As the summer heat approaches, more and more people are thinking about the importance of installing an air conditioner in their apartment. In any home appliance store, there are many different air conditioning systems that differ in functionality, manufacturers and, of course, price. How not to get lost in such an assortment, which is better and how to choose an air conditioner for an apartment?

This is what a practical list of questions should look like, the answer to which will lead to a successful choice:

  • type;
  • power;
  • basic functions;
  • additional functions.

Types of air conditioning systems

According to their design, air conditioners are divided into:

  • windows;
  • split systems;
  • mobile air conditioners.

how to choose an air conditioner for an apartment

Window conditioners

Considering which air conditioner is easier to choose for an apartment, cheaper and without installation problems, then this is exactly what you need. In this version, the compressor and heat exchanger radiator are mounted in a single housing. The main advantage of such an air conditioner is the performance of two functions: cooling and airing the room with the help of outside air intake. Few split systems solve similar tasks. The second plus is the low price. In fact, this is the cheapest option today.

Air conditioner in the window

Among the disadvantages of “window shutters”, the following can be distinguished:

  • too much noise during operation;
  • installation in the window will reduce the amount of light;
  • lack of additional functions.

Split systems

The most popular solution in choosing an air conditioner for an apartment. It is divided into two blocks. One is located inside the room, the other outside. The compressor is installed in the external module. The system is connected by electrical wires and tubes for the circulation of freon (refrigerant).

The type of split systems depends on the modification of the indoor unit.

Wall-mounted internal units placed under the ceiling are mostly chosen for apartments. The power of such systems varies from 1.5 to 10 kW, which is designed to cool rooms from 15 to 100 m², respectively. They have an aesthetic appearance. They are called room or home air conditioners.

In a multi-room apartment or house, it is better to choose a split system, when several internal ones in different rooms are connected to one powerful external unit at once.

There are high-power split systems with channel, cassette or column indoor units. However, choosing them for apartments will not be rational. Duct blocks are used as part of centralized supply-exhaust ventilation systems for entire buildings or individual floors. Cassette and column units are designed for large rooms, so they are not used in apartments.

Mobile air conditioners

Somewhat similar to the window options, everything is also represented by a single block. The power of such air conditioners is small, and they are designed for installation in small rooms. Extra warm air exits through a flexible air hose through the window. Installation does not require specialists, you can do it yourself. Portability allows you to periodically move it to the most convenient position. However, given their considerable cost and weak capabilities, the choice of an air conditioner for an apartment of this type is extremely doubtful.

Power of the air conditioner

The power must strictly correspond to the needs. If you choose a low-power air conditioner, it will not cope with cooling, which can lead to breakdowns. If the power is higher than necessary, the air conditioning system will be turned on for a short time, and this will negatively affect the operation of the compressor.

The basis for calculating the working capacity is the area of ​​the room for which the air conditioner is selected. It is calculated according to the formula: 1 kW of power is needed for 8-10 m2. Additional factors are also included here. When the room is located on the sunny side, 20-30% is added to the received amount. Every piece of electrical equipment installed in the room emits heat. 30% of the power consumed by them is also added to the calculation.

Actually, this is where the calculations end. Often in the description of the air conditioner, not kW is indicated, but BTU. These are units of air conditioning power that came to us from America. Watts and BTUs are related as follows: 1 BTU = 0.2931 W.

Power is the main factor in choosing the right air conditioner for an apartment.
choosing an air conditioner for an apartment

Air conditioner functions

The main task of the air conditioner is to cool the air. In addition, modern systems are equipped with a heating function. As a rule, the heating power is equal to the cooling power.

In addition, air conditioners can perform the following:

  • air filtration;
  • ventilation;
  • air drying;
  • work timer, night mode;
  • ionization

Air filtration is carried out with a grid of preliminary cleaning from large inclusions. Following this, a fine-cleaning filter is installed, which filters the air from fine dust, smoke, odors and disinfects it.

In all modern systems, it is possible to adjust the speed of rotation of the fan in the system and the strength of the air flow. For faster cooling, the fan is turned on at full power.

Air drying is a necessary function. Air conditioners with a drying function condense excess moisture inside themselves and remove it outside. Drying can be carried out without cooling the air, while the air temperature will drop by a maximum of 1 degree.

You can read about how to choose a washing machine in this article .

The internal timer allows you to set the air conditioner to turn on according to the schedule. For example, an hour before your return to the apartment, the air conditioner will automatically turn on and cool the room to the required temperature. In the night mode, the air conditioner works at minimum power, which reduces the noise from the working fan, and it does not interfere with rest.

Ionization, as well as oxygen saturation, are functions of elite class air conditioners. For this, the indoor unit is additionally equipped with an ionizer and a chemical filter. The availability of these functions will significantly affect the cost of the air conditioning system.

Manufacturers: elite class, medium, budget

If you are thinking about which company to choose an air conditioner for an apartment, then it is important to determine how high-quality it should be and what functions should prevail in it.

Air conditioners of the highest quality and with a large number of options are positioned as elite. Among the manufacturers, such Japanese companies as Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Toshiba produce similar systems. They are made of the highest quality. They are distinguished by a variety of functions, including a self-diagnosis system and protection against all possible malfunctions or non-standard situations. The cost of such systems is an order of magnitude higher than others.
which air conditioner to choose for an apartment

The middle class of air conditioners, in fact, also has all possible functions, but differs from the premium class in simpler assembly and not so advanced protection. Make more noise when working. In the middle class, you can specify such brands as Panasonic, Sanyo, Hyundai, McQuay, Aermec and Hitachi.

Budget class of air conditioners. Air conditioners from this group have the lowest cost. Management is extremely simple, and there is practically no protection. The user must strictly follow all instructions for use for the normal operation of the device and to prevent breakdowns. The minimum number of sensors does not allow the system to independently maintain the desired microclimate, it all depends on the actions of the user. Among the manufacturers of such systems, we can mention LG, Samsung, Midea, Ballu.

The division into manufacturers is conditional and applies only to household air conditioning systems, so it is difficult to answer which air conditioner is better to choose for an apartment. Each of the companies has lines of both elite and budget classes of equipment.

Installation and operation process

You can install window and mobile systems yourself. The help of specialists will be needed only in case of breakdown or maintenance. The split system is another matter. Their installation will require special equipment and appropriate skills. The efficiency and duration of the air conditioner depends on the quality of the installation and start-up.

It is best to place the air conditioner close to the location of the outdoor unit. The smaller the distance, the easier the system works. The optimal distance between the blocks is 5-6 meters.

Do not place the air conditioner above the bed or sofa. Due to the flow of cold air, you can easily catch a cold, as from a draft.

The main disadvantage of most air conditioners is the lack of fresh air flow. You should regularly ventilate the room, although this will require more cooling costs.

Air filters require regular cleaning. Once or twice a year, it is necessary to involve a specialist in the cleaning and maintenance of all units of the air conditioner.

Result

When buying an air conditioner, the comfort of living in an apartment is ensured first of all. That is why you should approach the choice of an air conditioning system responsibly, intelligently comparing your needs and capabilities.

How to choose an air conditioner for an apartment

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