How to choose a split system in an apartment and in a house: the best brands + recommendations to customers

Climatic equipment from the moment of its appearance on the market has gained unprecedented popularity. And this is quite expected. After all, no fan can create such a comfortable microclimate even in a small apartment.

Since the niche of HVAC equipment is actively developing and is replenished annually with hundreds of good units, before buying you need to understand in detail how to choose a split system in an apartment. Otherwise, you buy a pig in a poke and, for sure, spend money on equipment that can’t cope with the cooling of housing.

To make it easier for you to find the right solution for your apartment, in this article we examined important criteria that should be considered when choosing a climate control equipment. We also gave a rating of the best manufacturers of split systems, whose products are of decent quality and an acceptable price tag.

The principle of operation and features of split systems

With the introduction of innovative technologies in air conditioners, silent and high-tech devices are gradually replacing bulky old-style models.

At the same time, new devices differ not only in performance and an extensive range of functions, but also in noiselessness and ease of operation.

How does climate technology work?

Familiarity with climate technology should start with a theory. The main task of the air conditioner is to absorb heat inside the building and bring it out.

This is due to the properties of liquid substances. They absorb heat when they evaporate, and give it away, as they pass from a gaseous state to a liquid one.

Split systems of a modern sample are able not only to cool the air, but also to heat it. In this case, the device works exactly the opposite. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside and transfers it to the room.

The task of this kind of equipment is not to create a pleasant coolness, but to absorb excess moisture. When buying, consider this fact and additionally order humidifier. After all, low humidity can lead to the appearance of various respiratory diseases.

Features of inverter models

The inverter climate control operation is controlled by a frequency-controlled motor. The motor converts the electric current into direct current, and then again into alternating current.

Thanks to this idea, you can control the speed of rotation of the compressor. Accordingly, the user gets the opportunity to reduce / increase power.

Until the required temperature has been reached, the inverter motor runs at maximum power. As a result, the room cools or heats up several times faster.

As soon as the desired temperature has been reached, the motor reduces speed, but does not stop. In this state, it can maintain a given microclimate without creating too much noise. What significantly distinguishes it from a conventional split motor. A detailed comparison of the inverter and conventional split systems we have given in this article.

Inverter models of air conditioners work constantly, maintaining the optimum temperature and spending 50% less electricity. They are able to create the most comfortable conditions for people and pets in a house or apartment

The list of advantages of inverter air conditioners should be supplemented by their durability and reliability. This is explained by the fact that the compressor wears out the most when it is constantly turned on and off, as classic units do.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with top ten inverter split systems, based on popularity among customers and positive feedback from the owners of these models.

Air Conditioner Selection Criteria

The main characteristics that you should pay attention to are performance and functionality. Also an important criterion is the operating temperature.

But most modern models operate in a wide range. Therefore, this factor is relevant only for excessively hot regions.

Calculation of power according to quadrature

It is the performance of the climate technology that determines its effectiveness. Therefore, before buying, you need to correctly perform the calculations.

After all, if you order an insufficiently powerful unit, then it simply will not cope with maintaining the specified temperature. Well, an overly productive unit is a waste of money, since it will never work at full capacity.

Quite often, in the specifications of the air conditioner, the performance is indicated in BTU units. This is due to the fact that such a technique was invented in the United States, which uses an inch system. To convert the indicator to Watts, divide the indicated value by 3.412

When calculating power, first of all, take into account the area of ​​the room. The best choice would be 1 kW for every 10 square meters. After that, about 25% should be added to the obtained value. This is useful on a summer day when the sun shines in the room for half a day.

It is important to consider the amount of heat in the room. If you are going to install climate control equipment in the kitchen or in the office, where there are many computers, feel free to increase the required productivity by 30%.

The last factor that should be taken into account when calculating is the number of people who are constantly in the room. If the device is purchased for home use or office, then for 1 person requires about 100 watts.

But when the unit will be installed in a gym or restaurant, then increase the required power by 300 watts.

We wrote in more detail about calculating the power of climate technology in next article.

If you do not want to engage in calculations, then you can use ready-made solutions. So, for a room of 20 m² the ideal choice would be the sevens. Their performance is 7,000 BTU. For 27 squares, climate technology with a capacity of about 9,000 BTU is suitable.

The main functionality of split systems

Today, air conditioners can work not only for cooling or heating. They can also be turned on. ventilation, or drainage.

The first function allows you to evenly distribute air throughout the room. In this case, only the internal node of the device works. This mode will be useful in winter when heat accumulates only near radiators.

