Types of air conditioners for an apartment: technical features + recommendations for customers

How to install an air conditioner in an apartment?

Incorrect installation will lead to collapse of the structure, electric shock, and damage to the equipment. Therefore, it is worth contacting an installation company that has a license for this.

A few tips to keep in mind when installing an air conditioner:

• It is worth considering the place where it is best to install it.So that it does not blow into the place where you are most often.
• Leave a gap of 15-20 cm between the ceiling and the appliance.
• It is advisable to make a separate machine for the air conditioner so that there is a separate grounding. Useful in case of a power surge.
• The drainage system must be sloped to prevent water from running into the apartment. If you use the equipment at sub-zero temperatures, then with heating.
• Eliminate obstructions to the blown air. That is, do not mount the indoor unit above cabinets and chests of drawers.
• The length of the route should be small (from five to ten meters), otherwise it will reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
• The distance between the blocks is about five, six meters.
• After installation, it is necessary to carry out a vacuum.

If you decide to install it yourself, then we recommend watching a detailed training video:

Advantages

A good air conditioner is characterized by the following advantages:

• management and correction of a comfortable climate level in the apartment;
• humidity control function. Modern models have a function that allows you to control the humidity, or turn on a “dry operation level”, with which you can lower the humidity without the necessary cooling. These devices are just a salvation for houses that are located in damp places.
• no noise. Air masses are heated and cooled almost without noise, unlike fans and other devices.
• creating an "ideal climate" for various conditions. Small children, allergy sufferers, pets can be provided with a suitable environment. The device conducts effective air purification, removing pollen, mites, dust, various microorganisms, wool, dirt and other harmful substances.
• saving electricity. Heating the air, the air conditioner consumes less electricity by 70-80% than any other devices of this kind.
• design with style and simplicity.

Selection according to the features of the apartment

When determining which air conditioner to install in an apartment, one should build on the characteristics of the room itself. Climatic devices are designed for different areas. There is a difference in their installation and functionality.

Before buying, it is recommended to determine the following parameters of the dwelling:

area of ​​rooms, height of ceilings. The larger the area to be treated, the more powerful the split system should be. Insufficient power will lead to a quick breakdown of the device;
how many people are constantly in the room, is there equipment that generates heat. This parameter also affects the preferred power of the air conditioner. In a calm state, the human body emits about 100 watts of thermal energy, during physical activity 200 watts

Computers, stoves and microwave ovens are also taken into account. For a room up to 20 sq.m., where several people, a computer and a TV are constantly located, you will need a split system power 2-3 kW;
the size and window position

Large windows on the sunny side increase the temperature in the apartment. You can save on a less powerful air conditioner by hanging blackout curtains or blinds on the windows; end apartments. The rooms located on the upper floors of the houses heat up more under the sun. factor must also be taken into account.

Additionally, it must be taken into account that the conditioned air is dry. If a small child lives in the apartment, it is necessary to consider an additional source of air humidification.

The need for air conditioning in the apartment

Before answering the question of which air conditioner to choose for an apartment, let's decide whether such a system is generally necessary in a residential area. Is it possible to do without it? In principle, even though regulatory documents set the optimum temperature for residential premises in the summer, there are no strict restrictions for maintenance.

How to choose the right air conditioner for your apartment? The main document in which sanitary and hygienic requirements for microclimate parameters for residential and public buildings are prescribed is GOST 30494-2011. For the warm period of the year, it indicates the following optimal and permissible temperature parameters:

• optimal - 22–25 ° C;
• permissible - 20–28 ° C.

At these temperature limits, a person feels most comfortable in the hot season. But there is one caveat

It is also important to focus on the outside temperature. If people are in the room constantly do not leave it, then they get used to the established temperature

But if you have to go outside and return to a chilled room again, then it is advisable to set the temperature at least 10 ° C from the street. In this case, there will be no sudden changes, and it is easier for the human body to adapt to the constant change in ambient temperature. Based on these restrictions, most often they choose an air conditioner in an apartment. It is necessary to buy it after selection and determination of characteristics.

Accurate power calculation

To find out the necessary cold performance of the device, collect the initial data for calculations by answering the following questions:

1. On which side of the building is the refrigerated room located - sunny, shaded?
2. What is the area of ​​the room and the height of the ceilings?
3. How many tenants are constantly in this room (more than 2 hours during the day)?
4. The number of TVs, computers, the power consumption of the refrigerator, if it falls into the zone of operation of the air conditioner.
5. The rate of air exchange of natural ventilation.

