Split systems overview of brands. I help you choose the right split system for an apartment of any size. The best inexpensive wall-mounted split systems for an apartment

When you can’t hide on the shore of a cool, gentle ocean during a period of annoying heat, and in winter even a reminder of warm countries won’t warm you up, you have to look for options for salvation within the confines of your apartment or house. The first thing that comes to mind is an air cooler. You can’t install a refrigerator at home; the fan blows only in a narrow direction, but an air conditioner will cope with the task of cooling and heating the air much better.

The split system creates an optimal indoor climate

Every year, the weather on planet Earth becomes more and more abnormal: in winter we experience terrible cold, fierce frost and fierce wind penetrating into all secluded places, and in summer we hide in our homes or, going outside, hopefully look for islands of shade under the scorching heat. the sun. Air conditioning has long been the best device in the fight against climate conditions. In the last ten years it has transformed from a luxury to a necessity.

Apartment or private house - choosing an air conditioner

Coming to the store, the consumer is faced with a wide variety of air conditioning systems on offer, but how can he make the right choice in such a situation without being prepared in advance? In order to avoid getting into trouble and becoming a victim of unscrupulous consultants, you first need to understand what a split system is, how it will work and perform its functions.

All air conditioning systems are usually divided into two types:

• split system;
• multi-split system.

An ordinary split system will include two blocks:

• External - it is mounted on the wall of a building on the street side, it makes quite a lot of noise.
• Internal - this part of the system is installed from inside the house, it directly creates air circulation in the room.

A multi-split system consists of one external unit and several internal units. The type of operation and power of these units may vary. Speaking of the financial component, a multisplit will not be cheaper than a split system, and sometimes even vice versa. It all depends on the physical capabilities of the wall, whether it is possible to install several external blocks, and whether the appearance of the building’s facade will be spoiled. Therefore, before choosing a split, you need to think carefully about how many units you need to install in the apartment, and whether the design of the house allows you to install the same number of air conditioners outside.

All blocks, outside and inside, are connected to each other using devices such as an electrical cable and copper wires along which freon moves. Due to the fact that the indoor units differ from each other, air conditioners are divided into the following types:

• wall;
• ceiling-mounted;
• cassette;
• channel;
• floor;
• floor-ceiling.

Each of these types of equipment is created specifically for a different type of room. The air conditioner that is most suitable for the home, and which received the nickname “household”, is a wall-mounted one. The best split system for apartments and private buildings.

Different models of air conditioners are needed for private houses and apartments

Household version of the system

All air conditioners serve the same purposes:

• maintaining temperature order;
• humidity control;
• purity and molecular component of air.

The units load fresh air into the room and remove “used” oxygen to the outside along with excess moisture, creating the specified criteria in the room. Household air conditioning systems are also divided into mobile and window type units; they are used when the room has a small area. A split system is the most optimal for working in a private home; it can separately cool and heat the air.

The selection of an air conditioner is based on several indicators.

• Equipment power and cooling capacity.
• Heating mode. The cost of an air conditioner with a heating function increases, but in cold periods it allows you to significantly save on energy costs.
• Mains powered. The productivity of a technique shows how quickly it achieves the specified parameters in a room and how much air it is able to pass through itself in a specified period of time. Energy consumption class “A” means that this air conditioner requires minimum energy consumption and maximum performance.
• Noise. In order to be comfortable in the room, split systems must be selected based on noise levels. Silent operation – 25 – 30 decibels.
• Inverter function. It allows you to increase the service life of equipment, save on electricity and avoid the appearance of cold air flow.
• Air filtration and treatment. All air conditioning systems are equipped with filters; more reliable ones contain sophisticated purifiers; there are models with an ionization function.

Automation is also an important aspect. The selection of an air conditioner includes the criteria for a set of automatic functions:

• climate control – a function of monitoring the composition, temperature and purity of air;
• comfortable sleep – low power and silent mode;
• forced operation mode – fast heating or cooling;
• wind mode – similar to wind flow, speed and direction changes;
• economy mode;
• air dehumidification;
• self-diagnosis – the equipment independently checks for proper operation;
• self-cleaning – the indoor unit dries and treats itself with an antiseptic.

The air conditioner in the bedroom should be especially quiet

Commercial air conditioner in home

All other types of split systems are included in the category of commercial air conditioners due to the fact that they can cope with creating optimal climatic conditions in rooms with a large flow of people. Installing such a powerful air conditioner in an apartment simply will not allow you to experience all the capabilities of this equipment, despite the fact that its price is an order of magnitude higher than that of a household split system.

Which split system is better from the list of commercial ones? Cassette and duct air conditioners differ in their design and air distribution system in the room. It is possible to install such a system for an apartment, but only a professional can select and install it. These air conditioning systems require additional ceiling space, or when the room has high ceilings or the room is designed in a non-standard geometric shape.

Some experts advocate duct split systems and call for their installation in private houses and apartments. The advantages of a ducted air conditioner:

• this unit has a small design, it can easily be installed in a corridor or utility room, air will flow through ducts to the entire apartment;
• not all rooms in the house will have to be equipped with blocks; in some it will be enough to install a grille that can easily be matched to the interior design;
• one such block serves several rooms;
• such an air conditioning system also works as ventilation;
• even if your house has rooms with irregular geometry, the air will circulate equally evenly in all of them.

