To reduce the ambient temperature in a room, to filter the air, to dehumidify or to heat, the air conditioner assures today several functions. It is impossible to do without this type of device in summer. Thanks to new technologies, some models are useful all year round. Monobloc, split, inverter, reversible, mobile or wall-mounted, the air conditioner comes in several categories. How to find the best model to meet your needs? We tell you everything in this guide.
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Our selection
"It is an appliance that combines aesthetics and reliability. Its A+ energy efficiency proves its low electricity consumption. Its Silent mode is a considerable asset…"
"The Argo Relax Style is very robust. Designed to withstand high temperatures, it can also be used as a heater in winter. Class A, this…"
"The Olimpia Splendid 01494 Unico Smart 12 HP is a stationary air conditioner with dual temperature management capabilities. It provides heat in the winter and…"
"The Klarstein Windwaker Eco air conditioner is one of the best solutions on the market for enjoying good thermal comfort at home all year round.…"
It is an appliance that combines aesthetics and reliability. Its A+ energy efficiency proves its low electricity consumption. Its Silent mode is a considerable asset to help you get a good night's sleep.
686 £ on AmazonPerforming and design, the mobile air conditioner De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL112 CST will be your best partner for an optimal comfort in summer. With a dehumidification function and 3 ventilation levels, it is perfectly equipped to guarantee fresh air. This model has been designed for rooms up to 110 m3.
This portable air conditioner comes with a remote control. Thanks to this accessory, the user can adjust the temperature of a room with maximum precision. The PAC EL112 CST is equipped with an LED display, a room thermostat and a 24-hour timer. Its handles and wheels make it easy to move.
The Argo Relax Style is very robust. Designed to withstand high temperatures, it can also be used as a heater in winter. Class A, this mobile air conditioner ensures considerable savings.
279 £ on AmazonThe Argo Relax Style mobile air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU. Considering the price, you'll get a great deal! The device will make you benefit from its 3 modes for an above average comfort of use. You can use it as a dehumidifier, fan and air cooler, among others. In addition to its 3 fan speeds, the device also offers an Auto function.
The motorized vanes, which you can adjust horizontally or vertically, allow for a wide oscillation that can be set via the remote control to direct the flow of cool air in a specific direction. The LED display makes it easy to use. Note that the Argo Relax Style has a timer that can be programmed over a 24-hour period, a sleep memory mode and a self-diagnosis system.
The Olimpia Splendid 01494 Unico Smart 12 HP is a stationary air conditioner with dual temperature management capabilities. It provides heat in the winter and cools the air in your apartment, bedroom or office when it is hot.
1 036 £ on Amazon
The Klarstein Windwaker Eco air conditioner is one of the best solutions on the market for enjoying good thermal comfort at home all year round. It is ideal for rooms from 53 to 88 m2.
640 £ on AmazonThe Klarstein Windwaker Eco split air conditioner is a 4-in-1 unit that can air condition, dehumidify, ventilate and heat. Its many adjustment options exist to offer you maximum comfort. Perfectly ergonomic, the model simplifies your life and even has an automatic cleaning function. The latter helps ensure the product's durability.
With an energy class of A++, it belongs to the family of ecological air conditioners. The indoor unit is quiet. The split air conditioner quickly reaches the desired temperature after a simple press of the Turbo button. The automatic shutdown is easily programmable with the timer function. In cold weather, you can activate the heating mode of this split air conditioner to keep the room at a good temperature.
Any specific needs?
The best air conditioner in 2021
The best entry-level air conditioner
The best high-end air conditioner
The best reversible split air conditioner
Your guide :
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| THE BEST | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL112 CST
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Argo Relax Style
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Olimpia Splendid 01494 Unico Smart 12 HP
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Klarstein Windwaker Eco
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It is an appliance that combines aesthetics and reliability. Its A+ energy efficiency proves its low electricity consumption. Its Silent mode is a considerable asset to help you get a good night's sleep.
