The choice of air conditioning in the apartment

Installing air conditioners in apartments today is not uncommon. With their help, people create comfortable living conditions for their homes in the summer heat and cold winter. The full functioning of this device largely depends on the correct choice. There are several points that play a key role in the selection of air conditioning in an apartment. Following the instructions and recommendations described below, you can easily purchase "your" unit.

The main criteria for choosing an air conditioner

There are a lot of air conditioners. Everyone has different parameters, functions, power, criteria, and so on. Do not buy the first device you get, study the market and make an informed choice. The main distinguishing features of all air conditioners are:

1. What is its power.
2. Does it have ventilation.
3. What is the noise level at work.
4. Does it dry the air in the room.
5. In what direction is the air flow moving.
6. How is the room heated.
7. Is it equipped with an air filtration system.
8. Does it have a timer, economy mode and night mode.
   

   In addition to the traditional function of cooling a room, an air conditioner may have additional features: ventilation, heating, changes in air flow, and others

Varieties of air conditioners

It is necessary to consider all the most common options for the execution of air conditioners in order to have a complete picture and make the right choice.

Wall conditioners

Wall-mounted air conditioning consists of two main elements: an indoor unit and an external unit. The first distributes the flow of air in the room, the second removes condensation and captures the flow of fresh air from the street. The blocks are connected to each other by tubes. Such a system works almost without making noisy sounds, so for people who love silence, this is ideal. A low noise level is achieved by moving the compressor to an external unit.

This system has one minus - low productivity. Buying one air conditioner, you should not rely on the fact that its power is enough for several rooms. Such units must be installed in each room.

In apartments and private houses, wall-mounted air conditioners are usually installed, while in each room you need to install a separate device

Floor system

A subspecies of such an air conditioner is considered a ceiling air conditioner. From the name it’s clear where they attach it. Typically, such systems are used in rooms with high ceilings, installing the working unit in the center.

Floor air conditioning is not the best option, unless you like to move from place to place

Table: Pros and Cons of Outdoor Air Conditioners

Duct air conditioners

Some people prefer to hide air conditioners, because their appearance does not seem to them too attractive. Channel split system is perfect for this. It can easily be hidden under a false ceiling. Besides the fact that this system works as an air conditioner, it also filters the air.

The main equipment of a channel air conditioner is usually hidden under the ceiling, and only small ventilation grilles are visible

Cons of these air conditioners also have. It does not have a temperature control function, and its cost is quite high.

Window air conditioners are also channel systems. These are a kind of ancestors of modern air conditioners. They are installed on the window. Due to its low cost, such an air conditioning system is still popular. But there’s more than enough noise from this unit.

Window air conditioning is quite easy to install and inexpensive, but very noisy

Precision Air Conditioners

Such systems relate to industrial equipment. They are installed in places where it is necessary to maintain a certain atmospheric regime all day round. For example, they are used in operating rooms, laboratories, burn centers, museums, greenhouses, data centers and so on.

Precision air conditioners precisely support the necessary indoor climate 24 hours a day

By design, they are monoblock, ceiling and cupboard type. According to the type of cooling, they are divided into air, water and mixed. Precision systems can have one or two circuits. They can also have different modes of operation.

Video: how to mount precision air conditioners

Column air conditioners

These air conditioning systems, as well as the previous version, are installed in industrial premises, the area of ​​which does not exceed 175 square meters. They got their name because of the appearance resembling a column. They are put on the floor, and they occupy an impressive space.Cooled air is supplied to the ceiling, and from there it is evenly distributed throughout the room.

Columned air conditioning takes up a lot of space, so it’s good to install it next to the natural ledges indoors

The housing of the indoor unit is equipped with air intake and exhaust grilles. With their help, the amount of air supplied can be adjusted remotely.

Split systems

The split system is a modification of a simple wall-mounted air conditioner. The main difference is the ability to connect multiple indoor units to one external.

Experts recommend the use of such systems for large houses and apartments, as they can be well saved on them. And this despite the fact that they cost more than wall systems. After all, up to nine indoor units can be connected to one outdoor unit. Thus, a greater number of rooms can be provided with a comfortable temperature. This is much more profitable than hanging a separate wall-mounted air conditioner in each room.

Main parameters and functions of air conditioners

In addition to the type of air conditioner and how to install it, technical specifications are important, which also need to be considered when choosing equipment.