In order for this system to work correctly and for a long time, specialists select the optimal location of the blocks and air vents. Don't be surprised if your air conditioner ends up on the ceiling or in a column of the room, and all because complex structures have non-standard approaches to installation.

The duct split system also has its disadvantages, such as the fact that you will not be able to select a separate temperature for each room, and also, working in one common system, odors will spread throughout the entire air control area.

The cassette split system wins in the case of high rooms, it distributes the air equally at any level and constantly starts a fresh air flow from the outside. For duct and cassette air conditioners, a ceiling-covered gap is required, because all the tubes are hidden from view. But, at the first breakdown, it is necessary to dismantle a large section of the wall to get to the system. This suggests that choosing a split of these types is financially unprofitable.

Due to the fact that split systems take power from the electrical network, the consumer is thinking about purchasing equipment with less energy consumption. And only multi-splits or multi-zone air cooling systems, and not household air conditioners, can boast of this ability.

A commercial air conditioner is an expensive and overly powerful device.

Air conditioning performance

Which split system to choose also depends on the performance of the proposed equipment. To correctly determine the performance of an air conditioner, it is necessary to take into account several factors:

• room area;
• ceiling height;
• glazed area of ​​rooms;
• what the room is intended for;
• the number of people in it;
• lighting and operating equipment;
• additional inflows of warm air.

A rough calculation is made based on the area of ​​the rooms and the height of the ceilings - 1 kW of electricity for every 10 square meters. m with a ceiling height of 2.5 m.

Popular air conditioning systems

The best split systems for children's rooms are those with additional built-in air ionizers. They have a beneficial effect on well-being, since the air in the room is intensively filtered and saturated with ions.

When choosing air conditioners, consumers are increasingly paying attention to the pricing policy and reliability of the purchased equipment. The inverter split system takes first place among the general list of contenders. It is distinguished by such indicators as:

• significantly saves energy (up to 50%);
• low cost compared to other types of air conditioners;
• technically better equipped - the set temperature is reached faster, quiet operation, durable in terms of service.

Some of the best air conditioners are based on Mega Ion + Patrol Sensor technology. It was created by Japanese specialists. The meaning of the work is that the built-in system generates active negative ions that destroy all bacteria in the air, block viruses and spores. These air conditioners also have a super-dense filter installed, which will almost double the air purification. And another advantage is the power of operation - the system serves an area 7 times larger.

Air conditioning with ionizer has a beneficial effect on well-being

Air conditioner class and brand

Today, there are a huge number of air conditioning system manufacturers on the market, each of them uses different materials in production, stands out in design, develops more efficient and low-cost models, adds exclusive useful features, comes up with creative ways of advertising, and all in order to increase the number of air conditioning systems. consumers and expand the sales market. All air conditioners, regardless of brand, are divided into classes:

• elite;
• average;
• budget.

Elite air conditioning systems are distinguished by:

• wide range of functions;
• silent operation mode;
• protective system;
• efficiency, “smart eye” and “no one at home” modes;
• increased ability for self-diagnosis;
• service life – from 15 years, 3 year warranty.

The average rank of air conditioners contains the following set of characteristics:

• the price corresponds to the quality;
• the equipment is manufactured with high strength;
• considerable period of service;
• noise is higher than that of elite ones;
• small number of modes;
• Simplified protection against misuse.

In the budget class there is no protection system, self-diagnosis, they are not equipped with noise reduction, the materials are of low quality and technically they are worse than other models.

Budget air conditioners are produced mainly by China, Korea and the CIS countries.

• The leadership palm is held by the Japanese manufacturing company Daikin. The air conditioners produced by this plant are classified as elite.
• In second place, that is, air conditioners classified as middle class, are brands such as Toshiba, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Heavy, Panasonic, Gree, General Fujitsu.
• Budget models are considered the best from manufacturers: Samsung, Airwell, Sharp, LG, Midea, Haier, Sanyo.

On a hot sunny day, there is nothing better than a cool atmosphere indoors. If in any modern office there is always an air conditioner, then at home, we most often save ourselves with a fan. The fan only accelerates the air and does not create coolness. Therefore, we decided to compile rating of the best air conditioners for apartments based on expert reviews. Our Top is divided into several subcategories, so you can easily select an air conditioner according to your financial capabilities and requirements. Let's start with how to choose the right air conditioner for your apartment and which companies you should pay attention to.

Like any household appliance, air conditioners can be divided into three categories: premium, medium and budget class. Each representative of the category meets certain requirements and is in its own price category. This will allow you to navigate the home air conditioning market.

According to statistics, best air conditioners premium class is made by Japanese manufacturers: Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Daikin, Fujitsu. The products of these companies always receive positive reviews from experts and are distinguished by excellent build quality and reliable operation. Air conditioners in the premium segment are equipped with automatic programs for setting and selecting temperature conditions.

We will classify the following companies as middle class: Hitachi, Sharp, Panasonic, Sanyo, Gree. The products of these companies reliably cope with room cooling, but, as a rule, their service life does not exceed five years.

The budget class, the most extensive in the choice of model range of air conditioners, includes the following companies: Haier, Midea, LG, Jax, Samsung, Hyundai, Ballu. In terms of operation, these air conditioners are not much different from premium and middle class ones. But they are constructed from cheap plastic, and at the peak moment of operation they begin to make noise. Noise from operation is the main disadvantage of budget models.