We propose to calculate the power by the area of ​​​​the room, taking into account all factors, using an online calculator:

An important nuance. Often in apartments and country cottages, the kitchen is not separated by a door leaf from the corridor and other rooms. In such cases, the dimensions of the kitchen are also taken into account.

Note that for convenience, the online calculator gives calculation results in 2 units - kilowatts and thousands of BTUs. Based on the calculated cooling capacity, we select a unit with the necessary parameters from the standard power line according to the table (we round the result up):

Air conditioner selection options

Air conditioning is an expensive technique, and after installation it will be difficult to dismantle and replace a model that does not fit. Therefore, when choosing, you need to immediately take into account all the nuances - you have no right to make a mistake.

Installation location

There will be no strict recommendations on this item, since the choice of a specific model depends on the layout of the room and the possibilities for placing one or another climate control equipment.

It is clear that if you do not have a hypermarket with a powerful ventilation system, there will simply be nowhere to mount a ducted air conditioner. But other household and similar models themselves will tell you which installation method is right for you:

one.If you are going to order new windows and want to save on air conditioning, take a cheap window unit and ask the measurers to shortchange the frame, taking into account its installation in the opening.

2. If you want to take the air conditioner with you to the country house or just move it from room to room, look for a mobile outdoor option.

3. Are you planning to make repairs in the apartment? It's time to put a two-block wall or floor air conditioner - then carefully close the hole in the wall.

4. If you have suspended ceilings according to the project, you can hide the cassette unit behind them.

5. For a country house or large multi-room apartment it is better to install a split system with wiring to all residential premises.

Power

You should not choose it on the principle of "the more the better." Of course, it is easier to adjust the operation of a powerful air conditioner to suit your needs, which is almost impossible in the case of a weak device. However, it is not financially profitable to make an excess supply - your air conditioner simply will not work out the money spent on it.

Calculate the required power of climate control equipment, taking into account the main factors:

1. Room area - for every 10 m2 with a standard ceiling height of 2.5–2.7 m, 1000 W of electricity is needed.

2. Orientation to the cardinal points - if the windows face East or South, 20% must be added to the calculated power.

3. The number of people living in the room - in excess of the norm, each needs another 100 watts.

Noise performance

The volume of the operating air conditioner is an important parameter, especially if it is installed in the bedroom. It, in turn, depends on the power and design of the unit (monoblocks are noisier).Unfortunately, there are no completely quiet models, but you can always purchase a two-block version with maximum sound insulation.

The average noise performance of air conditioners ranges from 24-35 dB, but most modern models already have a "night mode", in which the sound level is reduced to a comfortable 17 dB.

Additional functions

Good expensive air conditioners can not only cool an apartment in summer, but also heat it in autumn or even in winter.

Modern climate technology may have the following additional functions:

1. Inversion - reducing the noise of operation (and at the same time the consumption of power consumption) due to a smooth change in the compressor power. Increases the cost of the device, but increases its energy efficiency.

2. Sleep Mode - a slow decrease in the temperature in the room, followed by the transition of the fan to the quietest mode.

3. Turbo - short-term start at maximum power (up to 20% of the nominal) for the fastest cooling of rooms.

4. I Feel - setting the thermostat to measure the temperature in the remote control area, that is, next to the owner.

5. Defrost of the outdoor unit and “hot start” are relevant functions for air conditioners with heating mode.

6. Dehumidify or humidify the air in the room.

Selection by characteristics and additional functions

Using air conditioners with additional functions and modes is convenient and simple. There are too many programs in some models. Therefore, in order to choose the right product, you need to think about the need for each of them.

DU

The remote control helps you manage all the functions and modes of the air conditioner. There is an infrared or wired remote control.With it, you can remotely set the operating mode of the device, for example, program the desired air temperature or set a timer for a week.

Ionization

Thanks to the ionization function, useful particles enter the air, which have a beneficial effect on human health. It creates the feeling of being in a forest or near a pond.

The ionizer is located inside the indoor unit. Anions distributed in the air are obtained as a result of the decomposition of water vapor into negative and positive ions.

