Let us remind you that you can find and sort air conditioners according to various parameters in our profile section of the catalog. We also recommend you to read the material “How to choose an air conditioner”.

How to choose the right air conditioner for the room area?

For the majority of home split-systems manufacturers specify the recommended area, which simplifies the selection of the model. However, if you have ceilings in the room significantly different from the standard 2.7 – 2.8 meters, it is better to focus on the volume, not the square footage. But it is usually not given. And then it is necessary to compare the size of the room with the power indicators of the air conditioner.

In split systems, power is usually given not only in the usual Watts (and kW), but also in British thermal units BTU (1 BTU/h approximately corresponds to 0.293 W). The BTU value can be used to quickly calculate the recommended room area (for standard ceiling heights). This indicator must be multiplied by 3 and divided by 1000 (or simply remove all zeros in the BTU value). Below are the ratios for popular home models:

  • 7000 BTU — up to 21 m²;
  • 9000 BTU — up to 27 m²;
  • 12000 BTU — up to 36 m²;
  • 18,000 BTU — up to 54 m².

If we talk about power in conventional W, then it is believed that 1 kW is enough to cool a room with a volume of 27 — 28 m³, i.e. an area of 10 m² at standard ceilings. But with high ceilings of 3.5 m, 1 kW is only enough for 8 m².

Below is a table for selecting air conditioner power for the room area and ceiling height:

Selection of air conditioner power based on area and ceiling height.

Also keep in mind that if the windows of the room face the sunny side, it is recommended to make a power reserve of 20 – 30%. In addition, at least another 10% should be added if there are appliances in the room that generate heat (oven, stove) and/or there are a lot of people constantly present. Let’s say if you have a kitchen with windows on the sunny side with an area of 10 m² (volume 28 m³), then you need a split-system with at least 1400 W.

12000 BTU Air Conditioners

>How to choose the right place to install an air conditioner?

Basic rules for choosing a location for the indoor unit of a split system:

  • air should not be supplied directly to people, so there is no need to place the air conditioner opposite furniture, beds, work areas, etc.;
In most rooms there are a few places that are suitable for air conditioning and a few that are not.
  • the minimum distance from the ceiling to the indoor unit is 10 cm;
  • do not place the air conditioner directly above the closet;
  • between the air conditioner and furniture (or other obstacles) it is better to maintain a distance of 1 to 1.5 meters;
  • do not place the indoor unit near heat sources, including an oven, hob, or heating appliances;
  • if you have a sunny side, the air conditioner can be placed close to the window opening, but in such a way that the cold air blowing flows perpendicularly to the movement of warm air;
  • it is better not to install the indoor unit opposite room doors — this will reduce the overall operating efficiency;
  • when selecting the location, it is also necessary to take into account the possibility of connection to the power grid, the total length of the refrigerant main line, the way of implementing condensate drainage, etc;
  • ideally, the indoor unit should have easy access for maintenance.

Would you like more details and tips on the optimal location for the air conditioner in different rooms — living room, bedroom, children's room, office, etc.? Do you need recommendations for an outdoor split-system unit? Then we advise you to read the material “The main rules for choosing a place for an air conditioner in an apartment”.

Is it possible to catch a cold from air conditioning?

It is not the air conditioner that can give you a cold, but rather incorrect temperature settings or other operational errors.

The following recommendations can reduce the likelihood of colds when cooling a room with a split-system:

  • the difference between the temperature in the room and outside should ideally not exceed 5 – 8 °C;
  • if it is very hot outside (under 40 °C), then when you come home, lower the values gradually — first set it to about 30 °C, and after some time — a lower temperature (25 °C);
  • in summer, the optimal mode for the room is 22 °C, but you should not set the temperature below 20 or, especially, 18 °C;
  • for sleep, the profile night mode is recommended or setting a slightly higher temperature — about 25 °C;
  • do not intentionally get exposed to cold flows, especially if you have weakened immune system or chronic diseases;
  • do not forget to air the room, because without an influx of fresh air, the concentration of carbon dioxide, allergens, bacteria, etc. increases. Traditionally, you should have at least 3 airings per day of about 10 minutes each;
  • maintain the air conditioner in a timely manner, clean or replace its filters;
  • ideally, you also need to maintain optimal humidity levels in the range from 40 to 60%, avoiding overdrying.

