Compressor type, inverter or non-inverter;
The noise level indicator, depending on the model of the device, this value is 19-48dB;
Energy efficiency class;
Arrangement of the internal block of the unit: floor or wall;
Refrigerant type: R410A, R22, R410.
The above characteristics have a direct impact on the efficiency of the air conditioning unit, which acts as an indicator of the expediency of buying this climate technology.
Unit cooling capacity
Perhaps the main purpose of any air conditioner is to reduce the temperature of the air flow. That is why in the process of choosing a unit, first of all, you should pay attention to the cooling capacity.
The required performance of the apparatus will depend on the number of people living in the room, the size of the building, as well as the height of the ceiling.
Remember, if the building provides a large number of south-facing windows or glazing that covers a large area, the cooling capacity must be increased by 20%.
The energy consumption of the device, which operates from the mains, is 1/3 of the intensity of the cooling / heating of the air flow. Under such conditions, the efficiency of the air conditioner reaches 300%, namely, for the product of 3 kW of heat / cold, the electricity consumption is 1 kW.
Remember, during operation, the device consumes energy only to move air from one environment to another, for example, from the street to the building, excluding the cost of cooling / heating it.
Given this fact, a 2kW air conditioner uses up to 700W of electricity. At the same time, the energy consumption for the operation of a split system is much lower than that for the operation of an electric kettle or iron.
There is an opinion that by purchasing less powerful climate equipment, you can significantly reduce electricity costs, as well as expenses family budget, However, this is not quite true. Due to improper selection of equipment for the area of the room, the device will consume additional electricity to cool the space, which contributes to the rapid wear of the component parts of the mechanism. In addition, during a particularly hot period, the unit will operate only at maximum speed to produce coolness, increasing the load on the components and creating a significant noise level. As a result, air conditioning equipment will quickly become unusable.
If you purchase an air conditioner with high power, the unit will produce a strong flow of cold air, increasing the risk of developing colds in households. Also, due to the rapid injection of gas to a predetermined temperature regime, the interval between the compressor on-off processes will be insignificant, which is the reason for the breakdown of the air conditioning equipment.
Possibility of operation of the unit for heating
Currently, in addition to climate technology aimed at cooling the air, a wide range of devices is on sale that are also capable of heating it. As a rule, the cost of such devices is 15% higher, while in the cold season they are able to replace the heater.
During operation, a “warm” air conditioner consumes four times less electricity than it produces heat.
The principle of operation of such a unit is based on heating the air flow by pumping it from the street to the apartment. Considering this fact, the modes of cooling or heating are two opposite processes in which the reactions proceed up to the opposite, while there is a conditional change in the places of the indoor and outdoor units of the unit.
Remember, air conditioners equipped with a heat pump can only function in conditions of positive temperatures. environment. At the same time, to heat the room in winter period preference should be given to inverter installations.
Air conditioner noise level
During the operation of the air conditioner, the noise level of the outdoor unit, depending on the model, is 39-53dB, and the indoor unit is 22-35dB.
That is why, when choosing a unit, it is important Special attention pay attention to the volume of its operation, since the design that is best suited for equipping an office space may not be suitable for installation in a quiet room (for example, a bedroom, a private office).
Remember, the noise level of air conditioners with identical different manufacturers may differ significantly.
Consider the main causes of this phenomenon
Usage various techniques noise measurements during the manufacture of the device. As a result, the results obtained from different manufacturing companies have some discrepancies.
Operating mode. Given the fact that the main source of noise from the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is the air flow passing through the distribution shutters-fan-radiator, unscrupulous manufacturers measure the volume level of the sounds produced at the minimum fan speed.
Remember, the volume of the hum of the air conditioner depends on the selected operating mode of the device. That is why, before buying a device, you should study it in detail. specifications. In the description of the air conditioner, two values of the noise level must be indicated - minimum and maximum.
The appearance of extraneous sounds: crackles, clicks, hisses, gurgling.
As a rule, the crackle emitted from the air conditioner occurs as a result of the expansion / contraction of parts of the plastic case due to changes in its temperature.
