# Window AC vs split AC cost — which is cheaper in India? > A 1.5-ton window AC in India (2026) costs ₹22,000–₹35,000 all-in (AC + install), a 1.5-ton split AC ₹35,000–₹65,000 all-in — split is 60–80% more expensive. Split AC installation is ₹1,500–₹2,500, window AC is ₹600–₹1,200. Service: window ₹300–₹600, split ₹400–₹700. Split saves electricity long-term (inverter tech), window is cheaper upfront. **Source:** [https://solve24.in/answers/window-ac-vs-split-ac-cost](https://solve24.in/answers/window-ac-vs-split-ac-cost) **Updated:** 2026-08-06 **Trade:** ac-technician ## Answer Cost breakdown for a 1.5-ton AC in India (2026). Window AC unit: ₹18,000–₹30,000 (Voltas, LG, Whirlpool). Split AC inverter unit: ₹32,000–₹55,000 (LG, Voltas, Daikin, Blue Star). Premium split ACs (Daikin FTKG, Voltas Adjustable Inverter): ₹45,000–₹70,000. Installation: window AC needs ₹600–₹1,200 for wall/window frame install (2 hours). Split AC install: ₹1,500–₹2,500 labour + ₹500–₹1,000 copper piping = ₹2,000–₹3,500 total (3–4 hours). Plus AC point wiring (dedicated 15A line by electrician) ₹800–₹2,000 — same for both types. Running costs. A 1.5-ton 3-star window AC consumes ~1.4 units/hour. A 5-star inverter split AC: ~0.9 units/hour. Over 8 hours/day × 90 days summer = 360 hours. Window: 504 units × ₹8/unit = ₹4,032. Split inverter: 324 units × ₹8 = ₹2,592. Split saves ₹1,440/summer, ₹4,320–₹7,200 over 3 years. When window AC makes sense: rental homes (no piping mess), single-room use, budget under ₹30,000, no window/wall for outdoor unit. When split makes sense: own home, multiple rooms, longer stay (5+ years — inverter savings compound), aesthetic preference. Service costs: window ₹300–₹600/service, split ₹400–₹700/service. ## Data **Window AC vs split AC — all-in cost comparison (India 2026, 1.5-ton)** | Item | Window AC | Split AC inverter | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | AC unit (mid-range) | ₹18,000–30,000 | ₹32,000–55,000 | Split premium 60–80% | | Installation labour | ₹600–1,200 | ₹1,500–2,500 | | | Copper piping + bracket | — | ₹500–1,000 | Split only | | AC point wiring (electrician) | ₹800–2,000 | ₹800–2,000 | Same both | | All-in upfront cost | ₹22,000–35,000 | ₹35,000–65,000 | Split +60–80% | | Service (per visit) | ₹300–600 | ₹400–700 | Metros +25–30% | | Electricity (8hr/day, 90 days summer) | ~₹4,000 | ~₹2,600 | Split saves ₹1,400/yr | | 5-year total cost of ownership | ₹28,000–45,000 | ₹40,000–75,000 | Split still more | | Best for | Rental, single room, budget | Own home, 5+ yr stay | | ## Frequently asked ### Is split AC really 60–80% more expensive than window AC? Yes upfront. 1.5-ton split ₹35,000–₹65,000 all-in vs window ₹22,000–₹35,000. But split saves ₹1,400–₹2,000/year in electricity if you use 8+ hours/day. Break-even is 5–7 years. ### Does split AC really save electricity? Yes if inverter model (all new splits since 2018 are inverter). Inverter split consumes 35–45% less than non-inverter window for the same cooling. Non-inverter split saves only 10–15%. ### Can I install a window AC in my flat? Yes if you have a window with a proper metal grill/frame that can support 40–50 kg + drilling for drainage. Modern high-rise flats often don't allow window ACs (bylaws restrict outdoor visual clutter). Check society rules first. ### What is the service cost — window vs split? Window: ₹300–₹600 regular service. Split: ₹400–₹700. Deep chemical wash: ₹600–₹1,000 window, ₹900–₹1,500 split. Split has more parts (indoor + outdoor + piping) so slightly more service labour. ### Is window AC being discontinued? Slowing down. Since 2020, split AC sales in India are 85%+ of total AC market. Window ACs still sold (Voltas, LG have models) but limited choice. If you want future-proofing + resale value, split is better. ## Related - https://solve24.in/answers/ac-service-charges-in-india - https://solve24.in/answers/ac-installation-charges-in-india - https://solve24.in/answers/ac-technician-salary-in-india --- Published by Solve24 — India's hyperlocal services marketplace. Direct-hire, zero commission. --- ## About Solve24 Solve24 (solve24.in) is India's zero-commission hyperlocal services marketplace — a three-sided bridge between ~85M informal workers, ~1.4B consumers, and millions of local shops across 40+ Indian cities and 15 service categories. 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