Air conditioners: what they are and how to find your perfect option
Today it is difficult to imagine summer without a cool breeze at home or winter without a warm corner, when it is damp and uncomfortable outside. Air conditioners have become real saviors - from small apartments to huge offices or even car showrooms. But how to choose the one that will become your best friend among all this variety? Let's figure it out together: what are air conditioners, what is special about them and how to make a choice that you will not regret.
What air conditioners can you find?
The choice of air conditioners on the market is like in a good candy store: your eyes run wide, and each one has its own highlight. Here are the most popular options:
- Window air conditioners
Good old friends who still remember the times of our parents. They are simply inserted into the window - and that's it, no complications. They cope perfectly with small rooms, but they can make a little noise and take away some of the light. If the budget is limited and you don't want to bother with installation, this is your option. - Split systems
These are the favorites of most families. One unit hums on the street, the other works quietly in the room. They not only cool, but can also warm when it's cool outside. There are wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and floor-mounted units - for every taste and style of home. - Multi-split systems
It's like a split system on steroids: one outdoor unit spins several indoor units. Convenient for spacious homes or offices where you need to freshen up many rooms at once. The facade is not spoiled by unnecessary boxes, but your wallet will feel the price. - Mobile air conditioners
Little helpers that you can take with you to the bedroom or the kitchen. Nothing needs to be installed – ideal for a summer house or a rented apartment. However, they are less powerful, and you have to pull the hot air hose to the window. - Duct air conditioners
These beauties hide in the ceiling, and the air is forced through ducts. They are invisible, unheard, but the coolness reaches every corner. Great for cafes, shops or large houses, but installation is a real adventure, and they are not cheap. - Cassette and ceiling models
They live in the ceiling and blow cool air in all directions. They like spacious places – offices, halls or shopping malls. They look neat, and they distribute the air in such a way that it doesn’t blow anywhere. - Inverter air conditioners
The smart ones among their own kind: they adjust themselves so as not to spend too much. Quiet, economical, durable – although they ask for more money at first, they thank you later with lower electricity bills.
How to choose an air conditioner and not make a mistake?
Finding your air conditioner is like choosing a good pair of shoes: it needs to fit well and last a long time. Here are some things to consider:
- How many squares to cool?
First, estimate the size of your area. For a cozy bedroom up to 20 m², 2-2.5 kW will be enough. And for a large living room or office from 40 m², you need a "beast" of 5 kW. Too weak will not pull, and too strong will only wind up the meter. - Will the noise be a problem?
Do you like silence, especially when you sleep? Then look for models with 20-30 dB - it's like a friend whispering. Window or mobile ones can buzz louder, up to 50 dB - it depends on whether you are willing to tolerate it. - To avoid going broke on electricity
Look at the energy efficiency class – A+++, A++ or at least A. The higher it is, the easier it is for your budget to breathe. Inverters are ahead here, but there are also economical guys among the simpler ones. - Convenience features
Modern air conditioners are not just about cooling. They can clean the air from dust, drive away allergens, or even obey commands from your phone. And heating is a real salvation when the batteries are still cold. - How much are you willing to spend?
The price depends on everything – type, capacity, brand. Well-known names like Daikin or LG promise peace of mind and quality, but even less famous brands can not disappoint. Read reviews and check if there is a service nearby. - Where to put
For split systems, consider an outdoor unit: so that neighbors don't argue and the technician can get there. Mobile ones are simpler, but the hose can be an eyesore.
Little things that save
Sometimes the choice is not only about numbers, but also about your rhythm of life. In a city with dust outside the window, take a model with a good filter - it will be easier to breathe. And for the country, where the light is intermittent, it is better to take a mobile phone - it will not let you down.
Take care of your assistant: wash the filters, call a technician for an inspection. Without this, it may start to puff up dust or smell unpleasant. A little care - and the air conditioner will thank you for years of service.
Air conditioning is not just a piece of equipment, but a piece of comfort at home. Whether it's a modest window unit or a powerful duct system, the main thing is that it's yours. Take your time, think about your needs, read reviews. And let your home always be fresh and cozy - no matter the heat or the frost!