  • The servicing cost of a split air conditioner is also high.

3. Window AC vs Split AC Electricity Bill

Window Air Conditioner

  • If you use it for 10-12 hours a day in summer, your monthly electricity bill will be slight higher.
  • It cools small rooms quickly, reducing energy consumption.
  • Lower electricity bills due to lower cooling capacity.

Split AC

  • Modern technology Split air conditioner with an inverter feature saves more on the electricity bill.
  • Continuous usage of a split type ac results in a lower electricity bill than a window AC.
  • The Inverter Split AC operates on a lower load, further reducing power consumption.

4. Window AC vs Split AC Power Consumption

Window Type AC

  • Window air conditioners generally do not offer the same energy efficiency as split ACs, as their designs are older and their cooling systems are less efficient.
  • For small rooms it makes better use of energy, thereby reducing power consumption.
  • A 1.5-ton 3-star window type air conditioner consumes, on average, around 1.5 units (kWh) of electricity per hour.

Split AC

  • Split type acs have lower power consumption due to their better energy efficiency.
  • A 1.5-ton split AC, if it is 5-star, consumes on average 1.1–1.2 units (kWh) of electricity per hour.

5. Window AC vs Split AC: Cooling Comparison

Window AC

  • The cooling capacity of a window air conditioner is suitable for small rooms.
  • Its cooling effect is less in larger rooms.
  • The cooling speed of the window AC is fast.
  • It cools the room quickly, but takes more time for larger rooms.
  • Due to the limited cooling capacity of a window type air conditioner, its cooling effect is limited to some parts of the room.
  • Window type air conditioner cools the room quickly, but as soon as it is switched off, the room temperature quickly rises back.
  • The airflow in a window type ac is limited in area. It flows air in only one direction.

Split AC

  • The cooling capacity of a split type ac is helpful for large rooms and open areas.
  • Nowadays, the cooling capacity of split air conditioner is significantly improved, allowing it to spread cool air evenly throughout the room.
  • The cooling speed of a split type air conditioner is slow, as it is ideal for larger areas.
  • Its advanced airflow system maintains consistent temperature in every part of the room.
  • A split AC system maintains its durability by keeping the room cool for an extended period.
  • Its improved airflow system gives it smooth and stable cooling.

6. Gas Filling Charges

Split Type AC

The gas refilling price of a Split-type AC depends on several factors, such as the tonnage capacity of the AC, the type of gas (R22, R32, R410A, etc.), and the location. Generally, the gas refilling prices of Split AC are as follows:

  1. 0.75 ton split ac or 0.8 ton split ac – Rs.1500 to Rs. 2500
  2. Split ac 1 ton – Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000
  3. Spilt ac 1.5 ton – Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3500
  4. Split ac 2 ton – Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4000
Window Type AC

The window type ac gas filling charges are slightly less than those of split type AC. This price depends on the capacity of the AC and the kind of gas. Generally, the gas refilling prices of window AC are as follows:

  1. 0.85 ton or 0.75 ton window ac – Rs.1200 to Rs. 2000
  2. Window ac 1 ton – Rs.1500 to Rs. 2500
  3. Window ac 1.5 ton – Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000
  4. Window ac 2 ton – Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3500

Window AC vs Split AC: Conclusion

When it comes to window AC vs split AC, both have their advantages, and the cooling capacity varies according to usage. A window air conditioner unit is ideal for small rooms and limited budgets, as it cools the room faster, but the cooling effect is limited. On the other hand, split type ac is ideal for large rooms and open areas, as it provides better cooling, uniform airflow, and stable temperature control, resulting in a comfortable environment for an extended period.

If you have limited space and budget, a window type air conditioner can be a more economical and practical option. On the other hand, if you want ideal cooling, reduced noise, and improved energy efficiency, then a split type ac will be more suitable for your needs.