Review of the split system Ballu BSLI-09HN1: inverter technology in Chinese design

Ballu air conditioners are positioned as equipment manufactured using high Japanese technologies and using components from Japan.But is this really so? Let's try to understand the technical features of equipment under this brand.

A classic example from this manufacturer’s line is the Ballu BSLI-09HN1 split system, which belongs to the ECO Edge DC-Inverter series. The air conditioner is notable for its technology and advanced functionality, but it is not without operational shortcomings.

To decide on the advisability of such an acquisition, it is necessary to study the operating parameters of the split in more detail, find out user opinions about the model, and also compare it with competitors.

Description and features of the split system

In a series of air conditioners ECO Edge includes several models of split systems with different capacities. Their performance in the marking of a particular device is indicated by a number before the letters HN, which indicates the number of BTU units in thousands.

Ballu BSLI-09HN1 economy class equipment with a maximum power of up to 9 thousand BTU, a nominal output of 2600 W and a maximum power consumption of 1.23 kW

The split system in question is positioned as a budget equipment with high energy efficiency and belongs to the class A. It can work not only for cooling the air in a room, but also for heating, dehumidifying and simple ventilation with filtration.

When developing the ECO EDGE series model range, Ballu specialists sought to achieve maximum ease of use of the device. For this purpose, technologies were used for self-diagnosis and self-cleaning of equipment, as well as automatic defrosting of the unit on the street - Defrost and microclimate control in the room near the user - iFell.

Equipment and general structure

Model BSLI-09HN1 under the Ballu brand is a classic split system consisting of wall-mounted indoor and outdoor blocks. At the same time, the maximum distance between them is limited to 15 meters. It is not recommended to use longer refrigerant pipelines - the compressor may not be able to cope.

An unpleasant aspect of BSLI-09HN1, typical of many split systems, is a short 2-meter power cord at the indoor unit. It usually has to be increased for an additional fee with the involvement of certified installers, so as not to lose the manufacturer’s warranty

The housing of the indoor unit is made of white plastic in a horizontal design for installation. It has an IR signal receiver, and inside, in addition to standard components, there is a built-in temperature sensor for monitoring room air.

The outdoor unit is also made of UV-resistant plastic.Moreover, all working devices inside it have an anti-corrosion coating. BlueFin. Air intake into the housing is carried out from the side and back - you cannot press it too close to the wall. And the air outlet grille with a fan is located in the center outside.

One of the main features of Ballu BSLI is the use of inverter technology to control the compressor, which can significantly extend the service life and reduce the overall energy consumption of the split system

Often the inverter in air conditioners is called an advertising gimmick, implying its uselessness and unnecessary expenses for a module of little use. However, without it, the compressor constantly has to turn on/off, which leads to its inevitable and rapid wear.

With inverter control, the compressor motor, once turned on, is no longer disconnected from the power supply during the day. It only switches to the minimum power consumption mode when the required temperatures are reached in the room.

The main breakdowns and wear of the air conditioning compressor occur at the time of its startup. The inverter radically reduces the number of such starts. This is precisely the main advantage of using this technology. And in addition, there is also a reduction in electricity consumption within the range of 30–60%. We have provided more information about the operating principle and features of inverter split systems in this material.

If the electrical wiring in the house is rather weak, then an inverter is exactly what is required. Soft start eliminates current surges when the air conditioner is turned on. This means that the load on the electrical network is minimal without additional voltage surges.

Technical parameters of the model

Ballu BSLI-09HN1 is powered from a single-phase 220 V network. To control the split system, the kit includes a remote control with a digital display.There are no buttons on the case; switching operating modes of the air conditioner is possible only remotely.

The Ballu remote control has a built-in temperature sensor, allowing the system to more accurately control the microclimate parameters in the immediate vicinity of the user

Device Specifications:

• dimensions of the block for the street/room – 660x530x240/780x270x214 mm;
• weight of the outdoor/indoor unit – 22.9/7.7 kg;
• noise level of indoor installation – 24 dB;
• energy efficiency class – A;
• street block noise level – 51 dB;
• productivity – 3 kW;
• air flow – 550 m³/h;
• dust and moisture protection – IPX4;
• air filtration – High Density coarse dust filter;
• cooling/heating power – 2600/2600 W;
• recommended room area – up to 26 m²;
• cooling/heating power consumption – 810/730 W;
• The minimum operating temperature outside is minus 10 °C.

There are no fasteners included in the kit for mounting the blocks.

BSLI-09HN1 can operate at outdoor temperatures:

• from +18 to +43 °C – for cooling;
• from -10 to +24 °C – for heating;
• from +11 to +43 °C – for drying.

It is highly not recommended to violate the specified temperature conditions - the internal protection will be triggered, which will lead to malfunctions of the compressor.

A detailed review of the air conditioner in question can also be found in the following video:

Accessories for winter use

To avoid damage, BSLI-09HN1 cannot be turned on at temperatures outside the window below minus 10 °WITH.

However, for Russian conditions, the developers of Ballu air conditioners have provided a special accessory for heating the external unit. With it, the model in question can be used in frosts down to minus 30 °C without fear of damage to the device.

The Ballu winter kit consists of a heating cable for heating the drainage and compressor crankcase, as well as a fan slowdown module

This heating kit is suitable for all Ballu brand split systems with a power of up to 7 kW. It costs about 2–2.5 thousand rubles. If you plan to operate the air conditioner in the winter, then it won’t hurt to spend money on this device.

Nuances of maintenance and operation

The air filter installed in the indoor unit of the BSLI-09HN1 model is electrostatic. Once every two weeks it is recommended to remove it and clean it with a vacuum cleaner or wash it in warm water. However, it is not able to clear the air of smoke and odors. This filter is intended solely for collecting dust.

