Choosing the right air conditioner has become an extremely important task these days, when we increasingly have to face extreme temperatures. Climate change and global warming are causing more and more people to look for effective solutions to maintain comfortable indoor conditions at home. However, with the huge selection of air conditioning units available on the market, making the right decision can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we take a look at the key factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner to ensure optimal performance, energy savings and long-term satisfaction. From the type of system to the right size and features, learn how to make an informed air conditioning choice that meets your individual needs.
Choosing an air conditioner
How does air conditioning work?
Air conditioning is the process of regulating the temperature, humidity, cleanliness and circulation of indoor air. During hot weather, air conditioning cools the air by removing excess heat and lowering the temperature, providing relief on hot days. In cooler conditions, air conditioning can also heat the air. Air conditioning uses a refrigerant (usually Freon or another refrigerant with similar properties) that circulates through the system, passing through various components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator and pipes. The refrigerant is compressed, condensed, evaporated and condensed again, causing heat exchange and lowering the temperature of the air inside the building or vehicle.
From which company to choose a good air conditioner?
Choosing the right air conditioning manufacturer is of great importance for the quality and durability of the product. There are many reputable companies on the market that offer high-quality air conditioning for both private, institutional and industrial use. One of them, for example, is TOSHIBA, which has long been recognized by customers for its innovative solutions and solid workmanship. You should also consider the offer of companies such as ROTENSO, LINDAB, TECHNIKA CHILLING, which also offer air conditioning of very good quality. Before making a decision, it is worth reading the opinions of other customers and consulting a professional and a full list of recommended manufacturers can be found in the search engine of the portal Home Products under the keyword "air conditioning".
Air conditioning uses a refrigerant that circulates through the system, passing through various components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator and pipes.
© Rotenso
What does an air conditioning system consist of?
An air conditioningsystem is made up of several main components that work together to provide cooling and temperature regulation in a room.
Here are the basic components of an air conditioning system:
Compressor
Is the central component of the air conditioning system. Its job is to compress and pump the refrigerant through the system. This is most often a low-boiling refrigerant, such as Freon.
Condenser
The condenser is a heat exchanger that is responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant and condensing it. In the condenser, the refrigerant gives up heat to the environment, which cools it down.
Evaporator
This is another heat exchanger that is located inside the building or room. The evaporator is responsible for cooling and lowering the temperature of the air in the room. In the evaporator, the refrigerant evaporates, taking heat from the air and causing cooling.
Fan
It is used to circulate air in the air conditioning system. It helps air flow through the condenser and evaporator and ensures even distribution of cooled air in the room.
Pipe and duct system
The air-conditioning system uses pipes and tubes to transport refrigerant between various components of the system, such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, etc.
Controller/control panel
This is the component that allows the user to control the air conditioning system. The controller can be used to adjust the temperature, fan speed and other operating parameters of the system.
Some air conditioning systems may also have additional components, such as filters, which are used to clean the air of contaminants, and humidification systems, which can regulate the humidity in the room.
Air conditioning consists of a compressor, condenser, evaporator, fan, piping and ducting system, and a controller or control panel.
© TOSHIBA
What types of air conditioning are there?
When choosing an air conditioning system, consider the size and layout of the room, the level of insulation, budget and energy efficiency. Consulting with an air conditioning professional can help you make the right choice to suit your individual needs and building conditions.
Window air conditioning
This is the traditional solution. This air conditioning consists of an air conditioning unit mounted in a window or wall. It is relatively easy to install and is often chosen for cooling individual rooms. However, it can be noisy and is not the best option for larger spaces.
Split air conditioning
This is a popular type of air conditioning that consists of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is mounted inside the room, while the outdoor unit is placed outside the building. Split systems are efficient, quiet and offer greater flexibility for cooling different rooms.
Multi-system air conditioning
This type of air conditioning system allows multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. This is perfect for buildings with multiple rooms where you want to have control over the temperature in different zones.
Ducted air conditioning
This air conditioning system uses a network of air ducts to deliver cooled air to different rooms. It is a concealed solution that ensures uniform air distribution throughout the building.
Portable air conditioning
This is a small air conditioning unit that can be easily moved from one room to another. Portable air conditioners are easy to install, but have less cooling power and can be noisier than other systems.
The cost of using an air conditioner is affected by the type of air conditioner, the square footage of the house or apartment, electricity prices, the efficiency of the unit and energy consumption.
© Rotenso
How much does an air conditioner for a house with installation cost?
The cost of an air conditioner with installation can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the room, the type of air conditioning system, the complexity of the installation, the additional features selected and the manufacturer of the unit. The cost of a window air conditioner or portable air condition er usually ranges from PLN 1,000 to PLN 2,000, depending on the cooling capacity, brand and additional features. Installation of such an air conditioner is usually simple and can be done by yourself. The cost of a split air conditioner with installation starts at about 1,500 zlotys and can reach up to 3,000 z lotys, depending on the power of the unit.
It is also worth taking into account that the cost of installation can vary depending on the availability of professionals and any additional work associated with the installation, such as electrical work or installation of the air duct system. It's best to consult local air conditioning suppliers, who will be able to accurately assess your needs, help you choose the right system and provide you with accurate cost estimates based on your home's specifications.
How much does it cost to use air conditioning?
The cost of using air conditioning is influenced by the type of air conditioner, the square footage of the house or apartment, electricity prices, the efficiency of the unit and energy consumption.
Wanting to cool an apartment of 50 m² and we need an air conditioner with a nominal power of 5 kW. What is important, however, is that the power consumption of this device in cooling mode is usually about 3 times lower, which is about 1.6 kWh. Assume that we will use the air conditioner about 10 hours a day, and the cost of one kW of energy is 80 gr. Then the monthly cost of using air conditioning is 384 zlotys. However, it is worth remembering that the air conditioner does not draw maximum power all the time, so in reality the energy consumption will be lower. It is important to use efficient air conditioning systems and practice conscious use, such as regulating the temperature at the right level and insulating buildings to minimize heat or cooling losses.
With air conditioning, you can also heat your home
© Rotenso
Heating with air conditioning
Heating with air conditioning is possible with some types of air conditioners. The units can convert the energy of the outside air into heat energy and use it to heat the premises. Split-type air conditioners, which have a heat pump function, can be used to heat rooms during colder periods. Instead of discharging heat to the outside, the unit can then reverse the process and transfer heat from the outside to the inside of the building. This works by absorbing heat from the colder environment and returning it to the rooms. However, the heating efficiency of air conditioning is usually lower than traditional heating systems. Using air conditioning to distribute warm air evenly: Even if your air conditioner does not have a heating function, in some cases you can use it to distribute warm air evenly in a room. If you have a separate heating system, you can set the air conditioner in ventilation or ventilation-heating mode to distribute warm air throughout the room.
Elaboration:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
