All brands of air conditioners, regardless of category and price, have a similar set of functions.
They are equipped with:
- remote control
- heating and cooling mode (the heat pump is included in the configuration);
- ventilation
- drainage;
- maintaining the set temperature on an automatic level;
- on and off timers;
- filters.
Brands of air conditioners have their positive and negative sides.
The main criteria by which you can make the right choice of device when buying, include:
- manufacturer's reputation;
- product reliability level;
- technical parameters of the installation;
- application of innovative air treatment technologies;
- availability of additional features;
- economical energy consumption;
- cost.
Consider all of the items listed separately.
Manufacturer Reputation
Many are interested in which brand of air conditioner to choose. As in the automotive industry, the climate market has its own leading companies that have earned a positive reputation for many years.
There are brands of air conditioners of the middle segment, there are also cheap units with a unified design.
Premium Products
The best brands of air conditioners are Daikin and Mitsubishi. They represent top-class products, guaranteeing their high quality and durability. Such devices are distinguished by innovative schemes, comfort in use and efficiency. General Fujitsu can be assigned to this group.
During the warranty period, defects in factory assembly are recorded in no more than 0.2% of products. When used correctly, the life of these units is approximately 12 years.
These brands of air conditioners, the reviews of which are the most positive, produce devices with developed error protection systems during operation. The configurations contain self-diagnosis and protection schemes that can turn off the unit automatically in the event of an error, reboot or in case of danger.
Units are characterized by silent operation of both the indoor and outdoor units. With a standard indicator of the minimum noise level of the indoor unit 26-28 dB, it actually does not emit sound.
The best brands of air conditioners produce units that operate at any temperature. They are distinguished by their exquisite design and small size.
Most of the devices included in the first-class segment are not assembled in Japan, but this does not affect their quality and price. The reason lies in the fact that robots are used in the assembly of products, and the human factor is minimized. So, for example, Daikin units are assembled in Japan, Thailand and Belgium. They have a high level of functionality and a three-year warranty, regardless of the place of release. In addition, each production has a specialization of a narrow profile. For example, in Belgium one block of a split system is being assembled, and the other block is produced in Thailand.
Features of units that make up the first group
- Daikin . By tradition, the models of this company are considered to be the best in the world market. At the same time, they do not have any special advantages over premium brands, but in some respects they are indisputable leaders. Air conditioners of this company have higher quality circuits and compressors, improved fan balancing, and improved self-diagnosis and protection functions.
- Mitsubishi Heavy . Famous brand of the elite group. Its models are distinguished by a high level of reliability, protection against low pressure, quiet operation and a high rate of energy saving. They are collected in Japan and Thailand.
- General (General Fujitsu) . Air conditioners of this company are distinguished by reliability and stability. When assembling them, innovative technologies are used. Assembly is carried out at the company's factories. The brand of air conditioner General Fujitsu is represented by three varieties: Fujitsu General, General Fujitsu and Fuji Electric. Assembly is carried out in Thailand, China and Japan.
Middle class
The middle segment includes many brands. For example, these include Mitsubishi Heavy, Hitachi, Carrier, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba. These brands of air conditioners are divided into upper and lower class.
The upper class consists of products manufactured in America and Europe, and the lower - in Korea. As a rule, assembly of structures is carried out in the countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines).
Air conditioners of the middle segment also have a high degree of reliability in operation. At the same time, the price for them is significantly lower than for premium analogues. It should be noted that many additional features of branded models are not used by users at all.
The difference with the high class is the use of more unified protection and self-diagnosis systems, as well as a shorter service life. If you want to buy a working air conditioner with a good price-quality ratio, then it is better to opt for a second-class device.
There are no striking differences between the models within the middle segment. An exception is the DeLonghi brand of air conditioner. Her models are able to work year-round, which is provided by factory adaptation to winter conditions. But they have a minus. They are quite noisy at work.
Economy class
These are air conditioners of a cheap segment with a simple configuration. They are going to the DPRK. Products are presented by a wide range of different brands: General Climate, Ballu, Neoclima, Aeronik, RiX, AEG, Electrolux, etc.
When choosing a Chinese unit, you should pay attention to which factory it was assembled in.
Only Chinese brands of household air conditioners are reliable: Gree, Midea, Chigo, Haier, LG, Hyundai, Rolsen, Samsung, Shivaki, Gree, Ballu, General Climate, Aerotek. Devices manufactured by them under their original names occupy the lowest level of the middle segment.
Air conditioners of the third group have the lowest cost. Moreover, they can be an excellent choice with limited financial opportunities.
The disadvantages of such units include the following:
- The marriage rate is 1%. The biggest problem with budget devices is the lack of stability and quality. The rejection rate in different batches may differ, which is a problem for the service. Also, their service life is short. For example, models from the manufacturer LG have been working for 7 years.
