When deciding how to cool a house, 2 main options are usually considered: a centralized cooling system that applies to all rooms, and small units that serve separate rooms. The latter include floor-to-ceiling air conditioners, which are split systems with external and internal parts. But there is a third option. These are floor air conditioners. Their design has inherent limitations that limit their actual performance, but more modest ventilation requirements make installation easier, especially in rooms where the installation of window units and split systems is either undesirable or impossible. By the number of ducts used, they can be divided into two types.
Floor air conditioners with one duct
Models of this type remove hot air outside, and the fence is produced in the room itself. However, this, experts say, creates negative pressure, due to which heat enters the room through the door and window slots, which reduces the efficiency of the device. On the other hand, such air conditioners are the cheapest and least bulky.
Dual Duct Models
They are used to eliminate the effect of low pressure and increase cooling efficiency. As the name suggests, they are equipped with two hoses. One of them is exhaust, as in the models of the previous type, and the other is suction, through which external air enters. Expert reviews suggest that although floor-mounted air conditioners with inlet and outlet hoses are more efficient, they are more massive and often more expensive.
Which option to choose?
Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that the second option should be the best choice. This is consistent with the opinion of experts who have received convincing evidence that models with two hoses in hot weather are much more efficient than floor-mounted air conditioners without an air duct.
But in reality, not everything is so simple. Owners of models of the first type often rank them even higher than the rest of the floor air conditioners for the home. Although dual-duct systems cool better, the difference is not so significant as to ignore smaller, cheaper, and more promising devices.
Why do outdoor models work worse?
Like window and central, the cooling capacity of floor-mounted air conditioners is measured in BTU thermal units. However, according to experts, studies have shown that, regardless of power, their real effectiveness is limited. Even in mildly hot weather at 28 ° C, most models cool at 7,000 BTUs (2.1 kW), even when their specifications indicate 13,000 BTUs (3.8 kW).
This lack of performance is not the result of poor production or a design defect, but the consequence is that the air conditioner, which should remove hot air outside, is located in the room that it is trying to cool, instead of one half being inside and the other outside . In addition, there are many other sources of device inefficiency.
Thus, based on the feedback of experts and users, we can recommend only large floor air conditioners for an apartment with a capacity of at least 10,000 BTUs. Smaller models are also available, but because of their inefficient performance, unless the cooling space is very large, there is a high probability that their performance will be disappointing.
Is a mobile floor air conditioner possible without an air duct?
Poor cooling is not the only reason many consumers are disappointed with this type of model. One of the main problems is that they do not understand the fundamental principles of operation of these devices, including the fact that for their normal operation they need to release hot air outside. Floor air conditioners without ducts outside the room only increase the temperature.
Distinctive qualities of the best models
Energy efficiency. It is the ratio of the cooling ability of an air conditioner to its power consumption. A higher value indicates a more efficient model that will reduce the cost of electricity. However, floor-mounted air conditioners are not efficient enough to meet Energy Star standards.
Low noise. Loud compressor operation is the reason for negative reviews about air conditioners. Owners want to stay cool while comfortable watching TV or sleeping. Portable floor air conditioners are usually louder than window units of equal power, but the best of them maintain a noise level below the level of a typical conversation - from 60 to 65 dB.
Convenient controls. Air conditioners with digital displays are easier to set up, although the screen should not be so bright as to distract attention in the dark. Remote controls are different in their functionality, but even the basic models will be indispensable in the bedrooms and large living rooms.
Drainage. Although all floor air conditioners for an apartment remove a certain amount of moisture from the air, their best function is the possibility of drainage. This allows you to reduce the humidity in the room without cooling it on insufficiently hot days.
Mobility. Floor air conditioners are “portable” only with respect to stationary window or wall. Most of them are heavy, weighing up to 45 kg, and require the dismantling and installation of window modules. However, the presence of rollers and convenient handles greatly simplify the movement of these devices. Nevertheless, when buying such an air conditioner, you should remember about its weight if you plan to use it on several floors, since carrying it up and down the stairs can be quite a challenge.
Warranty. Air conditioners of this type are usually covered by a one-year warranty, although the best models can be protected by the manufacturer for up to five years. Some extend the warranty period, but it usually only covers the parts, not the shipping costs to an authorized service center.
Popular models
Not a single floor air conditioner with one duct is rated by owners and experts higher than LG LP1215GXR. This is the best choice among all devices of this type, and hundreds of positive reviews in online stores confirm this.
According to the instructions for the outdoor air conditioner, it is designed for a capacity of 12,000 BTUs and cools the room to 40 m 2 , but in small rooms its performance will be better. According to users, LG has done everything possible to ensure that in an office with an area of 25 m2 its devices work no worse than the 2-air Whynter ARS-14S with 14,000 BTUs. The owners confirm that the LG LP1215GXR not only cools the room, but also supports it in such a way that air conditioners of this type cannot often be achieved.
However, in a room of 40 m2, the model begins to lag significantly behind and is ahead, albeit slightly, only of the same type of device, inferior to Whynter. Such a performance level means that in conditions of extremely high temperatures it is possible to cool only in a stream of air blowing directly from the air conditioner, but even then it will not be comfortable - the difference will be almost imperceptible.
Another area where LG is ahead of the competition is called the noise level both at startup and during operation. You can’t expect library silence, but the compressor is quiet enough not to wake the owner.
Portable air conditioner LG LP1215GXR is quite well equipped. There is a remote control, a 24-hour timer, a 3-speed fan and a 4-way ventilation direction. The device can also be configured to distribute chilled air throughout the room. There is a function of automatically removing moisture from the heat exchanger, which allows you to get rid of mold. Auto restart will start the device after power off. There is a dehumidification mode with the ability to remove from the air up to 0.57 liters of moisture per hour. A special opening is provided for continuous condensate drainage.
