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

The Russian brand Centek has been operating quite successfully in the market of household and climate control equipment for a short time.The company's representative office is located in Krasnodar. Our review will look at the Centek CT-65A09 split system - a device with a decent ratio of cost and functionality.

The proposed review of the model will allow you to obtain significant information about its characteristics and operating parameters. In addition, the positive and negative aspects of the air conditioner will be outlined in comparison with products from other manufacturers, as well as taking into account real customer reviews.

Features of operation and technical indicators

The Centek CT-65A09 air conditioner belongs to Air series, the production of devices of which is located in China, more specifically, at a plant in Guangzhou province.

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

With 9000 BTU cooling capacity and 7.5 m maximum airflow³ in a minute, the device creates and maintains the desired climate in a room with a total area of ​​up to 25 m², which meets standard requirements for air conditioners.

According to the manufacturer, strict quality control is ensured at all stages of the assembly of climate control equipment from Centek; 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 being carried out by service specialists.

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

Equipment and characteristics of the air conditioner

According to the type of placement of the indoor unit, the model is classified as a wall-mounted system. According to the principle of operation, this is the usual split system, not an inverter.

The split is equipped with the standard version:

• outdoor unit;
• indoor module;
• indoor unit mounting panel;
• control panel and batteries for it;
• corrugated tube for draining water;
• user instructions.

The external device has typical dimensions for units of this purpose - 66.3 × 42.1 × 25.4 cm and weight - 21 kg. The manufacturer has provided additional, IPX4 class, insulation of both modules from the external environment.

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

The front panel of the indoor unit is made of white, non-yellowing, high-quality and impact-resistant ABS plastic. The block has quite compact dimensions - 69x28.3x19.9 cm and relatively light weight - 8.5 kg

When switched on, the panel displays a hidden LED display with large display of parameters.

Optimal functioning of the split system is ensured when the length of the communication route connecting both units is no more than 15 m. This is an average figure for products of this class, allowing you to maneuver with the distances between the units during their installation. Two circulation freon pipelines, electrical wiring and a corrugated drainage hose are installed in the connecting line.

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

By pressing the button one by one MODE the device is switched to the corresponding main operating positions: auto, cold, heat, ventilation.

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

Function SPEED changes the fan rotation speed, switching it to work at low, medium, high speeds or in auto mode.

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

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

You should take into account the manufacturer’s warning that you can use the remote control and effectively control the operation of the device from a distance of no more than 8 m.

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

Technical features of the device

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

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

• when cooling EER = 3.21;
• when operating for heating COP = 3.61.

These coefficient values ​​classify the model as high class A in terms of energy consumption and place it on a par with economical inverter systems.

Other device specifications:

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

Noise characteristics are important for any air conditioner. For the outdoor module, this figure is 50 dB, the indoor unit is very quiet - 24 dB. Not all inverter systems have this noise level.

Energy-efficient R410A freon, which is harmless to the environment and humans, is used as a refrigerant in the air conditioner. Full system filling is 540 g

Both modules are in the first class for protection against electrical shock, which means their safe operation subject to reliable grounding by connecting the unit plug to a socket that has a grounding contact.

Useful device features

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

It is possible to use other popular options, such as simple air ventilation, without heating and cooling, and dehumidification mode. The latter function allows you to reduce high humidity in the premises.This is especially important in the autumn, before heating starts. Warm air allows you to maintain a comfortable and healthy atmosphere in the room.

The novelty of the model suggests that it also has other useful options.

Mold protection. When using this function, the device does not turn off immediately after pressing the OFF button on the remote control, but continues to operate the fan at a low air flow for another three minutes with the blinds closed. This mode combats favorable conditions for the proliferation of microfungi on the surface of the heat exchanger and helps remove foreign odors.

Comfortable sleep. The air conditioner increases the temperature when cooling or decreases it when heating by one degree every hour, but not more than 3-4 °C. This is necessary so that a person does not experience discomfort due to the natural decrease in heat transfer during sleep.

After activating the night mode, the indoor unit fan reduces the speed to a minimum and operates in this mode for 10 hours, with constant monitoring of the room temperature

In addition, this function makes the air conditioner almost silent.

Health. At the touch of a button HEALTH The remote control starts the automatic operation of the system 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 next to the air conditioner, but in the area where the person with the remote control is currently located.

Horizontal blinds. The mixing of the warm air entering the system with the already cooled air and its uniform blowing out of the diffuser occurs due to the self-oscillations of the horizontal blinds of the indoor module. The key is for this purpose SWING.