The drain function is designed to reduce humidity. In this case, the device operates in the same way as in normal mode. But at the same time, the air temperature drops only by 1 degree Celsius

Useful for many will be the function "Night mode". After its inclusion, the climate technology minimizes the fan speed, which allows to significantly reduce the noise emitted.

In this case, the temperature decreases / rises as smoothly as possible, over several hours.

If the budget allows, then order a split system that can work in auto mode. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the device with the help of sensors monitors its work.

That is, it automatically turns on the ventilation, heating or cooling mode to maintain an optimal microclimate in the room.

Varieties of climatic equipment

One of the most important technical characteristics of a split system is its power type. Based on this factor, an aggregate is assigned to one of three categories: industrial, domestic or semi-industrial.

The latter are distinguished by high power. They can cool a room with an area of ​​more than 100 squares.

Household models are designed for home use. Their power rarely exceeds 7 kW. Therefore, the room that they can serve should not be more than 50-60 m².

Semi-industrial air conditioners are ideal for small offices. They are quite powerful to cool a room with a total area of ​​80 m²

Depending on the design, the climate technology can be monoblock or may consist of two or more nodes.

The latter species is the most common. Typically, such units are a pair of blocks. One is located outside the room, and the other is inside. The components are connected using copper tubes and an electric cable.

Split systems, in turn, are divided into the following subcategories:

• wall mounted;
• channel;
• cassette
• columned;
• floor and ceiling;
• inverter.

The main difference is the design of the indoor unit. Therefore, each of the presented species has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at them.

View # 1 - wall-mounted split systems

Wall-mounted climate technology is most common. This is due to its good performance and price, affordable to the buyer with any income level.

This type of air conditioner is a pair of units. One of them should be installed in the room - under the ceiling and not far from the window opening. The exterior is mounted a little lower and from the outside of the building.

The list of advantages of wall-mounted units is also worth including their versatility. They can be installed in absolutely any room. Be it an apartment, a house, an office or a shop.

The only limitation is power. As a rule, this kind of equipment has a power of not more than 10 kW. Therefore, it is only suitable for rooms with a total area of ​​up to 100 m².

Wall-mounted air conditioners successfully fit into almost any interior.Therefore, they are easy to choose. All you need is to correctly calculate the power and determine the set of necessary functions

View # 2 - ducted air conditioners for office and home

A distinctive feature of channel-type equipment is the installation behind a suspended ceiling. This allows you to hide all wires and copper tubes. The air in such a device is distributed evenly, through a system of thermally insulated air ducts.

As a result, you get the opportunity to cool not one, but several rooms at once.

The power of channel split systems varies from 5 to 25 kW. Such performance will be more than enough to service an apartment with 5 rooms, a small office or a country house.

Presented air conditioners help solve the issue of air conditioning and ventilation. They provide sufficient fresh air for comfortable living and working.

View # 3 - practical cassette split systems

Cluster climate technology is an analogue of the channel. The only difference is that in the former, air enters the room through a special hole in the bottom of the unit.

This compartment most often has a square shape - 600 x 600 mm. But if the device is characterized by high performance, then the hole increases in length to 1200 mm.

The main advantage of the presented type of technology is invisibility. Only a decorative grill will remain in sight, which will not affect the aesthetics of the room.

Another feature of cassette split systems is the uniform distribution of air. They can serve the room where several wall-mounted air conditioners have to be installed to achieve the same effect.

View # 4 - columned and floor-to-ceiling devices

Columned models are most often used where the maximum possible cooling capacity is required and the design is not too important. They differ in impressive dimensions and are mounted only on the floor.

Consider this fact in case of their purchase. It is also not recommended to be close to a working device - a strong stream of cold air will certainly not be good for health.

Climate cassette equipment can be replaced using floor-ceiling devices. This will be the best solution if the room does not have a false ceiling.

Such aggregates differ in relatively shallow depth. For most models, it ranges from 180 to 250 mm.

Floor-and-ceiling appliances, as the name implies, are installed under the ceiling or at the bottom of the wall. In the first case, the air flow is directed horizontally. In the second - blowing is carried out upwards. Such solutions help to evenly distribute air, avoiding direct contact with people.

View # 5 - window and mobile candy bars

Both categories are monoblock climate technology. They have only one unit, which acts both as a condenser and as an evaporator.

Advantages of window type air conditioners - It is easy to install, relatively low price and exhaust function. It is precisely because of these characteristics that monoblocks of this kind have been popular before.

Today, demand for them is falling due to the high level of noise generated during operation, and violation of thermal insulation. Therefore, in the market, only a few manufacturers produce window monoblocks.

