Floor-standing air conditioners: types and principles for choosing the best cooler
Installing a stationary air conditioner is not always possible. In this case, you should switch your attention and study the floor air conditioner.
Some experts are skeptical about such coolers, but if you select and operate the device correctly, it will work efficiently, silently and without creating any problems.
The content of the article:
Types of floor air conditioners
There is a huge assortment of floor-standing air conditioners of various modifications on sale, but only 2 subtypes of this climate control equipment can be classified as floor-standing mechanisms: split systems and mobile equipment.
Features of the split system
The split system design includes 2 separate blocks - an evaporator and a condenser. The first one is always located indoors, and the second one is always located outside. The connecting elements for them are electrical wires and tubes, two of which circulate freon, and the third carries condensate.
IN outdoor unit (condenser) the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid one, and in the internal (evaporator) freon changes the liquid state to a gaseous state. The outdoor unit includes a compressor. Its task is to maintain the movement of the refrigerant along the circuit, compressing it.
Before supplying the evaporator, the freon pressure is reduced by means of a thermostatic valve.To make heat exchange more intense, fans are built into both the outdoor and indoor units. The air flows created by them blow across the condenser and evaporator.
TO split systems also include floor-ceiling air conditioners. They can be equipped with an indoor unit for both ceiling and floor mounting. Their main advantage is the rapid cooling of air. Air masses are distributed evenly over the blown plane and do not create drafts.
It will help to compare which is better: split system or air conditioner next article, dedicated to analyzing the arguments “pros and cons” of both types of climate control equipment.
Floor standing air conditioner without duct
Unlike stationary split systems and floor-mounted ducted air conditioners, mobile climate control equipment can be easily moved anywhere. By purchasing such equipment, it can be used where it is currently needed - in a city apartment, in an office, outside the city in a country house.
To ensure a comfortable microclimate floor air conditionerNot equipped with an air duct, simply plug it into a power outlet. It is a monoblock in which all equipment, including the compressor, is located in the room. Its operating principle is based on evaporation.
The air is cooled by absorbing heat from water during the transformation of its liquid phase into a gaseous phase.The human body works on the same principle in hot conditions - the skin cools as sweat evaporates.
This type of air cooler has a porous filter and a special reservoir filled with water. The fan directs a stream of air onto the filter, which has absorbed water, and moisture evaporates and heat is absorbed, resulting in the air being cooled.
The initial humidity in the room directly affects the cooling efficiency - the lower it is, the more intense the liquid evaporates from the filter, therefore, the more heat is absorbed. The moisture evaporated by the unit remains in the room, so periodic ventilation is necessary, otherwise even if the temperature drops, there will be no feeling of freshness in the air.
This feature is the main disadvantage of a mobile air conditioner. The equipment consumes a maximum of 85 W. Works effectively in a small area - up to 25 m².
Floor standing air conditioner with duct
The unit with and without an air duct is a compact, mobile design. Both of them take air from the room and clean it by passing it through a special filter.
Ducted units are reminiscent of the old window system, only mounted on wheels and with a more elegant appearance. It runs on freon, whereas a ductless device requires only water to operate.
If there is no air duct, the air conditioner is immediately connected to the power supply, and if it is present, care must be taken to route the corrugation outside.
Advantages of a mobile air conditioner
A mobile air conditioner is assessed positively from the following points of view:
- Smooth cooling mode with gradual normalization of humidity. It is almost impossible to catch a cold in such conditions.
- Easy to control using the remote control for some models or a panel with buttons located on the body.
- Environmentally friendly - only water is used as a refrigerant.
- Moderate noise during operation.
- Light weight.
- Ease of changing dislocations thanks to the presence of wheels.
- Extensive model range, including devices equipped with additional functions.
Some air conditioners are used as a heater and ionizer. There are units with the ability to work as a fan. Some models are equipped with ice containers, which reduces the time required to reduce the temperature.
Opponents of the use of mobile floor-mounted air coolers argue that these units cannot be called air conditioners, because evaporation is identified not with conditioning, but with the effect of humidification.
Nevertheless, the equipment, when used correctly, copes with its task perfectly - maintaining a room temperature from 23 to 25⁰ and a comfortable humidity level.
To do this, you need to periodically replace the heated water located in a special compartment with cold water.If the design of the model provides space for ice, then within half an hour the temperature in the room will drop by an average of 5⁰.
Criteria for selecting mobile air conditioners
When choosing an air conditioner, you should be guided by the following criteria:
- Power. It must correspond to the parameters of the room. If the rule of thumb when choosing a mobile air conditioner with an air duct is 1 kW per 1 m², then a compact monoblock will be able to cool the air over an area of up to 25 m².
- Functionality. Almost every model is equipped with two basic functions - cooling and heating. In addition to them, there may be such options as purifying room air from impurities, ionization and others. There are models with a timer and remote control.
- Noise level. This parameter must be clarified when purchasing a mechanism.Better units can operate more quietly.
- Design. Manufacturers design floor-standing air conditioners in different styles. They don’t really stand out and don’t become the center of the interior; their task is different - not to draw attention to themselves and not to disturb the harmony. It is better to opt for an ergonomic, lightweight and quietly operating device. For the rest, you need to rely on your own taste.
- Manufacturer. When purchasing, it is better to be guided by this criterion than by the cost of the model.
