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Window AC vs. Wall AC

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 29, 2024

Understanding the pros and cons of window ACs vs wall ACs is essential for optimal cooling. Here’s a guide on the differences in their energy efficiency, and installation factors.

What Is a Window AC

Window ACs are designed to be mounted or installed in a window. This air conditioner consists of a single unit with all the parts and components installed within one box. This type of AC is generally mounted or in a window and gets plugged in a traditional electric socket.

What Is a Wall AC

Wall mounted AC are also called ductless or a split system air conditioner. The wall ac designs are sleek and sophisticated. These air conditioners come with a condenser and a compressor. The compressor is placed inside the outdoor unit and the evaporator is placed inside the indoor unit which cools the room and hall.

Wall vs Window AC

Here are some differences between a window air conditioner vs wall air conditioner. This will help you make a better choice in selecting the air conditioner.

Installation

Window ACs are designed in such a way that it fits into a standard window frame. The ac is installed in between inside and outside of the wall structure. This design provides quite straightforward installation and removal, making window units suitable for renters or anyone seeking a temporary cooling solution.

Wall ACs are attached directly to the exterior of the wall or a specially designed hole in the wall. The installation process is more detailed and precise and it requires professional skills.

Caution

Installing a window ac in a wall is to find the right spot to cut the hole. You need to make sure that the hole cut is big enough to hold the window AC but not so huge that it spoils the structural stability of the wall.

Noise Level

Noise is another part that you must consider while buying an air conditioner. Wall ACs do not make noise as the compressor of this type of air conditioner is placed outside the unit and not causing any noise disturbance inside the room.

Window ACs make more noise because of the compressor which is suited inside a single unit. The unit is close to the room, so it makes a loud noise when the compressor is on.

Cooling Capacity

The cooling capacity of an air conditioner depends on the tonnage. Wall ACs are designed to cool large rooms. The power ranges from 0.80 tons to 3 tons.

A window AC works well if you need to cool down a smaller room. The cooling capacity of a window air conditioner ranges from 0.75 to 2.5 tons.

Maintenance

Wall AC has 2 units so it gets tougher to service and requires scheduled maintenance to ensure best results.

Window AC has just one unit so the cost of maintenance is low and it is easy to service. There are different ways of maintaining the window by cleaning the filters, checking the coils, inspecting the seal and checking the window frame for any leakage.

Energy Efficiency

The consumption of energy in an air conditioner depends upon the star rating of the appliance. High rating means greater energy efficiency.  A wall AC is more energy efficient because they are installed on the wall and cool the rooms only where they are located and not the entire house.

Window AC is considered to be less energy efficient because the air can escape through the window.

Price

The cost of the wall AC depends on size and model. It also depends on the capacity in (Kilowatt). The prices vary according to the smart features such as sensors, wifi and app connectivity. Wall AC’s are more cost effective in the long run.

Window AC is cheaper and affordable with someone who has a fixed budget. The price varies based on electricity consumption and maintenance costs.