How to choose an air conditioner for an apartment

There are hundreds of air conditioner models on the market today. Choosing a split system for an apartment becomes a really difficult task. The selection criteria cover many parameters that affect the performance and durability of an air conditioner in a residential apartment. In addition, air conditioners are chosen for a long period (minimum 10 years), this is expensive equipment, which also imposes a certain responsibility when choosing.

Selection according to apartment features

When determining which air conditioner to install in an apartment, you should start from the characteristics of the room itself. Climate control devices are designed for different areas. There is a difference in their installation and functionality.

Before purchasing, it is recommended to determine the following parameters of the living space:

area of rooms, ceiling height . The larger the area that needs to be processed, the more powerful the split system should be. Insufficient power will lead to rapid breakdown of the device;
how many people are constantly in the room, is there equipment that generates heat?
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. This parameter also affects the preferred air conditioner power. In a calm state, the human body emits about 100 watts of thermal energy, and during physical activity 200 watts. Computers, household stoves and microwave ovens are also taken into account. For a room of up to 20 square meters, where several people, a computer and a TV are constantly located, you will need a split system with a capacity of 2-3 kW;
size and position of windows . Large windows on the sunny side increase the temperature in the apartment. You can save on a less powerful air conditioner by hanging thick curtains or blinds on the windows;
"extreme" apartments. Premises located on the top floors of houses become hotter under the sun. This factor also needs to be taken into account.

Additionally, you need to take into account that air-conditioned air is dry. If a small child lives in the apartment, it is necessary to consider an additional source of air humidification.

Types of air conditioners. Advantages and purpose

Mobile air conditioner. It is the simplest type of equipment, does not require special installation and can be used for air conditioning small rooms. You shouldn’t expect any special miracles from it, but if it is impossible to install a conventional air conditioner, for example, when renting an apartment, or there is no point in buying a more expensive one, then this option will do just fine.

Minuses. High price, minimal power (up to 4 kW). The effect of the air conditioner can be nullified by a regular draft. The need to route the air duct out the window, and periodic maintenance in the form of draining condensate.

Wall split. This is the best option for residential premises. When installed in an apartment, it can provide the necessary comfort and a lot of additional advantages. The air conditioner can purify and ionize the air, effectively fights viruses, and destroys allergens.

Multi-split. At its core, this is a more advanced version of the previous air conditioner. The choice in its favor is justified when it is necessary to provide air conditioning for several rooms in an apartment with one external unit.

This option is justified both in cost and functionality. It is more profitable, for example, to buy one high-quality AMWM wall-mounted AUX multi-system than several budget splits. High-price equipment is economical, practical, functional and does not produce ozone.

Duct, cassette air conditioner. A good choice in some cases. Provides cleansing, regulates air temperature, and creates a comfortable microclimate in the room. This type of air conditioning system will be appropriate for installation during renovation. In other cases, the existing interior may be severely damaged during installation. Therefore, it is not worth making such sacrifices.

Choosing an air conditioner step by step

Having identified the features and characteristics of the room, it is easier to understand which air conditioner is best to choose for the apartment. It is recommended to use the “sifting” principle when selecting a group of models that meet the requirements of future owners. Once you narrow down your choice, it will be easy to decide.

Type of allocation

“Conders” are installed in different ways. Models placed on walls, windows, ceilings, floors, and mobile options are released onto the market. The choice should be based on the availability of free space, the buyer’s budget and the requirements for the device. The most suitable for domestic conditions are the so-called wall-mounted split systems . You can save money by choosing the mobile option. It is not installed in the classical way, but the air conditioner can be easily moved to any room.

Choosing the optimal power

The power of the device directly affects its cost. Household split systems correspond to a power of 2 to 4 kW. You should choose according to the area of the room: for every 10 square meters. an average of 1 kW of energy is consumed. An additional surcharge is made if there is a lot of heat-producing equipment and people in the room (the factors listed above). To calculate, you can use the calculator in the sidebar.

Feature Set

Manufacturers offer models with an impressive list of functions. The number of features also increases the price of the air conditioner. Standard set of modes and functions:

modes of cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification, automatic settings;
“turbo” functions, timer, “sleep” mode, adjustment of air flow direction and speed.

Additional functions do not significantly affect the performance of the device, but increase the comfort of use:

additional filter elements;
ionization and plasma cleaning;
economy mode;
self-cleaning function;
"smart eye" system;
Wi-Fi control;
etc.

If the buyer is not short on funds, you can choose a model with advanced functionality. In other cases, the standard options work no worse. Read more about all functions in a separate article.

Economical air conditioning

When choosing a device, you should distinguish between inverter and non-inverter (traditional) models. The operating principle of a modern inverter air conditioner allows you to save energy, increase reliability and reduce noise levels. When such a “split” operates, the power of its compressor changes smoothly, during which the temperature in the room is maintained more accurately.

