Difference between Window and Split Air Conditioning Installation

A split air conditioner (AC) and a window AC have very distinct differences.  In some residential settings when it comes to air conditioning installation, the home owner’s only option may be using a window AC because of the way a split AC is designed and the amount of space required.  Of course, there are times when the home owner will have the ability to choose between a split AC and a window AC; and when that is the case, the home owner should understand the differences between them and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.  Here’s is an explanation of the differences:

Window AC:  One Unit

The term “window AC” refers to a type of AC in which all the components of the air conditioning unit are held in a single unit.  It is installed in a window of the residence.  With window ACs, a single until holds compressors, motors, heat exchangers and connecting pipes, and the whole unit sits on a single base.

Split AC:  Two Units

When it comes to split type air conditioning installation, two units are incorporated:  an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.  The connection between the indoor and outdoor units is provided by copper tubing.  While window ACs, are properly classified as air conditioning units, split ACs fall into the category of air conditioning systems.  A split type AC system necessitates installation of a mounting stand for the outdoor compressor unit.  One trait of a split type of AC system is that a single outdoor unit can support multiple indoor air conditioning units.

Noise, Cost, Installation and Service

The primary considerations in deciding between the two kinds of AC systems, just like when opting for refrigeration repairs or a new one, are the cost of the item itself, noise level, installation cost, the ease of installation and how easy it will be to service.  Effectiveness and operating costs between the two kinds of systems are about the same.

Split AC systems compare well to window AC units when it comes to lower noise levels, which occurs because the compressor unit which creates the operating sounds of an AC is located outside of the residence.  Window AC units, on the other hand, compare favorable with split AC systems on all three of the other factors — installation cost and ease of installation and service.  Another major thing to take into consideration is that the residence needs to have enough available outdoor space for mounting the outdoor compressor unit of the split AC system.  Without ample space, a home owner cannot use a split AC system.

With all of this to keep in mind with air conditioning just like with refrigeration repairs, sometimes it seems that it’s just easier to keep the old unit and keep repairing it, but there does come a point when that just isn’t practical anymore.

Biography: Jake Hyet is considered an expert in static air conditioning installation and static refrigeration repairs, having worked in the field for more than a decade.  He writes extensively about air conditioners and refrigerators and has had many articles published.