Floor air conditioners: varieties and principles of choosing the best cooler

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Lydia Korzheva
Last update: August 2024

Installation of a stationary air conditioner is not always possible. In this case, you should switch your attention and study the floor air conditioning.

Some experts are skeptical about such coolers, but if you select and operate the device correctly, it will work efficiently, silently and without creating any problems.

Varieties of floor air conditioners

On sale there is a huge assortment of floor air conditioners of various modifications, but only 2 subspecies of this climatic equipment can be attributed to floor mechanisms: split systems and mobile equipment.

Features split system

The design of the split system includes 2 separate blocks - an evaporator and a condenser. The first is always indoors, and the second is outside. The connecting elements for them are electric wires and tubes, two of which circulate freon, and condensate is discharged along the third.

AT outdoor unit (condenser) the refrigerant passes from the gaseous state to the liquid state, and in the internal (evaporator) freon changes the liquid state to the gaseous state. The compressor is included in the outdoor unit. Its task is to maintain the movement of the refrigerant along the circuit, compressing it.

Before applying to the evaporator, the pressure of the freon is reduced by means of a thermostatic valve. To make the heat exchange more intense, both in the outdoor and in the indoor units, fans are integrated. Air flows ‚created by them‚ blow the condenser and evaporator.

Split system
The main elements of the split system are: compressor (1) ‚valve switching modes (2)‚ automation (3) ‚axial fan (4)‚ condenser (5) ‚copper tubes for freon‚ centrifugal fan (7) ‚evaporator (8) ‚Filters (9‚ 10)

Split systems also include floor-to-ceiling air conditioners.They can be equipped with an indoor unit for both ceiling ‚and floor mounting. Their main advantage is the rapid cooling of the air. The air masses are distributed evenly over the blown plane and do not create drafts.

Compare which is better: split system or air conditioning, will help next articledevoted to the analysis of the pros and cons of both types of climate equipment.

Floor air conditioning without duct

Unlike stationary split systems and a floor air conditioner with an air duct, mobile climate equipment can be easily moved anywhere. By purchasing such equipment, it can be operated where it is currently needed - in a city apartment, in an office, in the country in the country.

To ensure a comfortable microclimate floor air conditioner‚Not equipped with an air duct‚ just plug it into a power outlet. It is a monoblock in which all the equipment, including the compressor, is located in the room. The principle of its operation is based on evaporation.

The air is cooled by the absorption of heat by water during the transformation of its liquid phase into gaseous. According to the same principle, the human body also works in hot conditions - the skin cools when the sweat evaporates.

Cooler
A truly mobile cooling system does not have air ducts, so you can install it anywhere. It is significantly cheaper than a split system - 30 percent

This type of air cooler has a porous filter and a special tank filled with water. The fan directs a stream of air to the filter ‚which has absorbed water‚ and moisture evaporates with absorption of heat, as a result of which the air is cooled.

The initial humidity in the room directly affects the cooling efficiency - the lower it is, the more intensively the liquid from the filter evaporates, therefore, the more heat is absorbed. The moisture ‚evaporated by the unit‚ remains in the room ‚therefore it is necessary to periodically ventilate‚ otherwise even when the temperature drops in the air there will be no feeling of freshness.

This feature of it is the main disadvantage of a mobile air conditioner. The equipment consumes a maximum of 85 watts. Effectively works on a small area - up to 25 m².

Floor air conditioning with duct

The unit with and without air duct is a compact mobile design. Both of them take air from the room ‚clean it by passing through a special filter.

The device of a floor air cooler with an air duct
Heated air in the case of using a mobile floor-mounted air conditioner with an air duct is discharged out through a window or openings specially provided for this

Ducted equipment resembles an old window system, only mounted on wheels and with a more elegant look. It works on freon, while for the device to work without an air duct, only water is needed.

If there is no air duct, the air conditioner is immediately connected to the power supply, and if it is present, care must be taken to bring the corrugation out.

