Household air conditioner - description, installation, characteristics and rating

Household air conditioners have become so affordable today that people with almost any income level can afford to buy them. Residents of the southern regions, where temperatures rise to +35 and above, can no longer imagine their home without a split system.

There are hundreds of models from dozens of manufacturers on the market. To choose the right air conditioner, you need to know exactly the characteristics and functions you need.

Brief description, properties and purpose

An air conditioner can quickly reduce the room temperature by 10 - 15 degrees.

If a split system is used, the air can not only be cooled, but also heated just as quickly. The internal unit of such devices is quite compact. It is attached from above. The external one is taken out of the living space and installed on the street.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of household air conditioners is based on heating the refrigerant.The substance evaporates, absorbing heat from the surface, and when condensation forms, a cooling process occurs.

Specifications

The device is powered from the electrical network. Household air conditioners consume on average from 1 to 2.5 kW/h.

The power of the equipment determines how much area it can cool.

Purpose of the device

The main purpose of the device is to cool the air in residential premises. The equipment is often installed in the bedroom and kitchen.

Modern models are also capable of heating the air to the desired temperature. This function is popular before the start of the heating season. At this time, the apartments are cold, but heat is not yet supplied.

Attention! Manufacturers advise not to turn on the split system for heating when the street temperature drops to -5 degrees.

Types of air conditioners. Advantages and disadvantages

There are three main types of devices:

• stationary monoblocks;
• split systems;
• mobile monoblocks.

In residential premises, split systems are most often used, but in some cases it is more convenient to install a mobile or stationary monoblock.

Air conditioner with air split system (split system)

A device of this type consists of two blocks, which are connected to each other using wires and tubes for supplying freon.

1. The outdoor unit controls all basic functions. It contains a condenser that cools the refrigerant. Its circulation between the housings is carried out by a compressor.
2. The indoor unit contains an evaporator that cools the air flow before being supplied to the room. The housing has built-in blinds that regulate the direction of flow, as well as a filtration system.

Among the advantages Split systems feature almost complete noiselessness, the ability to accurately set the temperature and adjust the air flow.

Disadvantages include complicated installation. You won’t be able to do it yourself; you’ll have to call a specialist. The services of a master are quite expensive - several thousand rubles. Residents of the first floors may notice another disadvantage. The external unit is easily damaged from the street.

Multi split systems are practically the same. The difference is that you can connect not one, but several indoor units to the outdoor unit.

Mobile air conditioner in the form of a monoblock

The buyer can install the monoblock independently. It consists of one body, which is most often installed in window or door openings. Devices of this type are not very efficient because the housing allows some warm air to pass through. Disadvantages also include high noise levels.

Among the advantages of such equipment is mobility. However, in recent years, buyers have preferred to purchase silent models, which are displacing mobile all-in-one PCs from the market.

Stationary monoblock

Models of this type are the most inexpensive. They are installed in windows or embedded in walls. They have a high noise level. The disadvantages include the fact that in winter cold air will penetrate through the housing into the room. Most often, such devices are installed in dachas.

Among the advantages is the price. Stationary monoblocks are much cheaper than split systems. Rarely found on sale.

What to look for when buying an air conditioner?

Before purchasing equipment, make sure that its power is sufficient to fully cool the room. Also pay attention to the following factors:

• Compressor type. Inverter is more economical, quieter and more reliable than non-inverter.
• Noise level. The optimal value is 25 – 30 dB.
• Availability of filters. They clean the air from dust and odors.
• Ventilation. Not all air conditioners have a fresh air supply function. In ventilation mode, many models do not use the outdoor unit.
• Auto mode. This function allows the device to operate without constantly adjusting parameters.
• Design. The inner case is in plain sight, so it should fit harmoniously into the interior of the room.

How is installation done? What do you need to know about the installer?

If you purchase a split system, contact an air conditioning installation specialist. The master lays a route for connecting communications. A hole with a diameter of 3–5 cm is drilled in the wall. An outdoor unit is attached to the outer wall, and an indoor unit is mounted indoors. They are connected to each other, after which the system is purged with freon.

To ensure that the device does not fail, the installation must be carried out by a good specialist. It is most reliable to contact companies that supply cooling equipment. They also specialize in installation.

You should not call numbers from the bulletin board. Installation by such a specialist will cost less. However, in the event of a malfunction, there will be no one to file a claim with.

Air conditioner maintenance and refilling

Equipment maintenance must be carried out every six months. It includes:

• cleaning of indoor and outdoor units;
• function diagnostics;
• refilling freon.

Important! In case of any malfunction of the device, you must call a specialist. He will be able to assess whether there is a refrigerant leak and fix the problem.

It is also better to entrust air conditioner service to trusted companies.

Rating of household air conditioners

The equipment is produced by many well-known companies. The market offers premium, mid-class and budget air conditioners.

Elite models are produced mainly by Japanese companies: Daikin, Toshiba, Panasonic. The devices are distinguished by almost complete noiselessness, reliability, and advanced functionality. You will have to pay dearly for comfort. Premium air conditioners cost from 40 thousand rubles. The price of the most expensive model can be equal to the cost of a car.

The middle class is represented by manufacturers such as Hitachi and Electrolux. The equipment is of good quality and more reasonably priced than the high end ones. The cost ranges from 30 to 50 thousand rubles.

The budget segment is produced by Samsung, Daewoo, LG, Zanussi, Vitek, etc. The assembly of such air conditioners is in most cases made in China, so their reliability is low. But you can purchase popular models at a very affordable price. The average cost is 15 – 20 thousand rubles.

When choosing an air conditioner, you need to study its technical characteristics and find out the country of origin. If the functional requirements are small, it is worth considering the middle or budget class. After 5 - 7 years, the model will become outdated, and it will be better to replace it with a new one.

Installation of equipment should be trusted by trusted companies. Only in this case will the air conditioner last for several years without breakdowns.