The price of such air conditioners is higher than traditional on/off models. For more information about these technologies, read the article “about inverters”.

2) Portable or portable air conditioners

These are air conditioners that are completely mobile. They are the same as the first type as a large block, but the big difference is that it does not need to be built into a window, it can be placed almost anywhere in the apartment, you only need to find an outlet for hot air (usually there is a special hose).

Pros:

— Moderate price, more expensive than the first options, but cheaper than split systems

— Simple structure

— Can be installed almost anywhere in the apartment, no need to use a window opening

— You don’t need any skills to install air conditioners, just plug it in and it works

— Many different settings

— Very mobile, you can transport it anywhere, even to the country house, or to different apartments. Suitable for people who rent housing.

Minuses:

— Large in size, can really get in the way in the room

- Noisy

— Cools a small area

— At the back there is a hot air outlet through a hose; if it is not vented out the window, it will heat the room more than cool it.

The idea is not bad; on the one hand, this type of air conditioner simplifies life - because it does not need to be installed and can be transported. But on the other hand, cooling with such a device requires the removal of hot air, otherwise it will actually heat the apartment more than cool it.

About the manufacturers

There is a simple way to decide which company to choose a split system for your apartment. In specialized companies and on online shopping sites, there is a conditional distribution of brands by price categories. Having determined for yourself how much money you are willing to allocate to purchase the device, you can understand what characteristics the device will have:

Economy Simple devices that perform basic air conditioning functions. Often high-quality models from unpromoted brands fall into this category, so you can find an interesting option for good money. The most famous manufacturers of economy class air conditioners are Beko, Neoclima, Electrolux, Haier, Ballu.
Average. Reliable devices, often with additional functions. They do not reach the best devices; the cost is between economy and premium classes. Middle class air conditioners are great for apartments. The most popular brands are Samsung, Dantex, Kentatsu, LG, Panasonic, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Premium The devices feature more advanced parts and expanded functionality. Premium class air conditioners have a long service life, but are also more expensive than others. Popular brands in Russia are Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin.

It makes no sense to install a device with dozens of functions in a small apartment if we are only talking about maintaining the optimal temperature. Currently, models of all of the above categories are produced with a pleasant design and make virtually no noise. I suggest reading an article about how the cost of an air conditioner affects its quality. Good luck!

We evaluate the area and type of premises

Square. The larger the area of the room, the greater the power of the air conditioner should be. The technical data sheet for each model indicates the maximum air-conditioning area at which the air conditioner maintains optimal performance. However, you should not focus only on this parameter.

Need assessment:

Which side do the windows face (sunny, shady);
what climate zone (southern, northern);
how many heat sources are there in the room (electrical equipment).

In the southern regions, for rooms facing the sunny side and with an abundance of heat sources, you need to select a more powerful air conditioner.

Type of premises. Based on this indicator, you can decide on the air conditioner model that will be most appropriate in a particular case.

Small rooms (kitchens, children's rooms). Small rooms are not too demanding in terms of power. A mobile monoblock may be suitable for the kitchen, but if you are choosing an air conditioner for the nursery, you should not buy an option that is too cheap.

The air conditioning system must be of high quality, like the Kids series equipment for girls and boys. When creating this air conditioner, the manufacturer - the Chinese brand AUX - took care of the comfort and health of the child, providing the air conditioner with:

“Baby sleep” mode;
minimal noise (19 decibels);
intelligent cleaning system IFD.

These and other advantages make choosing the Kids series profitable and completely justified.

Separate room. If you need to choose an air conditioning system for a room of up to 35 square meters, it is better to opt for a split system.

Several rooms. For a multi-room apartment, you can install several air conditioners, or choose a split one. This option of climate control equipment saves space, money and energy. Consumers have the following options to choose from:

Multi-split. The operation of this system allows you to configure the air conditioning process separately for each room, with the exception of the temperature regime. All indoor units must operate for either heating or cooling. The operation of the equipment is ensured by one external unit, powerful enough to air condition several rooms at once.
Duct split. Most often this option is used in office premises, but sometimes it is chosen for installation in a residential area. Especially if there is a renovation to be done, and you can safely install the air duct system without damaging the interior.

What does the market offer?

Today, consumers have at their disposal many interesting models of split systems for homes, offices and apartments. Below we present the most interesting models.

