Working cool

The principle of operation of air conditioners without air ducts

Owners of cottages, country houses and country houses know that a small mobile air conditioner is the best choice for normalizing the microclimate in a home, filling the space with fresh oxygen. Its main advantages are good technical characteristics and compact dimensions. Most models of mobile air conditioners for an apartment both cool and heat the air. The temperature regime is regulated by the remote control.

The principle of operation of a mobile air conditioner is as follows:

• there is a powerful fan in the casing of the climatic device, which ensures the intake of warm air from the surrounding space;
• refrigerant flows through metal pipes inside the device. Most often, manufacturers use effective and inexpensive freon, which guarantees rapid air cooling;
• floor-mounted mobile split system can be equipped with an antibacterial filter;
• since the unit works on the recirculation principle, the cooled and purified oxygen is returned to the apartment.

To normalize the temperature regime, it is enough to install a floor-standing device in the room. Installing a mobile air conditioner is reduced to connecting to the mains. Installation is really simple. Mobile split units with flexible duct deserve special attention. They are more complex, but they also clean the air more efficiently.

Air masses are discharged through a circular slot in the window. The external cooling unit is installed separately. Such a device is traditional for monoblock solutions.

How to calculate the required power

When choosing a mobile air conditioner, take into account:

• volume (area x ceiling height);
• room illumination;
• the number of heat emitters (people, computers, televisions).

The amount is determined from 2 indicators: the product of volume and illumination coefficient and additional heat radiation. The illuminance factor is 30-35-40 watts / square meter, which corresponds to the north-east (west) -south sides of the windows. Infrared radiation from a person, on average, is 125 watts / hour, a computer - 350 watts / hour, a TV - 700 watts / hour. Advertising brochures indicate a thermal BTU of 0.2931 watts.

Description and purpose of the device

Mobile air conditioners are devices, the placement of which is not tied to the layout of the premises. Small dimensions, the presence of wheels, lack of installation allow you to move the devices around the apartment / house of your choice.

Freon or a water tank is used as a refrigerant. Heating element - heating element. Air supply and exhaust is carried out using fans.

The models differ:

• by power;
• dimensions;
• ways to remove heat and condensate;
• work management;
• combining functions.

The fan and compressor enclosed in the case of the air conditioner create an increased background noise and vibration in the room. The principle of operation of a refrigeration system based on freon is similar to stationary climate control devices:

1. Freon enters the compressor, where it is compressed and the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced.
2. Heat exchange takes place in the evaporator: freon heats up, air cools:

• condensation forms on the walls of the heat exchanger;
• a fan blows cold walls;
• freon returns to the compressor.

1. From the compressor, the heated and compressed refrigerant enters the condenser, where it is cooled.
2. The cycle repeats again.

The problem of removing warm air in mobile devices is solved in 2 ways:

1. Through a corrugated pipe, fixed in the window, it is brought out into the street.
2. Energy is used to evaporate condensate collected in a sump under the condenser.

Portable devices are convenient in houses and dachas in the countryside, in a rented apartment.

How to choose a mobile air conditioner

It is impossible to talk about the best mobile air conditioners without taking into account the criteria for their operation. For example, if the device will be frequently transported, then it is optimal to purchase a device without an air duct. Or if it is necessary to cool large rooms, then you will have to accurately select the power of the unit.

What are the criteria for choosing a mobile air conditioner

Mobile air conditioners are selected in the same way as conventional split systems. And the main technical characteristic is power, it is also cooling capacity. This parameter is related to the volume of the refrigerated room. The ratio is as follows - 1 kW of refrigeration production per 10 m² of the area of ​​the room with a ceiling height of no more than 3 m.

But other factors must also be taken into account, for example:

• the number of people working in the office;
• number of appliances (household, office).

The more quantitatively these factors are, the more powerful the unit must be acquired.

What else is recommended to pay attention to when buying a mobile air conditioner

The volume of the container in which the condensate is collected. Unfortunately, all mobile devices do not have branch pipes for draining liquid outside the premises. Therefore, the larger the collection, the less often you will have to release it. And you have to do it manually.
The dimensions of the air conditioner itself. It is necessary to first determine the installation location, and then select the dimensions of the device itself for its dimensions

Here it is necessary to take into account an important requirement of operation - the distance from the walls to the air conditioner should not be less than 30 cm.
It is better to make the choice towards the inverter model. It consumes 30% less electricity than the standard version

But outside the city, where voltage drops are common, the inverter air conditioner will not withstand for a long time - it will fail.
The noise level is also an important characteristic. The quieter the mobile air conditioner operates, the better. Manufacturers must indicate this parameter in the product passport.

