How to choose a window air conditioner
The main purpose of the window sill is to cool the air in a room measuring 60 square meters. In this mode, it operates at temperatures ranging from 18 to 43 degrees Celsius (each manufacturer may have a different opinion on this).
During the cooling process, this device reduces humidity in the room, which has its advantages. For example, on hot afternoons after rain, when humidity reaches its maximum value of 100%, dehumidifying the air to between 30 and 60 percent facilitates thermoregulation.
Some models can also heat indoor air by reversing the refrigeration cycle (in a household fridge, there is a heating mode for defrosting). Heating can be used until the outside temperature drops below 3 degrees Celsius. If the cold becomes too severe, the equipment may malfunction.For fans of year-round indoor heating, we have models equipped with electric heaters. These models are designed to heat the air in the room during any frost, and the refrigerator will turn off at that time.
The windows have mesh air filters that sometimes have antibacterial impregnation to retain coarse dust. This helps protect the room and the unit itself from poplar fluff, lint, household dust, and other contaminants.
If you don't turn on the air conditioner for cooling or heating but select the ventilation mode, it will function like a vacuum cleaner, cleaning the air and room of dust.
Many modern air conditioners can provide exhaust ventilation for the room.
When choosing, you should pay attention to:In order to choose the right air conditioner, it's important to determine the type of device and manufacturer that best suits your needs. You should also consider all the requirements for equipment, as well as ensure that the functionality matches the price. A specialist's consultation can help you with this process.
Even if you're not a professional, you can still make an informed decision after taking a look at your home and considering your requirements. The main aspect to consider when choosing an air conditioner is its cooling capacity.
For household air conditioners, this ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kilowatts (kW). Industrial mobile air conditioners can have a capacity of 3.5 kW to 85 kW. To estimate the required power, you can use the formula of 1 kilowatt per 10 square meters of space with a ceiling height between 2.8 and 3 meters.
If your room has a large area of glass or if it faces south or has other heat sources, it may be wise to purchase a model with a 15-20% power reserve.The functional purpose of a room is an important factor when choosing a device. For example, the device in the kitchen should have high performance indicators to best control heat emissions. The bedroom system should have low noise levels. When purchasing a window air conditioner, it is important to consider factors that minimize noise levels for comfortable indoor air distribution and easy operation. The main source of noise is the compressor. Models with reciprocating compressors can be particularly noisy. More modern devices have rotary compressors with inverter control systems, which result in quieter operation (by 3-5 decibels). The installation of the compressor on rubber vibration absorbers contributes to a significant reduction in noise, as the noise from the device is not transferred to the housing. Additionally, covering the compressor with rubber can help reduce noise.The second source of noise is a fan, which consists of an impeller and an electric motor. To reduce the noise produced by this component, manufacturers use plastic impellers and low-noise electric motors.
Another device that generates noise is the sprinkler fan. Some models of window guards are equipped with this device. It captures condensate from the drainage pan, which is formed during the cooling of indoor air, and "sprinkles" it onto the condenser. This increases the efficiency of heat discharge from the room to the environment.
For some models, the sound produced by the blades of the sprinkler hitting the water can be quite loud. However, if you attach a drainage tube, which is usually located on the back of the device's body, and direct the water outlet to a sewer or directly outside, the noise from the splashing will be eliminated.It is better to test the noise level of a window air conditioner before purchasing it by turning it on at full capacity in a store's sales area. However, it is important to keep in mind that the store environment is not the same as a living room, and the sound of the device may be perceived differently. Therefore, it is best to conduct the test during the evening hours, when there are fewer people and background noise is lower.
Regarding the comfort of air distribution, the device takes in air from the room through an intake grille, which covers most of its front surface. Behind the grille is an air filter. After processing (cooling, heating, or cleaning), the air is returned to the room through a small outlet located on the right, left, or above the intake grille, creating a "window" for airflow.
The air outlets also have movable grilles that allow you to adjust the direction of airflow.In some budget-friendly devices, only manual control of the air flow in the room is available. Additionally, the user can adjust the direction of the supply of a stream of cold (or heated) air into the room by using movable air vents (the heated air is directed downward, upward, or horizontally cooled).
More comfortable air distribution in the room can be achieved with models that have automatic blinds.
