Floor air conditioning: mobility and functionality
Content
Floor air conditioning - a popular type of HVAC equipment - is used in the arrangement of urban apartments, offices and country houses. The device is also especially relevant in cases where it is necessary to quickly provide a comfortable microclimate in a rented room, since the unit is easy to install and operate, it is implemented in an affordable price range compared to the classic types of split systems.
Classification of floor air conditioners
The following types of instrument are available:
- monoblocks - the evaporator and condenser are in a single case, the unit has compact dimensions and mobility;
- portable split systems - the device consists of external and internal units, is characterized by high performance. The case is equipped with wheels for easy transportation;
- home split-systems of floor-ceiling type - the indoor unit is installed at the bottom of the wall or under the ceiling. The design is successful in providing an optimal microclimate in rooms with an impressive area.
When choosing a floor air conditioner for your home, you must consider the features of each of these types of climate equipment.
Monoblocks: how floor air conditioning works
The device consists of a single housing with a compressor, condenser, fan, evaporator and other elements, equipped with a flexible duct. In fact, the principle of operation of the floor-mounted monoblock air conditioner is extremely simple:
- air is used from the room where the mobile device is installed;
- the air mass passes through the filter, is cooled in a special compartment and discharged back into the room;
- warm air flow is vented out through the duct;
- condensate is collected in a special pan.
One of the main advantages of the monoblock is the ease of installation of a mobile structure - the housing is placed on the floor, and the duct pipe is discharged through a window or a special hole in the window unit. The following points are also noted in the piggy bank of merits:
- comfortable operation, ease of maintenance;
- long service life;
- design mobility;
- ergonomic design, easily implemented in the interiors of modern housing;
- the design is equipped with a high degree of protection against possible problems with leakage of freon.
The disadvantages of the monoblock include the noise level that accompanies the operation of the device. In addition, the power of the mini-air conditioner is designed to handle air in a small room, for spacious areas, analogues of a household unit with more power are chosen.
Mobile split systems: pros and cons
Mobile floor air conditioners in this category consist of two buildings:
- an indoor unit with an impressive weight is installed on the floor;
- the outdoor unit is fixed outside the window, can be placed on the balcony;
- a flexible hose with refrigerant pipes connects both air conditioning units.
The indoor unit is equipped with transport wheels, which allows it to be comfortably moved, despite the significant weight of the structure.
The competitive advantages of mobile split systems include low noise during the operation of the device. Higher efficiency in comparison with the monoblock is another advantage of this floor-mounted air conditioner, and there are also many other advantages of using it:
- ease of installation - does not require a special set of tools, you can install it yourself;
- simplicity of operation, maintenance and care;
- relatively low power consumption;
- long term of high-quality operation.
As the rating shows, the main disadvantage of the floor split system is the relatively high cost of production. This drawback is leveled by work efficiency, functionality and beautiful design of the climatic equipment. Another, no less significant minus to the piggy bank is a short freon highway, because of which the ability to install blocks in a space convenient for a particular room is limited.
Floor and ceiling split systems
The device is an internal case and an outdoor unit.
When installing floor-mounted air conditioners in the lower part of the wall, the cooled air flow is directed upward, but if the structure is mounted in a subceiling zone, then circulation occurs over the entire area of the upper space of the room. To effectively ensure a comfortable microclimate in spacious rooms, ceiling-mounted air conditioners are most often used, since this category of equipment has more power compared to other models.
The compact design is an important advantage of the floor-to-ceiling unit: the depth parameters of the inner case vary in the range of 18-25 cm. Among the advantages are also noted:
- beautiful design - looks worthy in the interiors of any style;
- excellent power, the ability to conveniently adjust various parameters;
- universality of installation, ease of maintenance.
The list of minuses contains relatively high prices for models of well-known brands.
Advantages of air conditioners without duct
A stand-alone floor air conditioner without duct is an actual solution for those who often change their location and strive for comfort. Such a device provides for ease of transportation from one room to another, from a city apartment to a country house or office. Here the question does not even arise, how to install a floor air conditioner, since for the full operation of the mechanism only a network connection is required. The device is designed to generate cold, condensate is not produced, so there is no collector for liquid, which simplifies the design as much as possible.
Criteria for choosing floor air conditioners
The characteristics of mobile models of HVAC equipment vary in operational parameters and design, so the solution to the question of how to choose a floor air conditioner must be approached with particular care. When buying a candy bar or split system, pay attention to the following indicators:
- functionality - each model of HVAC equipment provides for cooling and heating of the allocated space. The ranking of the best floor air conditioners presents a separate category of units, which along with the main functionality also have options such as air ionization, purification from impurities, moisturizing, and others;
- unit power - for high-quality service for every 10 m² of room space, a power of 1 kW is required. Compact monoblocks are effective for areas of no more than 25 m², and for more spacious rooms it is necessary to choose a floor air conditioner among categories with a power of 4 kW or more;
- condensate collector - mobile air conditioners are equipped with a special tray in which condensate accumulates.To eliminate the difficulties of constantly checking the level of accumulated liquid and timely draining, choose a room model with a built-in evaporator;
- noise performance - when choosing a design, be sure to check the noise level of the running unit. As the rating shows, the best floor-standing air conditioners have a low-noise external unit, which ensures quiet operation of the device;
- the presence of a remote control increases the comfort of operation, provides the ability to set the desired mode of operation from a convenient distance;
- aesthetic parameters - the design of modern devices is carried out in different styles, it is easy to choose the best model for an office or a small foyer, a city apartment or a summer residence. Keep in mind that the presence of a climate device should not disturb comfort, so choose lightweight units with low weight, quiet and convenient for transportation. To move the structure is not accompanied by loud sounds, buy a device with rubberized wheels.
Study the review of popular mobile models, decide on the manufacturer, specify all the pros and cons of the equipment in question. You can also learn a lot of information by reading the reviews of real users who have already purchased a particular model and share their positive or negative impressions.
Another important criterion for choosing a device is the cost of the product. Korean manufacturers of HVAC equipment offer reliable mid-range and affordable products. Most often, models from Korea duplicate the characteristics of European or North American equipment analogues, while in quality they are not inferior to them at all.
The top of popular floor air conditioners is the Kibor range. Traditionally, the cost of the device depends on operational characteristics. For example, Kibor 30 is designed to work on areas up to 35 m², sold within 20,000 rubles. A Kibor model for 20 m² can be purchased for about 15,000 rubles.
De Longhi PAC N81 - the model is designed for rooms with an area of up to 20 m², has a digital display, the cost is up to 28 000 r. Model De Longhi PAC WE128ECO, automatic mode is provided, the device is equipped with drainage and cooling functions, it is designed for an area of up to 35 m², the cost is about 39,000 rubles.
Traditionally, the top positions in the ranking are occupied by the proposals of technical giants from Europe and the USA. Although most brands are manufactured in Southeast Asia, strict control of the production process ensures guaranteed quality of products. Domestic manufacturers offer a democratic price range for reliable floor-type air conditioners, among which it is easy to choose the best modification for a summer house or apartment.