Advantages of a mobile air conditioner

Positive assessment of mobile air conditioning from the following points of view:

  1. Smooth cooling with gradual moisture normalization. It is almost impossible to catch a cold in such conditions.
  2. Easy control via remote control for some models or a panel with buttons located on the case.
  3. Environmental friendliness - only water is used as a refrigerant.
  4. Moderate noise at work.
  5. Light weight.
  6. Ease of change of location due to the presence of wheels.
  7. An extensive lineup including instruments ‚equipped with additional functions.

Separate air conditioners are used as a heater ‚ionizer. There are units with the ability to work as a fan. Some models are equipped with ice containers ‚which reduces the time‚ needed to lower the temperature.

Air conditioner elements
Elements included in the design of a floor air conditioner.In order for the mechanism to work efficiently ‚it must be operated in a room‚ in which there is a well-functioning ventilation system - natural or forced

Opponents of the use of mobile floor-mounted air coolers argue that these units cannot be called air conditioners, because evaporation is not identified with conditioning, but with a moisturizing effect.

Nevertheless, the equipment, when used correctly, does its job perfectly - it maintains a temperature of 23 to 25⁰ in the room and a comfortable humidity level.

To do this, you need to periodically replace the heated water ‚located in a special compartment‚ with cold. If the design of the model provides a place for ice, then within half an hour the temperature in the room will decrease by an average of 5⁰.

Criteria for choosing mobile air conditioners

When choosing an air conditioner, one should be guided by the following criteria:

  1. Power. It should correspond to the parameters of the room. If the rule of 1 kW per 1 m² is suitable when choosing a mobile air conditioner with an air duct, then a compact monoblock can cool the air over an area of ​​up to 25 m².
  2. Functionality. Almost every model is equipped with two basic functions - cooling and heating. In addition to them there can be such options as purification of room air from impurities, ionization and others. There are models with a timer and remote control.
  3. Noise level. This parameter must be specified when buying a mechanism. The best units can work more quietly.
  4. Design. Manufacturers make floor air conditioners in different styles. They do not particularly stand out ‚and do not become the center of the interior‚ their task is different - not to focus on themselves ‚not to break harmony. It is better to opt for an ergonomic, lightweight and quietly working device. The rest you need to rely on your own taste.
  5. Manufacturer. It is better to be guided by this criterion when buying than the cost of the model.

A cheaper mechanism may be of poor quality. Therefore, focus on a well-known brand ‚read user reviews‚ compare the pros and cons and only then make a choice.

What you need to know about the connection?

While for a mobile air conditioner with an air duct, you need to find a suitable place with the possibility of bringing the sleeve out, a portable monolithic device is installed where it is convenient for its owner. Connection details are described in the instructions.

Installation
A mobile floor-mounted air conditioner reduces the temperature unevenly due to low power. If you have to use it in a room, the area of ​​which exceeds 25 m², then it will be possible to cool only a separate area

After installing the unit, it is charged with water, inserted into a 220 V plug in the socket. After choose the appropriate mode. At this preparatory stage ends. Movement of the mechanism to another room is carried out using wheels ‚located under the body.You can simply transfer the product - it is not heavy, and for convenience there is a handle.

Rating of popular mobile air conditioners

The choice of mobile cool generators is huge. It is not easy for an ignorant person to make a choice among models of different performance and functionality. Therefore, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the most popular models on the market in advance.

Model # 1: GCP-09ERA1N1 by General Climat

The new generation of mobile climatic equipment includes the Chinese unit without an air duct of the GCP series. The model works both for cooling and heating, but processes only small-sized rooms.

Air exchange rate - 420 m3/ h The acquisition is advisable if you need to cool the air in a room with an area of ​​not more than 18 m². With dimensions of 43.2 x 32.0 x 72.0 cm, it weighs 35 kg.

The climatic unit GCP-09ERA1N1 is equipped with an adjustable thermostat. The built-in fan runs at three different speeds, the user has the opportunity to choose the optimal one.