2> Manufacturer's choice

Let's talk about manufacturers. Which air conditioner is better for an apartment? The rating of firms, which sometimes comes across on the net, rarely has anything to do with reality. In general, all firms that produce household air conditioners for an apartment can be divided into three large groups. These are Japanese manufacturers that produce reliable and high-quality air conditioners, but their price can sometimes reach the cost of a small used car:

• Mitsubishi Electric;
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries;
• Daikin;
• Fujitsu-General;
• Hitachi;
• Toshiba;
• Chofu.

Moreover, the production of these brands is rarely located in Japan, but this practically does not affect the quality.

The second group is the middle price range. These usually include Korean manufacturers Samsung, LG, well-known Chinese brands Midea, Cooper & Hunter, Tosot and others. The products of these brands are quite reliable and can be recommended in the absence of large financial resources.

The third group is inexpensive air conditioners, which are produced under different names in factories in China. These can be either completely unfamiliar brands or names that are heard and resonate with well-known firms that produce household appliances.

Popular models of air conditioners

It is difficult to talk about the best mobile air conditioners, because all well-known manufacturers of HVAC equipment produce them. Therefore, there are several models that, in the opinion of experts and consumers, have certain higher positive qualities.

1. Ballu BPAM-09Н. Works for both cooling and heating. It is considered the cheapest device on the market. But at the moment it is difficult to find it on sale.
2. Hyundai H-AP1-03C-UI001. Works only for cooling. This is the smallest mobile air conditioner.
3. Timberk AC TIM 09H P4. Modes - cooling and heating. One of the best options working with a heating function. Many experts put 10 points out of 10.
4. Ballu BPPC-07H.It functions for both cooling and heating. The best model that works great in wet rooms.
5. Ballu BPES-12C. Cooling mode only. Of all the models on the market, it is the most powerful.
6. Electrolux EACM-12EW / TOP / N3_W. Cooling only. The quietest unit, therefore it is recommended for installation in bedrooms. Got 10 out of 10.
7. Bimatek AM400 for cooling. Another quiet option.
8. Electrolux EACM-14ES / FI / N3. Also works only for cooling. The manufacturer tried to increase the functions of disinfection of the passed air. And he succeeded quite well in this. Therefore, the recommendations are suitable for allergy sufferers.
9. General Climate GCP-09ERC1N1. Modes - heating and cooling. Devices with maximum efficiency. With a low cooling capacity, they cool large rooms well.
10. General Climate GCP-12ERA1N1. They work in cooling and heating modes. These models are equipped with a self-diagnosis function. Unique units that received 10 points out of 10.

Ballu BPAM-09Н

This is just a small lineup that consumers and experts have singled out as the best. But we must pay tribute to other brands and models where there are worthy representatives of mobile air conditioners. In addition, much will depend on the technical characteristics and quality of the duct installation. As practice shows, many people simply put the corrugation of the duct into a slightly open window. And this is dust, smells and noise from the outside, plus warm air, which is already unpleasant. Therefore, it is recommended to run the air duct through a special seal in the window opening or through a hole made in the wall, which must also be well insulated.

And at the end, two useful tips:

1. It is recommended to turn on the air conditioner two hours after it has been installed vertically.
2. The device must be installed in such a way that nothing interferes with the free air intake from the rear side. That is why manufacturers advise installing the installation at a distance of 30 mm (minimum) from a wall or window.

Mobile air conditioners are no longer a rarity. They are used everywhere, there are reviews as positive, even with delight, there are also negative ones. Many are confused by the low functionality, and some models lack a remote control.

2> "Myths" about the use of air conditioners

During its existence, the use of air conditioners at home and in offices has been overgrown with a large number of rumors and opinions, often having nothing to do with reality, we will try to explain the most common of them:

• the air conditioner itself is not a source of colds - their source is non-observance of the temperature regime during use;
• the air conditioner itself is not a source of germs or bacteria - they can form on uncleaned and unreplaced filters in time, in addition, modern systems have an automatic drying and cleaning system, which prevents the development of fungi and mold inside the system;
• the air conditioner does not contribute to the spread of microbes and the infection of healthy people, if there is a patient in the apartment.

Thus, with the observance of simple rules, it becomes completely clear how to use the air conditioner correctly at home and at work is simple and safe. Subject to the simple rules of their operation, these devices can greatly facilitate life, especially for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, severe allergic reactions and a number of other dangerous diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages of air conditioners

Having considered the main categories of air conditioners, let's turn to their advantages and disadvantages.

