Split vs Window AC: What to Buy for Your Office in Delhi NCR?
Share
Delhi NCR summers are long and hot, so an office AC isn't a luxury, it's what keeps staff working and computers running. But the choice is confusing: split or window, 1 ton or 1.5, 3 star or 5 star, inverter or not.
This guide explains the differences in plain language and helps you pick the right AC for your room size and budget.
The short answer
- Small cabin or one-room office (up to about 120 sq ft): a 1 ton inverter split AC. A window AC can also work if you prefer a lower upfront cost.
- Medium office or meeting room (about 120 to 180 sq ft): a 1.5 ton inverter split AC.
- Larger room (about 180 to 250 sq ft): a 2 ton inverter split AC, or two smaller units.
- Big open-plan areas: consider several ACs spread around the room rather than one very large one.
For most offices, an inverter split AC is the best long-term choice. A window AC makes sense when the upfront cost matters most or a split can't be installed.
Split vs window AC at a glance
| Split AC | Window AC | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Indoor unit plus a separate outdoor unit | One box fitted in a window or wall opening |
| Noise indoors | Quieter, as the compressor is outside | Louder, as everything is in one unit |
| Cooling room size | Wide range, from small rooms to large ones | Best for smaller rooms |
| Looks and space | Slim wall unit, keeps the window free | Needs a window or wall opening |
| Installation | More work: piping and an outdoor unit | Simpler |
| Upfront cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Energy options | Many inverter and high-star models | Fewer high-efficiency options |
| Best for | Offices, cabins, meeting rooms, shops | Small rooms, budget set-ups |
How many tons do you need?
Tonnage is the cooling capacity. A unit that is too small runs flat out all day and never cools properly. One that is far too big wastes money. Use this table as a starting point.
| Room size | Suggested tonnage | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 120 sq ft | 1 ton | Small cabin, one-person office |
| 120 to 180 sq ft | 1.5 ton | Manager's room, small office, meeting room |
| 180 to 250 sq ft | 2 ton | Larger office or open area |
| Over 250 sq ft | 2 ton or more, or two units | Big rooms, open-plan floors |
To find your room's size, multiply length by width in feet. A 12 × 15 ft room is 180 sq ft.
Offices need a buffer
Guides often assume a bedroom with one or two people. Offices usually have more heat, so consider going up a size if:
- The room is on the top floor or has sun-facing, west-facing or large glass walls
- Several people work in it at once
- It has many computers, printers or other equipment giving off heat
- The ceiling is high
If your room sits between two sizes, choose the larger one, especially for a sunny Delhi NCR office.
Inverter vs non-inverter
- Non-inverter AC: the compressor switches fully on and off to hold the temperature. It is cheaper to buy but uses more power.
- Inverter AC: the compressor changes its speed to match the heat, so it uses less electricity and keeps the temperature steadier.
If the AC runs for many hours a day, an inverter model usually pays back its higher price through lower electricity bills. Inverter technology doesn't change how much room an AC cools, so you still need the right tonnage.
Star ratings explained
The BEE star rating (1 to 5 stars) shows how energy-efficient an AC is. More stars means lower running cost, though the price is higher upfront.
- Heavy daily use (full office hours, all summer): a higher-star inverter AC saves the most over time.
- Light use (a meeting room used a few hours a day): a 3 star AC may be enough.
- Check the ISEER number, not just the stars. It is the efficiency figure on the label, and higher is better. The BEE tightened its star bands from 1 January 2026, so an older and a newer model with the same star count may not be directly comparable.
Features worth paying for
- Copper condenser coil: lasts longer and conducts heat well.
- Dust filter and easy-clean design: important in dusty Delhi NCR conditions.
- Auto restart: the AC resumes after a power cut.
- Low noise levels: check the indoor sound figure, especially for meeting rooms and cabins.
- Hot-and-cold models: some split ACs also heat, which can be handy in Delhi winters.
- Wi-Fi control: useful if you want to switch it on remotely before staff arrive.
- Voltage range: check the operating range if your area has unstable power.
Installation: what to ask
Installation is where buying an AC often goes wrong. Before you order, ask:
- Is installation included, and who does it?
- How much piping and cable is covered, and what do extra metres cost?
- Is an outdoor-unit stand or bracket included or sold separately?
- Who handles warranty and service after installation?
- Does the outdoor unit have a safe, ventilated spot?
For a split AC, plan where the outdoor unit goes and how long the pipe run will be. A shorter run is usually better.
Choosing for different spaces
| Space | Suggested AC |
|---|---|
| Small cabin or manager's room | 1 ton inverter split |
| Meeting room (6 to 10 people) | 1.5 ton inverter split |
| Shop or showroom | 1.5 to 2 ton inverter split, or more with glass fronts |
| Open-plan office | Several 1.5 or 2 ton splits spread across the room |
| Equipment or server area | Consult an installer, as these have special cooling needs |
Running cost and maintenance tips
- Set the temperature around 24 to 26°C. Each degree lower raises power use.
- Clean the filters regularly. Check them every few weeks in the dusty months.
- Get an annual service before the summer season.
- Keep doors and windows closed while the AC runs, and use curtains or blinds on sunny glass.
- Switch it off when the room is empty for long periods.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of dust, obstructions and direct heat.
Buying ACs for a business
Equipping an office? Buying several ACs together with other equipment can simplify ordering and invoicing. Browse our air conditioners, including Blue Star and Godrej, and see our televisions and desktop PCs to complete your fit-out.
For bulk pricing and a GST invoice, read our guide to buying office supplies in bulk and send your requirement on our Bulk Orders and B2B enquiry page. Setting up a new office? Our office stationery checklist covers the small items. Ask what installation and warranty support is included with your AC when you request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is a split AC better than a window AC for an office?
For most offices, yes. Split ACs are quieter, offer more efficient models and suit a wider range of rooms. A window AC can be a good low-cost option for a small room.
How many tons of AC do I need for a 150 sq ft office?
Usually 1.5 ton. If the room is on the top floor, sun-facing or full of equipment, 1.5 ton is the safe choice rather than 1 ton.
Is an inverter AC worth the extra cost?
If you run the AC for many hours a day, usually yes, because lower electricity use repays the higher price over time.
Is a 5 star AC worth it for an office?
For long daily use, a higher-star inverter AC saves the most over the years. For light use, a 3 star model can be enough.
Can one AC cool a whole open-plan office?
Rarely. Several smaller units spread across the space usually cool more evenly than one very large unit.
Are the products on WERY genuine?
Yes. WERY sells 100% genuine products with official brand warranty.