Hissing or gurgling often appears when the compressor is turned on / off. In this case, clicks are formed as a result of relay switching. Perhaps the greatest discomfort a person feels due to the crackling of the case. In order to minimize the likelihood of this sound, you should purchase an air conditioner from a well-known manufacturer, the indoor unit of which is made of high quality plastic.
Currently the most popular companies that produce split systems are Mitsubishi, Gree, LG, Samsung, Haier, AEG, Daikin.
Remember lowest level noise is emitted by an inverter apparatus, in which there are no abrupt changes in temperature.
Additional features of the machine
When choosing a unit, you should pay attention to the presence of the following functions:
- - air flow control;
- - self-diagnosis;
- - auto restart;
- - a system of protection against misuse or exposure to adverse external factors;
- - elimination unpleasant odors;
- - the presence of a timer, night mode.
These characteristics for air conditioners are not mandatory or characteristic, however, most manufacturers equip their products with some of them, since they increase the usability of climate equipment.
H the most common split system wall type. Sometimes wall air conditioners also called simply household air conditioners, since they are most often used in apartments. Wall mounted air conditioner can be installed in any small room- office, apartment, shop. Their power (2...7 kW) allows cooling from 15 to 80 m2. The indoor unit of wall-mounted air conditioners is usually installed at the top of the wall, not far from the window, and the outdoor unit is under the window. This placement allows you to reduce the distance between the blocks, and hence the length of inter-unit communications, which, if there are no special instructions in the passport, is no more than 15 m for horizontal placement of blocks and no more than 7 m for vertical ones.
When installing split systems, ventilation of residential premises is carried out naturally. Since such air conditioners work, as a rule, for recirculation, if necessary, supply to the premises fresh air and removal extract air performed separate systems supply and exhaust ventilation. Here it is necessary to make a reservation. There are several models of wall-mounted air conditioners on the market today. with fresh air supply first of all it wall-mounted air conditioner Daikin FTXR28E , the price of its truth is more than $ 2000. An alternative to it can serve, at a price less than 900$ this model made in Japan which undoubtedly speaks volumes about its quality.
ducted air conditioner
To
the anal air conditioner is installed behind a suspended or false ceiling, which completely hides the indoor unit. The cooled air is distributed through a system of thermally insulated air ducts, which are also located in the interceiling space. Thanks to this design, the duct air conditioner can cool several rooms at once. The typical power of these air conditioners is 12...25 kW, which is enough for cooling small office or 4...5-room apartment. Fundamental difference duct air conditioner from the rest of the split systems is the possibility of supplying fresh air in the volumes necessary for proper ventilation of the premises.
Thus, the use of one channel air conditioner allows you to solve the problems of both ventilation and air conditioning of an entire office, apartment or cottage.
Split system with supply ventilation, equipped with an electronic control system, maintains the desired microclimate parameters at any time of the year. In summer, the air is cooled and the set temperature is maintained in the room. In autumn and spring, the air conditioner switches to the “heat pump” mode and effectively heats the air without turning on the heater. If the outside temperature drops below 0°C, the additional heater is switched on.
Cassette type air conditioner
D To install a cassette air conditioner, as well as for a channel air conditioner, you need suspended ceiling. However, unlike a ducted air conditioner, it distributes cooled air through the bottom of the unit. The main advantage of a cassette air conditioner is invisibility, since only decorative lattice. Another advantage is the uniform distribution of the air flow in four directions, which allows using only one cassette air conditioner to cool a large room (when using wall split systems to achieve a similar effect, you would have to use 2 ... 3 air conditioners of less power).
Floor-to-ceiling air conditioner
E If the room does not have a false ceiling, then an alternative to a cassette air conditioner can be a floor-to-ceiling air conditioner (or just a ceiling air conditioner). These air conditioners are small size indent from the wall (ceiling) - 18 ... 25 cm. They are installed, as the name suggests, either at the bottom of the wall or on the ceiling. This design allows you to evenly distribute the cooled air throughout the room and avoid direct flow to people.
Column air conditioner
To A lon air conditioner is used where a large cooling capacity is required and there are no strict requirements for the design of the room. The indoor units of these air conditioners overall dimensions match the refrigerator big weight and installed on the floor. Column air conditioners create a strong flow of cooled air, which does not allow you to be in close proximity to the air conditioner, so these air conditioners require a relatively large area for their placement.
