The summer season is here, and the weather is getting hotter, so it’s now time for you to consider investing in an air conditioner for your home. When you start considering your options, one of the very first questions that will probably come to mind is, between a split AC and a window AC, which one should you get? In this article I’ve compared the key details between the two so that you can decide more easily which option fits your home, space, and budget. So without any further ado, let’s deep dive into the world of ACs.
The most obvious difference lies in the design and installation of both air conditioners. A window AC is a single and compact unit where all components, including the compressor and the fan, are housed in one box. Moreover, it usually sits on a windowsill, or at times people also install it by making a hole in the wall.
In contrast, a split AC consists of two separate units, which include an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is mounted on a wall and focuses on blowing cool air, while the noisy compressor sits as an outdoor unit. As the heavy machinery is outside, the split units are much quieter, more sleek and aesthetic in appearance compared to the bulky window models.
Also read: Jio Rs 355 vs Airtel Rs 355 prepaid plan: Validity, data, benefits and more
In terms of power and range of operation, split ACs have an upper hand. A split AC system is designed in such a manner that it is able to cover all corners of a larger room with air. Also, it is installed at a much higher place on the wall compared to other cooling systems, and because it does not need a window, its placement is relatively flexible and easier.
On the other hand, a window AC is ideal for small rooms or spaces. Although the window system works well in cooling rooms, it does not have the capacity to spread air to other corners due to its limited range. Therefore, when it comes to rooms with high ceilings like living rooms, a window AC may find it difficult to cool the whole place uniformly.
Split AC uses between 0.9 and 1.2 units of electricity hourly, translating into a cost of about Rs 7 to Rs 10 per hour. The split AC can regulate its speed to ensure maintenance of the required temperature without turning the compressor off and on. This saves a lot of money in terms of electric bills in the long run.
Window ACs are less efficient since they consume more power. For example, an average 1.5-ton window AC consumes 1.2 to 1.5 units of power each hour, giving a total running cost of Rs 10 to Rs 13 each hour. Even as technology has improved over time, the window AC does not have the advanced energy-saving abilities available in the split air conditioner. If you want to use your AC for many hours, the split AC would be cheaper than the other type of AC.
Also read: Apple reports Q2 2026 earnings: iPhone 17 lineup and MacBook Neo see huge demand
Window AC units are cheaper compared to split units and are therefore ideal for those on a tight budget. A 1.5-ton window air conditioner currently sells around Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000. Moreover, the installation of a window AC unit is inexpensive, with its cost ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500. The maintenance cost of the unit is also lower and ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 1,200.
However, split ACs are more costly. For example, a 1.5-ton split air conditioner can be priced anywhere between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000. High-end split air conditioners are much more expensive than normal models. They could cost Rs 60,000. Further, installation and maintenance charges would be high at Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000.