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The Argo Relax Style is very robust. Designed to withstand high temperatures, it can also be used as a heater in winter. Class A, this mobile air conditioner ensures considerable savings.
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The Olimpia Splendid 01494 Unico Smart 12 HP is a stationary air conditioner with dual temperature management capabilities. It provides heat in the winter and cools the air in your apartment, bedroom or office when it is hot.
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The Klarstein Windwaker Eco air conditioner is one of the best solutions on the market for enjoying good thermal comfort at home all year round. It is ideal for rooms from 53 to 88 m2.
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Power
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950 Watts
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2600 W
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2500 to 2700 W
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5300 Watts
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Cooling capacity
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10,000 BTU
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-
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18,000 BTU/h
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Energy efficiency
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A+
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A
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A
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A++-
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Noise level
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63 dB
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52 dB
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33 dB
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heating, cooling, cleaning mode, timer, 6 fan speeds, 3 night modes.
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Additional features
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dehumidification, 3 fan levels, ECO
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Fan, dehumidifier
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ventilation, dehumidification, automatic, standby
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49.5 kg
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Weight
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33 kg
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20 kg
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40 kg
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The choice of an air conditioner is made primarily according to the specificities of the room where the equipment will be installed. The surface of the room, the insulation of the house, the orientation of the facade are some of the factors to be taken into account to know with precision the necessary power.
Then, the choice of the model of air conditioner is also made by taking into account the climate of the region. It is sometimes recommended to ask a professional for a thermal assessment before starting. In principle, 100 to 130 watts of power are needed for a surface area of one square meter. Knowing the surface area of the room to be cooled, you can make a simple calculation.
It is important to rely on the Energy Efficient Ratio or EER. This is a coefficient used to rank electronic products according to their energy consumption. Air conditioners with an A+ or A++ rating are the most economical, but cost more.
The more powerful an appliance is, the more energy it consumes and the higher your electricity bill. In order to optimize energy expenses while enjoying a good level of comfort, it is important to choose an air conditioner properly.
The noise generated by an air conditioning system varies from one model to another. Split air conditioners are recommended for people who want a quiet unit. The noise generated by devices of this type hovers around 30 dB (A). A wall-mounted split air conditioner can be installed in the bedroom without disturbing anyone. Noise pollution caused by mobile monobloc systems is estimated to be between 50 and 55 dB(A) on average.
In addition to the basic functions, mobile and wall-mounted air conditioners can be equipped with additional options. In this sense, it is necessary to pay attention to all the equipment included in the package. The presence of a remote control, for example, is a guarantee of comfort of use, because you will no longer have to get up to adjust the temperature or manage all the modes of the device.
Among the basic functions, there are the heating mode, the air conditioning mode, the dehumidification mode, the ventilation mode and the automatic mode. On newer models, you may encounter functions such as: silence/night, ECO (energy saving), TIMER (start and stop programming), SWING (ventilation oscillation control.
Maintenance is useful for the proper functioning of an appliance. When good practices are followed, the life of an air conditioner is longer. An air conditioning unit, whether mobile or wall-mounted, should be cleaned regularly to remove any dust that has gotten into it. However, not all air conditioners are maintained in the same way.
In this sense, it is advisable to prefer models with a washable filter. This will avoid the purchase of repeated filters. We also recommend models that do not require frequent maintenance. This way, you can save time while avoiding the risks of deterioration linked to the opening of the device.
Maintaining an air conditioner is one way to ensure a long life for the unit. However, the need for regular maintenance is not just a matter of longevity. A well-maintained air conditioner remains efficient, safe and healthy.
A well-maintained air conditioner will maintain the same level of energy performance over the long term. If the filters are dirty (dust accumulation), the efficiency of the unit decreases. As a result, the unit will consume more energy to ensure its normal functions.
Dirty filters quickly become a refuge for bacteria and mold. These can spread through the air inside the house when the air conditioner is on. Thus, the air that has become impure could harm the health of your loved ones. In order to enjoy a healthy atmosphere in a room, it is mandatory to properly maintain your air conditioner.