Window

Advantages:

• low price;
• reliability, simplicity of the device and maintenance;
• environmental friendliness;
• easily installed, dismantled, transported. Doesn't take up much space;
• equipped with additional functions of heating, ionization and humidification.

Disadvantages:

• creates a lot of noise during operation;
• designed to serve small spaces;
• it is impossible to install if there are double-glazed windows;
• reduces the level of lighting when installed in a window;
• not adapted for round-the-clock and year-round work;
• if left in the window for the winter, cold will flow into the room.

Mobile

Advantages:

• do not require professional installation;
• can be moved around the room, have wheels;
• easily dismantled and transported.

Disadvantages:

• high noise level;
• occupies a useful area in the room;
• at regular intervals it is necessary to remove condensate;
• in models with an air duct, the hose heats up and creates an additional greenhouse effect;
• the air is taken not from the street, but from the room where the unit is installed;
• a prerequisite is the ventilation of the room, or an open window during the operation of the unit.

Duct

Advantages:

• the ability to hide the block indoors;
• assembly versatility;
• the ability to simultaneously air-condition several rooms;
• has low noise levels;
• savings due to integration with the ventilation system.

Disadvantages:

• there is no way to create an individual temperature regime for each room;
• false ceilings are required for installation;
• complexity of installation.

Cassette

Advantages:

• easily creates a comfortable microclimate in large rooms;
• the mechanism distributes air flows in four directions, due to which the required temperature is quickly reached;
• almost silent work;
• the possibility of placing blocks at a distance of up to 50 meters from each other.

Disadvantages:

• rather high cost;
• mounts only on suspended ceilings;
• high ceilings (at least 3 meters).

Multi split systems

Advantages:

• takes up a small amount of space;
• there is practically no noise during operation;
• admissibility of completing the system with blocks of various types.

Disadvantages:

• difficulties in installation;
• expensive;
• due to the breakdown of one part, the entire system may stop working;
• only one operating mode is intended.

Air conditioners - rules for selection and operation

An air conditioning system is not the easiest household appliance, and it has its own rules of use. Subject to these rules, manufacturers guarantee the normal operation of the device and avoid negative consequences. So, the rules for the operation of household air conditioners include:

• the need to clearly correlate the power of the selected device with the physical parameters of the room and weather conditions - in countries and regions of "traditionally hot climates" it is necessary to purchase and install systems of greater capacity with improved cooling functions;
• always correlate weather conditions with the modes and capabilities of the air conditioner - for example, if you need to heat the room, remember that you can normally adjust the air conditioner to heat at an “outboard” temperature of up to -5, the need to heat the room at a lower outside temperature threatens to breakdown;
• the air conditioner setting for cooling can also be correct and incorrect, the last setting can lead to colds and other broncho-pulmonary diseases, in order to avoid this it is not recommended:
  1. create too large a temperature difference between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms or the room and the street;
  2. gradually reduce the temperature in the room by 1-2 degrees every 30-40 minutes - thus, the optimal temperature regime in the room is ensured;
  3. do not direct the flow of cold air from the system directly to a person, do not allow the creation of a work or sleeping place in the immediate vicinity of the system;
  4. if there are children, do not allow them to play and crawl on the floor in a room with an air conditioner operating - if necessary, first ventilate and cool the room, turn off the device and only then let the children into the room;
• air conditioning systems need to be regularly serviced, cleaned and changed filters, thereby providing a comfortable and safe microclimate for yourself and normal operation of the device;
• only professionals should install, maintain, repair and change filters in the air conditioner, simple manipulations for external cleaning, dust and pet hair removal can be carried out independently.

How to choose a mobile air conditioner for your home (apartment)

Many owners ask themselves the question: how to choose the quietest mobile air conditioner for a house or apartment? For climatic devices that do not have a flexible duct, the following criteria should be emphasized:

• the area of ​​the refrigerated room. The dependence here is simple - the larger the room, the more powerful the unit is required;
• awareness of the manufacturer's company - technical data and description should also be taken into account when choosing a climate unit. We recommend that you carefully study the rating of mobile air conditioners, presented at the end of the article, where the listed criteria have already been taken into account;

• price - expensive models are preferable to purchase. The price tag is also affected by the noise level during active work. Expensive branded models are quieter;
• additional functions - modern mobile air conditioners equipped with an air duct are not able to increase the humidity level in the room.

Selection criteria are standard for any climate technology. You should not trust companies that produce cheap devices, but it is not recommended to overpay for the brand either.

General principles of devices

To understand which floor-standing air conditioners are better, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with their general principle of operation and understand the criteria that you should pay attention to first of all when you come to the store. Most of the units are a universal monoblock

It can be transported throughout the living area.