Typically, automatic blinds adjust the direction of air flow in the horizontal plane. However, there are also models that have four-sided automatic deflection, which means that both horizontal and vertical blinds can operate automatically.
Window air conditioners: General information
Window air conditioning systems are the pioneers in climate control technology, providing comfortable living conditions. They were first developed in America in the 1930s.
These devices quickly became popular due to their simple design, low cost, and high power, allowing for individual room cooling. Their popularity has since brought them into the category of household appliances.
However, there are some fundamental differences between window air conditioners and other household appliances like vacuum cleaners and washing machines.
To help you make an informed decision, here is some information about window air conditioners:
- The device
- Main purposes
- How to choose the right window air conditioner
We hope this information will help you make a wise choice.I would like to tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of this equipment, and even show you how to install it, although the best option would be to leave this work to the professionals of the "Ruclimat" company!
The device
In terms of design, window air conditioners are more compact and reliable compared to split systems.
This device consists of a single housing, which is called a monoblock. It is mounted in the window opening or on the wall of the room.
The housing is a large case made of metal and plastic panels in various colors such as white, gray, light brown, or other pastel shades.
Inside the housing, there is all the "filling" that is present in outdoor and indoor split system units (evaporator, condenser, compressor, fan, etc.), without any external connecting pipelines.
Installation is done in the factory, so there are no connections that can cause a loss of refrigerant.Only improper operation, mechanical damage, or complete wear due to excessive use can force you to take your window sill to a service center.
The main purpose of the window sill is to cool the air in a room measuring 60 square meters. In this mode, it can operate at temperatures between 18 and 43 degrees Celsius (each manufacturer may have a different opinion on this).
During the cooling process, this device reduces humidity in the room, which has advantages. For example, on hot afternoons, after rain, when humidity reaches its maximum value of 100%, dehumidifying the air to between 30 and 60% can help regulate body temperature.
Some models can also heat indoor air. This is possible with models that reverse the cycle of their refrigeration machine (a household refrigerator also has a heating mode for defrosting). Heating is permitted until the outside temperature drops below 3 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is colder, the equipment may not function properly.For fans of year-round indoor heating, models equipped with an electric heater are available. These models are designed to heat the air in the room during frost, and the refrigerator will turn off at that time.
The windows are equipped with air filters, some of which may have antibacterial impregnation to retain coarse dust. This helps to protect the room and the unit itself from poplar fluff, lint, household dust, and other particles.
If you don't use the air conditioner for cooling or heating, but choose the ventilation mode, it can function like a vacuum cleaner to clean the air and room of dust.
Many modern air conditioning units are capable of exhaust ventilation in the room.
When choosing, you should pay attention to:In order to choose the right air conditioning model, you need to determine the most suitable type of device and manufacturer, as well as take into account all requirements for the equipment. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the requirements and functionality correspond to the price. Of course, consulting a specialist is necessary.
However, even you can determine which solution would be optimal after taking a quick look at your home.
The main factor in choosing a window air conditioner is its cooling capacity. For household models, it ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kW, while industrial mobile air conditioners have capacities from 3.5 to 85 kW. Approximately, you can determine the required power based on the rate of 1 kW for every 10 square meters with a ceiling height of 2.8 to 3 meters.
If your room has a large amount of glass area, faces south, or has other additional heat sources, it's better to purchase a model with an extra 15-20% power reserve.The functional purpose of a room is an important factor to consider when choosing equipment. For example, the device in the kitchen should have high performance indicators to better control heat emissions. The bedroom system should be quiet. When buying a window air conditioner, consider factors that minimize noise, such as the compressor. Models with reciprocating compressors can be particularly noisy. More modern devices have rotary compressors with inverter control systems, which are quieter. The installation of the compressor on rubber vibration dampers and the coating of the compressor with rubber contribute to a significant reduction in noise.The second noise source in this system is a fan, which consists of an impeller and an electric motor. To reduce the noise generated by this component, manufacturers use plastic impellers and low-noise electric motors.
Another device that can generate noise is a sprinkler fan. This device is equipped with certain models of "window guards" and is used to capture condensate from the drainage pan, which forms during the cooling process of indoor air. The condensate is then "splashed" onto the condenser, where it evaporates and helps to increase the efficiency of heat discharge from the room to the environment.