If you or your child often get colds, even at the stage of purchasing a split-system, you can consider a model with various antibacterial or catechin filters. But you definitely shouldn’t be afraid of the air conditioner — in the heat, overheating is much more dangerous.

It is possible to catch a cold because of the air conditioner if the temperature is set very low and you are under the air flows.
Air conditioners with catechin filter

Where does the air conditioner get its air from? Can an air conditioner supply fresh air from outside?

The split system uses only room air. The indoor unit takes it from the room, cools it and returns it again — thus the air masses circulate in a closed loop. This is why it is extremely important to air the room periodically.

A conventional split-system circulates air from the room.

It is wrong to think that since the device has an external unit, it provides fresh air from the outside. This part of the split-system is designed to give out heat. In a standard device the internal and external unit are connected by a copper tube, which provides movement of Freon, drainage and power supply. There are no connections for air transfer between them.

Can an air conditioner supply fresh air from outside? Yes, split-systems with a fresh air intake can do this. They not only perform cooling (or heating), but also add air from the outside to the room microclimate. The range of such models is gradually increasing, but these devices are more expensive. They have a more complex design, there is an additional circuit through which fresh air is introduced. In addition, the installation of these split-systems is more difficult.

Air conditioners with fresh air intake

What is the difference between a conventional air conditioner and an inverter one?

An inverter air conditioner differs from a conventional one in that it is equipped with an inverter compressor. First, let’s look at the operating principle of the less progressive classic version. A typical linear compressor is either on and running at full capacity, or off. So, until the set temperature is reached, the unit runs, then switches off, and then starts again (usually when the target value deviates by a few degrees): these cycles are repeated again and again.

An inverter compressor is able to adjust its power. Immediately when turned on, it can operate at maximum speed. When the desired temperature is reached, the inverter does not turn off, but switches to minimum power. This provides several advantages:

Adjusting the power of the inverter compressor helps maintain the target air temperature.
  • the overall reliability and durability of the equipment increases;
  • deviations from the specified temperature values are minimal;
  • devices are better prepared to work in cold weather (sometimes even down to -25°C);
  • noise and energy consumption are reduced.

Just a few years ago, inverter split-systems were significantly more expensive than traditional ones. Today this difference is leveled out; there are many models with an inverter in the range, even in the budget segment.

Inverter air conditioners

Is it possible to warm up with air conditioner in winter?

Many inverter split-systems can operate for heating in the winter. Specific temperature conditions often differ from model to model: they need to be clarified before purchasing. In general, if the air conditioner supports the heating function, then it can complement traditional heating systems in the off-season, during frosts. But if the split-system is designed for a minimum temperature of -15 °C, then during more serious cold weather, it should not be operated — it is fraught with breakdowns.

Today, the range of air conditioners includes more and more models that are ready to operate in temperatures down to -25°C. There is also a separate segment of devices — heat pumps: they are designed for even lower temperatures. Such climate control appliance is often equipped with systems for automatically defrosting the heat exchanger and/or heating the compressor crankcase. They protect the internal parts of the device from failure and ensure correct start-up in extreme cold.

The manual must indicate to what negative temperatures the air conditioner can be turned on.

Does the air conditioner dry out the air?

When operating for cooling, the split-system actually dries the air. The condensate formed is a proof that there is less moisture. However, as a rule, the air conditioner operation does not lead directly to air drying.

In summer, indoor humidity is usually in the range of 60 to 70%, and a split-system reduces it by approximately 10 to 20%. As a result, we get a value above 40%, and it is considered normal. That is, the state of the skin does not worsen, there is no discomfort in the nose or throat either.

To increase the humidity in a room in summer, it is usually enough to air. You can also consider purchasing a split-system with humidification function. True, the choice of such models is small, and they are expensive. It is often more advisable to purchase a separate humidifier or air washer to pair with with the air conditioner.

Air conditioners with heating function

Why does it smells bad when you turn on the air conditioner?