In technical terms, floor-standing air conditioners work in much the same way as refrigerators. However, in our case, a more powerful compressor is installed, which directs the flow of cold or warm air into the room. In this case, you can adjust its direction, strength, and temperature.

It is logical that such a device generates heat from its work. It falls on the back wall and requires removal from the room. If this issue is not resolved, the efficiency of the air conditioner will be zero, since the room temperature will not change. To do this, manufacturers make and add special sliding tubes to the package, with the help of which heat is removed outside through the window.

It is worth noting that in stores you can find much less powerful tools and mistake them for floor air conditioners. It's about air conditioning humidifiers. If the device does not have hoses and a compressor, then this is just such a case. Such models are much cheaper, but their efficiency is also several times lower.

Overview of models of various companies

Not sure which air conditioner is better? Then consider the models of air conditioners in accordance with this year's rating.

The best of window monoblocks

General Climate GCW-05CM is one of the most famous models of window air conditioners. Works for cooling only.

Price - 9 540 rubles.

General Climate GCW-09HRN1 is a more diverse model in functionality, also has a stronger power than the previous one. Enough overall - it is no longer possible to install it in the window. The disadvantages include a high noise level and high energy consumption.

Price - 13 600 rubles

Best mobile air conditioners

Timberk АС TIM 09H P4 - is one of the most popular and smallest monoblocks. The peculiarities include the lack of a choice of temperature regimes.

Price - 18 674 rubles.

Aeronik AP-09C - a special feature is the absence of a container for condensate (it evaporates and is also discharged through an air duct).Works in 3 modes (heating is not provided), equipped with an LED display.

The price is 19,740 rubles.

The best choice for allergy sufferers

Toshiba RAS-10SKVP2-E - Equipped with a two-stage plasma filter that traps the finest dust, pollen, bacteria, mold spores, viruses, smoke. There is also a self-cleaning system with ozone.

Price - 72 942 rubles.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK-25ZM-S is a split-system with inverter control and a wide range of functions.

Features: the presence of a photocatalytic filter to combat unpleasant odors, an anti-allergenic filter, a timer.

Price - 46 056 rubles.

Aeronik ASO / ASI-12HM is equipped with a built-in triple air purification system. Also a feature is the need to periodically update removable panels.

Price - 20 800 rubles.

The best choice for the bedroom

Panasonic CS-E7RKDW / CU-E7RKD is designed for small rooms. Works in night mode, has inverter control, 24-hour timer. Manufactured in Malaysia.

Price - 36,700 rubles.

Hisense AS-07UR4SYDDB1G is an inexpensive but high quality and functional device from one of the leading Chinese brands.

Features: inverter control, quiet operation, filter system, heating mode, automatic shutters.

Price - 21 490 rubles.

Toshiba RAS-07EKV-EE. They have inverter control. Differs in good assembly and work efficiency.

Price - 25,900 rubles.

The best one-stop solutions

Daikin ATYN25L. An inexpensive option for quality equipment. One drawback - it is not equipped with an inverter control system.

Price - 29,900 rubles.

Airwell HKD 012. Justifies the ratio of high quality and low price. Refers to a high class of energy efficiency.

Shivaki SSH-P096DC. Construction type - split system; inexpensive; equipped with an inverter, filter system.

Price - 24 950 rubles.

Air conditioners with split system for home

Hisense AS-07HR4SYDTG. Belongs to economy class. However, it is equipped with automatic shutters, an integrated air purification system, and compressor soundproofing.

Price - 16 890 rubles.

Pioneer KFR20BW / KOR20BW - designed for air conditioning of small rooms (up to 21 square meters).

Price - 15 800 rubles.

Hyundai HSH-S121NBE - high power and economy class air conditioner; has two filters (kakhetian and photocatalytic); not inverter.

Price - 18870 rubles.

We hope this classification will help you determine which product.

Additionally, we recommend watching the following video on the topic.

Closed air conditioning systems - the main advantages

The principle of air cooling in such systems is somewhat different - for cooling in wall structures or wall panels, freon routes are laid from the outdoor unit to the internal ones.

The advantages of such ducted air conditioners include:

1. the possibility of taking in fresh atmospheric air and mixing it with the already circulating inside;
2. the ability to completely hide all units and air conditioning systems inside the ceiling and wall structures;
3. absolute noiselessness of the system;
4. the ability to filter external air from dust and impurities;
5. the possibility of creating a branched air conditioning system and ensuring the flow of cooled or heated air into all rooms of an apartment or house.

