Review Centek CT-65A09 split system: reasonable savings or money down the drain?

Alexey Dedyulin
Checked by a specialist: Alexey Dedyulin
Author: Vladimir Bychkov
Last update: August 2019

The Russian Centek trademark not so long ago, but quite successfully works in the market of household and climatic equipment. The office of the company’s representative office is located in Krasnodar. In our review, the Centek CT-65A09 split system will be considered - a device with a decent ratio of cost and functionality.

Expert rating:
90
/ 100
Advantages
  • Low price
  • Compressor from Toshiba
  • Compact block dimensions
  • Mode
  • Option I Feel - remote control with temperature sensor
disadvantages
  • Noisy outdoor unit
  • Control panel in English
  • Bright glow of the temperature indicator
  • Short power cable
  • Single complaints of insufficient power

The proposed review of the model will provide significant information about its characteristics, operating parameters. In addition, the positive and negative sides of the air conditioner will be indicated in comparison with products of other manufacturers, as well as taking into account real customer reviews.

Features of work and technical indicators

Air conditioner Centek CT-65A09 refers to air series, whose instrument manufacturing is located in China, more specifically, in a factory in Guangzhou.

This is the new, 2018, line of budget systems. From its predecessors, the model is distinguished by more advanced characteristics. And the use of innovative technologies makes the unit efficient and safe to use.

With a cooling capacity of 9,000 BTUs and a maximum air flow of 7.5 m3 per minute, the device creates and maintains a given climate in the room with a total area of ​​up to 25 m2that meets the standard requirements for air conditioners.

Quality control at the assembly stage
According to the manufacturer, at all stages of the assembly of HVAC equipment from Centek, strict quality control is ensured, only proven and reliable materials and components are used

The key to this is a warranty card for a period of three years, subject to the installation of the system by service specialists.

The average price for a split on trading floors in different regions ranges from 11 to 14 thousand rubles.

Options and characteristics of the air conditioner

By the type of placement of the indoor unit, the model relates to wall systems. According to the principle of operation, this is ordinary split system, not an inverter.

Split is completed according to the standard version:

  • outdoor unit;
  • internal module;
  • mounting plate for indoor unit;
  • control panel and batteries for it;
  • corrugated tube for draining water;
  • instruction to the user.

The external device has dimensions typical for units of this purpose - 66.3 × 42.1 × 25.4 cm and weight - 21 kg. The manufacturer provides an additional, IPX4-class, isolation of both modules from environmental influences.

The indoor unit of the split is made in the classical style without designer fantasies, which, however, does not deprive its appearance of attractiveness and allows you to harmoniously fit into the interior of a residential or office space.

Centek indoor unit
The front panel of the indoor appliance is made of white non-yellowing, high-quality and impact-resistant ABS plastic. The block has quite compact dimensions - 69 × 28.3 × 19.9 cm and a relatively small weight - 8.5 kg

In the on state, the panel displays hidden LED display with large indication of parameters.

The optimal functioning of the split system is ensured with the length of the communication path connecting the two units not exceeding 15 m. This is an average indicator for products of this class, which allows maneuvering with the distances between the units during their installation. Two circulating freon pipelines, electrical wiring and corrugated drainage hose are laid in the connecting line.

To control the device comes with a wireless remote control (Remote control) having good ergonomics. There are no difficulties in using this device.

Pressing the button one by one MODE the device is transferred to the corresponding basic operating positions: auto, cold, heat, ventilation.

Indication of the corresponding function is displayed on the remote control display.

Function Speed changes the frequency of rotation of the fan, translating it into operation at low, medium, high speeds or in auto mode.

To change the set temperature, as well as to set the timer, use the button SET.

The purpose of the other buttons on the remote control corresponds to the choice of operating options, information about which will be presented below.

Compliance with control distance with remote control
The manufacturer’s warning that using the remote control and effectively controlling the operation of the device from a distance of no more than 8 m should be taken into account

But even at the closest distance, the indoor unit may not receive signals from the remote control if the module is lit by direct sunlight.

