How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner

During the scorching heat of summer, the decision on which air conditioner to buy becomes crucial. Choosing the right air conditioner can make a difference in your home comfort. In this article we will explore how to select the air conditioner best suited to your needs, evaluating different aspects such as the btu m2 calculation and the specific characteristics of the devices.

Dual Split Air Conditioners: Advantages and Disadvantages

Dual split air conditioners represent one of the most popular choices for cooling home environments. But what makes them so popular and what are their downsides?

What is a Dual Split Air Conditioner?

A dual split air conditioner is essentially an air conditioning system that shares one outdoor unit with two indoor units. This means that, unlike traditional monosplit systems which include an external and an internal unit for each room, the dual split model allows you to air condition two rooms with a single external unit.

Advantages of Dual Split Air Conditioners

• Installation efficiency: The presence of only one external unit for two internal units reduces the interventions necessary for installation, simplifying the process and possibly reducing costs.

Disadvantages of Dual Split Air Conditioners

• Practical Limitations: Despite the installation advantages, having only one external unit for two internal ones can lead to limits in terms of efficiency and customization of cooling in the different rooms.

Monosplit or Dual Split: Which to Choose?

The choice between a monosplit air conditioner and a dual split model depends on various factors such as the size of the room to be cooled, the specific air conditioning needs and the importance of flexibility in use. Carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each model will help you find the most suitable solution to guarantee maximum comfort.

Advantages of Dual Split Air Conditioners

Dual split air conditioners offer a number of significant advantages that contribute to their popularity in both residential and commercial settings. Below, we explore the main benefits of this air conditioning solution.

• Installation of just one external machine: The need for just one external appliance reduces space and simplifies installation.

• Savings on installation costs: Installing just one outdoor unit translates into considerable savings on overall costs.

• Minor impact on the aesthetics of the building/villa: Thanks to the reduced presence of external units, the aesthetic impact on the facades is minimised.

• Greater energy savings: If you choose the equipment carefully, you can achieve significant energy savings.

• Savings on maintenance costs: By concentrating the system into fewer components, maintenance costs and interventions tend to be reduced.

• More suitable for large environments or shops, offices, etc.: Their versatility makes them ideal for air conditioning large spaces.

Disadvantages of Dual Split Air Conditioners

Despite the numerous advantages, the adoption of dual split air conditioners also involves some disadvantages that must be carefully considered before installation.

• Higher initial cost: The initial investment tends to be higher than other solutions.

• Failure of the system in case of motor failure: If the external unit were damaged, the entire system would stop working.

• Aesthetically unpleasant ducts in the home: The installation of ducts can be invasive and not harmonious with the furnishings, especially if not planned in advance.

• Less energy savings if the machines are not well sized: An inaccurate choice of units could lead to a reduction in benefits in terms of energy efficiency.

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Criteria for Choosing a Monosplit Air Conditioner

Choosing a monosplit air conditioner requires attention to various factors to guarantee energy efficiency and environmental comfort. It's not just a matter of satisfying an immediate need, but of making a thoughtful choice, considering the calculation of the BTUs necessary to cool the desired environment without generating energy waste.

Importance of BTU Calculation

The calculation of BTUs is essential to identify the ideal power of the air conditioner. Opting for a slightly oversized device can be an advantageous strategy to reach the desired temperature more quickly, reducing energy consumption while reaching the set-point temperature.

Inverter Technology: What it is and Why it is Important

Today, a relevant aspect when choosing an air conditioner is the presence of Inverter technology. All modern air conditioner models are equipped with this technology, which allows energy consumption to be optimized through gradual regulation of the power supplied, adapting it to the actual needs of the environment to be air conditioned.

• Effectiveness: The Inverter technology guarantees that the desired temperature is quickly reached.
• Energy Efficiency: Thanks to its ability to adapt power, Inverter air conditioners allow you to significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional models.
• Comfort: The precise and continuous regulation of the temperature ensures a high level of comfort without the annoying fluctuations typical of non-Inverter systems.

What is the inverter on air conditioners and why is it important

Explaining the concept of inverters applied to air conditioners is essential to understanding how these devices can help reduce energy consumption at home. An ingenious invention that has a profound impact on your electricity bill, the inverter is both simple and revolutionary.

How the air conditioner motor works

Inside the external unit of an air conditioner there is a motor, a crucial element for the operation of the entire system. This engine, upon starting, experiences a phase known as "rush". During acceleration, energy consumption reaches particularly high levels. This is a significant detail, especially considering that an air conditioner can turn on and off numerous times in a day, based on the need to maintain the set temperature.

The innovation of the inverter

The inverter comes into play precisely to optimize this starting phase. This is an advanced technology that modulates the engine speed gradually, allowing it to start and reach the desired operating speed without the excessive consumption peaks typical of the initial activation phases. Thanks to this electronic card, the air conditioner can therefore operate with greater energy efficiency.

Noticeable benefits on bills and the environment

• Lower energy consumption: By reducing peaks in energy consumption at start-up, the inverter allows significant savings on your electricity bill.
• Operational efficiency: The application of the inverter guarantees that the air conditioner reaches the desired temperature more effectively and without wasting energy.
• Reduced environmental impact: Less energy consumed also means a lower environmental impact, with a reduction in CO2 emissions associated with the use of electricity.

In conclusion, the introduction of the inverter in air conditioning systems represents a significant step forward both in terms of energy saving and environmental impact. It's an innovation that all users should consider when choosing a new air conditioner, for the sake of their wallet and the planet.

What is a BTU?