Oxygen saturation

Saturation of air with oxygen occurs in individual models in different ways. Some devices increase the oxygen content by removing a certain amount of nitrogen from the air. Others separate nitrogen and oxygen during operation.

The separation of air into its constituent particles occurs due to the filter mesh installed in the external block, through which the air passes. Oxygen penetrates well through the barrier, nitrogen penetrates much less. Air with oxygen enters the home unit and is distributed throughout the room.

Automatic modes

The mode in question allows the instrument itself to determine when it is best to start or end work. The air conditioner independently analyzes the temperature regime in the room, and then starts the heating or cooling program.

Sleeping mode

Air conditioning, operating in a similar mode, creates all the conditions for a relaxing night's rest. The decibel level is reduced to 19 by reducing the fan speed. The device gradually cools the air temperature by a couple of degrees, and in the morning it heats up again to the required level.

3D stream function

Such air conditioners allow you to direct the air in different directions.In some models, air can be controlled remotely using a remote control.

Timer

With the help of the timer, it is easy to set the time for turning on or off the provided functions. With this program, when returning from work, you can enjoy cool air in hot weather or, conversely, warm air in cold weather.

Turbo function

This program allows you to quickly make the air in the room warm or cool. When the mode is turned on, the air conditioner starts to work at full strength until the air warms up or cools down to the desired temperature.

Self-diagnosis

With this function, it is easy to determine the reason why the device does not work or a separate program does not turn on. All information about problems is displayed on the screen of the remote control.

Auto restart

In the event of a power failure, the air conditioner remembers the previously set operating modes. After the restoration of the mains voltage, work resumes.

Design

The design of air conditioners is varied. Models differ in shape, color panel, size. Most often, the device is installed in a room with an already selected and established design.

The classic color that goes with any interior is white. The most common equipment is white. But there are also fancier solutions. In this case, the color of the panel will be black, gray or metallic. These air conditioners look very impressive.

The best air conditioners with ionization

Air conditioners with ion emission function have an antibacterial effect, making the air in the room not only cool, but also safe.

Abion ASH-C076BE - with a unique filtration system

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

89%
buyers recommend this product

2200 power model watts in cooling and 2250 W during heating received a unique air purification system that combined several filters at once: catechin, photocatalytic, activated carbon and nano-silver.

Add an anion generator to this and you get an air conditioner that can make the air truly healthy by cleaning it of bacteria and disease-causing organisms.

The number of additional modes is also impressive: in addition to the standard restart with saving the settings and the timer, quick cooling when the temperature changes and a sleep mode that saves energy are added here.

Advantages:

• Thorough air filtration;
• The abundance of modes;
• Automatic selection of cooling or heating programs;
• Warm start;
• Protective galvanized coating of the outdoor unit.

Flaws:

The noise level is slightly above the norm - 28 dB.

Abion qualitatively cleans and disinfects the air in the room. This technique is suitable for allergy sufferers, large families, as well as those who have just had a newborn baby in the house.

Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN25VG - stylish split system

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

88%
buyers recommend this product

See review

A chic designer air conditioner for rooms of about 20 square meters produces a thermal power of 2.5 kW in cooling mode and 3.2 kW in heating.

The unit is designed for year-round use and can be used as a heating device even at -15 °C. The evaporator block has two additional filters: deodorizing and silver ion.

The system is also equipped with a Plasma Quad+ plasma filter that destroys dust, allergens and bacteria. The work of the 3D I-See temperature sensor is also interesting, which measures the temperature at three different points in the room, and not just at the remote control.

Another sensor reacts to the presence of people, accurately determining their position. Further operation of the air conditioner will depend on the selected program: it will either direct the air flow to the owners, or, on the contrary, deflect it to the side.

Advantages:

• Luxury housing with metallic finish and anti-static protection;
• inverter;
• Large power reserve in heating mode;
• Smart motion sensor;
• Switching to eco-mode in the absence of people in the room;
• Possibility of remote control via Wi-Fi;
• Quiet operation (19 dB).

Flaws:

Price reaching 85-90 thousand rubles.

Mitsubishi LN25VG is a beautiful and carefully thought-out air conditioner that is ideal for residents of large metropolitan areas.

Pioneer KFR20BW is an inexpensive system with all the features you need

4.7

★★★★★
editorial score

87%
buyers recommend this product

A compact, but "plump" split for heating and air conditioning shows approximately the same results of 2.15 / 2.1 kW.

