How to choose a floor air conditioner: selection tips + an overview of the best models

Climatic equipment continues to gain popularity among owners of apartments and cottages. There was a choice between devices installed indoors and mechanisms partially placed outside them.

A bright representative for indoor installation is a mobile floor-mounted air conditioner that creates comfort and a healthy microclimate. Find out what to look for when choosing a model.

What is good about floor air conditioners?

Depending on the layout, size of the apartment, the required capacity of the device, you are given the opportunity to choose between stationary and mobile devices.

We are interested in the second group, namely, portable floor-mounted air conditioners, the installation and connection of which are usually carried out independently.

They belong to evaporative type devices and consist of the following elements:

• 220 V mains electric motor;
• a fan, the amount of air supplied depends on the speed of the blades;
• filter saturating pump with drain and water supply valves;
• evaporation filters made of polymers and cellulose, resembling honeycombs and enclosed in plastic frames;
• water pan.

All parts are packed in a plastic or metal case, the durable material of which tolerates changes in temperature and humidity, does not deform when moving from one place to another.

The air conditioner is controlled by selecting the mode / temperature / additional function on the panel located in the upper part of the housing. Many models are equipped with a remote control

If you regularly change the filters, the devices clean the air in the room, remove dust, contributing to the creation of a healthy microclimate without excess moisture.

Sometimes such an aggregate is a salvation for a person suffering from allergies or asthma.

The lack of installation procedures is a big plus, since there is no need to pay professional workers, without whose help it is not possible to install outdoor units of split systems

However, the disadvantages also need to be remembered. Among them - a fairly high noise level, free space for installation and the presence of drafts, which are inevitable with the wrong model.

There are two categories of floor air conditioners: with air duct and without additional elements. The former are preferably installed near the window (access is required outside), the latter - in any convenient place

Let's consider both options to find out their cardinal differences.

Basics of choosing a model without duct

A stylish, easy-to-use, mobile air conditioner with a modern design without an air duct looks more attractive than a model with a thick hose, and even more so - “industrially” designed suspended ceiling devices.

For this reason, it is predominantly chosen by women. However, quite beautiful underwater pebbles are often hidden behind a beautiful case. We will understand the strengths and weaknesses of the device.

What criteria should I look for?

First, find out how a mobile floor air conditioner does not have an air duct. It is also called an evaporative type device: warm air passes through a system of filters (one of which is a sponge soaked in water) and, interacting with a humid environment, cools to the required temperature.

A diagram showing the operation of the air conditioner. An important detail of the floor model is a sponge filter that absorbs moisture from the tank located at the bottom of the tank. The effect of the evaporator is more noticeable when the temperature in the room rises to + 25ºС and higher

If you want the air to be cool and fresh, air conditioning alone is not enough. It is necessary to ensure sufficient air flow, in fact - to equip supply and exhaust ventilation. Then you will forever forget what is stuffy, stale air, the smell of dust or mold.

If you decide to choose a mobile model, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• power and performance;
• additional functions (heating, drying, multi-level filtration);
• body dimensions;
• management method;
• energy efficiency class.

Power consumption in different modes (cooling and heating) may vary, but it rarely goes beyond 1-2 watts. This means that for a room with an area of ​​20-25 m, a device with a power of 1-1.5 W is quite enough.

We recommend reading our other article, where we described in detail how to calculate the capacity of an air conditioner. More details - go to the link.

The sizes of mobile devices are approximately the same - up to 85 cm in height, about 45 cm x 30 cm around the perimeter. Accuracy is necessary when the equipment is intended for installation in a room with a limited area. If there is very little space, it is better to buy a split system instead of a floor model

Not all models have additional options. Simple air conditioners are easy to recognize at a low cost, the dependence is simple: the more features, the higher the price.

Not all models have a heating mode and a drying mode. Drying is necessary when the air humidity is above normal - this applies to coastal regions. In the middle lane and in the north of Russia, the air is already quite dry. But heating is a useful feature that is usually used in the offseason.