According to reviews, the LG LP1215GXR is not small, but more compact than many other floor-mounted home air conditioners without an air duct for fresh air. Its dimensions are 36 cm wide, 83 cm high and 39 cm deep, and weighs 28 kg. Most users find the gray case quite attractive. To install it, you need to find a place so that you can remove 1.5 m of the duct and connect 1.8 m of the power cable to the outlet.
Not a single floor air conditioner can escape criticism of its owners. Common complaints are inadequate cooling, unacceptable noise levels and installation complexity. LG, of course, is no exception. Nevertheless, his rating is pretty good for this category.
The LG LP1414GXR is covered by a 1-year warranty, which looks comprehensive enough to include full replacement and home service if necessary.
Honeywell HL12CESWB
According to reviews, this is the best and most popular portable floor-standing air conditioner for the home (no duct for fresh air). Like all devices of this type, it receives an adequate rating for comfort, but it is the best model in terms of noise, at least at low speed. Although not everyone agrees with this, most people think the Honeywell HL12CESWB is surprisingly quiet, so it might be a good choice for a bedroom.
Compared to LG, this 12,000 BTU air conditioner has both advantages and disadvantages. It has the same BTU and many similar features, including a 24-hour timer, remote control, automatic evaporation, dehumidification mode and a 3-speed fan. However, there is a lack of oscillation and automatic cleaning, although they are not essential.
The Honeywell HL12CESWB is slightly larger and heavier than the LG. Its dimensions are 48 cm wide, 80 cm high and 40 cm deep, and weighs about 33 kg. However, the price of a floor air conditioner is its biggest drawback. It is higher than LG, and even more than the best model with two air ducts. But if relatively quiet operation is one of the priorities, then the acquisition of this air conditioner is worth considering.
The Honeywell HL12CESWB is decorated in white with a blue panel that gives it a slightly marine look. Gray or black accents are also available, as well as all white. The model is protected by a 5-year warranty.
Ballu and Bork Products
Ballu floor air conditioners of the Platinum, Smart Electronic, Smart Mechanic and Smart Pro series can also be attributed to this type. They are low-noise, have a dust filter, a 24-hour timer, a uniform air flow distribution system and night mode of operation. Their maximum cooling performance ranges from 2.6 kW to 5.5 kW. The warranty period depends on the model and is 2-3 years.
Floor air conditioner "Bork Y502" with a cooling capacity of 2.6 kW is equipped with an automatic water evaporation system, has a timer, and a control panel. It weighs 26 kg. It is completed with a 1,5 m air duct with adapters and a drain hose. Warranty - 1 year.
The best models with 2 hoses
Although floor air conditioners for a home without an air duct for inflowing fresh air are often cheaper and less cumbersome, experts say that for maximum performance it is best to have a fully functional model. There are a number of reasons for this, but the main one, as already mentioned, is that devices of this type are less likely to heat the room they are trying to cool.
Both experts and users speak positively about Whynter floor air conditioners with two air ducts, and they are often cheaper than models with a single exhaust hose. We are talking about Whynter ARC-14S with a capacity of 14,000 BTUs (4.1 kW). It is slightly less effective than Whynter Elite ARC-122DS, but the latter has less support from experts and users.
Whynter ARC-14SH also leads popularity ratings. However, providing both cooling and space heating, the air conditioner does not cope with any of these functions properly. If you want to get rid of the heat, then it is better to stay on the model ARC-14S.
According to reviews, the presence of 2 ducts is the main reason for choosing this air conditioner, but it has other advantages. Its design provides for natural evaporation, so if the air is not very humid, condensate will not have to be drained. The device can operate in 3 speed modes as an air conditioner, a dehumidifier that provides condensation of up to 48 liters of water per day, or just a fan. For convenience, there is a 24-hour timer and a remote control.
On the other hand, some users claim that the ARC-14S can be loud, so this should be considered when choosing a model for the bedroom. In addition, according to some owners, the openings of the inlet and outlet ducts in the window set are too close, which affects the efficiency of the device. The air conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 46 square meters. m, but these claims are too optimistic. Even in a room of 37 square meters. m the performance of the model does not shine, but it is better than other devices of this type.
As for the size, the Whynter ARC-14S black with silver trim is not very small. Its dimensions are 48 x 40 x 90 cm. The air conditioner weighs 36 kg, so moving from room to room, although facilitated by the presence of rollers, can be a difficult task, not to mention carrying around the stairs. Placement options are limited to 1.5 m from the window (or other external opening) and 1.8 m from the nearest outlet. ARC-14 is covered by a one-year warranty for the entire unit and a 3-year compressor warranty, but shipping to the manufacturer after the first two months is paid by the owner.
Friedrich ZoneAir P12B
In 2016, the reviews called Friedrich ZoneAir P12B with a capacity of 11,600 BTUs as the best floor-mounted air conditioner with ducts. It still deserves attention if the Whynter option doesn't work. The model works better than most other devices of this type. In addition to cooling, the ZoneAir P12B has a fan and dryer mode that can condense up to 34 liters of moisture per day. The liquid is removed thanks to a natural evaporation system with a container for storing excess water and automatic shutdown to prevent overfilling. There is a remote control, a 24-hour timer, a washable air filter and rollers to facilitate the movement of the device. Weighing 33 kg, the P12B is lighter than the ARC-14, but it is still difficult to carry along the stairs. The model is covered by a 1-year warranty, and its cooling system is subject to free repair for 5 years.