It is inexpensive, but has a full range of functions, including ventilation with a wide range of settings, self-diagnosis, automatic restart after shutdown and frost protection. And, of course, an anion generator is installed here.

Advantages:

• Good assembly;
• Quiet work;
• Possibility to install an additional filter (included);
• Anti-corrosion coating of the heat exchanger.
• Low cost - about 15 thousand.

Flaws:

• Non-Russified remote control;
• The timer only works on shutdown.

Pioneer is the most "stuffed" budget air conditioner with ionization. Other models in this segment cannot boast such a feature set.

Low and unpredictable level of reliability

Manufacturers whose products have poor statistics on the service life and failure rate of equipment, we classified as low and very low reliability. But in this review, we decided not to publish a list of these manufacturers, so as not to make anti-advertising. Focusing on the manufacturers listed above, you can already choose a decent air conditioner. All other brands have poor failure rates.

When deciding which air conditioner company is better to choose for an apartment, you should not lose sight of the fact that there is still a separate category - brands with an unpredictable level of reliability. This group includes not only new manufacturers that have not yet had time to prove themselves on the positive or negative side, but also many OEM brands that masquerade as well-known brands.

It is almost impossible to find information about the real manufacturers of these air conditioners, because the equipment is assembled in various Chinese factories, and different batches can be made in different factories. These OEM brands belong to firms from Russia or Ukraine, and products under these brands are manufactured in China.

The quality of air conditioners depends on which company the order is placed with, so it is impossible to predict the level of reliability. It can range from high to extremely low.

General recommendations for selection

You have calculated the power of the future air conditioner, it remains to choose the type of unit. Our advice: start right away with choosing the option of a separate split system. This is the best solution for any housing - an apartment or a private house.

In what cases should monoblocks be considered:

1. If you live in an apartment building located on one of the central avenues of the city. Local authorities probably prohibit hanging the facades of such buildings with air conditioning units.
2. With frequent moves from one rented apartment to another. Dismantling / installing a split in a new place will cost a pretty penny.
3. When you want to save money, and the desire coincided with the moment of ordering metal-plastic windows. The factory will make a beautiful opening for the cooler housing. Upgrade the wooden frame yourself.
4. An air conditioner is needed for the dacha where the owners live in the summer. The apparatus is taken away for the winter.
5. The budget does not allow you to purchase 2-3 split systems in a country house, but you are ready to make plastic inserts for an air duct for three windows. Then do not hesitate to take the mobile version.

Tip two: when choosing a “split”, immediately cut off models cheaper than $300. Products located below the specified threshold will also cool the air properly, but they can surprise:

• increased consumption of electricity;
• discrepancy between the real power and the declared parameters; in the heat, the cooler cannot cope;
• beautiful white plastic housing quickly turns yellow;
• the street module rumbles strongly, annoying you and your neighbors;
• unexpected breakdowns after 3-5 years of operation, slow loss of freon.

Which split system to choose from a variety of options, the master will tell in the video:

Air conditioner inverter or conventional

So, the most important choice is to buy an inverter or non-inverter model. What are their differences?

Inverters are more modern products. Their outdoor and indoor units are much quieter.

If you have problematic neighbors who constantly quarrel and complain to all authorities for any reason, then your choice is definitely an inverter option. Therefore, they say that living in a high-rise building, there are two potential buyers for the air conditioner - you and your neighbor.

Some even rest to such an extent that they forbid mounting anything under their windows. We have to take out the route of the freon main and the block itself as far as possible.

Also, if you are going to be heated by air conditioning in winter, in winter, and not only on cold days in autumn and spring, then your choice is again with the inverter.

A conventional air conditioner normally works for cooling when the temperature outside is from +16C and above. It is capable of heating when outside the window is not lower than -5C.

Inverter options will be able to heat your apartment at an outside temperature of -15C. Some models work even at -25C.

In addition, ON/OFF air conditioners at work turn on and off periodically. Actually, hence their name.

Inverter ones do not turn off at all, but independently maintain the optimal mode, if necessary, smoothly changing their power from 10 to 100%.

As the advertising materials say, this ensures:

significant energy savings

longer service life

However, practically no one will tell you that all this is true when the device is running 24 hours a day, that is, continuously. This scheme works well, for example, in the southern states of the United States.