Modern devices have a convenient control panel in the upper part of the case, many are equipped with a remote control. Using the remote control or buttons, you can adjust the fan speed, select a special mode, set the desired temperature. Many models are equipped with a timer, with which you can program delayed on / off.

The energy efficiency class is an indicator that excites almost everyone.If you want to save, choose a class A model (the maximum possible - A +++).

Read more about choosing floor-mounted air conditioners without an air duct. Further.

Indoor installation features

At first glance, there should not be any special requirements for installing a compact device. In fact, even a mini-air conditioner on wheels, which can be moved from room to room, requires certain conditions.

One of the requirements is a sufficient area of ​​the room, which should be correlated with the power of the device: for every 10 m² about 1 W.

It is necessary to arrange the operation of supply and exhaust ventilation, otherwise the air conditioner will drive the same stale air - albeit partially cleaned from microorganisms, but not clean and not fresh

A mobile unit requires constant care, which consists in filling a special tank with water. A low water level is usually indicated by an indicator. If the air conditioner is constantly working in maximum mode, you have to add water often.

However, if you compare the portable model with similar devices equipped with an air duct, installing it is much easier. In fact, it is enough to unpack the device and install it on a horizontal surface, in any corner of the room.

Connection and configuration are carried out according to the instructions, but take a minimum of time and effort. Suppose installation of split systems requires several hours and the help of specialists.

All about ducted air conditioners

The only external difference between devices with air ducts is the presence of a large-diameter corrugated pipe through which warm air is discharged through the window. However, the difference concerns not only the design.

Analysis of technical characteristics

From the point of view of production capacity, floor models with an air duct are not much different from simpler counterparts: they are also designed for cooling (or heating) rooms with an area of ​​20-25 m², less often - 30 m². This limitation is due to the size, noise from the compressor and the load on the mains.

Comparative table of refrigeration capacity and sizes of various types of air conditioners. When choosing an air conditioner, it is also necessary to take into account the volume of the room and the average temperature in the room (during the hot season)

The built-in compressor generates noise, the level of which can reduce a comfortable stay in the room. When choosing, you should focus on an indicator of 45 dB, but the values ​​of most modern models, unfortunately, are 50-60 dB.

Dimensions are selected depending on the installation options. For large rooms it is better to take devices with a large case. As a rule, they are multifunctional and have increased performance.

If you plan to move the device often, a compact mini-model on wheels is suitable. Do not forget that each installation site requires a separate hole for the duct.

The functions of the models with a hose are the same as those of the alternatives without air ducts - additional humidification, drainage, heating, ventilation, more thorough air filtration, etc.

We pass to the point that distinguishes air conditioners with an air duct - to their installation.

Features of connecting the device

The main manual that should be studied before installation is the manufacturer's instructions. It lists the requirements for the room and the procedure for installation, also presents diagrams and drawings. And we will analyze the question of where and how the duct is connected.

The air duct is a large-diameter plastic corrugated pipe, one end of which is fixed on the device body, the other is displayed on the street

There are three ways to bring the pipe out:

• into the window (window or a specially made hole);
• into a hole in the wall;
• into the ventilation shaft.

Installation in ventilation duct sometimes associated with structural difficulties.The standard duct length is not more than 2 m, while the distance to the shaft entrance is usually greater. It is strictly forbidden to make large holes in the walls of high-rise buildings, one solution remains - the window.

When constructing a private house, you can consider all three options; for a city apartment, the only acceptable option is the only option - putting a pipe in the window

Why is it not enough just to lay the hose on the lower partition of the window? Hot air from the room will go out the window, mix with the fresh stream and partially come back.

The effect will be minimal. To ensure that the exhaust air masses do not return through the opening, the window or window opening must be modified.

Usually the free space is simply covered with a plastic partition, in the center of which a hole is cut for the diameter of the hose. To protect the hose from friction against plastic, use a smooth short pipe or silicone (rubber) cuff.

When the mobile device is moved to another room, the hole is covered with a plug. Companies selling air conditioners usually offer all kinds of accessories - plugs, frames with doors, special panels.