Most often, unpleasant odors from the air conditioner are caused by pathogenic microorganisms — bacteria and fungi. In this case, users complain of a damp feeling or the characteristic mold stench. Other causes of bad odors during split-system operation include the following:

Bad odor from your air conditioner is often due to bacterial growth and lack of maintenance.
  • clogged dust filters (they are located on the front panel of the indoor unit) — in this case, users experience typical “aromas” of dust;
  • an abundance of cheap plastic in the design — this is typical for budget models, while the smell of plastic lasts for the first days of operation and gradually disappears;
  • problems with the wiring or internal components of the air conditioner — in this case, a burning smell usually occurs. It is better to immediately turn off the device and contact a specialist to avoid a fire or serious damage;
  • refrigerant leak (airtightness of its circuit is broken) — this situation is characterized by chemical odors;
  • problems with the drainage of condensate into the sewer, namely the lack of a siphon or water in it — in this case, various sewer stench is typical.

Avoid the formation of bad odors by timely maintenance, including cleaning the indoor unit and drainage system, replacing filters, installing a siphon, etc. You can read more about the causes and methods of control in the material “How to get rid of an unpleasant smell from the air conditioner”.

How to realize that the Freon in the air conditioner needs to be changed?

The main sign that Freon (refrigerant) requires replacement (or refilling) is a decrease in the overall efficiency of the air conditioner. So, during cooling, barely cool air comes from the indoor unit, and in heating mode, on the contrary, only slightly warm air.

Signs of a refrigerant leak/need to be replaced may also include:

  • characteristic chemical smells;
  • oil leaks on valves and pipes of both indoor and outdoor units of the split-system;
  • the appearance of frost on the indoor unit (on the heat exchanger) when operating for cooling or frost on the valves and pipes of the external unit when operating for heating;
  • long-term (over 3 years) lack of professional service for the device.

Air conditioner service technicians perform refrigerant recharging on average every two to three years. With regular preventive maintenance, Freon replacement may be required even less frequently.

How many times a year should your air conditioner be serviced?

Periodicity of service maintenance of the air conditioner is regulated by the manufacturers of a particular device. In most cases, preventive cleaning is recommended twice a year: the best option is spring and autumn. Although you also need to take into account the intensity of use and other variables. Let’s say that if the summer was cool and the split-system was not used often, you can limit yourself to one cleaning per year. But if it’s an office air conditioner that runs all day, then sometimes the frequency needs to be increased to one cleaning every 3 to 4 months.

The frequency of service also depends on which filters are available in the model and their lifespan. For example, for fine filtration, replaceable HEPA systems can be used, designed to last from 4 to 6 months. But, for example, photocatalysts (catalytic filters) sometimes last 3 – 5 years. You can find out more about what air filtration systems are used today in the “Air conditioner filter types" material.

Cleaning and replacing filters is an important aspect of maintaining split-systems.

Some maintenance activities, including refrigerant charge, are not performed annually, but once every two or three years. However, please note that it is necessary to follow the recommendations in the manual of the air conditioner first of all, and if there are no such recommendations, then follow our advice.

FAQ: short answers to other questions about air conditioners

Is it possible to install an external unit on a glazed balcony?

No, it is recommended to place the outdoor unit only outdoors. In theory, an option with the mandatory opening of all the doors on the balcony is acceptable, but this is an extreme option with a lot of inconveniences — noise, heating and the risk of breakdowns.

Is the refrigerant used in modern air conditioners hazardous to health?

No, the refrigerant of modern air conditioners does not cause any threat to our health. The only exception is Freon R22: its leakage in large concentrations (from several split-systems at once) in theory can cause dizziness or drowsiness. But as refrigerant R22 is first of all dangerous for ozone layer, today the climatic equipment with it is not produced. All analogs used are harmless to humans and environmentally friendly.

Is it possible to install an air conditioner yourself?

Split-systems require complex and responsible installation, which is best delegated to professionals. But you can install a portable air conditioner on your own.

Installation of an air conditioner requires experience, knowledge and professional equipment.

What is the service life of air conditioners?

The operating life may differ for air conditioners from different manufacturers. Typically, durability is closer to 10 years, but much also depends on the intensity of use and maintenance requirements.

Portable air conditioners

After drilling a hole in the wall for the air conditioner main channel, won't this hole become a source of heat loss?

No, the hole for the main channel is properly insulated by specialists using modern sealants.

Is an air conditioner more economical for heating than a convector or an oil radiator?

Yes, air conditioners are less expensive than other electric heaters. Consuming about 1 kWh of electricity, split-systems produce approximately 3 kW of thermal energy. But for a convector or oil radiator this ratio is 1 to 1.