How to choose an air conditioner for your home: everything you need to know before going to the store

Decide on the type of air conditioner

The first thing to consider when choosing an air conditioner is the possibility of indoor installation. Typically, only a few types of air conditioners are used for the home.

Wall split systems

Suitable for apartments, cottages and almost any living space.
Dignity: heating function, minimum noise, high-quality air filtration, a huge selection of models.
disadvantages: uneven cooling and heating of large rooms.
Price: on average from 15,000 rubles for 20 m² + installation.

Wall split system is the most popular and versatile type of air conditioner. It includes an indoor unit, which is mounted on the wall in the room, and an external unit, which is mounted on the facade of the building. They can be up to 20 meters away. Not air circulates between the blocks, but freon. In cooling mode, it takes heat from the room and removes it outside.

In multi-split systems, there can be several indoor units, but all of them are connected to only one outdoor unit. Such systems are suitable for air conditioning several rooms at once or one large hall when placing indoor units in different parts of it.

Installing a split system can cost as much as an air conditioner. However, do not try to do everything yourself: if malfunctions are found, problems may arise with warranty repairs.

Where can I buy:

Split system SUNWIND SW-07 / IN - SW-07 / OUT, 13 590 rubles →
Split system BALLU BSEP-09HN1, 23 500 rubles →
Split system (inverter) Haier HSU-09HFM103 / R3 (SDB), 39,990 rubles →
Split system (inverter) Candy ACI-12HTR03 / R3, 24 990 rubles →

Cassette air conditioners

Suitable for cottages, large living rooms and any spacious premises.
Dignity: fast and even cooling.
disadvantages: complexity of installation, high price, a suspended ceiling is required.
Price: on average from 40,000 rubles for 50 m² + installation.

Due to the distribution of air flows in four directions, this type of split system quickly and evenly cools or heats the air. Typically, these air conditioners are installed in rooms with an area of 50 m².

Cassette air conditioners are rarely found in simple hardware stores. The sale is carried out by specialized companies. They also install such air conditioners.

Mobile air conditioners

Suitable for country houses and small premises where it is not possible to install a split system.
Dignity: relocatable, no installation fees.
disadvantages: higher noise level, bulkiness, limited power - on average no more than 3 kW.
Price: on average from 15,000 rubles for 20 m².

You can install a mobile air conditioner yourself. You just need to place it on the floor in the right place and bring out a flexible air duct through a window or a hole in the wall - a hose with a diameter of about 10 cm and a length of up to 1.5 m.

Most mobile air conditioners are designed for an area of no more than 20-30 m². There are much fewer models that can cool 40-50 squares. And they are relatively expensive. Consider them only in the absence of other options.

Where can I buy:

Mobile air conditioner Zanussi ZACM-08 TSC / N1, 25 990 rubles →
ROYAL CLIMA RM-SL39CH-E mobile air conditioner, 27 220 rubles →
Ballu BPAC-07 CM mobile air conditioner, 14,990 rubles →

Pay attention to the compressor

The advantage of split systems will be an inverter compressor. The control unit in such air conditioners converts the alternating current of the power supply into direct current and then again into alternating current of the required frequency. This allows the compressor motor speed to be monitored and the room temperature to be smoothly controlled.

However, it is more important for the buyer to know that inverter air conditioners are more reliable and more economical. Yes, they are more expensive, but the overpayment on purchase is offset by electricity bills. In comparison with non-inverter counterparts, the difference in energy consumption can reach 30-40%.

Determine the right power

Everything is simple here: the larger the area of the room, the more power should be. In an ordinary apartment, with a ceiling height of no more than 3 m, at least 1 kW should fall on every 10 m².

Accordingly, if the air conditioner is installed in a room with an area of 20 m², it is necessary to consider models with a minimum of 2 kW. However, you don't have to bother with all this, since the product cards usually indicate what area the air conditioner can handle.

If there are a lot of electrical appliances in the room, especially computer equipment, it is better to consider air conditioners with a slightly higher capacity.

It is also worth considering the location. South-facing rooms tend to be warmer. This is another reason to think about increasing power.

In both cases, you can choose a model designed for a large area. Plus 5m is usually sufficient.

Check for the modes you want

Heating

This function is designed for the off-season, when there is no heating in the room and it is cold outside the window. In heating mode, heated freon enters the internal block of the split system, and cooled freon is removed.

In many split systems, outdoor units can operate at –7 ° C. At lower temperatures, the heating power drops and there is a risk of icing on the outdoor unit. Although some inverter models are capable of heating the room, even when outside the window is -25 ° C.

