Central AC vs window AC: Price, cooling coverage, energy efficiency and other factors compared
Follow UsCentral AC and window AC differ in cooling coverage, cost, and usage needs.
Window ACs are affordable and easy to maintain for single-room cooling.
Central ACs offer whole-house cooling but come with higher costs and maintenance.
Summer is at its peak, though, with a little drizzle, but still the hot weather in North India is still really becoming unbearable. At times it’s not even easy to stay cool even while indoors. With rising temperatures, most people begin to think of getting an air conditioner. However, if one lives in a large home, picking out the most suitable air conditioner can be quite challenging. The two major considerations in picking an air conditioner are whether to get a central AC or a window AC. Both devices have their own pros and cons, and when you’re making a decision, it should be based on the size of the house, financial capacity and energy consumption rate per month.
SurveyCentral AC vs window AC: Cooling coverage
Window ACs are best when you want to cool a single room. The device can easily fit on your window and can typically cover an area of 120 to 150 square feet effectively. Moreover, if you want to cool multiple rooms at your house, then you need separate units, which gives you the liberty to only run the unit where you want to cool.
In comparison to that, the central AC systems use ductwork to cool an entire house evenly from one central unit. This makes them ideal for larger homes, duplexes, or offices where consistent temperature across rooms matters. However, central systems require proper duct planning during construction, so retrofitting them into an already built home can be complicated and costly.
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Central AC vs window AC: Maintenance
Window ACs are simple to maintain, as there are certain things like cleaning the filters that you can do as a DIY project. While the repairs are also usually quick and cheap, often costing Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 for basic servicing. On the other hand, when we talk about the central AC systems, then you need professional help for the maintenance, as it also includes duct cleaning. For that, you may have to spend somewhere around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 annually.
Central AC vs window AC: running cost and price
If you’re planning to purchase a new window AC, then it usually costs between Rs 25,000 and Rs 45,000. The low cost makes it budget-friendly for single-room use. On the other hand, central AC systems cost more, as they include ductwork and installation. Including all these charges, a central AC can range from Rs 1.5 lakh to over Rs 4 lakh depending on home size.
While there is a difference in the initial purchase cost, the monthly running costs for the two also differ. A window AC usually costs around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 when running 8 hours a day, whereas a central AC can add up to Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 on your monthly bill.