A cheaper mechanism may be of poor quality. Therefore, focus on a well-known brand, read user reviews, compare the pros and cons, and only then make a choice.
What do you need to know about the connection?
While for a mobile air conditioner with an air duct you need to look for a suitable place with the possibility of bringing the hose out, a portable monolithic device is installed where it is convenient for its owner. Connection details are described in the instructions.
After installing the unit, it is filled with water and inserted into a 220 V socket. Then select the appropriate mode. This concludes the preparatory stage. The movement of the mechanism to another room is carried out using wheels located under the body. You can simply carry the product - it is not heavy, and for convenience there is a handle.
Rating of popular mobile air conditioners
The choice of mobile cool generators is huge. It is not easy for an uninformed person to make a choice among models of different performance and functionality.Therefore, it is useful to first familiarize yourself with the most popular models presented on our market.
Model #1: GCP-09ERA1N1 from General Climate
The new generation of mobile climate control equipment includes a Chinese unit without an air duct of the GCP series. The model works for both cooling and heating, but only processes small-sized rooms.
Air exchange rate - 420 m3/h. The purchase is advisable if you need to cool the air in a room with an area of no more than 18 m². With dimensions of 43.2 x 32.0 x 72.0 cm, it weighs 35 kg.
The climate control unit GCP-09ERA1N1 is equipped with an adjustable thermostat. The built-in fan operates at three different speeds, the user has the opportunity to choose the optimal one.
For ease of use, remote control is provided. The equipment does not require connecting an air duct; it can be used in an apartment or office, and, if necessary, transferred to a country house.
Model #2: Zanussi ZACM-07 MP-III/N1
Floor-standing air conditioners from the Italian manufacturer Zanussi are called climate control systems because... they perform several functions: they both cool and heat the air, clean and humidify it, and also operate in fan mode.
However, this monoblock model is intended exclusively for cooling a room with an area of no more than 20 m2. Air exchange rate 303 m3/h.
Model ZACM-07 MP-III/N1 automatically maintains the user-selected temperature; thanks to the function of maintaining specified settings, the unit does not need to be reconfigured each time before turning on. To create a comfortable temperature at night, there is a special operating mode. The monoblock is equipped with a motion sensor, a timer and a self-diagnosis device for breakdowns.
With overall dimensions 35.4x69.8x34 cm air conditioner weighs only 20 kg. The body is equipped with wheels for towing. This model operates quietly, the noise level is only 46 dB.
Model #3: Symphony Personal Coolers Ice Cube
A wide range of Symphony air coolers (USA) allows you to choose a unit with any cooling capacity. Symphony Personal Coolers Ice Cube is designed for areas up to 18 m². Consumes 80 W and has dimensions of 30.5 x 45 x 65.3 cm and weighs 6.5 kg. The tank holds 16 liters of water. Air circulation speed - 1400 mᶾ/h.
The operating principle of the Ice Cube cooler is different from a standard air conditioner. Its design does not include a system that pumps and compresses the refrigerant. It is safer and consumes significantly less energy.
Model #4: Tallent FLS-15A
The Tallent FLS-15A bio-conditioner is designed for a room with a maximum area of 15 m². It supplies purified and humidified air, is equipped with an inverter motor, and consumes only about 60 W.
The device is intended solely for cooling; it is useless to use it as a heater. But it perfectly cleanses the air mass of dust, eliminates allergens and harmful components of tobacco smoke.
The design is equipped with a 3-speed fan. The air conditioner operates quietly - maximum 25 dB. The device is compact, dimensions - 29 x 20 x 23 cm. The water container holds 1 liter.
If installing a conventional split system is not possible, it can be perfectly replaced by a mobile floor air conditioner without an air duct Tallent FLS-15A. This is an excellent option for an individual cooler for both home and office.
He will introduce you to guidelines for choosing the best air conditioner to improve the microclimate of your home. our recommended article, which presents popular models and leading manufacturers in the segment.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
About creating a comfortable microclimate using the Slogger floor climate control system:
About the design, operation and correct selection of a floor-standing air conditioner without an air duct:
Whatever they say about floor-standing air conditioners without ducts, they are sometimes simply irreplaceable.Their benefits can be appreciated in small offices and at home. The main thing is to remember that, when turning on such a device, you need to open the window or door slightly and do not forget to change the water.
Tell us about how you selected a floor-standing air conditioner for your own dacha, office, or apartment. Share the guidelines that helped you decide on the optimal model for you. Ask questions, post photos, please leave comments in the block below.
I've been using this myself for several years now. I have some heart problems, so in the heat I feel especially bad. The apartment is rented, I changed housing three times in ten years of living in the city, so it was not possible to install a split system permanently each time. And this is an excellent alternative at an adequate price. In general, I think that a floor-standing air conditioner is no worse than a split system; I don’t feel any difference in the achieved effect at all.
I have had a portable ducted air conditioner in my home for 11 years. It cost three times less than a split system, and there was no need to install anything; it was convenient when moving. This is one of the advantages, but one of the disadvantages is that it is very noisy, the cooling area is small. What I want to note is that such an air conditioner will excessively humidify a room in which there is no normal air circulation.
Moisturize? Conventional split systems, on the contrary, dry out the air greatly and it is very advisable to use a humidifier with them. How is floor-standing different in this regard?
You can hang a wet rag on the fan. The effect is the same, if not better, and costs several times less.