An air-cooled condenser "chiller" device can be used in the air conditioning system. (A chiller is a refrigerating machine with an intermediate refrigerant.) Fan coil heat exchangers with fans are located in the living quarters. The fan coil piping system can be two-pipe (cooling only operation, but in winter they can switch from chiller to individual system heating) and four-pipe (such fan coil units work as heating radiators in winter).
Cabinet autonomous air conditioners
Air conditioners cabinet autonomous with condenser air cooling are intended for year-round air conditioning of rooms. Air conditioners operate in different climatic conditions, including the humid tropics, at an ambient temperature of up to 45 ° C, maintaining the room temperature in the range of 12 ... 28 ° C and its humidification.
The air processed in the air conditioner enters either directly into the room or through air ducts to the comfort zones.
Conveyors
Conveyors provide five functions - cooling, ventilation, purification, humidification and air ionization. With these devices, a constant flow of cooled air is provided without the use of environmentally harmful gases and air recirculation. Mobile evaporative air coolers-humidifiers cool the air using water evaporation technology.
At outdoor temperature in the range from 25 to 40 °C and a relative humidity of 30...55%, the devices provide a room temperature in the range of 20...29 °C at a relative humidity of 45...70%.
The principle of operation of the conveyor is based on the use of an air cooler, which has a special filter inside, which is constantly saturated with moisture. The built-in fan, taking in warm air from the room, passes it through a filter that purifies the air of dust, then the air passes through a special wet filter, gives off energy to evaporate moisture and cools. As a result, clean, cool air enters the room.
Evaporative coolers increase the humidity of the air in a room because they use ordinary water as a refrigerant, which evaporates during the passage of warm air. outside air through a water filter. Therefore, one of the basic principles for the efficient functioning of air coolers is that the amount of air supplied to the room through the cooler must be equal to the same amount of air removed from the room through open doors, window, exhaust ventilation. Otherwise, the humidity may reach a level of discomfort for people in the room.
Air coolers provide reliable cooling with a relative humidity of up to 60% of the outside air. The efficiency of their work increases with a decrease in the relative humidity of the outside air and an increase in its temperature.
Summer is a wonderful time, but the heat is far from always happy. Climate technology allows you to increase the comfort of life - it will maintain the temperature within the normal range, and it can adjust the humidity. But choosing an air conditioner is not so easy: there are too many offers on the market. How not to make a mistake when choosing, but not overpay?
When it comes to cooling indoor air, two terms are used - air conditioners and split systems. What is the difference? Air conditioners are the general name for cooling and ventilation systems. Including so-called monoblock (from one block) - window and mobile (mobile) devices. A split system is a specific type of equipment consisting of two or more units - outdoor and indoor (several indoor).
Types of air conditioners
A little about what air conditioners are for a house or apartment. There is a classification by the number of blocks. It can be considered the main one.
Monoblock
In monoblock air conditioners, all parts and devices are packed in one case. This type of climate technology appeared first and was once widespread, but today there are not so many of them - they are too noisy.
According to the installation method, monoblock air conditioners are:
Multi-block cooling systems
These climate systems are more modern, have wider functionality, work quieter (due to the fact that the most noisy devices are moved outside - outside the room). There are several types of such equipment:
In household split systems (and "multi" too), indoor units can be of three types: with wall mounting, ceiling, floor. Of all three options, the most popular wall-mounted, although the ceiling is more efficient, as it more evenly distributes flows throughout the room without creating sharp contrast zones in temperature.
There are also split systems channel, cassette, floor-ceiling, column. But they are all different high performance and complexity and are used in enterprises and large offices. They are rarely installed in houses and apartments.
If you need to choose an air conditioner for a house or apartment, you will have to limit yourself to four options - window, mobile floor or split systems of two types - with one or more indoor units. Although, in recent times, the vast majority chooses split systems, as they can provide more high level comfort.
Deciding on power
Deciding on the type of equipment is far from everything. Next, you need to deal with the technical characteristics, select the necessary options, and only then proceed to the selection of a specific model.