Instrument Technical Features

According to the most important specifications for any air conditioner, the model, in its budget segment, occupies a leading position. With a cooling / heating output of 2.65 / 2.7 kW, the device nominally consumes electricity of 0.825 kW and 0.748 kW, respectively.

The energy efficiency indicator at such capacities has the following values:

  • upon cooling, EER = 3.21;
  • when working on heating COP = 3.61.

These coefficient values ​​relate the model to a high class, A, in terms of energy consumption and put it on a par with economical inverter systems.

Other instrument specifications:

  • nominal volume of circulated air - 450 m3/hour;
  • temperature range for creating a given climate - from +16 ° С to +32 ° С;
  • ambient temperature range for operation - from -7 ° С to +43 ° С.

Important for any air conditioner are noise characteristics. According to the outdoor module, this figure is 50 dB, the indoor unit is very quiet - 24 dB. Not all inverter systems have such a noise value.

R410A refrigerant
Energy-efficient freon R410A, which is not hazardous to the environment and humans, is used as a refrigerant in the air conditioner. Total system charge is 540 g

Both modules are in the first class for protection against electric shock, which means their safe operation provided that they are grounded properly by connecting the plug of the unit to a socket with a grounding contact.

Useful device features

The main operating modes of the monitored air conditioner are cooling and heating. The device effectively performs these functions, creating a given climate in the shortest possible time.

There is the possibility of using other popular options, such as simple ventilation, without heating and cooling, and the dehumidification mode. The latter function allows you to reduce the increased humidity in the rooms. This is especially important in the autumn, before the start of heating. Warm air allows you to keep a comfortable and healthy atmosphere in the room.

The novelty of the model implies the presence of other useful options.

Mold protection. When using this function, the device does not turn off immediately after pressing the remote's OFF button, but continues to operate the fan by supplying a weak air flow for another three minutes with the blinds closed. This mode fights against favorable conditions for the propagation of a micro-fungus on the surface of the heat exchanger, helps to remove extraneous odors.

Comfortable sleep. The air conditioner increases the temperature during cooling or decreases during heating by one degree every hour, but no more than 3-4 ° C. This is necessary so that a person does not feel discomfort due to a natural decrease in heat transfer during sleep.

The appearance of the fan indoor unit
The fan of the indoor unit after activating the night mode minimizes the number of revolutions and works in this mode for 10 hours, with constant monitoring of the room temperature

In addition, this function translates the air conditioner into an almost inaudible operation.

Health. At the push of a button HEALTH On the remote control, the system starts operating automatically for cooling or heating, and, depending on the temperature in the room, the air conditioner itself creates optimal climatic conditions.

Atmosphere. On the remote control, this option is activated by the button IFEEL. Smart technology makes the atmosphere comfortable not near the air conditioner, but in the area where the person is currently holding a remote control.

Horizontal blinds. Mixing the warm air entering the system with already cooled air and blowing it out uniformly from the diffuser is due to self-oscillations of the horizontal blinds of the indoor unit. To do this, use the key SWING.

Vertical blinds. With the same button you can set the position of the vertical blinds at the desired angle, and make the air conditioner blow in the desired direction.

Self cleaning. In this mode, the device independently performs auto-cleaning. Despite this, from time to time you will have to clean the device yourself. And how to do this can be found in this stuff.

Evaporator and electronic circuit board
All components of the indoor unit, especially the evaporator and electronics, need constant cleaning from dust and moisture formed during operation

When you press the ICLEEN button, the air conditioner continues to work for 35 minutes after it is disconnected from the remote control. During this period, when the blinds are closed, the unit is first purged, then it is heated, and finally ventilation.

Motion Sensor. This is another smart option of the model, which allows forcing the device to switch to an economical mode of operation when there are no people in the room.

Turbo. When you press this button on the remote control, the forced operation of the unit starts, with increased power and at maximum fan speed. This allows you to achieve a given indoor climate within a few minutes according to previously set parameters.

Please note that this option can only be used when the device is operating for heating or cooling.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

A review of the Centek CT-65A09 model, as well as customer reviews provide an opportunity to judge the pros and cons of the system.

