Split Type Aircon vs Window Type Aircon: Which is the Better Choice?
Want to come home to a cool and comfortable room during the summer season? Then you are probably looking to purchase a new air conditioning system and are now torn between your two major options: the split type and the window type AC.
Since this is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make for your home, it’s only worth to consider several factors before you invest in an air conditioning unit. With the many types of air conditioners available on the market, you need to make sure that you buy the unit that is just right for your needs and budget.
But how do you know?
Well, there is no better way than to compare your options based on their capacities, design, cost, and aesthetics. While both the split type aircon and window type aircon have their own benefits, one of them should be better than the other, depending on which you think and feel suits you better.
From air conditioning Brisbane, here’s a comparative analysis of the two types of aircon to help you decide which to buy.
Window type vs split type AC
See those small aircons mounted on walls and used to cool down small rooms? Those are called window type aircons. Compared to split-type aircons, they are more pocket-friendly and require low maintenance cost. A window type aircon usually comes as a single unit, where its face is installed inside the home and the other installed outside.
Just like a window-type aircon, a split type aircon is also mounted on a wall. However, it is usually used to cool down larger rooms because its capacity is quite higher than a window type. This air conditioning system comes with a condenser and a compressor, where the compressor serves as the outdoor unit and the evaporator serves as the indoor unit. Unlike a window-type aircon, it does not require a window to be installed.
Now that you have an idea of what a window type and a split type aircon look like, it’s time to compare them based on their characteristics.
Design
It may not sound that important to you, but the design of your aircon is one of the things you need to consider before buying. After all, why would you buy an appliance that does not look good on your home? A split type aircon comes in various colors and patterns and can therefore change the overall look of your home. This air conditioning system gives a sense of elegance to your home, hence adding value to it when it’s time to sell your property. The only problem with a split type aircon design-wise is that installing it always requires the help of a professional. Since it is quite big, it is also not portable. With a window type aircon, you do not need a professional because it is very portable and therefore easy to move from one place to another. However, it only comes in one color—which is white—so it is not as good on the eyes as a split type aircon.
Cooling power
When it comes to cooling power, the best way to differentiate a window type from a split type aircon is this: Window ACs are best suited for small rooms, while split ACs are designed for larger rooms. Because of its relatively higher tonnage, a split type aircon is usually mounted high and keeps the potential to cool a room faster than the more compact window type aircon, which is more ideal for air circulation in smaller rooms.
Energy consumption
While you would certainly like to know which of the two aircon types is more efficient, you might be surprised to know that a split type and a window type aircon could consume similar amounts of power when they have similar ratings. The power consumption of an air conditioner depends on its rating—the higher the star rating, the more efficient the unit is. That means a 5-star unit consumes less energy than a 4-star unit. If a split type and a window type aircon both have 5-star ratings, then they consume just about the same amount of energy when they are on. However, you will find that there are more 5-star-rated split ACs on the market than window ACs, so that gives you a better range of products to choose from. Keep in mind too that in terms of efficiency, older models of air conditioners are not as forgiving as the newer ones, which usually come with inverter technology and therefore consume less power than their non-inverter counterparts.
Noise
You would rather put up with the scorching heat of the summer than bear the noise of a noisy aircon, wouldn’t you? If noise is something you hate a lot, then a split type aircon should be the better choice for you. Compared to window type ACs, split type ACs are virtually more silent even when they are not operating on a heavy load. Since the compressor and the inner blower come as a single unit in a window type aircon, it tends to be quite loud when it’s on. This is not the case with a split type AC, whose inner and outer mechanisms are separate from each other.
Maintenance
In terms of maintenance and serviceability, picking the one that’s better is a no-brainer. Since a window type has only one unit, it is much easier to maintain so you spend less on maintenance costs. On the other hand, a split type AC has two units so it is much tougher to service. Unlike a window type AC, it requires more regular maintenance to ensure that it functions effectively.
Verdict
While both the window type and split type air conditioners are excellent home cooling solutions, picking the one that suits you better will depend on your needs and requirements. If you are buying an aircon to cool down your small bedroom, then go for a window type AC which is more compact and ideal for smaller spaces. It is generally more affordable, too. But if you need an air conditioner to cool your spacious living room and you can afford a more expensive unit, you might want to consider buying a split type AC, which is ideal for bigger spaces.