For some models of sprinkler fans, the sound produced by the blades hitting the water can be quite loud. However, if a drainage tube is attached (the "nipple" is typically located on the back of the device) and the water outlet is directed to the sewer or outdoors, the noise from the splashing can be reduced or eliminated.It is recommended to assess the noise level of a window air conditioner before purchasing by turning it on at full capacity in a store's sales area. However, it should be noted that the store is not a living space and the sound of the device may not be perceived the same as at home. Therefore, it is best to conduct the test during the evening hours, when there are fewer visitors and less background noise (such as car traffic).
Comfort of Air Distribution
The window air conditioner takes in room air through a large intake grille, which covers most of the unit's surface facing the room. Behind the grille is an air filter that cleans, cools, or heats the air before it is returned to the room through a small outlet located on the right, left, or above the intake grate. This creates a "window" for the air to flow into the room.
Air outlets have movable grilles that allow you to adjust the direction of airflow.In some inexpensive devices, manual adjustment of air direction in the room is the only option available. The user can also change the direction of the supply of cold (or heated) air into the room by moving air distribution grilles. Heated air is typically directed downward, upward, or horizontally.
Installation of a window air conditioner
More comfortable air distribution is provided by models with automatic blinds. These blinds can change the direction of airflow in the horizontal plane. Some models even have four-sided automatic deflection, allowing for both horizontal and vertical movement.
Manageability
Most window air conditioners use electromechanical controls. On the front panel, you'll find a mains switch, temperature control knob, and fan speed switch.The electronically controlled windows allow users to set the desired temperature using buttons. In addition, the current air temperature can be viewed on the LCD display integrated into the control panel.
According to the level of convenience, electronic and electromechanical controls do not differ significantly, if the air conditioner is installed near floor level.
If the unit is mounted in a window frame high above the head, it makes sense to provide electronic controls, whose functions are replicated by a remote controller.
Some windows come equipped with a convenient 12-hour programmable timer.
Window air conditioners are not a technology of the past that has been replaced by modern, multi-functional split systems. They still have a right to exist, at least because they offer several advantages over split systems.Window boxes, all things being equal (brand, cooling capacity, functionality), sometimes cost twice as much as split systems. Additionally, there is no need for highly skilled professionals to install the devices, so large financial costs associated with equipment installation are not required. Dismantling and reinstalling the "window box" is as simple as its installation, after which it can be moved to another location (the opening can be easily sealed with a decorative panel). For example, during the summer, the unit will provide comfortable living in a country home, and during winter, it can easily be moved to an apartment in the city. The unit also performs well for air conditioning in "temporary" dwellings.
Traditionally, a steel corner profile frame with a shelf width of 30-40 millimeters is used for installation. This frame is then fixed in the opening at the desired position. To ensure proper drainage of condensation, the air conditioning unit should be positioned such that the lower edge of the outer part is between 5 and 10 millimeters below the lower edge of the inner part. After that, the device can be slid into the frame. If necessary, a visor can be installed above the unit to protect it from direct sunlight and precipitation. Gaps between the unit and the walls are sealed with expanding foam. Some models also have a removable lightweight housing. In such cases, it is not necessary to create a frame from corners. Instead, the lightweight housing is placed in the opening first, and then the entire unit is pushed inside it. Low-power units often have a power cord plug for easy connection to the electrical power source.A powerful device must be connected to the electrical network through a separate wire and an individual circuit breaker. It is best if the connection is performed by a qualified electrician.
Let's summarize the results:
The General Climate window air conditioner is the most common type of this equipment. All elements are combined in one unit: a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a fan.
Advantages:
- cheap;
- compact;
- sometimes solve partial ventilation problems;
- do not require installation;
- can be easily transported from place to place.
Disadvantages:
- high noise level;
- take up part of the window, stealing daylight;
- need to reshape the window frame;
- cannot be blocked, for example, by curtains, otherwise comfort will be created in the space between the window and curtains, not inside the room;
- ineffective in a large room;
- the price is sometimes comparable to split systems.If the volume of the condensate collector is small, you may need to drain the water manually every two to three hours.
