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In very hot weather, many people view cooling their home as a necessity. Switching on a fan or opening a window isn’t always enough. An air conditioner can therefore be a good option for keeping a pleasant temperature in your living environment and maintaining thermal comfort. Reverse cycle multi-split, monobloc...There’s a wide range of options to choose from. You’ll want to look at reviews and compare factors such as cost, BTU rating and energy efficiency. So, what unit should you choose and most importantly, which system is the most suitable for you?
A monobloc or single-packaged model has only one indoor unit and no outdoor unit. The refrigerant liquid as well as the main components (evaporator, compressor etc.) are contained in this unit and the system uses a duct to expel the hot air outside.
Mono-split air conditioner: this system consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that are connected by a pipe. So it can only be used for cooling one room in the house: the one in which the indoor unit is located.
Multi-split air conditioner: this model consists of one outdoor unit and several indoor units. The indoor units are all connected to the outdoor unit but can be adjusted independently of each other. This makes it possible to cool several rooms in the house, unlike with a mono-split system. These systems can be bi, tri, quad-split...
A portable unit can be moved around the house. It can be monobloc, split or reverse cycle. This is a much more affordable product than a fixed system. Not only is it cheaper to buy, there is no fitting work to be done.
Unlike a portable unit, a fixed air conditioner cannot be moved because it is attached to the wall. This product can therefore only cool the room in which it is located. Generally the indoor unit should be placed at least 2 metres above the ground. What’s more, unlike their portable counterparts, these units require professional intervention.
The cassette or ducted model works like a wall mounted product, the only difference being the positioning of the unit, which is attached to the ceiling. Cassette systems are often used in large spaces such as offices, conference halls, classrooms, etc., because they can cover a larger area than other types of air conditioners. They may be reverse cycle systems.
A reverse cycle air conditioner, also known as an air-to-air heat pump, is a system that can produce cold air during hot weather as well as heating your abode when the temperature drops. It allows you to adjust the temperature in your house according to weather conditions. So these products work according to the principle of thermodynamic heating, which means that:
Solar air conditioning is a system that uses solar energy to cool a house. This system uses photovoltaic solar panels to convert solar energy into electricity, which is then used to power the system.
There are two main types of solar air conditioning: solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal.
As you can see, there are many models on the market to compare. But it’s important to understand that one type does not exclude another... Indeed, a portable air conditioner can be monobloc or split. Just as a reverse cycle air conditioner can be fixed, portable or ducted.
In short, you can choose a system based on:
By taking all these items of information into account, along with factors such as the unit's size, appearance and BTU rating, you’ll be able to compare the products on the market and find the best one for you.
Some systems use Inverter technology to control the speed of the compressor according to how cool you want the room to be. Unlike conventional systems that operate at a fixed speed, Inverter technology allows the compressor to vary its speed by adjusting the air output according to heat demand.
Specifically, Inverter technology uses a frequency converter to regulate the speed of the compressor motor. When the temperature in the room reaches the target temperature, the compressor slows down or stops completely. Firstly, this system allows you to achieve optimal thermal comfort quickly, and secondly, it’s very energy efficient compared to conventional air conditioning, which will run at full power until it reaches the desired temperature and then stops.
Air conditioner models |
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Disadvantages |
Monobloc air conditioning |
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Split air conditioning |
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Fixed air conditioning |
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Portable air conditioning |
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Cassette air conditioning |
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Solar air conditioning |
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Reverse cycle air conditioning (air-to-air heat pump) |
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Before you make a purchase, you want to be sure that the model will suit your needs. So, here are a few things to consider before making your purchase:
The complexity of the fitting process will vary depending on which type of system you choose. Indeed, if you buy a portable air conditioner, no work is required. Conversely, fixed models must be fitted by a professional.
If you require a professional to install your system, it’s best to contact several companies for quotes, look at reviews and compare them to see which offers the best value.
It takes just a few minutes to set up the Netatmo Smart Controller from your smartphone. Plug it in near your AC unit, then either fix it to the wall or place it on a table.
How much you will pay depends on the type of unit chosen and the technology involved, but also on the surface area you want to cool or heat. You have to take into account the price of the unit and for some air conditioner models, you also need to add fitting costs. For example, a portable air conditioning system can start at around £250 for entry-level models and go up to more than £3,500 for more comprehensive and sophisticated models (such as portable split air conditioning systems). Cassette air conditioners are much less affordable at about €3,000 on average.
While air conditioning can be a great alternative to electric fans or opening a window, choosing the right system isn't always easy. With all the different products available and the range of factors you need to consider (installation, cost, BTU, maintenance...), you have to think carefully before making a purchase. The best unit for your home will be the one that suits your budget, is powerful enough to cool or heat all the areas you want, and is also energy efficient.