Toshiba

Toshiba has pleased customers with many new products, including:

Toshiba type RAS-07S3KHS-EE / RAS-07S3AHS-EE is a wall-mounted split system that is suitable for a home, apartment or office. The cooling area is 20 square meters. meters, and the maximum length of communications is 10 m. Features of the device include the presence of a ventilation mode, independent diagnosis of problems, a dehumidification mode and temperature support in the “automatic” mode. Maximum power consumption (for heating) - 1.94 kW. Manufacturer: Thailand.
Toshiba, model RAS-22N3KVR-E / RAS-22N3AV-E is one of the manufacturer’s interesting new products. This is an inverter device for apartments and houses, designed for an area of 60 square meters. Power consumption for heating and cooling is up to 7.5 and 2.65 kW, respectively. The features of the split system include the presence of a 2-stage air purifier, which provides maximum effect thanks to silver ions. The maximum length of communications is 20 meters. Additional functionality - the presence of a ventilation mode, fault detection, maintaining the temperature in automatic mode. The noise level is in the range of 35-47 dB.

LG

LG products are no less interesting:

LG A09AW1 is a split system with inverter control type, manufactured in Korea. The area of the refrigerated room is 22-27 square meters. meters. This is a wall mounted air conditioner with heating and cooling capacity of 3.5 and 2.7 kW respectively. Additional modes include self-diagnosis of breakdowns, automatic mode, the presence of additional filters (deodorizing and flame), the ability to regulate, a memory function, as well as a warm start.
LG G07HHT is a split system with basic heating and cooling modes. Power consumption in heating and cooling mode is 2.7 and 2.5 W. Additional functions - dehumidification mode, on/off timer, remote control, fan speed control, option to remember settings and others. This is a simple split system for a house or apartment, which is characterized by its simplicity of design and reliability.

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Midea

Chinese manufacturer Midea also offers many options. Below we consider two interesting models:

MSMA1A-07HRN1/MOAB02-07HN1 is a wall-mounted split system that fits perfectly into the interior of a house, apartment or cottage. The peculiarity of the device is its wide functionality, relatively low price, and modern appearance. It provides options such as accelerated cooling, working with a temperature sensor, remembering settings and others. If the owners are absent for a long time, the unit can maintain the temperature for a long time, heating the room. The device is designed for an area of up to 21 square meters and operates in cooling or heating mode. Power consumption from 2.1 to 7.0 kW.
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Model MSMBB-12HRN1(W) / MOBA02-12HN1 is a high-quality split system designed for an area of 28-36 sq. m. meters. The product has a new design, has a comfortable sleep mode, a self-diagnosis function and an economic mode. If there is a refrigerant leak, the user is notified that there is a problem. The power consumption of the air conditioner is 3.5-3.6 kW in various modes. There is a remote control, as well as a timer to turn it off and on.

Mitsubishi Electric

Today, Mitsubishi Electric products are manufactured in Thailand. Below we look at several models:

MSZ-DM25VA / MUZ-DM25VA is an inverter split system designed for an area of 22 to 27 square meters. meters. The power in cooling and heating modes is 2.5 and 3.15 kW, respectively. Among the useful options, it is worth highlighting the presence of a ventilation mode, self-diagnosis and a dehumidification mode. Control is carried out using the remote control. An important advantage is the presence of an option to remember settings, a system against ice formation, as well as changing the direction of air flow.
MSZ-FH25VE / MUZ-FH25VE is an inverter-type split system. The power of the device is 2.5 and 3.2 kW in cooling and heating mode. There is a ventilation mode and automatic diagnostics. The area of the refrigerated room (apartment, house) is 22-27 square meters. meters. Among the additional functions, it is worth highlighting the presence of deodorizing and plasma filters, an ice protection system, an option to remember settings, and others.

Electrolux

Equipment under the Electrolux brand never ceases to pleasantly surprise. Let's highlight several models:

EACS/I-07HSL/N3 is one of the highest quality and reliable split systems for an apartment or house, designed for an area of up to 21 square meters. meters. This is wall-mounted equipment with inverter control and low power consumption (2.1-2.6 kW). There are dehumidification and ventilation modes, there is self-diagnosis of breakdowns and adjustment of the fan speed. Additional options include a warm start, an option to remember settings, the ability to regulate air flow and others.
EACS - 07HPR/N3 - split system from the Prof Air series. The average area of the room for which the device is designed is 20 square meters. meters. Power consumption is about 650 W. The main feature of such systems is the presence of a unique technology that ensures the cleaning of all air conditioner elements and air flow. At the same time, anyone can clean the filter.

Hyundai

It is impossible not to highlight several models from the manufacturer Hyundai:

H-AC-07H1 is a split system designed for cooling or heating an area of up to 21 square meters. meters. The power of the device is 2.2-2.3 kW depending on the selected mode. Features include the presence of an ionizer, a convenient display, a remote control, and air purification filters. This is a reliable device that operates in several modes - heating, cooling, dehumidification and ventilation.
H-AR7-07H is a split system from the Prime series. The air conditioner is designed to operate in a room with an area of up to 22 square meters. The model features an exclusive design, original indicator lights, many functions and operating modes, as well as an automatic shut-off timer. The power of the device is 2.2-2.3 kW depending on the mode. There is a display and control panel.