A few words about power and performance

Power is one of the most important characteristics of an air conditioning system. The optimal performance of the device can be calculated only by knowing exactly the area of ​​the room in which it will be installed. If you take the device too small power, then it is not enough to provide a comfortable environment in the room. And if the power, on the contrary, is too large, then an excessive consumption of electricity cannot be avoided.

It is best to choose a system in which the performance is 15% higher than the rated power of the heat gain. So that the guys from the service center do not become regular visitors to your home, consult a specialist on this issue. Because the nuances here are darkness!

To calculate power, you need to consider several factors:

1. The values ​​of the area and volume of the room. Her purpose.
2. The number of people who will most often be indoors. This is important because one person in a calm state, for example, sitting or lying, can give off about a hundred watts of heat. If he begins to actively move, for example, to dance, then this figure will increase significantly.
3. The number of household appliances, such as computers or television sets, that also generate heat.
   

   In rooms where there are regularly a lot of people and a variety of office equipment, it is necessary to install air conditioners with increased power

4. The orientation of the room. An important point is the amount of sunlight that enters the room through the windows. After all, they also heat the inner space.

Due to the fact that it is often difficult to calculate accurate data, a simplified method is used, according to which 1 kW of air conditioning is taken for 10 square meters.

The main unit for measuring the performance of air conditioners is considered to be kilowatts, but you can often find BTU - the British thermal unit. To convert BTU to kilowatts, you must first divide by 3 410.

Often you can hear such a phrase from experts: "The seven will perfectly cope with a room of 20 squares." This means that the air conditioner has a capacity of 7,000 BTU. We divide this value by 3 410 and we get about 2 kW, which is really enough for such a room.

In order, for example, to maintain a comfortable temperature in a room with an area of ​​35 m², you need an air conditioner with a power of 3.5–4 kW. If the room is larger, then the power grows accordingly.

Ventilation and air purification

Some of the modern models of air conditioning systems are equipped with a ventilation function: being in a room with such an air conditioner will be much more comfortable.

No matter how much your air conditioner costs and what quality it is, in any case it is equipped with a primary filter. It’s not difficult for anyone to clean it. But today there are models equipped with more modern filters that ionize the air and supply it with oxygen. There are filters with antibacterial effect. It is difficult to replace them independently, so in such cases it is worth contacting professionals.

If the air conditioner is able to ionize the air, then it will be as comfortable in the room as in the forest or near a waterfall

This option of air conditioning will be ideal for those who suffer from bronchial asthma. Thanks to this function, the room will always have fresh and clean air.

Heating and dehumidification

Models that have a heating function will cost more than others. But in the cold season, this will make it possible to create an optimally comfortable indoor temperature. In order not to constantly use heaters, it is possible to install just such air conditioning systems. With their help, the cost of heat is halved. That is why the costs are considered justified.

It will not be possible to completely heat the room with such an air conditioner at minus outdoor temperatures. It can only be used in conjunction with central heating.

At low temperatures, the air conditioner can only be turned on if it is equipped with a special winter kit

Drainage is also a very important feature that modern air conditioners are equipped with.. Drying is a complex process, during which the temperature regime is maintained and maintained for some time, and the system operates in an economical mode. The fan blades spin at a lower speed, and the unit airflow is reduced. The result is air drying while maintaining temperature.

Noise level and air direction

Air conditioners are equipped with special movable curtains. With their help, you can adjust the direction of air flow. For example, remove cold streams away from children.

If the air conditioner is installed, for example, in the bedroom or office, where there should be silence, then you should pay attention to the noise level from it. It should not exceed 30 dB.

Inverter air conditioning

In inverter split systems, as in any others, there are outdoor and indoor units. In the first are:

• compressor;
• Freon system filter
• capacitor;
• fan;
• control board;
• nipple connections.

In the second are:

• evaporator;
• fan;
• vertical and horizontal blinds;
• filter;
• condensate pan.

Conventional split systems turn on when the room temperature rises by 3-5 ^aboutWith relatively given. When the set temperature limits are reached again, the split system is turned off. And this cycle is constantly repeating.

Inverter air conditioners work a little differently.

1. The first inclusion - the established temperature condition is reached.
2. The air conditioner does not turn off, but continues to work by lowering the power. This is achieved using an inverter - a device that smoothly changes the power of the unit. Thus, the set temperature is maintained much more accurately, and much less energy is consumed.
   

   Inverters constantly maintain a comfortable temperature in the room

Inverter air conditioners can also turn off completely, but this happens much less often than with conventional split systems.