In our reality, when we leave for work in the morning, we turn off the air conditioner. In the evening or at night, turn it on for several hours.At the same time, both a modern inverter system and a conventional one will work almost the same in this short period of time, at maximum modes.

Therefore, the advantage in the form of significant energy savings can be safely crossed out as a publicized myth. At least for our living conditions and our climate.

The same applies to durability in this mode of operation.

And if it is an inverter, then there are already two masters - a refrigerator + electronics engineer.

A big drawback of fashionable inverter models is sensitivity to power quality.

For dachas, where voltage drops due to accidents in the networks or lightning during a thunderstorm are not uncommon, failure of the air conditioner electronics is the most common problem. Saves only the installation of special protection.

It is not in vain that masters say that it is more difficult to find inverters and spare parts, and the repair itself is more expensive.

In terms of maintainability, the budget inverter is evil. Instead, it is better to take a branded ON / OFF split system from Daikin, Mitsubishi, General, etc. at a comparable price.

Therefore, the only real plus of the inverter is the ability to warm up in winter. If this is not relevant to you, then you should not overpay.

So, the arguments FOR the inverter:

heating

less noise

FOR the normal version:

price

ease of maintenance

What to look for when choosing air conditioners

To choose the right model of home equipment, you need to consider the following points:

• first of all, they are determined with the type of construction;
• power;
• decide whether an additional function of heating or air filtration is needed;
• it is better to find a model that consumes little energy.

It is also important to consider what place the selected model occupies in the rating of manufacturers.

Power calculation

When choosing a device, power must be taken into account. It should be enough to cool the air in the room. The calculation is carried out according to the following formula: Qv + Qm + Qt = Qr.

• Qv is the power required to cool the air in a room of a given volume. To get the right number, you should multiply the volume (V) of the room by the coefficient (q) of insolation (the amount of daylight entering the room). The number q in the formula changes. It all depends on the degree of illumination. If the sun's rays rarely enter the room, then the coefficient will be equal to 32 W / m³. The southern part of the room receives a lot of light, so the coefficient will be 42 W / m³.
• Qm is the power of the heat generated by a person, which is taken into account as a compensation for the heat generated by the appliance. One person during the rest will allocate 105 watts, with active movements - from 135 to 155 watts. The value is multiplied by the number of people living in the apartment.
• Qt is the power of heat from operating household appliances, which compensates for the heat generated by the equipment. For example, a TV emits 200 watts. The obtained values ​​are summarized.

Having made the right calculations, it will be possible to choose the most suitable model.

How to choose by area and volume (table)

When choosing an air conditioner, the power of the device is correlated with the height of the ceilings, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the number of people living, as well as the size and number of windows.

The table contains indicators that will help you quickly determine the right choice of product.

Total living area, sq. m	Ceiling height
up to 275 cm	up to 300 cm	up to 325 cm
Required air conditioner power, kW
12	1,4	1,4	1,5
15	1,6	1,5	2,2
17	2,0	2,4	2,2
20	2,4	2,4	3,6
23	3,5	3,6	3,5
27	3,6	3,6	3,7
31	3,6	5,0	5,0
34	5,0	5,0	5,0

To facilitate calculations, they take 1 kW of power, which is spent on air cooling, for every 10 square meters. m.It is required to divide the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room by the number 10. As a result, you get an approximate number that is suitable for choosing the power of the air conditioner.

Noise level during operation

Before wondering how to install an air conditioner in an apartment, you need to decide on such an indicator as the noise level.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely remove the noise, since the compressor and fans are running in the equipment. The noise generated by appliances depends not only on the model of the air conditioner, but also on the place of its installation.

To choose the quietest model possible, you should build on the following nuances:

1. The technical data sheet displays the noise figure for both external and for indoor unit. Of course, more important in the second question, since it is he who is installed in the apartment.

The more powerful the device, the noisier it will be. The average noise figure is 24 - 35 dB, which is almost imperceptible.

2. Split systems, as a rule, are less noisy compared to other types of climatic equipment, since the design involves two blocks. For example, a monoblock installation will be much noisier.

3. At night, when there is practically no external noise, the operation of the air conditioner is especially noticeable. For this reason, if the appliances are installed in the bedroom, it is better to choose a model with night mode.

This function allows you to reduce the noise level up to 17 dB. Of course, this reduces power.