What is a Split Type Air Conditioner, and Can it Replace My Window Units?

Installing a central air system is a big project and an even bigger investment for most homeowners. Rather than tearing apart their homes to install these systems, owners often turn to window mounted A/C units as a popular alternative. However, if you’ve ever used window units to cool your home, you know that they are incredibly noisy, often inefficient, and not much fun to install.

While less well known, a split-type ductless air conditioner is a great alternative solution for cooling your home. Like window units, split type air conditioners are easy to install and inexpensive compared to central air systems. However, there are several advantages to a split type air conditioner that can make it a better option for many households.

What is a Split Type Air Conditioner?

Split type air conditioners are named as such because they split the components of a traditional air conditioning system into two individual units – one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser components, while the indoor unit contains the distribution and filter components.

These two units are connected by copper tubing that replaces the expensive ductwork in central air systems. This copper tubing is flexible, allowing homeowners to easily install a split type system without extensive construction. These connections also provide the capability of controlling multiple indoor fans with one outdoor unit, similar to a central air system.

How is a Split Type Different from a Window Unit?

While a split type air conditioner is comprised of two separate units, a window air conditioner is an all-in-one design. This means that the compressors, motors, connecting pipes, and heat-exchanging devices are all housed in one unit.

It’s also important to note that split type air conditioners are more flexible in their installation locations. Whereas window units generally require a certain size and shape window and block much of your natural light when installed, the indoor portion of a split type air conditioner can be installed anywhere along the wall in a room, making it easy to fit into the design of any home.

What are the Advantages of a Split Type Air Conditioner?

COST EFFECTIVE

Both split type air conditioner and window units are cost effective alternatives to central air because both of their installations do not require ductwork. However, because of their two-unit setup, split type air conditioners have a several significant advantages over window units.

QUIET

The most notable advantage split type units have is their much quieter operation. The all-in-one design of window units means their compressor component is located in your home, which causes a significant amount of buzzing and rattling. In a split type system, the compressor is installed outside, so you will hear next to nothing.

FLEXIBLE AND EASY TO INSTALL

Split type air conditioners are also easily scalable for your home. Because one outdoor unit can control multiple indoor units, split type systems are capable of providing even cooling throughout your home , whereas a single window unit is limited to a single room. This also means that split type air conditioners can provide significant savings for larger home cooling projects.

As with any home project, the decision of which solution is best for you comes down to how well you understand your home.