Split System: Types of Air Conditioners and How to Choose

Split system – is an air conditioner that consists of several units. One unit (external) is mounted outside, and another unit (internal) is installed inside the room. In terms of ease of use and functionality, “splits” are better than monoblocks. When choosing an air conditioner, it is important not to forget about the possibility of installation, as it is not always possible to install the external unit outside, on the building’s wall. But if the device type is already determined, it’s time to move on to selecting climate equipment based on technical specifications. You can buy split systems in Krasnodar at the Ecosystem store. The manager will suggest models that meet the specified parameters and price.

Split System: Types and Purpose

Considering that “splits” consist of multiple units, sellers are honest with buyers. Because the external unit can be connected not just to one, but several internal systems. Such designs even have a special name – “multisystem” or “multi-split system”. One external unit can support the uninterrupted operation of 2-9 indoor air conditioners. These configurations are ideal for apartment buildings or hotels where it is not possible to install separate external units for each room.

In terms of types of internal units, split systems are divided into:

• Wall-mounted – classic installation on the wall inside the room;
• Duct – concealed air conditioning systems that supply air through grilles or diffusers;
• Floor-ceiling – installed on the floor or mounted on the ceiling;
• Cassette – multi-purpose air conditioner that blows in all directions;
• Column – remotely resemble a cabinet or speaker system, installed inside the room.

Regardless of the type of split system chosen by the buyer, the main factors are the area of the cooled room, ease of installation, and cost. Clearly, for a house or apartment, wall-mounted solutions are the best option. But what about cafes, restaurants, gyms, food storage rooms, offices? There are no ready-made solutions for each task. The consumer simply calculates the cooling efficiency, comparing it with the financial costs of purchasing a split system and the monthly electricity bills.

Careful Calculations Before Buying

When it comes to calculating the area of the cooled room, manufacturers strongly recommend selecting a suitable model of split system. Saving money by choosing a weak air conditioner for a large room can lead to higher electricity consumption and wear and tear of the equipment. Buying a powerful system for a small room is also not advisable.

And you shouldn’t rely solely on the external unit’s power. Buyers think that they will get more fresh air due to the power – but this is a myth. The cold or hot air emitted by the internal unit is collected from the room and returned with the specified temperature characteristics. Many split systems have ventilation, but it pulls air from outside, along with odors that the consumer will definitely dislike. The external unit simply contains noisy mechanisms that are placed outside the room. This is the main difference from traditional floor or window air conditioners. Roughly speaking – a split system guarantees the consumer silence, as much as possible.

In terms of functionality, among manufacturers, there are no significant differences. The quality of assembly and manufacturer’s warranty are important. A good split system from a reputable brand will last 10-15 years without failures. The main thing is timely cleaning and flushing (once every year or two) of all units. The maximum that can fail is the start capacitor, which does not like voltage surges and temperature fluctuations outside. When choosing a “split” with fine filters or ionizers, remember that they need to be cleaned once a year or replaced. It’s better to ensure quality installation. Improper length of copper tubing for refrigerant, poor insulation, lack of anti-vibration pads, unreliable mounting – all factors that contribute to the quick failure of the split system. Trust the professionals in choosing – it may be more expensive, but the lifespan of the air conditioner will increase significantly.