There is another type of air conditioner that does not fit into more than one category, but it is worth mentioning. These are mobile units that are installed in vents and window openings. These versions are suitable for offices and rental housing. .

The best window monoblock

Window monoblock General Climate GCW-05CM is suitable for any room, apartment or office. This mobility allows the device to be used only during the summer heat, after which the General Climate GCW-05CM can be hidden in closets. The principle of operation of the air conditioner is simple, install it in a window opening or vent, it sucks in warm air, cools it and supplies it to the room. The best air conditioner for an apartment, especially if you rent it. You can always put the General Climate GCW-05CM in a box and move it to a new location. Reviews from General Climate specialists praise the GCW-05CM for its quality work.

Pros:

• Affordable price;
• Easy to remove and install, can be moved to different rooms.

Minuses:

• Noisy engine operation, not as noticeable during the day as at night;
• The controls are on the body, there is no remote control.

The best mobile air conditioners

A fairly silent air conditioner for an apartment, which can be moved from room to room or taken to the country. Timberk AC TIM 09H P4 is the best air conditioner for a budget class apartment. The attractive appearance allows you to place it in a prominent place, and the remote control allows you to select settings without leaving the sofa. The only obvious disadvantage of the Timberk AC TIM 09H P4 is the lack of settings for selecting the temperature mode. We recommend turning on the air conditioner for short periods, cooling the room, and turning it off. Otherwise, the cold air will begin to create an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Pros:

• Easy to install;
• Simple and intuitive controls;
• Cools the room quickly;
• Attractive design;
• High quality build.

Minuses:

• Noise during operation;
• No temperature selection.

A stylish and productive mobile air conditioner boasting legendary Swiss quality. Electrolux EACM-12EW/TOP/N3 is used both at home and in the office. Its power is enough to cool a medium-sized room. Attractive appearance, long corrugated sleeve, allow you to place it in any convenient place near the window.

When creating the external image of the Electrolux EACM-12EW/TOP/N3, two points were taken into account. Style, so that such a device does not hurt the eyes, and performance. The best air conditioner Electrolux EACM-12EW/TOP/N3 evenly distributes air flow in the room, eliminating the formation of drafts. It is worth noting that the Electrolux EACM-12EW/TOP/N3 air conditioner has several operating modes, is easy to set up and cools the air in a couple of minutes.

Pros:

• Fast cooling immediately after switching on;
• Mobility in movement;
• High-quality Swiss assembly.

Minuses:

• Massive sizes;
• You can't leave it overnight, it's noisy.

The best split systems for allergy sufferers

The Toshiba RAS-10SKVP2-E air conditioner is included in the premium segment category, not only because of its cost, but also its capabilities. Firstly, Toshiba RAS-10SKVP2-E is the best air conditioner for an apartment where people with allergies or breathing problems live. Secondly, it meets all international standards, has an air pre-purification system and many programs for selecting the operating mode. Toshiba RAS-10SKVP2-E performs complete air purification through a complex filter system, so you can be sure that dust and pollen, serious allergenic particles, will not enter the room.

Pros:

• Complete air filtration;
• Several operating modes.

Minuses:

• High price.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK-25ZM-S is the best air conditioner for an apartment with a wide range of options. Compared to its competitors, the cost of the device is at an average level, although this split system belongs to the premium segment. One of the obvious advantages of the air conditioner is its quiet operation. Even at night, a running air conditioner will not disturb you. Rapid cooling system. Immediately after startup, a couple of minutes is enough to lower the room temperature. There is a heating system in winter and an automatic switch on and off timer.

The best air conditioner for an apartment is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK-25ZM-S, also suitable for people with allergies. Photocatalytic eliminates dust, pollen and foreign odors. In other words, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK-25ZM-S air conditioner is a good and profitable purchase.

Pros:

• Reliable and high-quality work;
• Always clean and fresh air;
• Very quiet operation, can be left overnight.

Minuses:

• High price.

Aeronik ASO/ASI-09HM is the most affordable inexpensive air conditioner for people with allergies. Overall, even for ordinary consumers who do not have problems with dust and pollen, the Aeronik ASO/ASI-09HM will do just fine. It offers excellent price-quality ratio, acceptable performance and performance capabilities. The best air conditioner for an apartment, at least in the style category. The attractive appearance allows you not to hide the air conditioner from view; on the contrary, it emphasizes and decorates the overall style of the room. Among the advantages of Aeronik ASO/ASI-09HM, it is worth noting a powerful filtration system with additional air ionization. Silver nano-filter completely disinfects the air entering the room.

Pros:

• Stylish appearance;
• Effective air purification system;
• Affordable price.

Minuses:

• Replacement panels are hard to find.

LG CS09AWK is the best air conditioner for an apartment in the middle price category. Attractive appearance, we safely consider it a plus, because many competitors cannot be looked at calmly. The LG CS09AWK has a plasma filtration system installed inside, which protects people with allergies from breathing problems.

Pros:

• Comfortable night operation mode;
• High-quality execution;
• Attractive appearance.

Minuses:

• At the peak of work it can be noisy.

