Split System Aircon vs Window-Type Aircon: Which Should You Buy

Let’s face it: Nobody wants to come home to a muggy ambiance during the sweltering summer months. Especially if you are living in an area with a tropical climate, you need an air conditioning system to cool your home.

If you are looking to purchase an air conditioning system but are torn between a window-type and a split system air con, you have come to the right place. Both types of air conditioning systems have a range of benefits, but the answer to which of them is better boils down to your needs.

In this head-to-head comparison, we will look at the features of a window-type aircon and a split-type air conditioner so you will know which one better suits your needs. Since an air conditioning system is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make for your home, you cannot just purchase a type that is not right for you. Keep reading to learn more about these two types of air conditioning to see which one will work better for you.  

Window-type vs split-type aircon

A window-type air conditioner is usually bought as a single unit and is mounted on a wall, with its face installed inside the home and the other installed outside. The entire box-type unit houses all its components, including the condenser, evaporator, compressor, cooling oil, etc. This type of air conditioning makes an ideal choice if you are cooling a small space because of its small capacity. Compared to other types of aircon, this one is easier on the pocket and requires low maintenance.

Like a window-type unit, a split system is also mounted on a wall. However, it comes not as a single unit but two, where its capillary tube, evaporator, cooling fan serve as the indoor unit while its compressor, condenser, and expansion valve serve as the outdoor unit. This type of aircon is ideally used to cool larger rooms since it has a relatively higher cooling capacity.

Now let us compare the two based on their application, energy efficiency, capacity, installation, maintenance, etc.

Application

One major difference between a window air conditioner and a split air conditioner is their application. Like we said, a window-type aircon is used for smaller spaces while a split-type is used for much bigger spaces because of its higher cooling capacity. Owing to its portable design, a window-type aircon also makes a great choice for transferable applications, although a split-type aircon makes a better choice if you want a more aesthetic and noiseless system.

Installation

Thanks to its straightforward design, you can install a window-type aircon without the help of an HVAC professional. However, there is a caveat. Since this type of air conditioning requires a window to be installed, it needs more space compared to a split system. In many cases, window-type air conditioners tend to keep the sunlight from entering a room and may pose security threats, too.

While a split system is more complex to install since it involves two separate units, it does not require as much space as a window-type aircon. Usually, this type of aircon is mounted on a wall, with its outdoor unit installed at a suitable spot outside a home or building. That means if you want a unit that will consume less space in your home, a split system is the way to go.

Servicing and maintenance

A single look at a window-type aircon and a split-type aircon is all it takes to determine which of them is easier to maintain. Thanks to its compact design, a window aircon is low maintenance and is quite simple to service. In fact, you can easily maintain all its components without the help of an expert! With a split system, maintenance requires the hands of a technical person because of its more complicated design. When you go for this type of air conditioning, you also need to make sure that your unit is serviced at least twice a year to keep it running smoothly. Even when it comes to troubleshooting, a split type aircon is more intricate than a window-type aircon.  

Energy efficiency

When it comes to energy efficiency, you may think it is obvious that the running costs of window air conditioners and split air conditioners vary since one consumes more energy than the other. However, that is not always the case. In fact, how much energy your unit consumes depends on its energy efficiency rating, where the higher the star rating, the more energy efficient it is. That means it is also possible for a split system to be more energy efficient than a window-type aircon! If you opt for a small window aircon to cool your entire home, you may end up with a higher electricity cost than when you opt for a split system whose capacity is just right to cool your home. Whatever the case, you can trust that a 5-star split system is more energy efficient than a 2-star window system. Even if a split aircon may consume a bit more energy than a window-type aircon, you may find the difference not that significant to impact your purchasing decision.

Conclusion

Before you decide whether to buy a window-type or split-type aircon, think about your preferences and what you really need for your home. Both types of aircon come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it is important that you consider what each of them has to offer to know which one suits you better. If you want an air conditioner that is portable, easy to install and maintain, and is just right to cool a small room in your home, then a window-type aircon is the way to go. This option makes a great choice if you are living in a small house and are on a tight budget. But if you want a noiseless and more aesthetic option that has a higher cooling capacity, a split air conditioning system is undoubtedly the better choice. You can set up this system to cool various parts of your home, plus it distributes cool air evenly across space.