Varieties of air conditioners

An air conditioner is a device designed to form a microclimate in an enclosed space. Its functions include regulation of temperature, humidity and other indicators of the air in the room.

Consider the classification of devices by type of design and the presence of certain functions in order to figure out how to choose an air conditioner for an apartment.

Window

Consists of a monoblock that is inserted into the window opening. It can also be inserted into a wall hole so that one part is in the room and the other is outside the building.

Floor standing

They are divided into two subspecies:

• mobile equipment with and without air duct. The best option if it is not possible to install a stationary air conditioner;
• floor and ceiling. Consists of two sections - indoor and outdoor unit. This is a stationary device with a large number of functions and changeable modes;

Duct

A system that supplies air through a duct network in such a way that cooled air enters several adjacent rooms at once. The external module is installed from the outside of the building, while the internal one can be located in any part of the room, even a closed storage room, still cooling several rooms.

Cassette

Ceiling air conditioners, a suspended ceiling is required for its mounting. They have a very low height, they distribute air through the lower part of the block in four directions.

Mobile

They differ in their small size, the ability to transport. Air conditioners of this type are located in a building in an open space (floor, window sill, table, etc.), and a hose is taken outside that removes warm air. They often lack ionizers and filters.

Split systems

It is divided into two parts: the outer block is located on the street, the inner one is in the building. New generation air conditioners equipped with additional functions:

• Heating - used mainly during the off-season before the onset of the heating season.
• Ventilation - this function does not affect temperature changes, it only creates air circulation. If there are appropriate filters, then its cleaning.
• Dehumidification - this mode is used to reduce air humidity without affecting temperature changes.
• Filtration. This type of system has coarse filters that trap dust and must be rinsed and cleaned regularly.

Multi split systems

Consists of a system of blocks - primary and secondary. It differs from a standard split-system by the presence of several indoor units (up to 8), and a wide range of functions.

Location, is it possible to install one air conditioner for the whole apartment?

Questions often arise about the choice of the number of air conditioners for an apartment. Do you need to install them in every room, or you can place one and it will cool the whole apartment. For example, how to choose an air conditioner for a two-room apartment?

The best option, of course, is to install a separate unit in each room. This is done in the same way as for heating appliances. But with some planning, you can get by with one. This is possible if there is a large opening between the two rooms. In this case, it is advisable to place the air conditioner so that from one room through the doorway, part of the air enters the neighboring one. In this case, the room where it is installed will be colder, but the adjacent room will in any case be cooler than without a split system.

The same option is considered when installing an air conditioner in the corridor. When the doors are open, some of the air enters the adjoining rooms, but there is a danger that the air conditioner will quickly cool the corridor and turn off. And the overflow of cold air will not be enough to compensate for the heating from the outside. In both cases, the power conditioner must be designed for the entire volume of the premises that it is designed to cool.

Also, the unit must be placed so that cold air does not blow on workplaces, sofas, armchairs and beds.

Mobile inverter air conditioner

Aggregates have become widespread due to active advertising and the description of a number of advantages. The types of motor control in conventional and mobile equipment are the same, it can be linear or inverter. But new technologies are not always able to show their merits - it all depends on the location of the device and its purpose.

Principle of operation

In the design of inverter floor-standing air conditioners, there is a special unit called an inverter that can control the speed of rotation of the motor.Variable speed allows the unit to run smoothly, quietly and maintain temperature evenly compared to linear motor control.

Linear devices operate according to the "on-off" principle, i.e. when the temperature is set, the device turns off, and when it deviates by 2 degrees from the set mode, the engine starts to work.

The devices do an excellent job of cooling and heating, but remember that when heating, the ambient temperature outside the window should not be lower than the level declared by the manufacturer (from -5 to -15C, depending on the model).

Advantages and disadvantages

Inverter floor air conditioners have many advantages, but not without a significant drawback.

Due to the increased cost, manufacturers do not produce many models of mobile inverter-type air conditioners, and they are mainly split systems.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

General recommendations for the selection of household climatic equipment:

Is it worth buying an air conditioner: a specialist's reasoning on the main myths and misconceptions associated with this category of equipment:

The analysis showed that the best option for climate technology for apartments would be wall-type split systems. If you need a convenient portable option for a summer residence, you should consider buying mobile air conditioners. Owners of large rooms with an area of ​​50 m² and more with false ceilings are advised to look closely at the cassette models.

When choosing the right model, consider all the details and nuances set out in the article. Useful information will help you not to make a mistake with your choice, to purchase high-quality and reliable equipment that will meet expectations and will delight you with a long service.