So, the positive qualities of the device include:

  • the classic appearance of the indoor module and high-quality, easy to clean, panel;
  • reliability and high performance of the compressor from the Japanese manufacturer;
  • remote control display backlight;
  • compact dimensions of indoor and outdoor units;
  • almost silent operation of the room module;
  • economical power consumption.

A significant advantage of the monitored device is quite acceptable, and affordable for most users, the price for a modern and functional device.

TOSHIBA Rotary Compressor
The undoubted distinctive superiority of the model over the competitors of the business segment is its equipping with a powerful, reliable and durable rotary compressor from the Japanese manufacturer Toshiba

In fairness, it is necessary to note the negative statements regarding split that occur in some user reviews:

  • short length of the power supply cable from the 220 V network;
  • lack of additional filtering;
  • low quality of the material of which the supplied drain pipe is made.

One user complains that in less than two years, under the influence of sunlight, this drainage outlet has become unusable. Tip - equip the condensate drain from plastic.

There is a single complaint about the low performance of the device and one complaint from neighbors about the noisy operation of the outdoor unit. Most likely, these claims are in the nature of subjective judgments, or they are associated with malfunctioning units.

As directed to the sellers of HVAC equipment, a comment is accepted on the difficulty in ordering and purchasing this model on some Internet services for the selection of goods. The reason - the main proposals for the sale of the device are available on the trading floors of regional markets.

Some operating tips

It must be remembered that the instructions for using the device must not wash the module itself or the remote control under the tap. It is impossible to use for maintenance of plastic, in order to avoid its deformation or loss of color, alcohol, gasoline, abrasive products or hot, more than 45 ° С, water.

When installing a split system, it is necessary to observe a difference in levels between blocks of no more than 5 m.

In order to reduce energy costs, as well as minimizing the accumulation of condensate on the surface of the interblock track, which reduces the service life of the connecting nodes, experts advise warming the communication path.

Heater and binding of communication elements
For thermal insulation of copper tubes, as a rule, a rubber based thermoflex is used. The connecting line, consisting of a pair of insulated pipelines, an electric cable and a drainage tube, is tied with a bandage or teflon tape

The abundance of materials for warming the track does not present difficulties with their search. The binding of the split communications is carried out with the utmost care, excluding damage to the copper tubes. This work is best entrusted to specialists.

Of the nuances of working with the internal module, it should be noted the recommendation to prohibit the re-inclusion of the split system during the drain function until it is completed.

Another tip is not to use a cell phone in the immediate vicinity of the internal module, as interference from it can cause a malfunction in the control of the device. But if for this, or any other reason, a failure nevertheless occurred, the manufacturer recommends that you reboot the system by briefly shutting down the unit.

Comparison with competitive models

The saturation of the market for HVAC equipment creates competition among models in price, functionality, design and many other indicators. But even in the line of air conditioners of one class it is not easy to navigate in order to give preference to a particular device without an objective comparative analysis.

Therefore, possible applicants for leadership in relation to Centek Air will be given below, but located in the approximately identical price segment, called the budget segment, equivalent in type - non-inverter, and wall-mounted models similar in performance.

Competitor No. 1 - Ballu BSD-09HN1

The device is manufactured by an international concern with a representative office and production facilities located in China. The model belongs to the 2018 Lagoon series.

In terms of service area, the unit is almost equivalent to the device from Centek - 26 m2, and is also equipped with a solid compressor from GMCC-Toshiba.

Main specifications:

  • productivity of work on cooling / heating - 2.78 / 2.64 kW;
  • power during cooling / heating - 0.82 / 0.77 kW;
  • the minimum temperature for operation during heating is minus 7 ° C;
  • noise level of the internal module - 26 dB;
  • the ability to connect control over Wi-Fi - is.

The model looks a bit more solid due to the equipping of the indoor unit with a high density prefilter and a good rating on the market.

The average price is slightly higher than that of the reference model, but a large number of market offers, with good (up to 30%) discounts, even out this indicator.

According to consumer reviews, the model does not have critical comments.

Competitor No. 2 - Roda RS-A09E / RU-A09E

This device from the German brand Roda is made in China. In the trading network since 2017. There are no great functional features in comparison with the models described above. Of the characteristics, a lower operating temperature is positively distinguished if it is necessary to heat the room.

