How to choose a portable air conditioner for your home. Mobile air conditioning

Air conditioning refers to household climate technology, in the selection of which the installation method is essential. Installation of traditional models provides for the creation of a special hole in the wall. Then the block is fixed on the surface, and its position no longer changes. This approach to providing an air-conditioning system has its advantages, but under certain operating conditions it is more appropriate to use models of a portable type. These are floor units that can be moved around the house within the boundaries, which are determined only by access to the power grid. In terms of efficiency, the outdoor portable air conditioner is not inferior to conventional versions, but it has structural and operational features. Such models are presented on the market in a wide range, so you can choose the best option for problems of any complexity.

Advantages of mobile air conditioners

The main advantage, which, in fact, attracts the consumer's attention to such systems, is the possibility of their movement and small size. In terms of ergonomics is the best option. It is also worth noting that a portable air conditioner without a duct does not require a hole in the wall. On the one hand, it eliminates the hassle of installation, and on the other hand it allows you to maintain the integrity of the finish and save money. There are also advantages in the form of ease of maintenance. Still, the design of the mobile air conditioner is more ergonomic in terms of care. Even an inexperienced user can independently clean the fan and replace the filter.

In terms of introducing new technologies, models of this category also show notable progress towards increasing the functionality and ease of operation. For example, the mobile air conditioner Ballu already in the middle price group is provided with the ability to memorize the settings and adjust in the direction of the air flow.

Disadvantages of mobile air conditioners

For the pluses in the form of mobility and compactness there are many significant disadvantages of portable air conditioners. One of them is a high noise level. The reason for this flaw is not in the absence of insulation, but in the design features. Unlike stationary models, such a system contains a compressor in its only housing. This component is the source of noise. In addition, a portable home air conditioner requires regular monitoring of the condensate. When the pan is filled with water, a special sensor automatically turns off the equipment. According to the owners, in a hot time to drain the water every three hours. As for the quality of the direct function, the microclimate in rooms with such equipment is usually characterized by a slight decrease in temperature.

Varieties of mobile air conditioners

More often there are monoblock devices in which all communications, work mechanisms and electronic stuffing are enclosed in one housing. The same group includes a mini-portable air conditioner, which is small in size, but it can provide the same set of functions - cooling, ionization and even drying.

The second type of such systems involves the use of a split-structure. That is, the package includes two blocks, as in the traditional system. One is installed from the outside, and the second is a device for use in the room itself. As a result, the advantages of the conventional model and the advantages of mobile technology are also achieved. The fact is that a portable air conditioner for the house with the removal of the compressor outside is rid of noisy work, but at the same time it keeps the movement of the indoor unit.

Power selection

It should be noted that in average power indicators such models are inferior to stationary analogs. But if you plan to operate the equipment in an apartment or a small house, this nuance will not become an obstacle to creating an optimal microclimate. On the market are represented units with a power level on average from 2 to 5 kW. This indicator is often crucial for the reason that it affects the cooling efficiency that the portable air conditioner can provide. The price is also largely determined by the capacity - for example, models for 2-3 kW can cost 12-15 thousand rubles. And options for 4 kW or more usually cost in an amount not less than 20 thousand rubles. There are more productive equipment, which is estimated at 50-60 thousand rubles. But these are already industrial models, the capacity of which far exceeds household units.

Producers, together with the capacity, indicate the area of the room that the air conditioner can serve. For example, a low-power portable home air conditioner is suitable for rooms with an area of no more than 20 m ² , and modifications with high power potential can be used in rooms up to 40 m ² .

Do I need a condensate collector?

It has already been noted that one of the drawbacks of mobile air conditioners is the need to manually drain the accumulated condensate. However, manufacturers provide an opportunity to eliminate this defect. They offer to equip the system with a special condensate collector. This device will automatically collect water in a suitable container. Thanks to this addition, the portable home air conditioner becomes more autonomous and more convenient to use. But with the expansion of structural elements, one of the main advantages of this type of equipment - compactness and ease of handling - is lost.

Functionality: what to consider?

In addition to the direct task of cooling air, the climate technology also provides a number of other functions. For example, mobile devices are capable of performing multi-level filtering. The most technologically and efficient in terms of air purification are models with a plasma filter. This is a portable air conditioner, the price of which usually exceeds 20 thousand rubles, but for this the user can rely on getting rid of smoke, odors, dust and other tiny particles. But it's not just cleaning efficiency, which reaches 95%. Such devices, even over time, do not reduce the quality of filtration.

Manufacturers

The most productive and durable models are offered by Fujitsu, General and Daikin. This is a premium equipment, which is distinguished by its high functionality and original design with good ergonomics. If you need an inexpensive solution, then you should choose among the budget options. For example, the mobile air conditioner Ballu at a small price differs decent build quality and modern electronic control. In the middle of the same class, there are variants from Samsung, Toshiba, LG and other equally well-known manufacturers.

Conclusion

With all its shortcomings, mobile climate equipment remains strong in the market. To a large extent, this contributes to the form factor of technology, to the merits of which can be attributed compactness, user-friendliness and attractive design. It is worth noting and the functional advantages that the outdoor portable air conditioner has in all price categories. This is the ability of ionization of air, its qualitative cleaning and drying. Also, manufacturers supply portable models with modern electronic systems for comfortable control. The availability of timers and means of automatic adjustment of operating parameters has long become mandatory for air conditioners in the middle price group. With regard to devices of economy class, they provide the owner with the opportunity to remotely control and adjust the direction of airflow.