Air conditioners: which one to choose for your comfort?
If you are looking for an effective way to cool or heat your home, you have probably come across various air conditioning system solutions. From traditional air conditioners to those without an outdoor unit, to water or air models: the options are many.
But which one should you choose? Find out the differences between the various types, their advantages, and which one might be best suited to your needs!
What are air conditioners and how do they work?
An air conditioner is designed to cool, heat, dehumidify rooms and purify the air. The operation of an air conditioner is based on the principle of heat exchange: the device transfers heat from one room to another using a refrigerant fluid that changes state (from liquid to gas and vice versa) to absorb or release heat.
Air conditioners are divided into three main types: traditional air conditioners with an external unit, which offer high performance but require an external motor. Air conditioners without an external unit, water or air, ideal for buildings with architectural constraints. Finally, air conditioners with a heat pump, called fan coils or fan coils, which allow both cooling and heating, guaranteeing efficiency all year round.
Air conditioners with outdoor unit
Air conditioners with an external unit are the most widespread models used for domestic and commercial air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit that is installed outside the building to ensure heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the air in the outdoor environment. The refrigerant fluid transmits the thermal energy from the outside environment to the indoor unit in the room, which is intended to complete the job of cooling, heating or dehumidifying the room. Filter elements and antibacterial UV lamps in the indoor units complete the process of purifying and sanitising the air in the room.
Single-split air conditioners allow you to air-condition a single room with only one indoor unit. Dual split (or multi split) air conditioners allow you to air-condition several rooms with a single system, connecting two indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This system reduces space requirements, simplifies installation and is ideal for homes and offices.
The air conditioners work with inverter technology, automatically adjusting the compressor power according to the temperature with the advantage of reducing electricity consumption and improving environmental comfort.
Air conditioners without an outdoor unit: water or air?
Water cooled air conditioners use water from the water system for heat exchange with the refrigerant fluid, eliminating the need for an external unit and holes in the building's external wall. They are ideal for buildings in historic centres where aesthetic, space or architectural constraints are imposed on the installation of traditional outdoor units, thanks to their discreet and unobtrusive design. They offer simple installation, quiet operation and excellent integration into residential and working environments. The difference to traditional air conditioners is that they can be installed completely inside the home without the need for heat exchange with the outside air, and in addition they require a connection to the home's water system.
Air conditioners without an external air unit, or monoblock, offer an alternative to traditional models by eliminating the visible external motor. They consist of a single unit containing all the necessary components to air-condition the room, which is installed inside the room on the perimeter walls. They do not require a water connection, but do require two holes in the outer wall to realise the heat exchange with the outside air. So outside the building you will see no visible motor but only the two ventilation holes. They are also available with new low-GWP gases that improve efficiency and quietness.
Fan convectors or fancoils
An increasingly popular alternative to traditional radiators are fan coils, or fan coils, used for both space heating and cooling. Compared to radiators, fan coils offer greater efficiency in heat exchange due to the presence of an internal fan that facilitates the passage of air through the coil. This mechanism allows the desired temperatures to be achieved using water at a lower temperature, resulting in lower energy consumption.
To function, fan coils require an external generator to maintain the water at the required temperature: this can be a heat pump, capable of providing both heating and cooling, or a traditional boiler.
How to choose the right air conditioner?
When choosing the right air-conditioning system, it is essential to consider space, air-conditioning needs, energy efficiency and extra functionality. A suitable system ensures comfort, reduced consumption and a lower environmental impact.
Space available.
The choice of air conditioning system depends largely on the space available in your home. The size of the rooms, their layout and the presence of walls or windows influence the cooling or heating capacity required. For smaller rooms, a compact or monosplit air conditioner may be sufficient, while larger rooms or open spaces may require a multisplit or centralised system, and for buildings in historical centres or with architectural constraints it would be more appropriate to opt for air conditioners without an external unit. Considering the available space allows you to choose a system that not only meets your thermal needs, but also integrates perfectly into the environment without compromising aesthetics or efficiency. Furthermore, a correct space assessment will help you reduce energy consumption, ensuring maximum comfort with minimum impact.
Air conditioning needs.
Every home has unique air-conditioning needs, influenced by various factors such as space layout, thermal insulation and climatic conditions. Correctly identifying air-conditioning needs is the first step in choosing the perfect system to ensure a comfortable environment all year round. Whether cooling a small flat or heating a large villa, it is important to assess the system's power output, energy efficiency and control modes to optimise consumption and improve living comfort. With a targeted and customised choice, you can meet your specific needs without waste, reducing costs and improving indoor air quality.
Energy efficiency.
When it comes to domestic air conditioning, energy efficiency is an essential aspect. Modern air conditioners, ranging from heat pumps to centralised systems, offer excellent performance with low energy consumption. Thanks to advanced technology, it is now possible to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter, while minimising running costs.
Extra functionality.
Today's air conditioners do more than just cool or heat the room; they offer a range of extra features that increase comfort and improve energy efficiency. Among the most popular options are advanced filters and UV lamps that purify the air, eliminating dust, bacteria and allergens, and dehumidification mode, ideal for reducing excess humidity during the summer. Some models also feature smart control via apps or voice assistants, allowing you to remotely manage the temperature and schedule on/off according to your needs. Self-cleaning functions and silent operation are other popular features that optimise daily use of the air conditioner and improve air quality. Choose a system with extra features to enjoy an even more comfortable environment tailored to your needs.
Discover the ideal solution for your home! Contact us for a personal consultation and get all the information on the products best suited to your needs.