- The modification does not provide protection against improper use. The user should thoroughly familiarize themselves with all the intricacies of the operation of the unit, which are indicated in the instructions.
- For most models, the outdoor unit is noisy during operation.
- A significant disadvantage is that the devices have a unified control system. The configuration contains a small number of sensors, as a result of which the stability of the device is limited to a narrow temperature range. For example, inexpensive devices often have such a problem as freezing of the radiator of the indoor unit at a temperature below plus 10-15 ° C. If such units are supposed to be used for cooling the room in the summer, then this fact is not significant.
Thus, air conditioners belonging to the third segment can be successfully used in everyday life, provided that the owner has thoroughly studied the basic rules of operation. However, it is necessary to use correctly all the devices, regardless of the level of their quality and price.
Features of air conditioning compressors
The main part of any air conditioner is the compressor. It is located in the external unit of the unit and promotes the circulation of freon between the external and internal unit.
The compressor configuration can be rotary, piston and spiral. In the scheme of household air conditioners, as a rule, include a rotary or spiral type. Piston modifications are applicable in industrial units.
The main characteristics of the part include:
- power consumption;
- refrigerant circulation power;
- noise level;
- durability;
- the size.
All global brands are fighting for the improvement of these indicators. When choosing compressors, companies outlined two approaches.
First approach
Its main advantage is the purchase of parts for a low price. At the same time, it is characterized by a high level of quality, since manufacturers are constantly introducing innovative technologies and strictly monitor the assembly process.
Compressors are purchased from world-class manufacturers. The main brands of air conditioning compressors are Toshiba / GMCC, Guangdong, Meizhi, Compressor Co, Guangdong Meide Holding, Samsung, Copeland, Hitachi, Bristol.
Second approach
The second approach involves the production of their own parts on the basis of their factories. So do the brands Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Fujitsu General LTD, Daikin.
This method allows the assembly of compressors that meet the technical characteristics of air conditioners. Thus, there is a simultaneous development and implementation of new parts in their own products. Improves factory quality control.
The degree of real reliability of air conditioners
You need to understand the difference in the concepts of "reliability" and "reputation." Currently, many leading companies have moved the assembly of their equipment to China, and not all air conditioners from popular brands have a high degree of reliability.
On the other hand, in the DPRK, there are a number of industries that produce good products and constantly upgrade the design of air conditioners. Such units can last a long time.
Before purchasing a product, it is recommended that you seek the help of a specialist who knows the configurations of the unit. He will tell you which air conditioner is best to buy.
Installation Technical Features
Air conditioners belonging to one segment and having approximately the same technical indicators may have differences in some details, which make it difficult or impossible to install an air conditioner from one manufacturer, but allow the installation of another. For example, the indicator of the maximum path length for a 2.1 kW unit can vary by 5 m, which helps to limit the installation of the model with a large interblock distance.
Modern air handling principles
Companies use various modifications of electrostatic plasma filters to purify air. The principle of ionization, oxygen mixing, coating a heat exchanger and creating filter elements is also different.
Many of these options are nothing more than a trap for marketers. However, some of the models of air conditioners are characterized by high technical indicators.
Availability of additional features
Marketers are constantly studying all the new items in the climate market. Specialists offer a wide range of additional features.
A knowledgeable specialist will help to distinguish between really necessary innovations and attempts, due to the nuances, to increase the price of a product or to win in the competition.
Energy saving
Like any device that is powered by electricity, an air conditioner consumes a certain amount of current. The topic of efficient energy consumption has gained extraordinary popularity in our time, so all the leading brands are trying to release a device with a high level of efficiency and make the configuration more economical.
As a rule, devices from leading brands have a high efficiency indicator. Such aggregates are classified as class A.
Among the devices of the middle segment, you should opt for inverter models. These units operate at variable compressor power and are more economical.
Air conditioner cost
What should be the cost of the unit? Today in stores there are many models of a cheap segment. The price of split systems produced in the DPRK starts from 12-14 thousand rubles.
To make a rational purchase, you should:
- evaluate how suitable the device is for your needs;
- Compare brands that have similar technical parameters;
- choose the most acceptable model;
- Compare among themselves all the prices offered in stores for this air conditioner;
- delete from the list the most expensive and cheapest options (it is possible that there is some kind of catch);
- call several companies that offer goods at an average price;
- ask questions to their representatives.
On a note
Today, the Internet is replete with many offers from various specialists in the installation of air conditioners. Some of them have acquired personal online stores selling electrical equipment and lure customers with low installation costs.
Take into account such proposals is not worth it. This is dangerous! You will not get a real hardware warranty.
