| S.no. | Parameter | Split Air Conditioners | Window Air Conditioner |
|---|
| 1 | Design | "Split" up into two components: the compressor and condenser are part of an external unit while the evaporative coil is part of the indoor AHU (Air Handling Unit). | Compressor, condenser, expansion valve and other components work as a single unit that is cuboid in shape. |
| 2 | Space | Takes up more space compared to a Window AC. | Takes up less space; units with lesser tonnage are as compact as a microwave. |
| 3 | Installation | May require professional help for installation; but only requires the drilling of a 3" hole to pass insulated pipes through which the indoor and outdoor units are connected. | Easy to install; some people prefer to hammer a hole through a wall and fit the AC in it with weight-supporting brackets on the other side. Others may have the AC installed in a window. Either way, it does not require professional help other than an electrician. |
| 4 | Noise | Very quiet operation as the noise-producing components is outside the area being cooled. Earlier ACs used to be noisy; newer ones are comparatively quieter. This is because of the reciprocative compressor housed within the chassis of the AC. | |
| 5 | Aesthetics | More aesthetically pleasing than Window ACs. Fair. Newer window AC looks quite modern because of their digital displays. | |
| 6 | Cooling Efficiency | Is quite good as the heat producing components are located outside. However, cooling efficiency may drop if the pipes connecting the indoor and outdoor units are improperly insulated. The indoor blowers can blow the air up to 30-40 feet away – allowing the split AC to cool your room faster than its compact counterpart | Depending on insulation, adequacy of tonnage for the area it is cooling, and running condition of the components in the AC, Window ACs are efficient at cooling a room. |
| 7 | Energy Efficiency | Here's a myth-breaker: both ACs use the same amount of electricity to cool a given area. | |
| 8 | Servicing/Maintenance | Trouble-shooting may require technical help. | Easy to service as all components are compactly designed. |
| 9 | Capacity/Cooling Power | No such restrictions. The indoor unit just blows the air around the area to be cooled; the real work is done by the external unit - which can be as large as it needs to be. | Restricted up to 2 Tons. |
| 10 | Size of area for cooling | No restrictions in the size of the area to be cooled. | Suitable for cooling areas which are less than 300 sq. ft. in size. |
| 11 | Suitable for… | Can be used for cooling large rooms, commercial and office spaces. | Single rooms in apartments, small offices, (of less than 300 sq. ft. in size) etc. |
| 12 | Cost | Can cost more. Installation costs may be more as well. | Very economical. Installation costs are low as well. |
|
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