Classification of air conditioners is carried out differently in Asia, Europe, America and America. Not focusing our attention on differences of classifications, let us limit the circle of models under consideration to air-conditioners of domestic use. So, we are going to consider two principally different classes of air conditioners: monoblock window and mobile and split-systems. As the name suggests, monoblock air conditioner consists of one unit. This group includes window conditioners and mobile monoblock conditioners. Split-systems “Split” from Split consists of two joined units: inside and outside. An internal block compact and noiseless is placed inside of an air conditioned premise, and an external block bulky and noisy, because it is where a compressor is placed is situated outside. If Split-system has more than one indoor unit it is called Multi-split-system.
SPLIT SYSTEMS
The main division of split-systems is according to an internal block type, as an external block, containing compressor, looks the same.
Wall-mounted conditioner
Probably the most widespread type for domestic use, which, as its name says, is fixed on the wall.
AREA OF APPLICATION: can condition small rooms up to 10 sq. km. m. capacity from 1.8 kW and large enough up to 70-80 sq. km. m. power up to 8 kW , so it is installed not only in apartments but also in offices and stores.
Floor-ceiling air-conditioner
According to dimensions somewhat exceeds the sizes of a wall-mounted unit. The advantage of floor-ceiling type air conditioners is that they provide a good air exchange, evenly distributing the cooled air around the room.
It also eliminates direct air flow to people and reduces the size of the blind spot.
There are several kinds of installation. Floor standing installation up to 0,5 m from the floor is good, because a stream of cooled air is directed upward, which is its main advantage, since the air is cooled at the same time.
Thus, the size of “dead zone” the zone with high air mobility, where it is undesirable to be is not great, about 1 square kilometer. m. Due to this feature floor installation is suitable for rooms where every meter of free space is a priority for example, in densely populated offices .
Ceiling installation air stream is directed along the ceiling is actual in the case when the wall installation is impossible. Besides, floor-ceiling type conditioners can be installed in niches, in this case the inner block is closed by decorative panels.
APPLICATION: medium and large spaces – offices, stores.
MONOBLOCK CONDITIONERS
Window conditioners
Some time ago this group of conditioners was the most widespread. advantages of window conditioners consist in their low price and simplicity of installation can be fulfilled by oneself as well as in their longevity, which is conditioned by the mechanism of their production worked out for many years.
Here the advantages come to the end, but they are followed by serious disadvantages. Firstly, it has a high noise level because the noisy part – a compressor – is situated inside the premise . Secondly, “spoiling” of the aesthetics of a window opening because “a window unit” is installed in the window opening and as a result worsening of illumination. Thirdly, a window conditioner is not compatible with the glass pane, curtains the curtains should not block the surface and shutters. Fourthly, even to a window conditioner of high capacity it is difficult and sometimes impossible to cool a room of complicated shape. In spite of the fact that “window conditioners” still occupy a definite part of the market about 8-10% , because of the above mentioned disadvantages, window conditioners are forced out from the market by now popular split-systems.
Mobile monoblock conditioners
Though mobile monoblock conditioners are not numerous about 3-4 percents of the market , but they are a definite group. Such conditioner consists of only one block, which can be compared with a washing-machine in its dimensions. how being in a premise this construction gives out excessive heat outside the premise?
A special flexible hose 0,5-1,5 m long which is installed behind the door or window is used for this purpose. But if one pushes the hose into opened door or window, the warm air will go inside the premise that will complicate the work of air conditioner. That is why it is necessary to make special plugs in window-frames, the size of aperture should coincide with the diameter of a hose.
When one uses an air conditioner one opens plugs and puts a hose, and when one does not use an air conditioner the plugs remain closed.
As the name says, this conditioner is mobile, that means, as a rule, it is equipped with wheels and is more “flexible” in installation.
Its main and perhaps the only serious advantage is this. Mobile air conditioner can be easily dismantled and transported, and it is topical for the people who often rent dwelling or live in two houses for example, apartment and summer cottage .
If you do not belong to that group of people then to buy such conditioner is not rational, because monoblock is rather noisy compressor is situated inside the premise , the expenses are comparable with expenses on purchase of split-system, and here cooling of multi-room apartment is not forced by mobile conditioner.
Air-conditioner of cassette type
Huge, but turns out to be fully hidden, as it is installed in a false ceiling.
As the result only lower part of a rack remains in view and due to it a conditioner is almost invisible – this is its main advantage.
Another advantage is the uniform distribution of cooled air and the ability to condition complex shaped rooms.
As a rule, a cassette type conditioner is installed in the center of a room and depending on a model can supply air in two, three or four directions.
AREA OF APPLICATION: offices, restaurants, stores.
Column or floor conditioner
It has impressive sizes, representing a column standing on the floor. As a rule, it is installed in places where for some reasons the integrity of walls and ceiling in the absence of a false ceiling can not be violated. A column conditioner has a high cold-productivity.
AREA OF APPLICATION: offices, conference halls, bars, restaurants.
Duct conditioner
Also consists of outdoor and indoor units. From the indoor unit installed in a suspended ceiling, the duct system diverges, through which the cooled air is distributed to several rooms.
It is also possible to take in fresh air from the outside, for which one should provide a separate air duct to the street. At right designing and calculating it is an important part of installation of a channel conditioner such variant is more economical.
However, there are disadvantages – the impossibility of adjusting the air parameters for each individual room, as well as the complexity of design.
AREA OF APPLICATION: large apartments from 100 sq.m. and houses from 50 sq.m. to 100 sq.m. . offices, restaurants and large commercial areas.
Multi-split-systems
Multi-split-system consists not of one but several indoor units usually two to five which are connected to one outdoor unit, – hence the prefix “multi. Such system allows to condition several premises at once.
AREA OF APPLICATION: multi-bedroom apartment or office, or other premises consisting of several small rooms.
I’ve heard the terms monoblock and split-systems when it comes to conditioners, but I’m a bit confused about what they actually mean. Can someone explain the difference between monoblock and split-system conditioners and how they function? Which one is more efficient and suitable for residential use?
Could anyone please explain the difference between monoblock and split-system conditioners? I am not familiar with these terms and would appreciate some clarification. Thank you!