Inverter air conditioning systems have several advantages:

1. With their help, you can accurately maintain the temperature in the room.
2. They can work around the clock.
3. They can heat the room when outside the window to -25 ^oC.
4. With them, energy is economically consumed.
5. They have a longer life.
6. And what is very important, they make much less noise.

But, unfortunately, they also have cons:

1. Cost.
2. Power surges can adversely affect the control board.
3. Repair of this unit will cost you a pretty penny.

Additional functions

There are some more points worth mentioning.

1. Some models have a 24-hour timer. It is very convenient. Thanks to it, control of the normal operation of the system and saving of resources are achieved.
2. Many units are equipped with night mode. With it, you can set different temperature ranges in the daytime and nighttime.
3. Some models have a "wind" mode. Turning it on, you can feel a breath of wind or even a sea breeze. During the operation of this mode, air flows change their direction in a chaotic manner.

Leading air conditioner manufacturers

Among several dozen manufacturers, there are a number of companies that produce affordable and reliable devices for apartments and private houses.

Table: popular air conditioning manufacturers

Features of operation and maintenance of air conditioners

The air conditioner must be properly maintained and properly operated. Otherwise, it may break shortly after purchase.

How to care for air conditioning in winter

The device must be prepared for the fact that he will have to work at very low temperatures.

Installation of an all-weather unit will allow you to use air conditioning all year round

Almost all models of split systems that are brought to our country for sale are not ready for winter operation. So that the functioning of the air conditioner is not disturbed, it is additionally equipped with a special all-weather unit. It can be purchased for up to $ 200.

Any air conditioning system can be prepared for the winter period. To do this, it is necessary to build in devices that will heat the oil in the compressor and the drain pipe, as well as a device that regulates the fan speed in the outdoor unit depending on the temperature.

Video: installing the winter start system on the air conditioner

How to clean filters and radiator

The indoor unit of the air conditioner is equipped with air filters that look like a multilayer mesh. They protect the radiator from small particles of dust, animal hair, fluff and so on. After a while, an impressive amount of debris accumulates on the filter, due to which the split system may break. The more dirty the filter, the less air will flow through the radiator. The consequence - the cooling of the room will be worse, and freon will not have time to evaporate. Because of this, the water in the pipelines that connect the blocks will freeze and turn into ice. When the system is turned off, the ice will melt, and the drops will ooze through the system.

If the air conditioner filter is clogged, remove it and rinse it with warm water.

Filter drainage can also become clogged with dust. The consequence of this may be even greater leakage of the air conditioner.

In order to clean the filters, first remove them.When purchasing the device, an instruction manual was attached to it, there you will find information on how to do this. It is enough to wash the filters with water, dry and reinstall.

The radiator also requires periodic cleaning. Otherwise, mold will appear on it. Doing it yourself is not recommended. It is better to contact specialists.

If Freon is Flowing

To establish that freon in the system is not enough, it is not necessary to use specialized devices. The first sign of its lack is that frost and ice form on the connections of the external unit. Another sign is that the air in the room is not cooled sufficiently. Correct this situation will only help contact the service center. Freon is needed so that the compressor does not overheat. If it breaks down, repair will be expensive.

Freon can evaporate from the system, even if the air conditioner is installed properly. This is a common occurrence. Another question is the amount in which it disappears. The norm is 6–8% per year. Refueling is needed every 1.5–2 years.

Video: air conditioning freon refueling

Preventive maintenance

Proper maintenance will significantly extend the life of your air conditioner. Almost all activities can be performed independently. There are several preventative procedures for this:

1. Start with the block inside. Remove the air filter, wash it and dry it. Then clean the cooling radiator. When done, install the filter in its place.
2. In the next step, clean the fan located in the indoor unit from dirt and dust. This is done with a brush or sponge.
   

   The evaporator and fan of the indoor unit can be cleaned by first removing the plastic casing and filters.

3. Proceed to cleaning the fan located in the outdoor unit.
4. Blow and clean the condensate drain pipe.
5. Blow and vacuum the cooling radiator.
   
   

   Cleaning the external unit requires partial disassembly, so this can not always be done independently.

6. At the final stage, replace the batteries in the control panel.

The above procedures are preferably carried out at least 4 times a year. It will not take much time, but it will bring substantial benefits.

Video: disassembling and cleaning the air conditioner

Air conditioning has ceased to be a luxury in our time. Its installation in the room will greatly make your stay in it more comfortable. By choosing the right air conditioning system, you will provide your home with a temperature regime that is convenient for you, humidity and clean air. And its proper operation and maintenance will make it so that it will delight you for a long time.