If your house or apartment doesn’t have central air, the summertime can be brutal. This time of year, as the indoor temps climb higher and higher, many find themselves searching for a quick (and affordable) alternative to a full-fledged HVAC system. Typically, that comes down to a decision between a window air conditioner and a ductless mini-split system. And while both systems will do a good job cooling your home, they aren’t exactly identical… and not just because of the many different brand names.
Choosing between the two usually comes down to a few factors: Cost, comfort, and how permanent the solution is. Window AC units are one of the more common options for apartments, smaller homes, and short-term cooling needs because of how inexpensive and easy to install they are. That said, mini splits are becoming more and more popular for the long-term thanks to their quieter noise and better cooling efficiency.
Above all else, the biggest difference between the two systems is installation. A window AC is simply a single self-contained unit that sits in an open window and cools one room at a time. A mini split connects multiple units to refrigerant lines and indoor and outdoor components. That design lets mini splits distribute cooling more evenly throughout different parts of the home.
When to choose a window unit vs a mini split
Efficiency is nice and all, but your biggest deciding factor might come down to cost. If that’s the case, window units have the advantage over mini splits. Popular models can be purchased for well under $500, and installation usually only involves mounting the unit in the window and plugging it in. (Maybe adding some insulation if there are any gaps, as well.) And because they’re portable, they can also move with you from one place to the next without a complicated uninstall. If you’re a renter, this is almost certainly the best option for you.
Mini splits are better for people who own (or people with lax landlords, as rare as that might be). Yes, they’re quieter, more energy efficient, can handle both heating and cooling, but they also have to be installed by a pro. Mounting indoor air handlers and routing refrigerant lines through walls isn’t exactly a DIY project. Whole-home mini-split systems will also run you thousands of dollars more than a window unit, and that’s even before the cost of install. Still, if you’ve got the funds and the ability to put one in, it’s likely to do a better job than a window unit alone.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