Dehumidification

This mode makes it easier to endure the sweltering heat and prevents the spread of mold. Most air conditioners now have this feature as standard.

Ventilation

This mode circulates the air in the room. As a rule, the compressor and the fan of the outdoor unit of the split system are turned off, only the internal one works. Do not confuse this mode with fresh air from outside.

Air cleaning

There are coarse filters in almost every air conditioner. They block dust and larger particles such as fluff and wool. Filters should be removed and cleaned at least once every few months.

How to choose an air conditioner: Find the air purification function. As a rule, special filters are used for this

Much more important is a fine filter, which is able to capture the smallest pollen of plants, various odors and cigarette smoke. It is not always possible to clean such filters with a vacuum cleaner or rinse with water. If necessary, it is better to replace the filters immediately.

Consultants in stores can say a lot of flattering words about some newfangled filter, but they, of course, will not say anything about the need to replace it in a month or two. For example, catechin filters can last for about 30 days. After this period, they are not only useless, but also cause an unpleasant swamp smell.

Ionization

This regime means the saturation of the air with air ions, which should provide a surge of strength, improve immunity and overall well-being. This mode cannot be called marketing noodles, but many people do not feel any effect from ionization.

Aeroions are air particles that carry an electric charge. Under natural conditions, air saturated with air ions is present on the slopes of high mountains, near waterfalls, on the shores of mountain rivers, seas and oceans.

Oxygen saturation

This mode of operation can mean completely different mechanisms.

A special generator that uses a physical method of separating gases. Consists of two separators that absorb and remove nitrogen to the outside, and return oxygen to the room.
A special membrane that, when air is sucked in, retains nitrogen molecules, but allows oxygen to pass through.
Air exchanger for supplying fresh air from the street and removing air with an increased concentration of carbon dioxide from the room.

Simple household split systems cannot supply fresh air to the room. They only "drive" the air inside the room, cooling or heating it. A refrigerant, freon, circulates through the tubes between the blocks themselves.

Check out additional features

Sleep or night mode. With it, the air conditioner will make less noise at night and automatically lower the temperature by a few degrees.
Turbo mode. Allows you to quickly reach the set temperature. For this, the air conditioner operates at increased power, but no more than half an hour.
Defrosting the outdoor unit. Function for using the air conditioner in the cold season, when outside the window is not higher than 5 ° C. Not needed for those who do not plan to heat the air in the room.
Self-diagnosis - self-determination of system malfunctions.
Wi-Fi support. Allows you to control the air conditioner from your smartphone. Not needed if you have a convenient remote control.
Motion Sensor. The ability to switch to energy saving mode with minimal activity in the room.
Air flow regulation. Allows you to set the direction of the air flow, which may well save you from colds if you sleep directly under the air conditioner.

How to choose an air conditioner: find out if there is a reflector (deflector) to correct the direction of the air flow

Don't forget about energy efficiency

Air conditioners have an energy efficiency ratio for cooling mode (labeled EER - Energy Efficiency Ratio) and heating mode (COP - Coefficient of Performance). They are calculated according to various formulas, but in the end, all values are reduced to the usual classes for household appliances: from A (highest) to G (lowest).

Depending on the operating mode, the energy class of the air conditioner may be different. For example, in cooling mode - A ++, and in heating mode - A +.

If you want to save electricity, you will have to fork out pretty much for the unit itself. Prices for A +++ class split systems start at 60,000 rubles. However, it is not always worth overpaying.

For example, if we compare models designed for 25 squares, then air conditioners of class A +++ consume on average 500-600 watts of energy, and analogs A ++ - 700-800 watts. Moreover, the difference in their price can reach 50%. With a limited budget, it is better to find the best option for the A ++ class.

How to choose an air conditioner: choose a high energy efficiency class

To this day, there are air conditioners on sale with energy class B, C and even D. These are either very powerful systems for large areas, or the cheapest models. But here it is not worth saving. A model with energy class A and higher will be more expensive by only a few thousand rubles. This overpayment will quickly pay off on your electricity bills.

Buyer's checklist

For an apartment, consider wall split systems first. Such units are excellent for various climatic conditions and temperature fluctuations. And in terms of prices, the spread is quite wide.
It is worth buying mobile household air conditioners only for summer cottages or premises where it is not possible to install a split system with an outdoor unit.
Cassette air conditioners are an excellent choice for rooms from 50 m² with false ceilings. For small rooms, they are not even considered.
Before purchasing, check the support for the functions you really need, as well as clarify the filter life.
When choosing a model, pay attention not only to the cooling area, but also to the energy efficiency of the system. Anything below class A can significantly increase your electricity bills.