Periodic cleaning of your air conditioner's components is one way to reduce the risk of breakdowns. For proper cleaning practices, read the instructions that came with your unit carefully.
Short circuits are one of the possible causes of home fires. By reducing the risk of complicated malfunctions, regular maintenance of your air conditioner will also reduce the occurrence of short circuits. Good housekeeping practices, which are helpful in keeping an air conditioner running smoothly, are also important for the safety of your home.
As its name suggests, a packaged air conditioner consists of a single unit installed inside the house. It is equipped with a duct allowing to evacuate outside the hot air extracted in a room.
"Split" is an English term meaning "separate". A split air conditioner consists of at least two units. A model with one outdoor unit and one indoor unit is called a Monosplit. When the unit consists of several indoor units, it is called a multisplit. A split air conditioner can be mobile, fixed, reversible or non-reversible.This type of device is appreciated for its performance, but is usually expensive. It generates noise, but at the level of the outdoor unit. With a split air conditioner, you can air condition a room with a surface area of around 45 m2. Before buying a split air conditioner, it is important to plan an ideal location for the outdoor unit.
If you want to air-condition several rooms, choose a multi-split air conditioner. However, in a condominium, the split air conditioner is not recommended because of the noise generated by the compressor.
Also called thermodynamic heating, this type of air conditioner is a 2-in-1 device that cools or heats as needed. Its operating principle is similar to that of an air-to-air heat pump. It comes in different versions: monobloc, split, mobile or fixed. The reversible air conditioner helps you enjoy a good thermal comfort all year long. It is compatible with both large and small spaces.
Wall-mounted models are recommended for people who want to optimize floor space. Do you want an air conditioner that can act as a heater? The optimization of your energy consumption is a priority for you? In areas where temperatures can be very low (-15°C), a reversible air conditioner will never replace a space heater. Moreover, for some models in this category, the lower the temperature, the lower the efficiency.
Very popular in Japan, the Inverter air conditioner has a growing reputation in several countries, including France. Thanks to its advanced technology, the Inverter air conditioner reaches the temperature programmed by the user in record time. The regulation of the speed of an inverter air conditioner and its management of temperature changes is possible thanks to a variable speed compressor called VEV.
In case you are attracted by the characteristics of a classic split air conditioner, you will be easily seduced by the Inverter model. To reach the programmed temperature, a split air conditioner must alternate on and off cycles. With the Inverter technology, the air conditioner works continuously with a power and a speed regulated according to the real outside temperature and the user's needs.
A portable air conditioner is an air conditioning unit that is distinguished by its mobility. It is often equipped with wheels to facilitate its displacement. The installation of this type of air conditioner does not require the intervention of a refrigeration specialist. Accessible at low cost, mobile air conditioners are associated with some negative points. The noise they generate and their energy-consuming nature are their main drawbacks.
Note that there are classic mobile air conditioners and reversible versions. Some models are monobloc and others are split. Products in this category are appreciated for their practicality. For simplicity and budget optimization, a monobloc air conditioner will be your ally. For performance and maximum comfort, a mobile split air conditioner is the best option.
Compact and discreet, the wall-mounted air conditioner helps you optimize floor space. Aesthetically, the models available on the market can easily integrate with any type of decoration, thanks to their modern design. The installation of this type of device is not complicated and does not require major work. The wall-mounted air conditioner comes in two main categories: the mono split air conditioners and the multi split versions,
The mono split is suitable for thermal comfort in a small room. If you want to cool several rooms in the house, opt for a multi split wall air conditioner.
The choice between a portable and a wall-mounted air conditioner depends on your needs and your priorities. If you're sensitive to noise, you can delete the portable air conditioner from your list of choices. When combined with an outdoor unit, a wall-mounted air conditioner is always quiet. Plus, the aesthetics are there for the taking. If you have multiple rooms to cool, a wall-mounted multi-split air conditioner is the best option.
