How to choose a floor-standing air conditioner: tips for choosing + review of the best models

Climate control equipment continues to gain popularity among owners of apartments and cottages.There is a choice between devices installed indoors and mechanisms partially located outside them.

A striking representative for indoor installation is a mobile floor-mounted air conditioner that creates comfort and a healthy microclimate. Let's find out what to look for when choosing a model.

What are the benefits of floor standing air conditioners?

Depending on the layout, size of the apartment, and the required power of the device, you are given the opportunity to choose between stationary and mobile devices.

We are interested in the second group, namely portable floor air conditioners, the installation and connection of which are usually carried out independently.

They belong to evaporative type devices and consist of the following elements:

• electric motor operating from a 220 V network;
• a fan, the speed of the blades of which determines the amount of supplied air;
• a filter saturating pump with drain and water supply valves;
• evaporative filters made of polymers and cellulose, resembling honeycombs and enclosed in plastic frames;
• water tray.

All parts are packaged in a plastic or metal case, the durable material of which can withstand changes in temperature and humidity and does not deform when moved from one place to another.

The air conditioner is controlled by selecting the mode/temperature/additional function on the panel located at the top of the case. Many models are equipped with a remote control

If you regularly change the filters, the devices effectively clean the air in the room, remove dust, and help create a healthy microclimate without excess humidity.

Sometimes such a unit is a salvation for a person suffering from allergies or asthma.

The absence of installation procedures is a big plus, since there is no need to pay professional workers, without whose help it is impossible to install external units of split systems

However, you also need to remember the disadvantages. Among them are a fairly high noise level, free space for installation and the presence of drafts, which are inevitable if the wrong model is chosen.

There are two categories of floor-standing air conditioners: with an air duct and without additional elements. It is advisable to install the former near a window (access to the outside is required), the latter - in any convenient place

Let's look at both options to find out their fundamental differences.

Basics of Choosing a Ductless Model

Stylish, easy to use, mobile, with a modern design, an air conditioner without an air duct looks more attractive than a model with a thick hose, and even more so than “industrial” designed suspended ceiling devices.

For this reason, it is predominantly chosen by women. However, behind the beautiful body there are often quite noticeable pitfalls hidden. Let's look at the strengths and weaknesses of the device.

What criteria should you pay attention to?

First, let's find out how a mobile floor air conditioner that is not equipped with an air duct works.It is also called an evaporative type device: warm air passes through a system of filters (one of which is a sponge soaked in water) and, interacting with a moist environment, cools to the required temperature.

Diagram showing the operation of the air conditioner. An important detail of the floor-standing model is a sponge filter that absorbs moisture from the reservoir located at the bottom. The effect of the evaporator is more noticeable when the room temperature rises to + 25ºС and above

If you want the air to be cool and fresh, running the air conditioner alone is not enough. It is necessary to ensure sufficient air flow, in fact - to arrange supply and exhaust ventilation. Then you will forever forget what stuffiness, stale air, the smell of dust or mold are like.

If you decide to choose a mobile model, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• power and performance;
• additional functions (heating, drying, multi-level filtration);
• body dimensions;
• control method;
• energy efficiency class.

Power consumption in different modes (cooling and heating) may differ, but it rarely goes beyond 1-2 W. This means that for a room of 20-25 m2, a device with a power of 1-1.5 W is sufficient.

We recommend reading our other article, where we described in detail how to calculate the power of an air conditioner. More details - go to link.

The dimensions of mobile devices are approximately the same - up to 85 cm in height, approximately 45 cm x 30 cm around the perimeter. Accuracy is necessary when the equipment is intended for installation in a limited area. If there is very little space, it is better to purchase a split system instead of a floor-standing model

Not all models have additional options.Simple air conditioners are easily recognized by their low cost; the relationship is simple: the more features, the higher the price.

Not all models have a heating mode and a drying mode. Drying is necessary when air humidity is higher than normal - this applies to coastal regions. In central Russia and northern Russia, the air is already quite dry. But heating is a useful function that is usually used in the off-season.

