An Air conditioner is no longer considered a luxury instead it has become a necessity of every house. But one question that often baffles people when they look for an air conditioner for their houses is what kind of air conditioner to buy. This is because there are different kinds of air conditioners available in the market.
As we all know, there are basically three types of air conditioners available in the market split air conditioner, window air conditioner, and Inverter air conditioner. All of these air conditioners are quite different from each other. And that is why it can be a tricky task to choose among them. So, to make it easier for you to choose we have compared them on different parameters.
| Split Air Conditioner | Window Air Conditioner | Inverter Air Conditioner |
|---|---|---|
| It comes with 2 units-an Indoor and an Outdoor unit. | It comes with a single unit. | Depends on whether it is a window air conditioner or a split air conditioner. |
| Not easy to install. Requires a skilled technical person. | It is easy to install due to its single-unit design. | This too depends on whether the Inverter air conditioner is in split or window type. |
| Servicing a split AC is quite expensive as it can be done by technicians only. | Maintenance is easy and inexpensive. | Needs very little maintenance due to less wear and tear of components. |
| Less noisy. | Noisier than the other two types. | Quieter than the other two types. |
| Cools the room faster than a window AC. | Gives good cooling but they are best suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. | Gives the best uniform cooling. |
| 10-20% expensive than window AC. | They come at affordable prices. | They are a little expensive than the other two types but are quite durable. |
| Energy consumption for the Window AC and Split AC is almost the same. | Energy consumption for the Window AC and Split AC is almost the same. | Consumes less electricity in comparison with the other two types. |
Split AC Vs Window AC Vs Inverter AC - Structural difference:-
Split AC
A split AC consist of 2 units, an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is responsible for cooling the room and consists of an Evaporator, cooling fan, and Capillary tube. Whereas the outdoor unit sucks the hot air and throws it out. The outdoor unit comprises a condenser, compressor, and expansion valves. Split Air conditioners are usually wall-mounted. But they are also available in the floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted types.
Window Air conditioners
Window Air conditioners come with a single unit only and all the components are positioned in the same unit. These Air conditioners have compact designs. These too are wall-mounted.
Inverter Air Conditioners
Inverter Air conditioners can be of both types either split or window. However, they are widely available in split types. The key difference between a normal air conditioner and an Inverter air conditioner is their working principle.
Now that we have seen the basic structural difference between these Air conditioners let us compare them in detail.
Split Air Conditioner Vs Window Air Conditioner:-
1) Aesthetics
Split Air Conditioners come in a variety of colors and designs. And because of their chic designs and color, they enhance the look of your room. Whereas Window Air conditioners are usually available in the same pattern. Also, they come in one or two colors commonly white or off-white. So, we can say that Split ACs are way more aesthetically pleasing than the Window AC.
2) Installation
Talking about the installation, Installing a Split AC is quite difficult and requires a skilled professional. Windows ACs on the other hand are easy to install due to their single-unit design.
Window ACs require a good amount of space for their installations as it has only one unit that is installed inside the room and is quite bulky. Split ACs on the other hand don’t occupy a lot of indoor space as the indoor unit is normal in size.
3) Suitability
A Split AC cools a room faster than a window AC. So, if you are looking for an air conditioner for a large space i.e. around or above 180–200 sqft then you should opt for a split AC as it gives uniform cooling. Window ACs are best suited for compact or medium spaces.
4) Energy Consumption
Energy consumption of both types of ACs for the same energy ratings is similar. However, Split ACs might consume a little more energy sometimes. But not to a considerable extent.
5) Noise
The indoor unit of Split ACs does not make any noise and will give you a sound sleep. Window ACs are a little noisy as the compressor and other noisy components are placed in the same unit and the unit is installed inside the room.
6) Maintenance
Maintenance of a Split AC can be a little expensive as it requires a proper technician for its servicing. While servicing a Window AC does not require a technical person because of its compact design.
7) Price
Split ACs are always 10–20% costlier than the Window AC. However, Brand is also a factor that affects the prices of the ACS.
Split AC Vs Inverter AC:-
1) Working Principle
In a normal split AC, the compressor stops working as soon as the room temperature matches the temperature that you set. And restarts working when the room starts becoming warm again. But that’s not how an Inverter AC works. The compressor of an Inverter Ac doesn’t stop working once the desired temperature is achieved rather it slows down its speed and then increases its speed when the room begins to get warmer.
2) Energy Consumption
A normal split AC consumes more energy than an Inverter AC. This is because of frequent on and off of the compressor. The current needed to restart a compressor is 3 times higher than normal. But in an Inverter AC, the compressor keeps on working so it consumes less energy. This can save you a lot of money as it will reduce your electricity bill to a considerable extent.
3) Noise
The outdoor unit of a normal split AC makes more noise than that of an Inverter AC as its compressor keeps switching on and off. While the outdoor unit of an Inverter AC is much quieter.
4) Cooling
An Inverter AC renders you better cooling than a normal split AC as it keeps working and doesn’t stop even if it reaches the set temperature. Hence, its cooling is more efficient and uniform than a normal split AC.
5) Durability
The durability of an Inverter Air Conditioner is way better than that of a normal split AC. There is less wear and tear on its components due to its smooth working.
6) Price
Split ACs are a little less expensive in comparison with an Inverter AC. But Inverter AC is a better investment as it saves you a lot of money in the long run. It reduces your electricity bill, it is more durable and gives better performance.
Our Verdict
When we compare all three types of Air Conditioners, the inverter AC absolutely stands out as it gives the best performance and it also saves you a lot of money in the long run and is more durable than the other two types.
But there are other factors as well that one considers when buying an Air Conditioner like the budget, Space, etc. So, if you are on a low budget or you are looking for an air conditioner for a small space then you can opt for the other two types as well.
Hope this article helps you understand all the differences and choose the one that best fulfills your requirements.