Let's figure out how much cooling system you need. There are two ways to find out the required performance of an air conditioner: call a representative of a company that sells air conditioners or calculate it yourself. The calculation itself is elementary, but it will also be necessary to take into account the features of the house or apartment.
Calculation by quadrature
So, when determining the power of the air conditioner, it is considered that by 10 square meters area requires 1 kW of cooling power. That is, if you plan to install a split system only for cooling a room, find its area, divide by 10 and get the desired performance.
But, sometimes, it is worth increasing the figure found: if the house in which you live is panel or brick, without additional insulation, its walls will noticeably heat up in summer. In order for the equipment to cope with such a load without problems, it is worth adding 20-25% of the power found. Then there will be no problems with the temperature even on the hottest days.
For example, a room of 22 sq. m. Dividing by 10, we get 2.2 kW. We are looking for such power or a little more when choosing a model.
The same principles are valid for calculating the power of equipment for an entire apartment or house. Only the area of all rooms in which you plan to maintain the required microclimate with the help of this air conditioner is summed up. And after that everything is the same: divide by 10, add a margin if necessary.
Volume calculation
This method is more accurate, since it also takes into account the height of the ceilings, as well as the location of the rooms. Considered in this case so: the volume of the room is multiplied by the standard, and then adjusted for other heat sources. The standard is the following:
- for rooms facing the north side - 30 W / m 3;
- if the walls face west / east - 35 W / m 3;
- if the wall is directed to the south - 40 W / m 3.
A larger standard is selected in the corner room. Also increased power necessary with a large area of \u200b\u200bwindows or if there are old ones wooden frames that do not provide sealing.
Additional sources of heat for air conditioning are:
- A computer. If it is installed indoors, add 300-400 watts to the figure found.
- Man. In general, this position is more often used when calculating the parameters of air conditioning in offices and industrial premises, but in a "densely populated" apartment it can also be important. For each person in the room, add 100-150 watts of air conditioner power.
Let's give an example of calculation. It is necessary to choose an air conditioner for a south-facing room in which a computer is installed and one person lives permanently. The dimensions of the room are 4 * 3.5 * 2.7 m. We find the volume, multiply all the parameters of the room, we get 37.8 m3. We multiply the figure found by the standard: 37.8 m3 * 40 W / m3 \u003d 1512 W. Next, add a margin for extraneous heat sources: 1512 W + 400 W + 150 W = 2032 W. Rounding up, we get 2000 W or 2 kW.
Main technical characteristics
To choose the right air conditioner, you need to know the main characteristics that reflect its efficiency and economy. Without these technical subtleties you can get by, but you will have to rely on the advice of a sales assistant, and they are not always objective. Therefore, it is better to figure it out on your own, especially since it is not very difficult.
Cooling class or cooling capacity
In the technical specifications of air conditioners and split systems, you can see the line where it says "cooling capacity", and then there are numbers from 5200 BTU / hour to 42700 BTU / hour. Let's figure it out. BTU/hr is the British Thermal Unit and represents the amount of energy it takes for a device to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
In relation to air conditioners, this parameter reflects the cooling efficiency. The higher the cooling capacity (higher number), the more economical the split system will be (there will be less electricity costs).
Sometimes, instead of cooling capacity, the cooling class is indicated, and then there are the Latin letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G. This parameter also reflects the efficiency of work, but is considered as the ratio of heating power to power consumption. Also referred to as ERR or SERR.
If speak about letter designation, then class A is the most economical, class G - spends the most electricity. As a rule, other things being equal Appliances class A and above (there are also A +, A ++, A +++) more expensive. The difference is hundreds of dollars. Previously, while electricity was not so expensive, few people paid attention to this indicator - the difference expressed in rubles was not so great. Now, with the constant increase in the price of electricity, it is probably worth buying a more economical air conditioner - at certain intervals it can work for days, so this parameter is now quite important.
There is also a second coefficient - COP or SCOP. It reflects the efficiency of heating, defined as the ratio of the amount of heat released to the amount of energy expended. Naturally, in this case, the same rule applies: the higher the coefficient, the more economical the air conditioner will be in the process of heating (if such a function is available).