For ease of use, a remote control is provided. The equipment does not require a duct connection, it can be used in an apartment or office, and, if necessary, transferred to the cottage.

Model # 2: Zanussi ZACM-07 MP-III / N1

Floor air conditioners from a manufacturer from Italy Zanussi are called climate systems because they perform several functions: they both cool and heat the air, purify and moisturize it, and also operate in fan mode.

However, this one-piece model is designed exclusively for cooling a room with an area of ​​not more than 20 m2. Air exchange rate 303 m3/ h

The ZACM-07 MP-III / N1 model automatically maintains the temperature selected by the user, thanks to the function of maintaining the specified settings, the unit does not need to be reset every time before switching on. To create a comfortable temperature at night there is a special mode of operation. The monoblock is equipped with a motion sensor, a timer and a device for self-diagnosis of breakdowns.

With overall dimensions 35.4 × 69.8 × 34 cm air conditioning weighs only 20 kg. For towing, the hull is equipped with wheels. This model works quietly, the noise level is only 46 dB.

Model # 3: Symphony Personal Coolers Ice Cube

A wide range of Symphony air coolers (USA) allows you to choose a unit with any cooling capacity. Symphony Personal Coolers Ice Cube is designed for areas of up to 18 m².It consumes 80 W and has dimensions of 30.5 x 45 x 65.3 cm and weighs 6.5 kg. 16 l of water is placed in the tank. Air circulation speed - 1400 mᶾ / h.

The principle of operation of the Ice Cube cooler differs from the standard air conditioner. In its design there is no system that pumps and compresses the refrigerant. It is safer and consumes significantly less energy.

Model # 4: Tallent FLS-15A

Tallent FLS-15A Bio-Conditioner is designed for a maximum area of ​​15 m². It supplies purified and humidified air, is equipped with an inverter motor, and consumes only about 60 watts.

The device is intended solely for cooling; it is useless to use it as a heater. But it perfectly cleans the air mass of dust, eliminates allergens and harmful components of tobacco smoke.

The design is equipped with a 3-speed fan. The air conditioner works quietly - a maximum of 25 dB. The device is compact ‚dimensions - 29 x 20 x 23 cm. 1 liter is placed in the water tank.

If the installation of a conventional split system is not possible, it will be perfectly replaced by a mobile floor air conditioner without a Tallent FLS-15A duct. This is an excellent option for an individual cooler for both home and office.

With guidelines for choosing the best air conditioner to improve the home's microclimate Featured article, which presents popular models and leading manufacturers in the segment.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

About creating a comfortable microclimate using the Slogger outdoor climate system:

About the device ‚operation and the correct choice of floor air conditioner without duct:

No matter what they say about floor air conditioners without air ducts, they are sometimes simply irreplaceable. Their benefits can be appreciated in small offices and at home. The main thing is to remember that, including such a device, you need to open the window or door, do not forget to change the water.

Tell us about how to choose a floor air conditioner for your own summer house, office, apartment. Share benchmarks that helped determine the model that is best for you. Ask questions, post photos, please leave comments in the block below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Bogdan

    I have been using this myself for several years now. I have some heart problems, so in the heat I feel especially hard. The apartment is rented, it has changed three times in ten years of life in the city, so there was no way to permanently install a split system every time. And this is a great alternative at a reasonable price. In general, I think that the floor air conditioner is no worse than the split system, I do not feel the difference in the achieved effect at all.

  2. Ruslan

    At my place there is a mobile air conditioner with air vent for 11 years. It cost three times cheaper than the split system, and there was nothing to install, it was convenient when moving. This is from the pros, from the minuses - it is very noisy, a small cooling area. What I want to note, such an air conditioner will excessively moisten a room in which there is no normal air circulation.

    • Dasha

      Moisturize? Conventional split systems, on the contrary, greatly dry the air and it is very advisable to use a humidifier with them. How is the floor different in this regard?

  3. Vladimir

    You can hang a wet rag on the fan. The effect is the same, if not better, but costs several times less.

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