Variant of the outlet duct in the window opening. In the gap between the casement window, raised up, and the windowsill, inserted plastic blocks with a hole for the pipe

If the hole for the duct is in order, it remains to install and connect the air conditioner itself. To do this, completely unpack the case and all components, then assemble them strictly according to the instructions.

To connect, you need a 220V network and preferably a grounded outlet. Be sure to read the instructions to find out what condition the refrigerant is in. It may be necessary to unscrew a pair of valves so that it spreads through all the heat exchangers.

When equipping a hole in a wall or in a double-glazed window, attention should be paid to its diameter. If the shape does not match, part of the exhaust air will return through the gaps, but when squeezing the corrugation, the problem increases - it is possible to change the output air volume, which affects the performance of the unit.

Rating of popular floor models

For comparison, we consider five models of the middle price category, the qualities of which are positively evaluated by users.

The ranking includes products from well-known brands MDV, BORK, Timberk, Ballu, Electrolux (from left to right), which can be purchased in specialized stores and large network centers

The advantage of the models is based on technical capabilities and customer reviews.

1st place - Ballu

Ballu Concern (Taiwan) produces various types of climatic equipment. As a sample, consider a floor model with a BPHS-09H duct. It belongs to the Platinum series, which is considered the most effective and perfect in terms of operation.

Ballu casing is made in a universal modern design, which allows you to install air conditioning in a room of any style, from classic to techno

A distinctive feature of the model is the low noise level, which is relevant for all floor models - only 42 dB. This is actually small, since most of the similar units create a specific hum in the process of air treatment.

Devices from the Platinum series can be safely installed in the bedroom or in the nursery. In night mode, the noise made by them resembles the rustling of leaves.

The air conditioner will delight everyone who appreciates the increased functionality: it copes with the cooling and heating modes, and the intensity can be adjusted. Useful sleep mode is Sleep, as well as Super - if you need to sharply reduce the temperature to +18 ° C. The cost of the model is 18 900 rubles.

2nd place - Electrolux

The Electrolux EACM-10AG model is large in size and design.

Instead of traditional moving louvers for air distribution - a cone-shaped grille, instead of the usual stationary display at the top - a removable unit

However, the rest of the details are mostly standard.

Noise level - 49 dB, cooling power - 2930 W, energy efficiency - class A. Cost - 19900 rubles.

3rd place - MDV

The manufacturer is known for models from the Tango series, we will consider the MPGi-09ERN1 air conditioner.

MPGi-09ERN1 is a multifunctional device with a set of modes. In addition to cooling, drainage, heating and ventilation are available. Pleasant bonus - auto tuning

The case design is slightly different from traditional rectangular models.

Power in heating mode - 2600 W, in cooling mode - 1000 W, noise level - 54 dB, air flow volume - 6.3 m³ / min. Cost - 23 500 rubles.

4th place - Timberk

The most compact version of the five is the Timberk AC TIM 09H P4.

The compact mobile air conditioner has a simple design: white, a rectangular case, the upper part in the form of a shelf with a mechanical regulator

To install the device requires a small patch near the window.

Cooling / heating power - 2600 W, noise level - 21 dB, energy efficiency class - V. Cost - 21 500 rubles.

5th place - Bork

A model that is notable for its high price is the Bork Y502.

The rounded corners and silver color of the case emphasize the stylish design, but the filling of the air conditioner is no different from the filling of similar devices of other brands

The advantage of a sufficiently powerful unit is its small dimensions.

Cooling power - 2600 W, noise level - 50 dB, energy efficiency class - A. Cost - 33600 rubles.

We present videos with useful information to deepen knowledge about mobile floor air conditioners.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to make a hole for the air duct in the glass:

Overview of TM Carrier model:

As you can see, the range of floor-standing climate technology is quite large. To choose an air conditioner for your conditions, be sure to study the technical specifications and additional functions, as well as read the installation rules.

You can not decide on the choice of floor air conditioning? Or did you manage to get a new model of the conditioner? Tell us which device you purchased, are you satisfied with its operation? Please leave comments in the block below.