Modern devices have a convenient control panel at the top of the case, many are equipped with a remote control. Using the remote control or buttons, you can adjust the fan speed, select a special mode, and set the desired temperature. Many models are equipped with a timer with which you can program delayed on/off.

Energy efficiency class is an indicator that worries almost everyone. If you want to save money, choose a class A model (the maximum possible is A+++).

Read more about choosing floor-mounted ductless air conditioners Further.

Features of indoor installation

At first glance, there should be no special requirements for installing a compact device. In fact, even a mini air conditioner on wheels that can be moved from room to room requires certain conditions.

One of the requirements is a sufficient area of ​​the room, which must be correlated with the power of the device: for every 10 m² approximately 1 W.

It is necessary to establish the operation of supply and exhaust ventilation, otherwise the air conditioner will circulate the same stale air - albeit partially cleared of microorganisms, but not clean and not fresh

The mobile unit requires constant maintenance, which consists of filling a special reservoir with water. A low water level is usually indicated by an indicator. If the air conditioner constantly operates at maximum mode, water must be added frequently.

However, if you compare the portable model with similar devices equipped with an air duct, its installation is much simpler. In fact, it is enough to unpack the device and install it on a horizontal surface, in any corner of the room.

Connection and configuration are carried out according to the instructions, but take a minimum of time and effort. Let's assume that installation of split systems will require several hours and the help of specialists.

All about ducted air conditioners

The only external difference between devices with air ducts is the presence of a large-diameter corrugated pipe through which warm air is discharged out of the window. However, the difference is not only about design.

Analysis of technical characteristics

In terms of production capacity, floor-standing models with an air duct are not much different from their simpler counterparts: they are also designed for cooling (or heating) rooms with an area of ​​20-25 m², less often - 30 m². This limitation is due to size, noise from the compressor and load on the electrical network.

Comparative table of cooling capacity and sizes of different types of air conditioners. When choosing an air conditioner, it is also necessary to take into account the volume of the room and the average temperature in the room (during the hot period)

The built-in compressor creates noise, the level of which can reduce the comfortable stay in the room. When choosing, you should focus on 45 dB, but the values ​​of most modern models, unfortunately, are 50-60 dB.

Dimensions are selected depending on installation capabilities. For large rooms, it is better to choose devices with a large body.As a rule, they are multifunctional and have increased productivity.

If you plan to move the device often, a compact mini-model with wheels is suitable. Do not forget that each installation location requires a separate opening for the air duct.

The functions of models with a hose are the same as those of alternative options without ducts - additional humidification, dehumidification, heating, ventilation, more thorough air filtration, etc.

Let’s move on to the point that distinguishes ducted air conditioners – their installation.

Device connection features

The main guide you should read before installation is the manufacturer's instructions. It lists the requirements for the room and the procedure for installation, and also presents diagrams and drawings. And we will look at the question of where and how the air duct is connected.

The air duct is a large-diameter plastic corrugated pipe, one end of which is fixed to the body of the device, the other is led outside

There are three ways to take the pipe out:

• through a window (window or specially made hole);
• into a hole in the wall;
• into the ventilation shaft.

Installation in ventilation duct sometimes associated with structural difficulties. The standard length of the air duct is no more than 2 m, while the distance to the shaft entrance is usually greater. Making large holes in the walls of high-rise buildings is strictly prohibited; there remains only one solution - a window.

When building a private house, you can consider all three options; for a city apartment, the most acceptable option is the only one - inserting a pipe into the window

Why is it not enough to simply place the hose on the lower partition of the window? Hot air from the room will go out the window, mix with the fresh flow and partially return back.

The effect will be minimal. To prevent exhaust air masses from returning through the opening, the window vent or window opening must be modified.

Usually, the free space is simply covered with a plastic partition, in the center of which a hole is cut to fit the diameter of the hose. To protect the hose from friction against plastic, use a smooth short pipe or a silicone (rubber) cuff.

When the mobile device is moved to another room, the hole is covered with a plug. Companies that sell air conditioners usually offer all kinds of accessories - plugs, frames with doors, special panels.