Main specifications:

  • productivity of work on cooling / heating - 2.65 / 2.7 kW;
  • power during cooling / heating - 0.825 / 0.748 kW;
  • minimum operating temperature for heating - minus 12 °WITH;
  • noise level of the internal module - 24 dB;
  • plug-in option Wi-Fi control - no.

According to users, the control panel is not very informative. Another minus is the lack, as in Centek, of additional filtering.

Of the pluses is the possibility of issuing an extended warranty with an annual, confirmed by acts, service, an excellent rating and a large number of offers on many trading floors.

Given the latter, the price range for the model is very large, the average cost is 13.5 thousand rubles.

Competitor # 3 - Timberk AC TIM 09H S21

This Perfect Storm series air conditioner is made in China under the Swedish brand Timberk. He appeared on the Russian market in 2017.

Main specifications:

  • productivity of work on cooling / heating - 2.7 / 2.8 kW;
  • power during cooling / heating - 0.841 / 0.761 kW;
  • the minimum temperature for operation during heating is minus 7 ° C;
  • noise level of the internal module - 31 dB;
  • plug-in option Wi-Fi control - no.

Of the benefits - effective air filtration using a silver-coated filter and enrichment of the atmosphere in the room due to an anion generator, as well as moisture-proof coating of the heat exchanger using Golden FIN technology (gilding).

Minus - a high indicator of the noise level by characteristics. However, the analysis of reviews, complaints about the increased noise did not reveal.

Price - from 13 to 15.5 thousand rubles.

Conclusions and the best deals on the market

The Centek CT-65A09 model is a worthy alternative to branded climate units. The device has all the most necessary set of modern functions and good technical characteristics. In other words, it is a "workhorse" for a very reasonable price.

You may not be able to find the Ballu BSD-09HN1 at such a price as Centek, but by paying a little extra for the system itself and buying a separate Wi-Fi adapter, users can control the indoor climate at any distance. And for people who are sensitive to clean air in an apartment or office, it would be preferable to keep their attention on a competitor from Timberk.

Thinking about buying such a unit, but still have doubts? You can ask our experts for advice by leaving a comment in the box below.

And if you are the owner of such a split system, please share your impressions of its work.

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Visitors Comments
  1. The husband at one time worked on air conditioners, so they decided to install them at home, while the owner allowed them to take them at a discount. We bought Centek from him, in season such air conditioners are in demand, they are inexpensive, this is one of the most budget options. Chinese production, of course, but they work efficiently. We have been standing for a year now, it’s cooling normally, you can hear a little how the outdoor unit works, the main noise at startup, then it becomes quieter, but it doesn’t interfere with children’s sleep.

    • Andrew

      And what about these split systems with energy efficiency? How much do they consume? So the price makes them very attractive to buy. There is also a compressor there, sort of like, the Japanese Toshiba is standing.

      • Expert
        Alexey Dedyulin
        Expert

        Hello! BALLU climate control equipment is one of the most energy-efficient in the world. Energy class: A to A +++. Specific energy consumption parameters can be clarified by the seller of equipment or on the official website of the manufacturer http://www.ballu.ruby selecting the desired model.

        Regarding the compressor, you were a little mistaken. From the Japanese company Toshiba, the Russian-Chinese manufacturer BALLU Industrial Group did not borrow the compressor, but the Inverter technology, which allows you to smoothly adjust the performance of the split system. By the way, thanks to this particular technology, air conditioners consume very little electricity compared to non-inverter models (30% less). Since 2017, all of Ballu's climate technology is inverter.

        Regarding components: the manufacturer does not hide that he puts on his air conditioners:

        - Punker Gmbh and EBM PAPST fans made in Germany;
        - compressors of the German brand BITZER, manufactured in Russia and Ukraine;
        - heat exchangers of the Chinese manufacturer ONDA;
        - Automation systems of the Italian concern CAREL;
        - LOWARA pumping equipment is also of Italian origin.

        How reliable is this manufacturer and its component suppliers? You decide. But note that in 2018 Ballu equipment received more than 30 awards, including as the highest quality, innovative and affordable.

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