The best air conditioners for the bedroom

The Daikin FTXG20L air conditioner has many advantages and capabilities, but its main advantage is its excellent design. The manufacturer produces Daikin FTXG20L in two versions, silver and white. It fits perfectly into the stylish design of the room and becomes an integral part of the interior, even emphasizing it. The high price will easily put you off, but if your house or apartment has expensive renovations, and the price of 103,000 rubles does not scare you, then we recommend buying a Daikin FTXG20L air conditioner. Here is just a small list of the main advantages of the Daikin FTXG20L: attractive design, stylish design of the inner box, quiet operation, even at night it will not disturb you. There are built-in motion sensors, the Daikin FTXG20L air conditioner monitors the presence of people in the room and directs the air flow in the opposite direction, which means that you will not be blown out. Clear control panel with choice of operating mode.

Daikin FTXG20L is the best air conditioner for an apartment with a stylish interior. Feedback from experts is positive.

Pros:

• Stylish inner box design;
• Quiet operation;
• There is a night mode;
• Functional.

Minuses:

• High price.

There is no doubt about the quality and reliability of the Toshiba RAS-07EKV-EE air conditioner. The Japanese company has been producing quality products for many years, so Toshiba's reputation is at the highest level. The Toshiba RAS-07EKV-EE air conditioner became the first model line where the manufacturer used modern inverter technology. The box is stylish, attractive white design will fit easily into any interior. Toshiba RAS-07EKV-EE is equipped with an impressive list of programs and functionality. The inverter provides comfortable distribution of cold air in the room, reduces noise levels and allows you to use the air conditioner in the bedroom at night.

Pros:

• Power adjustment;
• High-quality assembly;
• Quiet operation;
• Affordable price.

Minuses:

• No plasma filter.

Shivaki SSH-P076DC is the best air conditioner for an apartment if you are on a tight budget. An affordable price made the system accessible, and an extensive functional list, an attractive offer on the market. The manufacturer has worked on every detail of the air conditioner. The inner box is made in a classic style. There is nothing superfluous in the design, so even on an open surface it does not spoil the interior of the room. Thanks to modern inverter technology, the air conditioner produces minimal noise, which allows you to leave it on all night. The filtration system catches all harmful particles. Shivaki SSH-P076DC is the best air conditioner in its price category.

Pros:

• Functional operating mode settings;
• Convenient and intuitive controls.

Minuses:

• The design is too simple, there is no zest.

The best universal split systems

Specialized publications call the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZMX-S the best air conditioner in the premium segment. Let's start with the fact that the manufacturer managed to keep the cost of the device at an affordable level, without crossing the psychological mark of 100,000 rubles. Among the key features we highlight the quality of workmanship, every detail fits perfectly, there are no unnecessary blockages. The quality of the plastic is noticeable at first glance, it is pleasant to look at and enhances the overall style of the inner box.

The reliability of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZMX-S air conditioner is at a high level, plus excellent energy efficiency class A++. This means that the air conditioner can run for days without worrying about huge energy bills. In terms of functionality, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZMX-S has no equal, very quiet operation, a night mode, instant room cooling, a weekly timer, an excellent filtration system, and so on. We consider the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZMX-S to be the best air conditioner for apartments and private homes.

Pros:

• Energy efficiency;
• Good price-quality ratio;
• Quiet operation;
• Reliability of all nodes.

Minuses:

• Price.

A low price does not mean that the air conditioner is inferior in functionality to its premium competitors. The budget air conditioner Daikin ATYN25L is a prime example of this. Let us immediately note that the air conditioner is designed for a bedroom or living room with an area of ​​up to 25 square meters. It will cool a larger room, but 25 square meters is a comfortable area for the effective operation of the Daikin ATYN25L air conditioner.

Daikin ATYN25L is the best option for an apartment. The settings allow you to select the temperature mode, operating mode and timer. You just need to set a certain period of time when the air conditioner runs and go about your business without worrying about energy consumption.

Pros:

• Reliable performance;
• Effective room cooling;
• Low noise level;
• Price quality.

Minuses:

• No additional filters.

The Shivaki SSH-P096DC universal air conditioner is suitable for an apartment or office space up to 27 square meters. When choosing a good air conditioner, always look at the specifications, which indicate the comfortable area for the device to operate. If your room is larger, then the device simply cannot cope with cooling the entire space. We recommend buying the Shivaki SSH-P096DC air conditioner to those consumers who want a simple universal device at a reasonable price that can save you on a hot day.

Pros:

• Good price-quality ratio;
• High-quality assembly and reliable operation;
• Inverter technology is used.

Minuses:

• You will have to change filters periodically.

How to choose a good air conditioner for an apartment, house or office

In the store, you can choose an air conditioner, considering the design of the device, its cost, and read an extensive list of functionality and settings. But, there is one important point that is included in all technical characteristics of a good air conditioner. Its optimal coverage area. The power of the air conditioner directly depends on the area of ​​the room in which it will be installed. For a bedroom in an apartment you need to choose one model with low power; for an open office and a private home, more powerful models. Remember that low-power devices will not be able to create a comfortable atmosphere in a large room, and too powerful systems in small rooms will consume too much energy, and this will result in additional financial expenses.

When it comes to purchasing climate control equipment, it can be difficult to decide on a brand that you can completely trust. First of all, a potential buyer focuses on the ratings of air conditioner manufacturers, looking for available information on the Internet or among friends. User reviews, advertising, advice from friends, educational articles - all this makes up a certain opinion about a particular company, but not always a positive review from one person will benefit another buyer.

