What is the difference between an air conditioner and a split system? Main differences

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What is an air conditioner? An air conditioner is a device for creating a microclimate in a room; it cools or heats the air. It is a one-piece structure; a fan, evaporator, condenser, compressor and control unit are built into it.

Classic air conditioners are window and mobile.

The first ones are also called stationary. They are installed in a window opening or next to windows. These are solid structures, some of which go out onto the street.

The latter are portable devices equipped with wheels for movement. To drain accumulated water, a corrugated hose was built into the device. Its length is on average 1.5 meters (may differ from the manufacturer), its diameter varies in the range of 80-150 millimeters (depending on the type and power of the unit). A special tray for collecting condensate is supplied with mobile air conditioners.

What is the operating principle of an air conditioner? A refrigerant gas, usually freon, is compressed in a compressor. As a result, it heats up and is sent to the condenser. There it turns into a liquid state and releases heat. Next, the refrigerant is cooled in the thermostatic valve and sent to the evaporator, where it is blown with air. The air gives off heat to the refrigerant, then the second is sent to the compressor. Afterwards the cycle repeats.

What is a split system? A split system is one type of air conditioner. It consists of two parts/blocks - external and internal.

The external one is placed on the street side outside the premises.It consists of the main components of the air conditioner - fan, compressor and condenser. The remaining components of the system are built into the interior. It also contains filters for air purification. The internal part is installed directly in the room. These blocks of the system are connected to each other using copper tubes with thermal insulation.

Split systems differ only in the installation method. There are systems installed on walls, floors and ceilings. The most popular are wall-mounted split systems.

What is the operating principle of a split system? Their operating principle is the same as that of standard air conditioners - the refrigerant is compressed, heated, cooled and “absorbs” the heat from the air from the room. And the outer part removes the accumulated condensate - water flows from the tube to the ground. The main heating/cooling process occurs in the indoor unit. It can additionally carry out filtration, purification or ionization of air (depending on the model).

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Differences between air conditioner and split system:

Their main difference is the price. Air conditioners are considered cheap devices. They have less functionality, which is why they are cheaper than split systems.

Size. Air conditioners are small one-piece devices, and split systems are large devices consisting of two parts/blocks, each of which is the size of a window air conditioner. One of them is located indoors, and the second is located outside. The parts are connected to each other by copper tubes with thermal insulation.

In classic models of air conditioners, condensation accumulates in separate containers, from which a person removes it with his own hands. And in systems it flows through a drainage pipe to the ground.

Another difference between a split system and an air conditioner is its appearance.For systems it is more attractive - users are shown only a presentable part of the device.

The systems are quieter than standard air conditioners.

Air conditioners do not have additional functions. And split systems can purify, humidify, ionize the air or remove unpleasant odors from it (depending on the model). Also, some systems have sensors that detect movement, an air flow regulator and additional operating modes.

What is better – split system or air conditioner? Before purchasing any of these devices, you need to decide in what conditions it will be used.

For example, if you are renting an apartment, then it is recommended to buy a portable air conditioner. You do not need the landlord's permission to install it. The device can be dismantled by disconnecting the hose. And if necessary, it can be moved to another room.

If you do not live in rented housing, then you can consider options for stationary devices. Here the question of budget arises. If you have enough money, buy the system. It has more functionality, better appearance, and is also more convenient and quieter. Otherwise, you can buy a classic model of a window air conditioner; it will provide coolness in hot weather and warmth in cold weather.

Most often, split systems are installed in apartments, private houses, offices, shopping centers and similar establishments. This is because of their attractive design and functionality. If we consider devices regardless of the specific situation, then a split system is better.