You can perform equipment maintenance yourself. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features self-cleaning and refilling freon systems.

The external unit of the split system in question should be cleaned of street dirt at least once a year, while simultaneously carrying out a preventive inspection and checking the freon pressure

The device in question from Ballu can operate in several modes:

1. Turbo Super – cooling at maximum power until the room reaches +16 °C.
2. iFell – microclimate control is carried out through a temperature sensor in the remote control, and not in the indoor unit.
3. Sleep – low noise mode for operation at night.

The fan speed of the unit in the room is adjustable in three variations - high, medium and low.

For iFell to work properly, the control panel must be located:

• away from direct sunlight and heat sources;
• at a distance of less than 7 m from the indoor unit;
• not under the flow of air from the split system;
• away from devices with strong electromagnetic radiation;
• in a visible place, and also without obstacles in the form of curtains or furniture between the remote control and the IR signal port on the air conditioner body.

Using the remote control, you can also set one of three basic operating modes of the air conditioner (Heating, Drying, Cooling) or set the automatic operation option. In the latter case, the split system itself will select the desired mode, automatically maintaining optimal microclimate parameters.

Pros and cons of the model

If we summarize the feedback from Ballu BSLI-09HN1 users, the following picture emerges. Among the positive aspects of the air conditioner in question are its low cost, efficiency, low noise in the room and the ability to operate for heating.

But the owners of this split system indicate much more disadvantages.

The main disadvantage of the BSLI-09HN1 is problems with spare parts; it takes a long time to wait for them when the air conditioner breaks down, and they are far from cheap

Among the negative aspects of the device in question are:

• no backlight on the remote control;
• high noise level of the external unit;
• slowdown for a couple of minutes when turning on the heating;
• low build quality and cheap Chinese components;
• Permanent reset of settings in case of problems on the board - you cannot do without replacing it;
• the absence in reality of remote control of horizontal blinds, although there is such a button on the remote control, but they have to be adjusted manually.

But the main point is the compressor. According to the advertising brochures, it should be a Japanese high-efficiency unit from Toshiba, Hitachi or Sanyo. However, they are often replaced by a compressor of dubious Chinese origin from some joint venture. Such a unit fails much earlier.We have discussed the features of compressor diagnostics and repair in next article.

Also, problems often arise from the external unit. The copper tubes inside are too close to each other. When the compressor and fan are turned on, they begin to knock simply.

Before installation, technicians recommend opening this air conditioner and laying sound insulation between the tubes. It also wouldn’t hurt to place vibration-damping materials under the unit itself before installing it on the brackets.

Comparison with similar devices

The Ballu BSLI-09HN1 air conditioner has a lot of analogues on the market that are comparable in characteristics and cost. To make your choice easier, we have made a selection of the most suitable replacement options.

Model #1 - Toshiba RAS-10EKV-EE

This split system from Toshiba will cost 10–15% more than its counterpart from Ballu. But in this case, you will definitely buy Japanese equipment, and not a fake from China. This device is also somewhat superior to the air conditioner discussed above in terms of noise and power consumption. However, for this, the consumer receives a more reliable system with additional filters.

Technical specifications:

• recommended area – up to 25 m²;
• power for air cooling and heating – 2500/3200 Watt;
• noise when the indoor unit is running – 27 dB;
• cooling capacity – 10 kBTU;
• electricity consumption for cooling/heating – 840/770 Watt;
• air filtration - a pair of filters (the first is coarse and the second is fine for odors and allergens).

If you need proven equipment with highly effective air purification, then it is better to choose this option. It will make a little more noise during operation. But if there are allergy sufferers in the house, then it is difficult to come up with a more optimal option.

Model #2 - Electrolux EACS/I-09HM/N3_15Y

The option from Electrolux is comparable to equipment from Ballu in price (without promotions from sellers) and operating power. But in cooling mode it consumes 5–10% less electricity. It makes a little more noise, but has an additional antibacterial filter.

Technical specifications:

• recommended area – up to 25 m²;
• power for air cooling and heating – 2490/2800 Watt;
• noise when the indoor unit is running – 30 dB;
• cooling capacity – 9 kBTU;
• electricity consumption for cooling/heating – 777/775 Watt;
• air filtration – main pre-filter and additional antibacterial filter.

If saving electricity is a priority or the electrical network in the house is old, then you should choose this less energy-intensive air conditioner model from Electrolux.

Model #3 – GREEN GRI/GRO-09IH

This model is also produced in China. However, reviews for this manufacturer are more positive than those for Ballu. The characteristics of both options are almost identical. Only in terms of noise is the device inferior to the technology discussed above. However, this air conditioner costs a couple of thousand less.

Technical specifications:

• recommended area – up to 25 m²;
• power for air cooling and heating – 2600/2650 Watt;
• noise when working internally block – 30 dB;
• cooling capacity – 9 kBTU;
• electricity consumption for cooling/heating – 810/730 Watt;
• air filtration – high purity filter.

If you want to save as much as possible and there is no prejudice towards manufacturers from China, then this option is more preferable. With completely similar characteristics, it costs less than the split system in question from Ballu.

Conclusions and best offers on the market

If you need an inexpensive air conditioner for an office or living room or kitchen in an apartment, then Ballu BSLI-09HN1 is the best option.

But you shouldn’t take such a device for the bedroom. Even in Slepp night mode it is quite noisy. And the actual service life of this split system in practice turns out to be low. A three-year warranty helps a lot, but in case of breakdowns you often have to wait a long time for replacement components.

Are you interested in this split system, but still have questions? Ask them to our experts and other users in the form of comments.

If you use Ballu BSLI-09HN1 and want to supplement the material we have presented with useful comments or recommendations, please write them below under this article.