How to choose the right air conditioner according to rating

First of all, you need to decide for yourself what is fundamental in choosing an air conditioner relative to the manufacturer’s rating, namely:

• user reviews (the highest purchase rate for any brand);
• price of the device (cheapest or more expensive);
• quality and reliability.

The fact is that with this division, manufacturers can change places in any order. For example, in terms of price, brands like or will certainly occupy leading positions, and or, on the contrary, will occupy the last positions in the list, since their cost is 2-3 times higher.

You should also always consider the location where you purchase the climate control device. If you are choosing an air conditioner for an apartment, then the rating of manufacturers is built according to one scheme, and when purchasing a cooling device for a semi-industrial or industrial premises - according to another.

Although factories such as DAIKIN, MITSUBISHI, etc., equipment for any purpose is always distinguished by a high level of assembly and high-quality technical characteristics.

Quality and reliability rating

So, first, it’s worth focusing on the most important point - the rating of manufacturers in terms of quality and reliability, because even with a limited budget, any buyer wants to purchase a more or less functional device that will cause a minimum of problems.

In the table below, brands are sorted taking into account the following points:

• frequency of failure of the entire device or its individual parts;
• country of assembly – the most reliable are considered to be air conditioning systems made in Japan, Malaysia, Belgium and Thailand; Chinese equipment has proven worse;
• quality of performance of all basic and additional functions;
• noise level.

Air conditioner rating - summary table

All air conditioners that have a low reliability rating are most often made in China, are transported incorrectly (boxes with external units can even be transported horizontally) and often have a manufacturing defect in any part or design as a whole.

Devices that rank high among manufacturers in terms of build quality and operational reliability are not sold in household appliance departments. They can be purchased only in specialized stores that sell only climate control equipment. They are equipped with the best compressors, electronics and other components of the main working unit.

In addition, non-competitive Japanese manufacturers of apartment air conditioners have earned high ratings and are regularly chosen by customers due to:

• the presence and appearance of minimal defects in the first years of operation;
• convenient and varied functionality, using the latest technologies;
• equipped with a multi-stage protection system;
• power and efficiency;
• low noise;
• interesting design.

It is the highly rated manufacturers that provide high-quality and reliable cost savings by creating “smart” inverter air conditioners that operate in a mode of smoothly varying speeds and constant temperature maintenance. No shock jumps or changes in start and stop cycles like splits with linear compressor control.

This table did not consider industrial refrigeration units, so this rating of manufacturers is more relevant to the selection of a system for an apartment, small office or semi-industrial facility.

Rating by price and reviews

If you rely on the price per unit of goods, then, of course, all the data will be placed exactly the opposite, since climate control equipment with low positions costs much less than its competitors from the first lines. Each buyer decides for himself what equipment to purchase, and the above information is only advisory in nature.

Assuming that the quality rating is not a fundamental factor for purchase, which air conditioner should you choose for your apartment then? In order not to risk the money invested in the purchase and at the same time not to overpay for the brand name and bells and whistles of the cooling device, you should pay attention to the category with an average level of reliability rating.

Such split systems and mobile units are distinguished by good functionality and decent quality of factory assembly - all this for an affordable price. Here you can focus on user reviews, which usually reveal the main points:

• noise level;
• cooling/heating power;
• ability to maintain a given temperature;
• dimensions;
• case design.

• HITACHI;
• PANASONIC;
• HYUNDAI;
• CARRIER.

Buyers respond well to devices from the brands GREE, MIDEA, DANTEX, and BALLU.

With splits and mobile devices from, DELONGI, MCQUAY, you should be more careful before choosing them. The fact is that the BORK company initially has an opaque history of creating a brand. The company is registered as a German brand, but assembly takes place in Russia, China and other countries. The rest of the companies mentioned, although they are in average positions in the industry, quality may still suffer if the assembly location is China. Just a few years ago these brands were considered one of the best, but now such expectations are not always justified.

What else should you consider when choosing an air conditioner for an apartment according to the manufacturer’s ratings? What is the best device to buy with a minimum budget?

In conditions of severe budget restrictions, it is advisable to give preference to such popular brands as ELECTROLUX, SAMSUNG, DANTEX, BALLU, KENTATSU. In most cases, consumers leave good reviews about them. The only disadvantage of such devices is the higher level of noise and vibration.

Many cheap air conditioners have an unpleasant plastic smell, which can make a cracking noise when the temperature changes while the device is operating.

As a rule, inexpensive air conditioner models are not equipped with such bells and whistles as infrared motion sensors, a multi-stage filtration system with catechin and plasma filters, a weekly on/off timer, heat exchanger dehumidification, and the like.

Although the rating of air conditioners for an apartment (or other small room) in terms of manufacturer reliability and build quality is conditional, the likelihood of breakdowns for expensive devices is extremely low compared to cheap Chinese climate control models.

Among all climate control equipment, DAIKIN and MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC are recognized as the best brands.

There are hundreds of air conditioner models on the market today. Choosing a split system for an apartment becomes a really difficult task. The selection criteria cover many parameters that affect the performance and durability of an air conditioner in a residential apartment. In addition, air conditioners are chosen for a long period (minimum 10 years), this is expensive equipment, which also imposes a certain responsibility when choosing.