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

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

All components of the indoor unit, especially the evaporator and electronics, require constant cleaning from dust and moisture formed during operation

When you press the ICLEEN button, the air conditioner continues to operate for 35 minutes after it is turned off from the remote control. During this period, with the blinds closed, the unit is first purged, then heated, and finally ventilated.

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

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

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

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

The review of the Centek CT-65A09 model, as well as customer reviews, make it possible to judge the pros and cons of the system.

So, the positive qualities of the device include:

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

A significant advantage of the device under review is the price that is quite acceptable and affordable for most users for a modern and functional device.

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

To be fair, it is necessary to note the negative statements regarding the split that occur in some user reviews:

• short length of the power supply cable from a 220 V network;
• no additional filtration;
• poor quality of the material from which the supplied drain tube is made.

One of the users complains that in less than two years, under the influence of sunlight, this drainage outlet has become unusable. The advice is to equip a condensate drain made of metal-plastic.

There is one 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 related to the faulty operation of the units.

As directed to sellers of climate control equipment, we accept a comment regarding the difficulty in ordering and purchasing this model on some online services for selecting goods. The reason is that the main offers for the sale of the device are posted on trading platforms of regional markets.

Some operating tips

It must be remembered that the instructions for using the device prohibit washing the module itself or the remote control under running water. Do not use alcohol, gasoline, abrasives or hot water (more than 45 °C) for maintenance of plastic, in order to avoid its deformation or loss of color.

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

In order to reducing energy costs, as well as minimizing the accumulation of condensate on the surface of the interblock route, which reduces the service life of the connecting nodes, experts advise insulating the communication route.

For thermal insulation of copper tubes, rubber-based thermoflex is usually used. The connecting line, consisting of a pair of insulated pipelines, an electrical cable and a drainage tube, is tied with bandage or Teflon tape

The abundance of materials for route insulation does not present any difficulty in finding them. The split's communications are connected with the utmost care to prevent damage to the copper pipes. It is better to entrust this work to specialists.

Among the nuances of working with the internal module, it is worth noting the recommendation to prohibit the split system from being turned on again while the drying function is being performed, until it is completely 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 controlling the device. But if for this or any other reason a failure does occur, the manufacturer recommends rebooting the system by briefly de-energizing the unit.

Comparison with competitive models

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

Therefore, below we will list possible contenders for leadership in relation to Centek Air, but located in approximately the same price segment, called budget, equivalent in type - non-inverter, and wall-mounted models of similar performance.

Competitor No. 1 - Ballu BSD-09HN1

The device is produced 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 a device from Centek - 26 m², and is also equipped with a solid compressor from GMCC-Toshiba.

Main Specifications:

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

The model looks a little more solid due to the internal unit being equipped 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 has no critical comments.

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

This device from the German brand Roda is made in China. In the retail chain since 2017.There are no major functional features in comparison with the models described above. One of the characteristics that stands out positively is the lower operating temperature when it is necessary to heat the room.

Main Specifications:

• cooling/heating productivity - 2.65/2.7 kW;
• cooling/heating power - 0.825/0.748 kW;
• The minimum air temperature for operation when heating is minus 12 °WITH;
• noise level of the internal module - 24 dB;
• Connectable Wi-Fi control option - no.

According to users, the control panel is not very informative. Another disadvantage is the absence, as in Centek, of additional filtration.

The advantages are the possibility of obtaining an extended warranty with annual service confirmed by documents, an excellent rating and a large number of offers on many trading platforms.

Taking into account the latter, the price range for the model is very large, but the average cost is 13.5 thousand rubles.

Competitor No. 3 - Timberk AC TIM 09H S21

This conditioner from the Perfect Storm series is produced in China under the Swedish brand Timberk. Appeared on the Russian market in 2017.

Main Specifications:

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

The advantages include effective air filtration using a silver-coated filter and enrichment of the atmosphere in the room due to an anion generator, as well as a moisture-resistant coating of the heat exchanger using Golden FIN technology (gold plating).

The downside is the high noise level according to the characteristics.However, an analysis of reviews did not reveal any complaints about increased noise.

Price - from 13 to 15.5 thousand rubles.

Conclusions and best offers on the market

The Centek CT-65A09 model is a worthy alternative to branded air conditioning units. The device has all the most necessary set of modern functions and good technical characteristics. In other words, this is a “workhorse” at a very reasonable price.

Ballu BSD-09HN1 may not be able to be found at the same price as Centek, but by paying a little more for the system itself and purchasing a separate Wi-Fi adapter, users can control the indoor climate at any distance. And for people who are sensitive to the cleanliness of the air in their apartment or office, it would be preferable to focus on a competitor from Timberk.

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

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