Noise level
The characteristics usually indicate two values \u200b\u200b- the maximum and minimum noise levels. It is measured when operating at minimum and maximum power.
An important characteristic, especially if the split system is installed in the bedroom. In this case, look for a very quiet air conditioner. For a bedroom, a noise level of 19-24 dB will be acceptable. Maximum allowable level in residential premises according to SNiP - 34 dB, so it is better not to consider those that do not fit this criterion.
Maximum communication length
Split systems consist of two or more blocks and they are connected to each other by means of air ducts and wire harnesses, through which control signals are transmitted.
AT standard version the length of the duct is 5 meters, which is usually sufficient. But when installing in large private houses or cottages, more significant distances may be needed. The maximum length of communications is 42 meters. Such models cost much more, as well as the fee for their installation. To choose an air conditioner according to this principle, you will first have to at least roughly determine its location (indoor and outdoor units), measure the estimated distance (note that the route runs along the walls) and only then choose a model.
Additional functions
It is impossible to choose an air conditioner and not think about additional function X. They allow you to increase the level of comfort, but the presence of each function increases the final cost of equipment. Therefore, the choice should be approached carefully.
The presence of a remote control
Today, probably, all models of split systems come with a remote control. remote control. It is understandable - the blocks usually hang under the ceiling and it is unlikely that anyone will like to climb there whenever it is necessary to change the mode of operation. So it’s hard to call this an additional function, but there are also models without remote control, so be careful. Choosing an air conditioner, and then realizing that there is no remote control is not the best discovery.
The remote control allows you to change all the parameters of the air conditioner and split system:
- temperature;
- fan speed;
- direction of air flow (changes the position of the curtains vertically and horizontally).
This is minimum set, there may be a number of other functions, but in the event that the model supports them.
Auto mode
Useful option. Allows you to set the desired temperature, and in some models, and humidity, and forget it. Further, the split system itself will turn on and off when the parameters deviate from the specified ones.
Auto mode is one of the most requested features.
Such equipment is much more convenient and economical than that which must be turned on and off by force from the remote control.
What is the difference between an inverter air conditioner
Inverter air conditioners are called, which can smoothly change the operating parameters: cooling power and fan speed. Unlike conventional technology when the equipment has two modes of operation: either running at 100% power or off. This provides three undeniable advantages:
If you need to choose an economical air conditioner for an apartment or house, you should look at inverter models. Although they are more expensive than usual, they “wind” less electricity (savings can reach about 30%).
Another plus of inverter air conditioners is a wider operating temperature range. Some models can operate at -35°C, the upper limit is also higher - up to +45°C. This may be important in some regions.
Heating mode
There are air conditioners that can work not only for cooling, but also for heating. This feature is useful in apartments connected to centralized heating. If necessary, you can heat up in the off-season, when it is already cool outside, but the heating has not yet been turned on. In this case, the heated air conditioner is very necessary thing. This mode is sometimes called "winter / summer".
If your choice fell on a model with the ability to work on air heating, pay attention to two parameters in the technical specifications: power in cooling mode and power in heating mode. In cheap models, they are unequal and can show from 20% to 60% of cooling. That is, such models of full heating will not provide you. In more expensive models the percentage looks better, in some it even reaches 100%. But they belong to the premium class, which is reflected in the cost - they are more expensive by $ 100-200.
There is one point: split systems cannot work with low temperatures. Most often, their operating range is up to -5°C. So this is really an option for the off-season. In winter, it simply will not work.
Timer
A useful feature, especially if you are not at home all day. It allows you to turn on or turn off the air conditioner at a specified time. You can set the turn-on time half an hour before your arrival and you will enter an apartment or house with a normal temperature.
It is also possible to turn off the air conditioner on a timer. This may be needed in the evening. Automation will turn off the device at the appointed time and you do not have to get up, interrupting your sleep. In general, if you value your own comfort, you should choose an air conditioner with such a function.
Sleeping mode
If the nights in the region are so hot that the air conditioner cannot be turned off at night, the “sleep” mode will come in handy. It translates the equipment to reduced power, the fans rotate more slowly, respectively, the noise level decreases.
This mode can be useful if the air conditioner is not inverter. In general, a good feature, but only for those units that you plan to install in the bedroom.
