Cooling capacity

To measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner, that is, the amount of heat it can remove from the air, we use British thermal units (BTUs).

Choose an air conditioner that suits your room. Because if the number of BTUs is too low for your room, it will not be able to cool it properly. And if on the contrary, the number of BTUs is too high, the air conditioner will cool it at a higher rate without dehumidification.

For a room up to 8m2, you will need an air conditioner with a BTU of 5,000 per hour.

Between 9 to 10 m2, you will need a BTU of 12,000.

From 11 to 14 m2, 18,000 BTUs will work fine.

In a room of 15 to 19 m2, 24,000 BTUs will be fine.

In addition, you must also take into account other essential criteria, and not only the area of the room to be conditioned, for example: the height of the room, the number of windows and their orientation.

Also consider the number of people staying in the room and the number of electrical appliances in operation and the type of lighting as these could help warm the room.

To start with: estimate about 100 watts of power per m2 (or 30 to 40 watts per m3, if the height of the room is important)

You must then add the following criteria:

- 400 W for a South exposure, but only 100 W for a North exposure,

- 100 W per person staying in the room,

- 50 W per electrical device in operation and 100 W for lighting (other than by LED).

Number of air conditioners needed

Depending on the size of your home, you may decide to have one air conditioner or more. By calculating the square footage and looking at the BTUs of the air conditioners you want, you can determine how many you need.

If your home is 90 m2 and you need 12,000 BTU air conditioning, then you will need multiple air conditioners. After determining the number of air conditioners needed, you will need to decide where to place them.

Portability and monobloc air conditioner

There are two main types of air conditioning, stationary systems and portable. Portable air conditioners are preferred for a small apartment or a second home.

“Monobloc” type air conditioners are made up of a single unit. Ergonomic and compact, their main advantage is their mobility. You can move them from one room to another easily, thanks to their handles and wheels and above all, when not in use, store them in a cupboard , in a cellar or garage. But a cover will be essential to protect your stored devices from dust and humidity.

Installation

You will need to hire a professional for a complex installation. But small air conditioners are easy to install. Please check which installation procedure is required.

Outdoor temperature range

Most air conditioners operate within a temperature range of (-10) degrees to (+45) degrees Celsius. Choose an appropriate air conditioner for the area where you live.

Noise level

Some air conditioners are quite loud, which is annoying. Make sure the noise level for an indoor air conditioner is low. But too noisy an outdoor air conditioner can also cause conflicts with your neighbors. Before purchasing an air conditioner, check the regulations in force in your country regarding authorized noise levels.

Standby

When the air conditioning is in standby mode, it will be quieter, as this function regulates the cooling to facilitate sleep.

Energy savings

To obtain a cool and comfortable environment, all you need to do is reduce the inside temperature of your home by 3 to 5 ° C compared to the outside temperature. Because, if the indoor temperature is 7 ° C (or more) lower than the outdoor temperature, you may risk catching a cold! Moreover you will save a lot on your electricity bills ...

Energy class labels (A, B, C, ...) clearly indicate the energy performance of air conditioners to allow you to compare the different products and choose the least energy consuming device, such as class A and A + models, which also offer good performance. For example, an air conditioner with human presence sensors will save energy because it will only run when needed.

Human presence sensor

This sensor detects if there is someone in the room and then the air conditioner will continue to operate. But the air conditioning turns off automatically when the room is unoccupied. This is important because it will save electricity.

Freshness in summer, but also heat in winter

Why should your air conditioner only be used in summer? To warm you up in winter, there are also reversible devices, which can reverse their operating cycle. They are then very appreciable sources of auxiliary heating, thanks to an electrical resistance with a power of 1600 up to 2000 watts. In addition, and what is not negligible, this air conditioner allows you to save 30% in heating mode.

Automatic remote Wi-Fi control

To avoid having to turn your air conditioner on and off and adjust it, some models are equipped with apps and Wi-Fi control. You just need to have a smartphone connected to your air conditioner, and you can control (wireless) the air conditioner. In terms of the remote control functionalities of your air conditioner, depending on the model, you can turn it on or off, adjust the speed or even change the direction of the air flow.

Electronic programming

To enjoy some freshness when you return home, some air conditioners allow you to program their start-up in advance as well as their temperature, even up to 24 hours in advance.

Fan speed

Choose an air conditioner with several fan speeds, in order to adjust it to your needs. In addition, depending on the model, the various functions of the air conditioner can operate independently of each other: fan only, dehumidifier only, etc.

Dehumidification

Just as much as temperature, high humidity in the air can contribute to a feeling of stifling heat. This is why air conditioners also offer a dehumidification function, measured in liters per hour. The higher this number will be, and the faster the atmosphere in your room will be breathable,.

Self-cleaning HEPA air filter

Through its filtration system, the air conditioner circulates the ambient air in the room several times per hour. As in vacuum cleaners, advanced air filtration systems such as HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filters) which are capable of detecting dust, allergens, bacteria, and mold in the air, and removing them immediately, are now integrated in some air conditioning systems. In addition, to contribute to a better performance, automatic self-cleaning will reduce dust formation in the air conditioner.

An air conditioner is essential to ensure freshness and comfort in your home. Before purchasing it, you will need to consider the above factors. And, if necessary, do not hesitate to do more research, in order to make the best decision.