Selection according to apartment features

When determining which air conditioner to install in an apartment, you should start from the characteristics of the room itself. Climate control devices are designed for different areas. There is a difference in their installation and functionality.

Additionally, you need to take into account that air-conditioned air is dry. If a small child lives in the apartment, it is necessary to consider an additional source of air humidification.

Choosing an air conditioner step by step

Having identified the features and characteristics of the room, it is easier to understand which air conditioner is best to choose for the apartment. It is recommended to use the “sifting” principle when selecting a group of models that meet the requirements of future owners. Once you narrow down your choice, it will be easy to decide.

Type of allocation

“Conders” are installed in different ways. Models placed on walls, windows, ceilings, floors, and mobile options are released onto the market. The choice should be based on the availability of free space, the buyer’s budget and the requirements for the device. The most suitable for domestic conditions are the so-called wall-mounted split systems. You can save by choosing. It is not installed in the classical way, but the air conditioner can be easily moved to any room.

Choosing the optimal power

The power of the device directly affects its cost. Household split systems correspond to a power of 2 to 4 kW. : for every 10 sq.m. an average of 1 kW of energy is consumed. An additional surcharge is made if there is a lot of heat-producing equipment and people in the room (the factors listed above). To calculate, you can use the calculator in the sidebar.

Feature Set

Manufacturers offer models with an impressive list of functions. The number of features also increases the price of the air conditioner. Standard set and functions:

• modes of cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification, automatic settings;
• “turbo” functions, timer, “sleep” mode, adjustment of air flow direction and speed.

Additional functions do not significantly affect the performance of the device, but increase the comfort of use:

If the buyer is not short on funds, you can choose a model with advanced functionality. In other cases, the standard options work no worse. Read more in a separate article.

Economical air conditioning

When choosing a device, you should distinguish between inverter and non-inverter (traditional) models. The operating principle of a modern inverter air conditioner allows you to save energy, increase reliability and reduce noise levels. When such a “split” operates, the power of its compressor changes smoothly, during which the temperature in the room is maintained more accurately.

The price of such air conditioners is higher than traditional on/off models. Read the article “” for more information about these technologies.

About the manufacturers

There is a simple way to decide which company to choose a split system for your apartment. In specialized companies and on online shopping sites, there is a conditional distribution of brands by price categories. Having determined for yourself how much money you are willing to allocate to purchase the device, you can understand what characteristics the device will have:

It makes no sense to install a device with dozens of functions in a small apartment if we are only talking about maintaining the optimal temperature. Currently, models of all of the above categories are produced with a pleasant design and make virtually no noise.

I suggest reading the article about. Good luck! And I'll leave a link to the popular one

Many people will agree that long periods of hot weather are more difficult to endure than winter frost, because in our country the fight against cold has long been common. How to withstand the summer temperature vagaries of nature? Experience shows that you cannot do without an air conditioner.

Among a large number of different models of household air conditioners are especially popular split systems. According to many consumers, split and multi-split systems are the most convenient for permanent use (if the house does not have centralized air conditioning).

Other types of devices are suitable for offices (window monoblocks) or can be used temporarily as an emergency measure (mobile air conditioners). But split systems have a number of advantages, and most importantly, they are economical and do not produce as much noise during operation as monoblock models.

This property is achieved by dividing the equipment into two blocks - external and internal. An external unit with a condenser, fan and compressor (noise level during operation is on average 50-55 dB) is placed outside, on the building wall, roof or technical balcony. An indoor unit with an evaporator and a fan (noise level 22-30 dB) is installed indoors. This design allows you to reduce the sound of an operating device by 25-30 dB, that is, almost a thousand times! It is not surprising that split systems are preferable to monoblocks in living rooms.

Split system Ballu Green series. Differences: hidden display that becomes visible when the air conditioner is turned on, ergonomic IR remote control

The extensive family of split systems can be divided into five types, depending on the design of the indoor unit and the method of its installation: duct, cassette, column, floor-ceiling, wall. The choice largely depends on the design of the walls of the room and the height of the ceiling. In residential premises with an area of ​​up to 25 m2 and with a ceiling height of up to 3.5 m, wall-mounted indoor units are preferred - their rectangular plastic cases decorate, for example, 80% of all hotel rooms in Europe. And only if for some reason wall mounting is impossible, other options are chosen, for example, floor-ceiling indoor units, which are attached not to the wall, but to the floor or ceiling.

The efficiency of the air conditioner in heating mode decreases as the outside temperature drops. at -30 °C for most models it is practically zero, so in cold weather it is advisable to use other heat sources.

Column blocks, designed mainly for large halls, are used less frequently (therefore, in everyday life they are installed only in home theaters). Cassette units and duct air conditioners also require spacious rooms, primarily with a high ceiling, since they are mounted behind a false ceiling and “eat up” at least 30-50 cm of height. However, such models have an important advantage: they are able to supply fresh street air into the room, although not in a very large volume.

Air conditioners of the Forsage series (Hyundai). Fast and uniform air cooling to 17 °C, ionizer, antibacterial cleaning filter, climate control

MAIN PARAMETERS OF SPLIT SYSTEMS

To operate effectively, a split system must have sufficient cooling capacity, which should not be confused with power consumption. Only a specialist can accurately calculate the required cooling power, taking into account the quality of wall insulation, the number of windows, their location and size, and the presence of additional heat sources (TVs, computers, etc.). According to rough calculations, for a room with an area of ​​20 m2 and a ceiling height of 3 m, a 2.5 kW indoor unit is suitable.

