5 Star 1 Ton Split AC or Window AC: Your guide to choosing the best AC for your home

by Amili R. SEO

As winters are coming to an end, the use of air conditioners is about to begin in the next couple of months. Some of our readers might already have started to get their ACs serviced, while others must be wishing to buy new models for their homes. For the latter half, the tough task would be choosing between split and window variants of air conditioners. Being a long-term investment, it makes all the more important to take the right decision while buying an AC unit since it also involves your utility bills and other costs such as installation and maintenance etc. Confused whether to buy 1.5-ton split AC or window AC? We are listing down a few factors here to make your next AC purchase easier and hassle-free!

1. The Space

Sized completely differently, a split air conditioner is divided into two separate units where compressor and condenser are parts of an external unit (ODU – Outdoor Unit), whereas the internal unit has the evaporative part which is called as IDU (Indoor Unit). On the other hand, a window conditioner has all (condenser, compressor, expansion valve and all other components built) together inside one cuboid shaped unit. Thus, space-wise, a split conditioner will require more space in terms of one unit inside the house and the compressor unit placed outside the house. However, one needs to take note that it is often difficult to find a big opening for window AC in flats and then choosing a Split AC is the only option left.

Moreover, the biggest benefit of a split AC is that it can be installed to any distance without hindering the air ventilation. In contrast, with window AC one is restricted to install at places like window, at that end of room or wherever proper ventilation is available.

2. Aesthetics & Décor

An advantage that split ACs have over window ACs is that the compressor of the split air conditioners is placed outside and quite far away from the space to be air conditioned, and therefore, they produce almost no or negligible noise. Along with their quiet operation, split ACs are often chosen by consumers to add to the aesthetics of their home spaces as the bulk of the unit is outside the room.

Additionally, between 1.5-ton split AC and a window AC of the same tonnage and star rating, window ACs are much cheaper as compared to the split air conditioners. Thus, window ACs are often budget-friendly, however, if you are someone who puts more importance on the interior aesthetics and factors like quiet operation, then split ACs would suit well to your needs.

3. Energy Efficiency

The power consumption and energy efficiency of both the variants depend a lot on the star rating. Higher the star rating, the more efficient is the AC. For instance, a 5 -star AC will consume almost 10% less power than a 4-star AC. Thus, there is a 10% difference in energy consumption with increase in just one star. So, if you are buying an AC for a small room and normal usage with respect to time, a 3-star 1.5-ton window AC would be an ideal choice. However, if you are buying an AC for a bigger space, and for the usage of 15hours a day, choose a 5-star 1-ton split AC to save more energy and money on utility bills. The difference comes when you start comparing the inverter and non-inverter variants of both these ACs. An inverter split AC is better than an inverter Window AC in terms of energy efficiency.

Final Verdict

Thus, to sum it all up--if you are low on budget, then head for a window AC. However, if you want an AC that will match the modern set up of your room, then a split AC should be your choice.