We make the choice of air conditioner
What brand of air conditioner to choose for an apartment, home or office? The most important parameter is the area of the room in which the device is supposed to be mounted. With its high rate, a powerful unit will be required. If the power is too low, then the air conditioner simply will not be able to cool the room, and if it is high, then the energy consumption may not justify itself. In addition, the device will turn off and on too often, as the required air temperature will be reached quickly. Constant switching will lead to a quick failure of the unit.
The average indicator should be about 2.5 kW of power for cooling a room of 25 m 3 .
If the room has powerful heating devices or there are usually many people in it, the power level of the air conditioner may be higher.
An important role is played by the type of unit. Consider the features of the functioning of each species separately.
Window mounted air conditioners
These are inexpensive and compact models that are installed in the window. They have a unified design in which all the parts are in one block. Currently, such devices are installed extremely rarely, since they are very noisy during operation and they cannot be mounted on metal-plastic windows, unless, of course, an opening for the unit was provided in advance.
Mobile modifications
This option is acceptable for those who rent an apartment for a short time. They also gained popularity among summer residents. Mobile construction does not need mounting and dismounting. This is a portable model. The disadvantages include noise during operation, high weight and small cooling area (not higher than 25 sq. M).
Features of split systems
Brands of air conditioners for apartments are especially popular. They launched the production of split systems, which include two units - internal and external. The distance between them can be 20 m. The configurations work almost silently, differ in small size and a variety of options.
These models include upgraded air filters. They have a good air flow regulation system. Configurations are designed for rooms ranging from 15 to 90 square meters. m. The best brands of air conditioners for an apartment of split modifications are Daikin, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, Midea, Hitachi, Electrolux.
Features of multi-split systems
From previous models, such devices differ in the number of blocks located inside. Usually in the design they are from two to five, there is also one external. This is a good configuration for office or home use. However, the models are notable for their high cost.
Often, the installation of multi-split systems is resorted to when it is impossible to install many blocks on the front side of the building. For example, the building belongs to the category of architectural monuments or the owners do not want to spoil the appearance of the home.
According to many experts, the best brand of home air conditioner is Hitachi. In the domestic market, the company managed to establish itself as reliable. The units of this company have always been distinguished by innovative technologies that have affected the appearance of many modern air conditioners. The first Hitachi Multizone multi-split systems were an example for many manufacturers, as they provided a high level of comfort and energy savings.
The constant influx of investment in the company's technological developments allows us to say that the company remains one of the foremost in the market today. The combination of low price and excellent performance makes Hitachi multi-split systems an excellent choice for homes or offices.
VRF and VRV systems
They are advanced types of multi-split systems. Models are designed to cool large areas from 150 to 500 square meters. m
Configurations are multizone. This implies the ability to connect several indoor units to the outdoor unit, which allows you to maintain the desired temperature in rooms with different microclimate.
Channel construction
Such models belong to semi-industrial configurations.Their installation is carried out behind a suspended ceiling that covers the internal unit of the device. Cold air is distributed through a system of outlets, also located in the space between the ceilings.
This model is suitable for creating a comfortable climate in a small cottage, office or five-room apartment. Duct configurations can solve the ventilation problem.
The disadvantages include the difficulty of separately setting the temperature in different rooms and the need to install suspended ceilings.
Cassette Models
This view is similar to the previous one and also needs false ceilings. The difference is in the layout of the indoor unit. Cassette devices distribute cold air through a portion of a block located below. It has a standard ceiling tile size of 600 x 600 mm.
Such air conditioners cannot disturb the interior, as they are invisible. Only a decorative grill is visible from below.
Cassette configurations distribute air evenly in all directions. One device is capable of cooling a sufficiently large space.
Floor and ceiling views
This type is compact. The depth indicator of the indoor unit is from 18 to 25 cm.
Installation is carried out either at the bottom of the wall or on the ceiling. In the first case, the air will be directed upwards, and in the second it will take a horizontal direction along the ceiling.
Floor-and-ceiling units provide cooling of rooms with an area of 50 to 200 square meters. m
Column Types
Such air conditioners received the additional name "cupboard". As a rule, they are mounted in large halls of hotels, restaurants, conference rooms, shops and other large rooms. They do not require installation. Devices create a powerful air flow, which is directed upward. The desired temperature indicator is reached very quickly even in the largest room.
Precision models
The word precision is English. Translated into Russian, it means "accuracy."
These are autonomous type devices. They are used for the point maintenance of a given temperature, humidity and air circulation.
As a rule, they are used in technological rooms, where maintaining the desired temperature is extremely important. For example, they are installed in halls for cars, server rooms, as well as in museums, book stores, laboratories with chemical reagents.
Precision configurations withstand heavy loads and can work year-round without shutting down.
Conclusion
Which brand of air conditioning is better is up to you. Here a lot depends on the type and area of your premises, as well as financial capabilities. Of course, it is better to purchase models of time-tested brands. The operation of these units is more stable.