Window monoblocks can be installed in a window opening or in a thin wall. At the same time, it is important that the rear part faces the outside of the building. But note that such installation affects the thermal insulation of housing

Mobile climate technology Significantly stands out among analogues. Its main feature is the ability to freely move the device around the room. All you need to do is get the duct through the window to the street.

Often, the above models are complemented by a set of filters.This allows you to refresh the air and significantly reduce the cleaning time in the room.

The advantages of such units include the lack of need for installation, as well as portability. But remember the high price, noise and modest performance.

Price separation

Understanding how to choose the right split system for your home, you will come across devices of three price categories: premium, middle class and budget devices. Their difference is not only in the amount indicated on the check. To understand the features, consider each category in more detail.

Premium models are the most expensive. Most split systems of this class are produced in Japan by high-tech companies.

As a rule, elite devices stand out among analogues simply by huge functionality, unique design and quiet operation. But for such amenities you have to pay well.

The ideal choice for the average buyer would be middle class air conditioners. They are the embodiment of the perfect combination of price and manufacturability. The largest assortment of household appliances of this class is produced in Japan and Europe.

Split systems of the middle price segment have a significantly shorter service life than premium models. They are also equipped with a fairly simplified control system, less reliable protection against improper use, and during operation can make a little more noise.

In the budget class leading positions among manufacturers are Chinese and Korean companies.

The main drawback of this segment is unpredictability. You never know how high-quality technology you come across.

At the same time, cheap air conditioners are much more noisy, operate in a very limited temperature range, and they are not equipped with any protection system.

The best manufacturers of HVAC equipment

The convenience of operating the air conditioner, its functionality and, most importantly, reliability depend on the choice of the supplier company. To make it easier to decide, let's make a list of the best manufacturers.

Rank # 1 - Daikin Sophisticated Air Conditioners

The company has been successfully operating in the market for more than four decades. During this time, Daikin has established itself as a supplier of multifunctional and high-quality household appliances. Its employees pay special attention to manufacturing technology, as well as after sales service of the device.

Daikin plants are located in Japan, Belgium and Thailand. This production base allows us to produce more than 2.5 million air conditioners every year.

The manufacturer presented above has recently been a market leader, offering customers a good assortment split systems Daikin. All brand products are worthy of quality.

Therefore, making an order, you can count on the environmental friendliness of the device, its high quality and durability. But keep in mind that such a set of benefits is expensive.

Place # 2 - Mitsubishi Semi-Industrial Equipment

In second place among companies that produce household and semi-industrial climate equipment, is Mitsubishi. Most devices of this brand belong to the elite class, but also relatively inexpensive models are presented in the assortment. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with rated best air conditioners brand.

If you decide to stay on this brand, then pay attention to inverter units. As a rule, they are equipped with several automatic operating modes, as well as the function of ionizing air purification.

Place # 3 - Toshiba's perfect middling

For those who want to save money, Toshiba launches air conditioners middle class. The company has been operating on the market for more than 120 years and it was its engineers who created the first split system for the New York printing house.

Distinctive features of the devices of this brand are in an adequate price, high reliability, as well as a huge set of functions. At the same time, most models are equipped with an inverter compressor, which saves on electricity.

Rank # 4 - Fujitsu's innovative split systems

Fourth place in the ranking took the Japanese company Fujitsu. Her range full of semi-industrial and domestic air conditioners.

It is this company that is the first to introduce innovative developments, setting the trend in the market for HVAC equipment.

Fujitsu technique is expensive. The reason is that air conditioners are equipped with a huge number of different sensors. Such an engineering solution helps to protect the device from freezing, voltage drops in the mains and an overvalued current

Place # 5 - Panasonic Reliable Technology

Last place of the TOP is another Japanese brand. Panasonic produces industrial split systems, as well as household-level models. With each new device, one can see how the company improves the quality of materials, improves manufacturability and increases the number of functions.

Presented on the market Panasonic models all price categories. But if you can afford to spend a little more, then pay attention to split systems equipped with generators and air ionizers, as well as a catechin filter system.

Video and useful video on the topic

The consultant shares tips on choosing a climate technology:

Buying an air conditioner is always a long and scrupulous process. Especially for those who have never done this before.

But if you take into account all the tips above, correctly calculate the power and decide on a set of functions, you can get a device that will make the microclimate in the house or apartment really comfortable.

Do you want to supplement the above material with selection tips or focus on the products of another worthy manufacturer whose name we did not mention in this article? Write comments in the block below, express your opinion, do not hesitate to ask questions to our experts.