Ozonation and ionization modes
Ozonation and ionization are designed to make indoor air cleaner, free of bacteria and more beneficial. The idea itself is good, but there are separate devices for these operations. As usual, special units work more efficiently, and they are built into the air conditioner very rarely, but they raise the cost significantly.
Ionization and ozonation - useful, but not necessary
dehumidification
The dehumidification mode allows you to remove excess moisture from the air, because with high humidity, the heat is less tolerated. The function can be useful if you choose the air conditioner for small apartment. In this case, the kitchen is located near living rooms and cooking or even tea can significantly raise the humidity in rooms as well.
"Short" list of additional features
This mode is also useful in regions with high humidity in summer time. It allows you to live in more comfortable conditions.
Ventilation and cleaning
The ventilation mode (fan in English) is available in many models of split systems. It allows you to "pump" fresh air from the street, but without cooling. Ventilation can occur with different intensity - it can be from 2 to 8 fan speeds. In principle, you can do without this mode if you have a transom, a window or the ability to open a window.
In some models, paired with the ventilation mode, there is a purification. The air coming from the street passes through the filter system, being cleaned of allergens and dust particles. This mode is necessary for allergy sufferers, it allows them to survive the worst time for them with minimal discomfort. So if someone in the family suffers from allergies, it is advisable to choose an air conditioner with ventilation and purification.
Auto restart
The presence of this function allows you to restore the settings that were before the power was turned off. The equipment turns on automatically when power is supplied. This option can be useful if there are frequent power cuts in the region.
per century global warming household air conditioners are not a whim, but a vital necessity. The equipment not only cools in the heat, but also moisturizes, disinfects or works for heating. When choosing an air conditioner, you should understand in detail the principles of operation and the characteristics of the equipment.
Kindsdomestic air conditioners: from the USSR to the present
Depending on the mounting method domestic air conditioners and constructive solutions they are divided into:
- window;
- mobile;
- monoblock;
- split systems and multi-split;
- channel types;
- cassette.
Window air conditioners - a kind of equipment, which is a monoblock for mounting on a window or in a specially made through opening - in a wall or under the ceiling. The prototype of the equipment was the air conditioners of the Baku plant (USSR) The advantages of the products are ease of installation, the most affordable price.
Mobile (or floor) appliances features compactness and mobility. They have the ability to move within the radius of the output of warm air to the street - often at a distance of up to 2 meters. Not mounted. The disadvantage of such equipment is their high price unlike a split system, noise in operation and power limitation to 3-4 kW.
Monoblock (or wall-mounted) air conditioners Mounted on the wall with two fasteners, easy to maintain, durable. The system includes one climate control unit. The only downside monobloc air conditioners their big price.
The most popular. Consists of external and internal parts. outer part includes a fan, compressor, throttle in the design. The interior is usually wall mounted and contains a fan with an evaporator. Multi-split systems are distinguished by additional indoor units with different operating parameters, which ensures high functionality of the equipment and focuses it on solving a variety of tasks.
Duct air conditioners are mounted behind the level of the suspended ceiling, which completely covers inner part equipment. Network engineering channel systems are distributed along the perimeter of the ceiling and provide cooling and ventilation at any point. Power is 11-25 kW. This is good cooling offices or 4-room apartments. Advantages: fresh air supply, maintenance of several rooms. Disadvantages: you need a ventilation system project and power calculation.
Cassette air conditioners are also mounted on a false ceiling, but compared to the channel type, they are more accurate and cool only the outer lattice part of the equipment. Invisible, suitable for large rooms.
Ratings in different categories
According to customer reviews and reviews of the last year, a number of models that are impeccable in terms of functionality, price and performance can be noted. Each category has its own leaders.
The top three home air conditioners for small spaces and bedrooms are:
- Panasonic CS-E7RKDW/CU-E7RKD
- Daikin FTXG20L
- Shivaki SSH-P076DC
Optimal universal splits:
- Mitsubishi heavy industries SRK25ZMX-S
- Daikin ATYN25L
- Airwell HKD012
Most suitable for allergy sufferers
- Toshiba RAS-10SKVP2-E
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK-25ZM-S
- LG CS09AWK.
