One of the most common questions is should you buy a split AC? Or should you opt for a window air conditioner?
A window air conditioner includes the
entire air conditioner unit inside one box. This type of unit is small enough
to fit on your windowsill where it should be firmly attached to the frame. This
can provide excellent cooling for a single room.
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| SPT 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner |
A split AC, is more expensive and more
complicated. It includes two units that basically relies on an indoor and an
outdoor unit.
Design: A window air conditioner comes in one unit with the
compressor and condenser housed together. The unit is designed to sit on your
windowsill and be anchored in place. By contrast, a split AC comes with two
units. The compressor and condenser are in the unit outside your house while
the air-handling unit is inside.
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| Amvent 18000 BTU 1.5 Ton Ductless Mini Split |
Space: A window AC is about the size of a microwave and
remains in the window. A split AC is larger because it comes with two separate
units.
Installing: For DIYers, you can install a window AC very
easily. You just need to anchor it to the window. A split AC, by contrast, may
require professional installation because you need to connect tubing from the
inside unit to the outside unit. This requires drilling holes through the wall.
Noise Level: A split AC is much quieter than a window unit
because the noisiest part of the unit – the compressor - sits outside of your
home.
Cooling Capacity: Both a split AC and a window unit do a
good job cooling a room (especially when compared to the mediocre cooling
capability of portable AC units). But a split AC can has much more power than a
window unit and, as a result, is capable of cooling a much larger space than a
window unit. In fact, some split ACs can blow cool air 30-40 feet.
Energy Efficiency: Interestingly, both the window AC and the
split AC have very similar electricity needs and, therefore, cost about the
same to run in terms of electricity costs.
Room Size: Window AC units are designed to cool rooms that
are 300 square feet or smaller. By contrast, a split AC is capable of cooling
larger spaces.
Cost: Window AC units are pretty reasonable. In fact, you
can find some units priced at under $200. On the other hand, a split AC unit
can cost quite a bit more. Moreover, you may also need to pay for professional
installation depending on your situation.
Bottom Line: If you are looking to save cash or you
are renting an apartment, you should probably go with a window AC. On the other
hand, if you live in your own home and have some extra cash to spend, go with
the split AC.
