How to choose a mobile air conditioner
Mobile air conditioners for a house, a summer residence or a city apartment are interesting, first of all, because of the ability to move and installation that is elementary and simple. All elements of the cooling system are housed in a single housing (with the exception of portable split systems), which on the one hand provides ease of movement, installation and greatly simplifies the repair of mobile air conditioners, on the other hand, guarantees much noisier operation compared to the operation of more expensive multi-unit systems air conditioning. Any model can be moved around the house, cooling the premises in turn. Monoblock air conditioners most often do not have the function of ozonation and air filtration (with the exception of the most expensive models), but achieving this optimum temperature and maintaining it for a long time indoors with exhausting sunshine on the street is quite possible. The market for mobile air conditioners is diverse, among models with power, design, dimensions and a list of functions, it is not easy to select the most suitable model for your own needs. Before choosing a mobile air conditioner, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics and features of each of the varieties, which, in fact, we will do as part of the article.
Content
- Choose a place to install
- Operational Features
- The principle of operation of a mobile air conditioner
- Why is this air conditioner called mobile?
- How to decide on a model?
Preparing for operation of a mobile air conditioner compared to the time-consuming installation of a split system and installation can only be called with a very big stretch: air conditioning with an air duct must be prepared: place the hose for the outlet of hot air in the ajar window. However, the installation of a mobile air conditioner must be carried out with the following recommendations.
Mobile air conditioners can be moved from room to room, but the choice of location is limited by the need for proximity to the window
Choose a place to install
Installation of a mobile air conditioner must begin with the selection of the installation location. You should focus on convenient access to the outlet and close proximity (within 2m) to the window or window (the connection point of the corrugated hose for venting hot air). Then you need to install a hose for exhausting warm exhaust air, together with an adjustable nozzle directly into the device on one side and in a pre-prepared window opening, ventilation shaft or window leaf on the other.
To avoid the influx of warm air from the outside, a place for the outlet of the corrugated hose must be equipped
Operational Features
Before installing a mobile air conditioner, it is necessary to remove the protective tape from the condensate collection tank. Otherwise, the device operating in cooling mode will not turn on. The display on the dashboard will signal that the permissible water level in the tank has been exceeded, followed by an automatic shutdown of the compressor.
Condensate formed during the cooling process accumulates in the lower pan to collect condensate, from there it is pumped into the intermediate pan by the internal pump, then flows by gravity to the heat exchanger and evaporates. Excess condensate flows back into the tank. From time to time, the accumulated condensate must be periodically drained.
In most models, the possibility of working in the mode of continuous condensate drain is structurally provided. To do this, connect the capillary hose to the corresponding connector on one side, having previously removed the plug, and to the drain manifold on the other. An important point: automatic condensate drain reduces the efficiency in cooling mode.
The principle of operation of a mobile air conditioner
Consider the principle of operation of a mobile air conditioner for a clearer understanding of the essence of the processes. Two air flows simultaneously in the device.
Diagram showing the operation mechanism of a mobile air conditioner
The first air stream is taken in at the bottom of the rear wall of the air conditioner, the air stream is used to cool the condenser (it passes through the condenser heat exchanger, cools it, and heats up simultaneously). Warm air is subsequently vented out through the corrugated hose. The second air stream passes through the evaporative heat exchanger and, cooling, returns back to the room. When cooling the air, the moisture contained in it condenses on the cold walls of the evaporative heat exchanger.
Then, as described above, it falls into a special tray.
Why is this air conditioner called mobile?
In fact, a mobile air conditioner without an air duct can only be called air conditioner conditionally, since this device does not remove heat from the room, but only saturates the air with moisture, and therefore should work in a well-ventilated room. The mobile split system is equipped with an additional external unit, due to the removal of a condenser heat exchanger with a fan to the street, such a device works much quieter.
Mobile split-system will save you a good place and fit perfectly into any interior
Portable air conditioners for the most part are quite massive. Searching for the smallest mobile air conditioner, choosing a model based on aesthetic reasons, is impractical. Productivity limited by size.
How to decide on a model?
The choice of a mobile air conditioner should be made in accordance with the required power, this is the main indicator of efficiency. Approximately the power can be determined based on a simple correspondence: 1KW per 10m2. Also take into account the number of people simultaneously in the room, the availability of heat-generating equipment, as well as the location of the room (it is obvious that the room located on the sunny side is warmer). The larger the room, the more powerful compressor installation will be required. The approximate cooling area is usually indicated in the device certificate. Before deciding which mobile air conditioner to choose, check out the “noise operation” indicators, because the noise level can be much more than 50 dB! Models with a fan-type fan are noisier than devices with a tangential type, the latter also consume less electricity, which is important.
When choosing a device for cooling power, do not chase high indicators: mobile air conditioners for an apartment with a cooling capacity of 7000-9000 BTU are considered the most acceptable. Multiply the number of thermal units by 3 to determine the approximate cooling area..
The duration of the device depends on the design features. Models with a manual air distribution grill will last longer than similar models with an automatic one. Also pay attention to the length of the exhaust air hose: it must not exceed 1.5m.
The evidence of the statement that the best mobile air conditioner is a safe air conditioner does not need confirmation, so be sure to pay attention to the type of refrigerant used (the corresponding mark is indicated on the case). One of the most environmentally friendly today is Freon R410A.
Above, we examined the main criteria for selecting a mobile air conditioner. Take note of the information on choosing a device with the power that meets your needs, study in detail the characteristics of the model you like, compare your requirements with the capabilities of the air conditioner. Then the choice will be informed and guaranteed successful.