Inexpensive and high-quality air conditioners - products of world famous brands:
- Pioneer
- Hisense
- Royal Clima
Specifications and selection criteria for residential air conditioners
For comfort and reliable operation of climate control equipment, it is necessary to correctly select the following parameters:
- power;
- energy efficiency;
- noise level at work;
- additional parameters (filters, ionization).
Ordinary household air conditioner has a power of up to 8 kW and is designed for a room up to 100 m2. For an individual calculation, in addition to the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, it is necessary to take into account the configuration, natural heating by the sun, the presence additional equipment or panoramic windows.
For a standard room up to 2.5-3 m high, 1 kW of power should be taken per 10 m2. 20% of power is added to additional factors.
The choice of equipment over the calculated one is irrational and can lead not only to extra costs electricity, but also to the breakdown of the air conditioner.
For economical energy consumption, you should pay attention to the level of energy efficiency. The lowest is D and the highest is A+++. Since 2013, manufacturers have introduced the following concepts:
- cooling efficiency index - SEER;
- heating efficiency index - SCOP.
For office space with a level of 35-45 dB, noise is not the main factor, but for children's bedrooms it is important. The noise emitted by the indoor unit fluctuates around 25-36 dB, the external unit 30-54 dB. For example, quiet speech is 50-60 dB.
And this determines some features of the choice. So, when creating comfort, it is recommended to focus on the noise emitted during the main operating modes of the device. And the intensity of the sound on the additional function is not taken into account. Then an air conditioner with a level of 30 dB prescribed in the documents may turn out to be quieter than with 25 dB.
Additional features: economy and comfort
Expensive models of climate technology are equipped with features such as multi-stage air washing, virus cleaning or ionization. Some models have a built-in metering of electricity consumed during heating or cooling. Innovative Models can be managed mobile phone or system " smart House».
It is important to make a choice in favor of a particular unit according to technical characteristics. The air conditioner should provide the maximum level of comfort when minimal cost for his service.
Air conditioner cooling capacity
To choose the right air conditioner, calculate the optimal cooling capacity for your room. First of all, it is necessary to build on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, based on the fact that for every 10 sq.m. 1 kW of power is required. Then consider the area window systems, because with a window area of \u200b\u200b2 sq.m. the air conditioner will need an additional kilowatt of power. Plus, each unit office equipment during operation, it generates heat, which will require an additional 0.5 kW for each computer or printer. All these calculations are applicable for rooms with a ceiling height of up to 3 meters.Some people mistakenly believe that by buying an air conditioner with less power than necessary, they will be able to save money. Their calculations are based on the fact that the unit will provide desired temperature albeit for a little longer. But at the same time, the air conditioner will not only consume additional electricity, this will also lead to rapid wear of parts. And especially hot weather the air conditioner will constantly operate at maximum speed, while creating noise.
When choosing an air conditioner too high power, then we not only risk getting sick from a strong flow of cold air, even if it is directed in the other direction. The interval between turning on/off the air conditioning compressor will be short due to the rapid air blowing up to the set temperature. The consequence of this will be a quick failure of the compressor. Plus, more powerful air conditioners are more expensive.
A small note about the cooling capacity. She is the characteristic useful action conditioner. Do not confuse cooling power with compressor power, which is approximately three times less.
inverter air conditioner
Inverter air conditioner is different automatic adjustment power depending on the temperature inside the room. At big difference set between the existing temperature, the compressor operates at full capacity. As this difference decreases, the compressor speed gradually decreases. After reaching the required temperature, the compressor does not turn off, but continues to operate in economy mode. Thus, the air conditioner maintains the set temperature and saves energy (up to 40%). In addition, such a system has a number of other advantages. Most of the time, the air flow comes out with a lower intensity, i.e. becomes almost invisible. The fan, operating at lower speeds, creates less noise, which also affects the level of comfort. The service life of the compressor is much longer, as the on/off cycle is more exhausting than permanent job at low speeds. The only disadvantage of inverter air conditioners is sensitivity to voltage transfers. In addition, split systems with an inverter are much more expensive.Refueling the air conditioner
The air conditioner is charged with refrigerant gas (most often it is freon), which circulates through the pipes of the refrigeration circuit, taking heat from the air. During depressurization, the gas evaporates, and, as a result, the properties of the cooling composition change and the operation of the air conditioner deteriorates.Most air conditioners run on R-22 freon, but taking into account its harmfulness to the ozone layer, manufacturers have switched to using ozone-friendly R-407C and R-410A freons in their units. Such a change led to an increase in the price of air conditioners, because new freons require equipment with more durable circuit parts. When using R-407C freon, refilling the air conditioner requires prior removal of the old composition, since its components evaporate at different rates. Freon R-410A is more practical in operation because all components evaporate with the same speed, and, therefore, the air conditioner can be charged with the missing amount of refrigerant.