First of all, what is a BTU? BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is a unit of measurement used mainly in the United Kingdom and United States. It is used to indicate the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Comparison with European units of measurement

Across the ocean, in Europe, a corresponding measurement called Frigoria is used, which represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one liter of water from 14.5 to 15.5 degrees Celsius, maintaining constant pressure at one atmosphere.

Equivalence between BTU and Frigorie

• The equivalence between these two measurements is given by the formula: 1 BTU/h = 3.413 = 1 Fr/h = 0.85985.
• This equivalence demonstrates how both units correspond to 1 Watt of power.

Understanding the BTU measurement unit is critical not only in the context of the Anglo-Saxon measurement system but also to better understand how it compares to units of measurement used in other contexts, such as the European metric system.

BTU Calculation for Air Conditioners: Practical Guide

Understanding how to choose an air conditioner necessarily involves the calculation of the BTUs needed to effectively cool a room. But how do we proceed? What is the formula to use?

The formula for calculating BTU

The calculation process is simpler than you might think. To get a rough estimate, simply measure the area of the room (length x width) and multiply the result by 340. For example, for a 70m² (10mx7m) room, the formula will be 70 x 340</strong >, which will give us a result of 23,800 BTU/H.

Variables to consider when calculating BTU

This basic calculation provides a starting point, but it is essential to consider other factors that can affect the energy needs of the air conditioner, such as:

• Sun exposure of the room
• Ventilation level
• Degree of thermal insulation
• Number of people using the room
• Positioning of the property (top floor, attic, etc.)

For each of these factors, it may be necessary to add or subtract approximately 10% to the base value obtained from the initial calculation. Let's give some examples:

Adaptation of the BTU calculation to specific situations

If we start from a basic calculation of 9,000 BTU for a 26m² room but we find ourselves faced with a room heavily exposed to the sun and with non-optimal thermal insulation, it will be appropriate to increase the value by at least 20% (10% for exposure and 10% for insulation), thus reaching 10,890 BTU/H. In this case, it will be advisable to move towards purchasing a 12,000 BTU air conditioner.

On the contrary, in the presence of good thermal insulation and low sun exposure, we could reduce our basic calculation by 20% (subtracting 10% for each of the two favorable factors), thus obtaining 7,290 BTU/ H. This would indicate the possibility of opting for a 7,000 BTU model.

Understanding how to choose an air conditioner therefore begins with the ability to correctly calculate the necessary BTUs, taking into account the specific variables of each environment. This guide aims to provide you with the basic notions to approach this choice with greater awareness.

How much does an air conditioner consume?

One of the main questions that emerge when preparing to choose an air conditioner concerns its energy consumption. Today, thanks to technological advances, air conditioners are equipped with Inverter technology, significantly more efficient than models from a few years ago.

Air conditioner consumption: An overview

The energy consumption of air conditioners varies mainly based on their power, measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit). Below, you can consult a summary table that illustrates the detailed consumption of air conditioners ranging from 9 to 24,000 BTU, both in mono and dual split configurations. It's important to note that power consumption tends to be fairly standardized across brands, making this guide applicable regardless of the brand of device you choose.

Details on consumption by type of air conditioner

• 9000 BTU air conditioning
  • Cooling capacity: 2.5 Kw
  • Nominal heating capacity: 3.5 Kw
  • Absorption: 0.8 Kw
  • Cooling energy efficiency class: A++
  • Heating energy efficiency class: A+
• 12000 BTU air conditioning
  • Nominal cooling capacity: 3.4 Kw
  • Nominal heating capacity: 3.6 Kw
  • Absorption: 1.21 Kw
  • Cooling energy efficiency class: A++
  • Heating energy efficiency class: A+
• 18000 BTU air conditioning
  • Nominal cooling capacity: 5 Kw
  • Nominal heating capacity: 5.4 Kw
  • Absorption: 2.05 Kw
  • Cooling energy efficiency class: A++
  • Heating energy efficiency class: A+
• 24000 BTU air conditioning
  • Nominal cooling capacity: 24000 btu/h
  • Power absorbed in cooling: 2.34 Kw
  • Current absorbed in cooling: 10.2 A
  • Nominal heating capacity: 25000 btu/h
  • Power absorbed in heating: 2.35 Kw

In conclusion, the choice of an air conditioner should be influenced not only by its cooling or heating capacity but also by its energy efficiency. Opting for models with Inverter technology and high energy efficiency classes can represent an advantage in terms of reducing consumption and environmental impact.

Wi-Fi air conditioners: Connection and Convenience

A special note to this detail which seems stupid but I assure you it is not. Today, everything is connected; so what, could there be no air conditioning? All brands now have an additional Wifi module that is very simple to install which, via an app, allows you to manage your air conditioner comfortably from your phone or tablet. This aspect is not just a question of modernity, but represents a significant step forward in terms of comfort and personalization of one's home experience.

The Convenience of Remote Management

Imagine the hot days, the ones when going out seems like a mistake and the only comforting thought is knowing that you will return to a house already perfectly refreshed. Thanks to Wi-Fi air conditioners, this is no longer just a hope, but an assured reality. From the dedicated app it is possible to turn on, off, adjust the desired temperature and much more, exactly as you would do with the normal air conditioner remote control. The true magic of this technology is revealed in being able to pre-set your ideal environment even before setting foot in the house, ensuring your return in maximum comfort.

Advantages in Daily Use

• Simple installation: Adding the Wi-Fi module to existing air conditioners is a simple process within everyone's reach.
• Total control: Adjust the temperature, turn the appliance on and off and set timers and programs directly from your mobile device.
• Maximum comfort: You will no longer have to worry about returning to a hot or cold home by setting the desired temperature in advance.
• You will never lose your remote control again: One of the least technical but most appreciated benefits is the end of the era of lost remote controls. Now, control is always at your fingertips, in the device you use every day.