How to choose an air conditioner to live in a block of flats?

What criteria should be used when choosing air conditioning for a flat in a block of flats? What types of air conditioners are recommended in this situation and which are likely to be ineffective? First of all, by choosing an air conditioner to live in a block of flats, we should first of all answer two basic questions, namely: what are our expectations and how much we can spend on buying an air conditioner.

Air conditioner split

The most popular form of air conditioners intended for flats in a block of flats are split type air conditioners. How do they differ from other types of air conditioning equipment and what are their most important functions? In this guide we will take a closer look at this issue and try to answer the above questions.

Split air conditioner - price

According to a rather popular stereotype, air conditioners belong to the accessories characterized by a rather high price. You could say it's not entirely true. The price of a good split-type air conditioner is comparable to the price of a new TV set. What do we gain in return? The pleasant, refreshing chill in our apartment throughout the summer, when the heat outside sometimes becomes unbearable, which unfortunately is particularly noticeable for people living in blocks of flats. One of the most important advantages of split air conditioners is their mobility: they are portable air conditioners, so that their use does not require prior installation. What is also important, the split air conditioner can be easily moved to different places in our apartment, e.g. at night we can use it in the bedroom, and during the day for example in the kitchen or in the living room.

Portable air conditioner split

A portable air conditioner is the best solution when mobility is at the forefront of our minds.

Split-type stationary air conditioner

A split stationary air conditioner is an option for those who know exactly which rooms they will expect to be cooled. Its advantage is its quiet, actually hard to hear operation. Multisplit air conditioners are an excellent solution for people who want to have the cheapest possible air conditioning system, which can be successfully used in several different rooms at the same time.

Air conditioner - how to choose?

Before buying an air conditioner intended for a flat in a block of flats, it is necessary to pay attention to several basic parameters.

Noise level. In the case of split type air conditioners, most of the elements are installed outside the apartment, so the noise level during their operation is about 35 dB(A), which is about as much as the mild wind noise coming from outside the window. If our apartment is small, it is worth choosing an air conditioner that emits noise of up to 30 dB(A) at a distance of 1 meter from the device. Before buying it is also worth checking what the equipment manufacturer writes about the noise level in different modes of operation. If, for example, an air conditioner emits up to 30 dB(A) in the lowest gear only, it is unlikely to be a good solution for people who are sensitive to noise or simply own a small apartment. Also, the efficient use of such an air conditioner during hot, steamy nights can be a problem, because it will either not produce enough cold or its operation will interfere with sleep.

Temperature control. This is another very important feature. It is worth remembering that in our climate the heat can have a different character in terms of temperature. For example, at the end of May "hot" days means the temperature in the amount of around 30 degrees Celsius, while in July or August temperatures can reach even 40 degrees. It is also worth noting the equipment with an audio module: such an air conditioner selects the degree of cooling to the temperature in the apartment, so you do not have to change it yourself at certain times of the day. Another useful option is the inverter, which allows you to adjust the intensity of energy consumption of the air conditioner to the amount of air that needs to be cooled in order for the room to reach a certain temperature. With this option, we will be able to save up to 40 percent of energy compared to air conditioners without inverters. Additional advantages are also shorter cooling time in the room temperature and longer life of components.

Operation in heating mode. A very interesting and at the same time economically useful solution are air conditioners equipped with a module for operation in heating mode. This air conditioner works like a heat pump: it extracts the heat from the room and then releases it. This makes it possible to use the air conditioner as a radiator, for example, on slightly colder summer nights.