Neoclima

Many experts recommend products from the increasingly popular Neoclima brand. Let's highlight several models:

NS-09AHQ / NU-09AHQ - split system for 25 sq. meters, with a capacity of 2.64 and 2.78 kW for cold and heat, respectively. Control is carried out via the remote control. The features of the model include the presence of a wave filter, a wide range of operating temperatures, relatively small dimensions and quiet operation. Heating work is carried out up to seven degrees below zero.
NS-18AHQ / NU-18AHQ is a powerful split system that is suitable for a large apartment or house. The maximum area that the air conditioner can cover is 50 square meters. meters. Control is carried out from the remote control. Features: white color, sleep function, wide range of operating temperatures, compactness and low noise level.

Samsung

The popular Samsung brand deserves special attention, as it also offers customers a wide selection of air conditioners. Let's highlight some options:

AR09KQFHBWKNER is a model that copes with heating or cooling a room up to 27 square meters. meters. The maximum length of the route during laying is 15 meters. The device is controlled via the remote control. The block is wall-mounted. A Full HD filter is installed inside, providing maximum air purification. The device can be turned on for heating down to five degrees below zero.
AR12MSPXBWKNER is an air conditioner model that will be an excellent option for home and apartment. The device has enough power to heat/cool a room up to 35 square meters. meters. To clean the air, a special Virus Doctor filter is installed, which ensures the removal of harmful microbes. The consumption of the device is about 1 kW, and starting heating is possible even at 15 degrees below zero.

Power and other technical parameters of air conditioners for an apartment

Let's consider how to choose the right air conditioner for an apartment, based on the technical characteristics. The main parameter of an air conditioner is power. There are two of these devices:

Cooling capacity: This is the rate at which heat from a room is removed to the outside. It is based on this characteristic that you need to select an air conditioner. The calculation method is quite complex; it takes into account the orientation of windows relative to the cardinal directions, heat generation from people and equipment, and some other factors. But for a standard apartment, a simplified method can be used: it is believed that for every 10 sq. m of area requires heat extraction with a power of 1 kW (with a ceiling height of up to 3 m).
Electrical power consumption: this parameter characterizes the energy required to operate the compressor motor, fan and electronics. Electrical power is not equivalent to cooling power - it is usually 2 or 3 times lower. That is, if a rough calculation showed that cooling an apartment or part of it requires heat extraction with a power of, for example, 2 kW, it should be understood that an air conditioner suitable for this purpose will consume from 700 W to 1 kW of electricity.

An important characteristic of an air conditioner is the minimum outside temperature at which it is allowed to be turned on. This applies to split systems, the outdoor units of which are located entirely on the street. Typically the lower temperature threshold is -5 degrees. With a further decrease in temperature, the oil solidifies and the compressor parts wear out very quickly.

And if the air conditioner also operates in cooling mode (in some rooms the air has to be cooled even in winter), then condensation may freeze in the drainage system.

Daikin outdoor unit

If the user needs to operate the air conditioner at temperatures lower than those allowed in the instructions, he can equip the outdoor unit with the so-called winter set. It includes:

heating system for drainage and compressor crankcase;
a board with an electrical circuit that allows you to adjust the fan speed (if such an option was not initially provided).

However, it must be taken into account that the presence of a winter set makes it possible to turn on the air conditioner in severe frost only in cooling mode. If you try to start the heating mode, then, firstly, the heat performance of the air conditioner will be close to zero (unless it was specially designed for heating in extreme cold), and secondly, the refrigerant will be supplied to the compressor in liquid form instead gaseous. The result of this phenomenon will be a water hammer that can damage the compressor.

An important point worthy of attention when choosing an air conditioner is the presence of an inverter. A device not equipped with this element operates with constant power and switches on and off to maintain the set temperature.

An inverter air conditioner can regulate power from 0% to 100%, so it works without interruption and always in optimal mode. The temperature inside the room does not jump, but remains strictly at a given level, and the air conditioner itself lasts a little longer than usual.

What type of air conditioner to choose

For small apartments and small office spaces, household-grade wall-mounted split systems are quite suitable. They are relatively inexpensive, have sufficient power and optimal economic performance.

For multi-room apartments, it makes sense to install a multi-split system or ducted air conditioner. In the first case, in each individual room it will be possible to maintain its own microclimate, and in the second, the issue of ventilation is resolved, but the air temperature in all served rooms will be the same.

Monoblock mobile air conditioners are a good option for cooling a small room. This option is also suitable for apartment tenants who are either prohibited or impractical to carry out installation, since they plan to move to a new place in the future. Such systems will also help out during the “hot” season, when air conditioning is needed “yesterday” and there is no time to wait 2-3 weeks for installers.