Option for venting the air duct into a window opening. Plastic blocks with a hole for a pipe are inserted into the gap between the window sash, raised up, and the window sill.

If the hole for the air duct is in order, all that remains is to install and connect the air conditioner itself. To do this, completely unpack the case and all components, then assemble it strictly according to the instructions.

To connect, you need a 220V network and preferably a grounded outlet. Be sure to read the instructions to find out what condition the refrigerant is in. It may be necessary to unscrew a couple of valves so that it spreads through all the heat exchangers.

When making a hole in a wall or in a double-glazed window, you should pay attention to its diameter.If the shape does not match, some of the exhaust air will return through the gaps, but when the corrugation is compressed, the problem increases - the output volume of air may change, which also affects the performance of the unit.

Rating of popular floor models

For comparison, let's look at five models in the mid-price category, the qualities of which are positively rated by users.

The rating includes products from well-known brands MDV, BORK, Timberk, Ballu, Electrolux (from left to right), which can be purchased in specialized stores and large chain centers

The advantage of models is based on technical capabilities and customer reviews.

1st place – Ballu

The Ballu concern (Taiwan) produces various types of climate control equipment. As an example, consider a floor-standing model with an air duct BPHS-09H. It belongs to the Platinum series, which is considered the most efficient and advanced in terms of operation.

The Ballu case is made in a universal modern design, which allows you to install the air conditioner in a room of any style, from classic to techno.

A distinctive feature of the model is its low noise level, which is relevant for all floor-standing models - only 42 dB. This is actually small, since most similar units create a specific hum during air processing.

Devices from the Platinum series can be safely installed in the bedroom or nursery. In night mode, the noise they make resembles the rustling of leaves.

The air conditioner will please everyone who values ​​increased functionality: it copes with cooling and heating modes, and the intensity can be adjusted. Sleep mode is useful, as well as Super mode - if you need to sharply reduce the temperature to +18 ° C. The cost of the model is 18,900 rubles.

2nd place – Electrolux

The Electrolux EACM-10AG model is distinguished by its large dimensions and design.

Instead of traditional moving blinds for air distribution there is a cone-shaped grille, instead of the usual stationary display in the upper part there is a removable block

However, the rest of the details are mostly standard.

Noise level - 49 dB, cooling power - 2930 W, energy efficiency - class A. Cost - 19,900 rubles.

3rd place – MDV

The manufacturer is known for models from the Tango series; we will look at the MPGi-09ERN1 air conditioner.

MPGi-09ERN1 is a multifunctional device with a set of modes. In addition to cooling, dehumidification, heating and ventilation are available. A nice bonus is auto-tuning

The case design is somewhat different from traditional rectangular models.

Power in heating mode – 2600 W, in cooling mode – 1000 W, noise level – 54 dB, air flow volume – 6.3 m³/min. Cost – 23,500 rubles.

4th place – Timberk

The most compact option of the five is the Timberk AC TIM 09H P4 model.

The mobile compact air conditioner has a simple design: white color, rectangular body, upper part in the form of a shelf with a mechanical regulator

To install the device, you need a small space near the window.

Cooling/heating power – 2600 W, noise level – 21 dB, energy efficiency class – B. Cost – 21,500 rubles.

5th place – Bork

A model that has a high price is Bork Y502.

Rounded corners and the silver color of the body emphasize the stylish design, but the filling of the air conditioner is no different from that of similar devices from other brands

The advantage of a fairly powerful unit is its small dimensions.

Cooling power - 2600 W, noise level - 50 dB, energy efficiency class - A. Cost - 33,600 rubles.

We present videos with useful information to deepen your knowledge about mobile floor air conditioners.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to make a hole for an air duct in glass:

Review of the TM Carrier model:

As you can see, the range of floor-mounted climate control equipment is quite large. To choose an air conditioner for your conditions, be sure to study the technical specifications and additional functions, and also read the installation rules.

Can't make a choice floor air conditioner? Or did you manage to purchase a new air conditioner model? Tell us what device you purchased, are you satisfied with its performance? Please leave comments in the block below.