Installing an outdoor unit inside a glazed balcony or loggia is unacceptable: the device will strongly heat the air, causing its efficiency to decrease and it will begin to work with overload, which will lead to a sharp decrease in service life.

In this case, the power consumption can range from 0.7 kW (for a class A+ device) to 1 kW (class D). With occasional use, the difference in energy consumption is not noticeable, however, with year-round operation (for example, if you use the air conditioner not only for cooling, but also for heating, which almost all models are capable of), additional costs for electricity during the season can amount to several hundred rubles.

Inverter split system Luxury A3050 (Samsung). Due to the triangular cross-section of the model’s body, the room cools much faster. Easy Filter high-purity air filter can be easily removed

By the way, if you are going to use the air conditioner all year round, choose an all-season model. When choosing, check the minimum outside air temperature at which the device can operate in cooling and heating mode. Some models are not designed for operation at outdoor temperatures below -5...-10 °C, others, on the contrary, operate at -25 °C.

Another important parameter is the noise level of the indoor unit. Today, the record holders for quiet operation are devices from the Artcool Slim and Artcool Stylist series (LG), FTXS/CTXS-K (Daikin) with a noise level of 19 dB (night mode); in Mitsubishi Electric MSZ/MUZ-FH or Samsung Luxury A3050 series models, this characteristic is 16 dB, in the Platinum (Ballu) series - 21 dB.

The Electrolux Monaco Super DC Inverter series inverter air conditioner has high energy efficiency (class A+), the Hot start function will quickly heat the room

DESIGN FEATURES OF SPLIT SYSTEMS

Air conditioner is a technically complex and, as a rule, multifunctional device capable of not only cooling or heating air, but also purifying and humidifying it. Some models have replaceable filters to remove dust and other contaminants. They may also contain ionizers, deodorizing filters, eliminating unpleasant odors - in general, all methods of cleaning and improving air quality available in everyday life.

Less common are air conditioners that can operate in forced ventilation mode. Previously, they were presented in the category of medium and high price equipment. Such models were included, in particular, in the assortment of Panasonic, Hitachi, Daikin and cost 30-50 thousand rubles. and more. Inexpensive splits (16-25 thousand rubles) with the possibility of small forced ventilation appeared relatively recently. They are available in the line of Haier (Lightera series), Electrolux (cassette, floor-ceiling and duct split systems of the EACO series). Such models usually provide all the necessary stages for cleaning and preparing air.

Wall-mounted inverter split system KACI109HGI-W (Karting). Operating modes: cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation

Choosing an air conditioner, pay attention to the presence of special operating modes that can be very useful. For example, in comfortable sleep mode, the device adjusts the air temperature so that the room is cooler at night and warmer at dawn (and the equipment operates as quietly as possible). “Turbo” is a short-term (10-20 min) mode in which the fan of the indoor unit operates with increased intensity. It allows you to lower (increase) the temperature in the room as quickly as possible, but at the same time the air conditioner makes more noise than usual. A similar option is available in models from many manufacturers.

Smart systems are also very useful climate control, allowing not only to maintain a given temperature, but also to change the operating mode depending on external conditions. For example, in Fujitsu General air conditioners, the Human Sensor will automatically switch the device to energy saving mode if there is no one in the room. The advanced Econavi sensor system in Panasonic models adjusts the operation of equipment depending on the presence of people in the room and the level of solar illumination.

Wall-mounted model 114 DC inverter (Chigo). Modes: automatic, ventilation, cooling, heating and dehumidifying, sleep mode, turbo function, 3D air distribution system

PRICE OF SPLIT SYSTEMS

Cost of air conditioners depends on the season. In winter, a system with a cooling power of 2-2.5 kW can be purchased for 8-10 thousand rubles. Systems of "premium" brands ( Daikin, Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba) cost from 30 thousand rubles. In the hot summer, the device will cost 20-50% more. And if the heat is intense, then purchasing inexpensive models will generally be difficult.

The price of a split system is affected not only by performance, but also by design features, for example, inverter control of engine power. Once upon a time this development Panasonic was a sign of luxury technology, today it is found in most models, with the exception of the cheapest lines. “Out of season” an inverter device can be purchased for 15-20 thousand rubles. But this technology justifies its use, since inverter air conditioners consume about 30% less electricity than conventional ones, and they are quieter.

Wall-mounted split system Fusion series (Electrolux). Cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, six-stage air purification filter, display, control panel

INSTALLATION OF SPLIT SYSTEM UNIT

Outdoor unit hung on the wall of a building or placed on an unglazed balcony. Its installation can be difficult both from a technical and legal point of view. In particular, it is necessary to take into account many nuances: so that the noise of the compressor does not disturb the neighbors, and the air conditioner does not “water” the balconies located below with condensation, does not worsen the appearance of the building, is securely fixed and does not injure anyone by falling down.

The order of a project that meets all architectural, construction, sanitary and fire safety requirements should be entrusted to specialists; The cost of the finished package will be several thousand rubles. Often design and installation are carried out by the same company - this is profitable (you can get a discount) and “safe” (if there are problems with the work, it is easier to find the culprit). Legal complications may arise when attempting to install an outdoor unit on a building of architectural value. This problem is relevant, for example, for St. Petersburg, where there are a lot of similar buildings.

