How to choose an air conditioner: what to look for

Climate systems are usually acquired over an extended period of time. For example, air conditioners manufactured under the Mitsubishi Industries brand name can last over ten years for their owners. For this reason, it is necessary to select the most suitable model of a household air conditioner. In the article we will try to figure out which air conditioner is better to choose for an apartment.

First of all, it should be noted that all equipment of this type is classified according to the scope of the apparatus. Usually emit:

• industrial air conditioning systems;
• household air conditioning systems;
• semi-industrial type.

If the power of the air conditioner is from 1.5 to 8 kilowatts, then these systems are classified as household appliances. Devices having such power are used to bring the microclimate back to normal in rooms of residential premises, the area of ​​which is up to 100 square meters (in a few paragraphs you will learn how to choose the air conditioner according to the area correctly). At home, models of both portable and stationary type are used. There are many varieties of air conditioning systems with various designs, characteristic features, as well as principles of operation.

The main types of domestic air conditioners:

• Monoblock (fastened to windows or put on the floor).
• Split wall mounted systems.

Window air conditioners

Air conditioners of this kind are always installed in a window sash made of wood. The installation process does not imply the use of expensive equipment, so it can be done independently. However, in case of unsuccessful sealing, the air conditioner's power in winter can fail: air from the street enters the room, so pay attention to the density of the apparatus in the opening.

Floor systems

Mobile air conditioning for the apartment (or floor) is used inside the living room. It is equipped with small wheels that allow you to push and push the structure. Heat sinks as well as compressors are built into the apparatus. Heated air is vented into the window opening with a long additional hose. The chosen design makes this air conditioner a good option for an apartment with any area. The main disadvantage of such systems is the high degree of noise.

Classic split systems

Such installations are equipped with an outdoor unit, as well as an indoor unit, which is connected to the first through copper tubes. The multisystem includes one outdoor unit and a number of indoor units (2-6). Conventional systems produce little noise, and due to their high power, the required temperature is achieved very quickly. Phased operation with the maximum power level brings the desired effect, but a lot of energy is consumed.

Using inverter technology

The compressor in such split units works almost continuously.The temperature inside the room is selected automatically when changing the power of the equipment. Such an approach creates energy savings, thereby contributing to the extension of the warranty period. Compared with the operation of a simple air conditioner, the energy savings of the device will be about 40 percent.

In winter, classic split systems cease to function normally due to freezing of units located outside. Inverter systems are distinguished by the fact that the maximum temperature limit, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the equipment, is much higher.

How to choose the right air conditioning system?

Choosing an air conditioner for his home, a consumer stumbles upon a wide variety of devices: economy class systems, elite type models, models with an average price. Each type of device has its own unique characteristics and functionality.

In order to maintain an acceptable level of microclimate, an economy class or medium air conditioner may be needed (this parameter is associated with the required power).

Air filtration in several stages is useful for people with any allergic reaction; a protective system against drafts can be relevant if the apartment is inhabited by residents who often have colds, heating the airspace is comfortable during the off-season. You should pay attention to such functions before choosing an air conditioner for your home.

What air conditioning to choose for the apartment in accordance with its area? To answer such a question is also not difficult.

Typically, 10 kilowatts of power per cooling area should be allocated per 10 square meters. It is important to take into account the height of the ceilings, the total number of people who constantly spend time in the living room and the heat produced by household appliances (TV or PC).

Often, in order to make the microclimate better, the consumer chooses a hardware power that is many times higher than required, hoping for heat to spread over a large area. In fact, the temperature sensor will work when the specified threshold is reached, and the apartment stops cooling.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

Before making a system selection, you need to decide what type of indoor unit will be in the device.

Cassette air conditioners are installed in a hidden way. Their main unit is fixed to a suspended ceiling, and its outer part is hidden by a decorative panel.

For floor or mobile systems, it is important to determine where they will be located. Split systems should usually be placed under a window frame or on a vertical surface.

Duct devices are installed behind suspended ceilings. Ducts are usually located in the same place or built into a vertical surface. Multipurpose split systems are suitable for heating several rooms at once through an external unit.

Power level determination

The power of air conditioning systems produced in our time is in the range from 2 to 5 kilowatts. Devices with greater power are classified as semi-industrial equipment.

If you prefer multisystems, then before buying you should carefully study the power of the blocks individually.

Cost-effective device

Before making a purchase, it’s important to check how much power the device consumes. The smaller the degree of load that occurs at the time of activation of the device, the more insignificant are the problems that the user may encounter during operation.

Among the most common problems there is a trip of a circuit breaker (a common situation when traffic jams are knocked out) and low wear resistance of various elements of the main equipment.

Definition of the main function of the device

Modern models of air conditioning systems support a number of modes:

• lowering air temperature;
• ventilation system;
• heating function;
• automatic program detection.

Most varieties of equipment are equipped with various additional options. It is most reasonable to choose the model that has the capabilities that you specifically need. A limited choice will protect you from overpaying for features that are redundant for you. The most popular options are:

• Individual control of the shutters using the remote control.
• The presence of an integrated filtration system. It cleans the air of harmful microorganisms.
• The presence of an ionizer. This kind of system saturates the airspace with negative ions.

Installation work

After purchasing an air conditioner, it is important to carry out its correct installation. These works are carried out for the following reasons:

• Ensuring stable functioning;
• The opportunity to conduct professional service for free with a guarantee.

Every year new models of air conditioning systems appear on the market. However, not every device is able to offer quality comparable to the established price. You must always choose a technique very carefully.