The calculation of the cost of refueling the air conditioner is based on the following figures. To refuel a 7 kW air conditioner, you will need approximately 2 kg of freon. The cost of R-22 freon today is about 6 USD, while the price of R-407C and R-410A freons can reach 35 USD. for 1kg. Thus, for refueling a household air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 7 kW, operating on ozone-friendly freon, you will need up to 70 USD. Naturally, refueling will cost you less (provided you use R-410A).
air conditioner noise
The noise level of the air conditioner, and, consequently, the comfort depends on the fans and compressors used in the production of a particular model. Therefore, it is desirable to use low-noise fans. In addition, an important role is played good sound insulation air conditioner components.The noise level of household air conditioners is different for each model: from 25 to 37 dB for the indoor unit, from 38 to 55 dB for the outdoor unit. For comparison, we can say that a sound of 20 dB is comparable to a whispered conversation. With an increase in the noise level by 2-3 dB, a person feels a doubling of the volume. Therefore, sometimes you can switch the air conditioner to a low fan speed mode, thereby reducing the noise level.
But when choosing an air conditioner, it is not enough to be guided by the noise level indicated in the price list or catalog. The question is, in which operating mode the noise level of the selected air conditioner is indicated. Some indicate the figure in the operating mode, which is characterized by a low fan speed, and, of course, a low noise level. But under certain conditions, the air conditioner will not be able to provide the required temperature, and you cannot do without a high speed mode. Therefore, it will be more correct to take into account the maximum noise level during intensive operation with full load. The technical characteristics of the air conditioner must indicate the entire range of noise levels under various operating modes.
As for the noise level of the outdoor unit, it is practically inaudible when the windows are closed. Air conditioning can only interfere with neighbors, but even in this case, the noise level does not exceed allowable norms for residential areas.
Installation (installation) of air conditioner
From correct installation(installation) of the air conditioner largely depends on its service life. standard solution is setting outdoor unit directly below the window. But, if this is possible, it is better to install it in a place where the noise from the unit during operation will be felt as little as possible. Air conditioning should also be available for after-sales service. In addition, the outdoor unit must be firmly fixed on special supports that absorb vibration. To protect the outdoor unit from falling icicles, it is necessary to install a canopy over it. The block itself is attached 20-30 cm lower.The indoor unit can be installed in any convenient location rooms at a certain distance from the ceiling on special brackets. The unit must be installed away from heating appliances, doorways, have no obstacles in front of you. Under no circumstances is it recommended to mount opposite desk or beds where you can be blown out. The indoor unit must be fixed strictly according to horizontal level, this is done to prevent leakage of condensate from drainage system on the floor.
When installing piping with refrigerants, it is desirable to avoid creating bends. And also to have as close as possible the internal and outdoor units so that the length of the pipes between them is minimal (70-100 cm). Then a full vacuum is created in the pipes.
Often freon pipeline, drainage hose and indoor wiring are placed in a box. The drain hose is led from the outdoor unit to the outside through the nearest wall at an angle, or it is led to the sewer.
When choosing an air conditioner, pay attention to all its technical characteristics, because each of them will determine how comfortable you will feel. The most popular air conditioners are produced by such companies as LG, Samsung, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Gree, Haier, AEG and many others. The main thing is to give preference to firms that monitor the quality of their goods and do not assemble in China.
Among the many proposed models, based on the above information, it will be easier for you to make right choice. Good luck with your purchase and good climate in the house!