Installation and connection of the device must be carried out by experienced specialists, because it is necessary to reliably strengthen a massive (several tens of kilograms) object at a high altitude. Moreover, the outdoor unit must be installed strictly horizontally and connected in such a way as to prevent refrigerant leakage, which requires the appropriate tool. It is advisable that builders have references of recommendation - for example, official letters from organizations to which they provided similar services.

Ballu inverter air conditioners: Platinum series with low noise level and four-component Combo filtration system (Catechin/HEPA/Vitamin C/Aromatic filter) (a); DC Inverter series with Hot Start function (6); Eco series with hidden display (c)

Interior split system unit placed at a certain distance from the outside, which does not exceed the maximum length of the route of the pipelines connecting them with freon. This value can be 10-30 m depending on the model; it is also necessary to take into account the maximum possible height difference (usually 5-15 m) between the outdoor and indoor units if they are planned to be installed at different levels.

Zanussi inverter split system Novello DC Inverter series: Follow Me, Hot Start, Turbo mode, outdoor unit frost protection

In addition, the indoor unit must be located so that during operation the flow of cold air does not fall directly on a person. Therefore, determine in advance the installation location of the air conditioner (not above the bed or desk). However, almost all modern devices are equipped with movable blinds, with which you can direct air flows in the desired direction. Most models use a remote control; in some, adjustment is performed manually, which, of course, is not very convenient. A more modern development is perimeter ventilation.

There should be no furniture, household appliances or other interior items in the path of the flow of cold air from the air conditioner, which could be negatively affected by moisture condensing on their surfaces.

Column model ZACF-48E/1 (Zanussi). Cooling capacity 14 kW (130 m2 area)

In models Artcool(LG), FTXS35, 42, 50K ( Daikin) and in the series Forsage(Hyundai ) the system distributes the air so that there are no “dead zones” in the room and it distributes evenly throughout the entire volume without drafts. To ensure that the air flow is distributed non-directionally, Fujitsu air conditioners have the “automatic swinging of the blinds” function, in the Zanussi and Timberk lines there is a Swing option (automatic movement of the blinds up and down), and in models Chigo There is a 3D air distribution function (automatic movement of the blinds left-right and up-down).

The split system is controlled remotely using a remote control. Advanced models support Wi-Fi (Samsung Luxury A3050 series), which allows you to control the device via a smartphone or computer from anywhere in the world. You no longer have to worry about whether you left the air conditioner on.

Expert opinion

The first and, perhaps, the most important mistake encountered when installing split systems is the incorrect selection of an air conditioner based on cooling capacity. It is better to entrust the choice of device to professionals. The second is a poor installation location for the indoor unit. It should not be placed above a bed, desk or computer desk. And the third mistake is installing the block above tall furniture, such as cabinets. When cold air hits them, condensation will form on the surface and the furniture will become wet. In addition, the air circulation in the room will be disrupted, which will lead to the appearance of zones of different temperatures: low in the area of ​​the indoor unit and high in the opposite side of the room.

SELECTION OF SPLIT SYSTEMS

Most of the internal blocks have a dull office look, which does not fit with the ideas about the aesthetics of the home. Only a few manufacturers pay serious attention to the appearance of air conditioners. Among the successful design developments, we note several series Artcool (LG). Yes, ruler Artcool Slim features a sleek, 177 mm thick body with a dark glass finish and LED backlighting. Artcool Gallery air conditioners have a square rather than rectangular body with a thickness of only 129 mm. You can insert a photograph or reproduction of a painting into the front frame. Devices of the latest series Artcool Stylist have a milky-white square body with an inscribed circle, decorated with dynamic lighting. LEDs allow you to simulate sunset, dawn and other dynamic lighting scenarios.

Timberk split systems: Laguna Nero series, completely varnished black body (a); Corona Lite series with Moon Light display (6)

To make the air conditioner last a long time

Before using the product, remove air and moisture from the refrigerant pipes and heat exchanger of the indoor unit. For this purpose, a special device is used - a vacuum pump.

The thing is that oil circulates in the hydraulic circuit of the air conditioner along with the refrigerant, with the help of which the moving parts of the compressor are lubricated. It is very hygroscopic, that is, it strongly absorbs moisture, upon contact with which it oxidizes, which leads to increased wear on the compressor and its rapid failure. However, unqualified installers usually do not pay enough attention to this procedure and do not remove air from the air conditioner, or most often they do not have a vacuum pump at hand. Please note that putting into operation a device that has not been properly prepared is unacceptable. While evacuation of the route is the key to durability and preservation of the air conditioner’s performance.

A little about refrigerant

The refrigerant in household split systems is located in the outdoor unit at the time of installation; most often it is charged taking into account the length of the route of 5 m. That is, if the length of the communications exceeds 5 m, for the correct operation of the air conditioner it is necessary to refill the refrigerant.

Over time, it may partially evaporate from the device during operation, then it has to be added. You can top up refrigerants R22 and R410A (but not more than 30% leakage, since the latter includes two components with approximately the same degree of volatility). It is not recommended to add R407C refrigerant to the system: it consists of three components with different volatility, so it must be completely replaced.

Inverter air conditioner ArtCool Stylist (LG) is one of the most interesting in terms of design