An air conditioner is an essential piece of equipment for home comfort. The following arguments will reassure you if you are still hesitating to invest in the best model.
In summer, having an air conditioner in your home allows you to enjoy a good coolness. In the hottest areas where the temperature can reach a level out of the ordinary, the air conditioner can become a necessity for the well-being of fragile people. Reversible models are very useful in winter, as they provide the necessary heat to maintain a good thermal comfort in a room.
An air conditioner with an air filtration system offers definite benefits to the whole family. Such equipment prevents the spread of viruses, bacteria and microbes. It dehumidifies the air and filters dust, pollen, various allergens and odors. You can therefore enjoy clean air every day.
A reversible air conditioner can sometimes be used to replace totally or partially a traditional heating system. This helps to reduce energy consumption. Note that the most recent models of air conditioners are classified as energy efficient. They do not contain or generate any harmful substances to the environment.
Opt for convenience by choosing a mobile or wall-mounted air conditioner. With these two types of air conditioners, you won't have to plan any major work. Moreover, in terms of price and maintenance, they are more advantageous compared to a fixed air conditioning system.
The air conditioner market today offers a wide variety of models to meet all needs and budgets. Advances in technology contribute to bring more options to ensure maximum comfort to users (air conditioners with less noise, more ecological, etc.).
In our opinion, the best brands of air conditioners in 2022 are :
It is a German brand offering a wide range of household appliances, kitchen appliances, air conditioning, heating, air quality and barbecue. Klarstein is a good place to find innovative appliances at competitive prices. The brand has been around since 2008.
De'Longhi is among the brands of the Italian group De'Longhi S.p.a. Kenwood, Braun and Ariete are the other brands launched by the company. De'Longhi is known worldwide for its innovative appliances that contribute to the comfort of a household.
The brand has been around since 1956 and is now present in more than 45 countries. It is now the leader in its sector. Olimpia Splendid is known for its high quality products in the field of heating, air conditioning, air treatment and hydronic systems.
It is a French brand known for its fans, radiators and mobile air conditioners. It has been around for 25 years and continues to provide the best solutions for its customers to enjoy thermal comfort at home.
The REMKO company was founded in 1976. Today, it is present throughout Europe and is among the references in the production of heating, air conditioning and dehumidification equipment.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Optimize energy consumption by setting the unit to the right temperature
It is advisable to reduce the difference between the outside and inside temperatures. Indeed, the electricity consumption climbs or decreases according to this difference. In this sense, the best temperature setting is between 5 and 8°C below the outside temperature.
Install the air conditioner in the best location
Whether it is wall-mounted or mobile, an air conditioner should be installed in the best possible location. To do this, consider both aesthetics and practicality. In the case of a mobile air conditioner, the best location is near a window. Indeed, the exhaust pipe is often quite short (1.5 m) and requires an opening to the outside. Allow 30 to 40 cm between the unit and the wall is recommended to ensure better air circulation.
Avoid the exhaust hose of a mobile air conditioner being bent
The exhaust duct of a portable air conditioner, as its name indicates, is used to evacuate hot air from a room to the outside. In case it is bent, it will not be able to perform its function effectively. This can have an effect on the cooling of the room. For the unit to work effectively, its exhaust hose should be as straight as possible.
Limit energy waste by avoiding drafty sources
It is recommended to close off the various openings in a room to be air conditioned. This will prevent drafts that can interfere with the proper operation of your air conditioner. In case the window is open while the unit is running, heat from outside gets inside and, conversely, coolness from inside escapes. This forces the air conditioner to work harder, consuming more energy.
Avoid turning the unit off repeatedly
Have to go out for a few minutes to run an errand? No need to turn off your air conditioner. It takes a lot of energy to start it up. The best practice if you don't plan to be away for long hours is to leave the unit on after setting it to the right temperature. Keep in mind that repeated shutdowns of an air conditioner will increase your electricity bill.
It is true that there are simple practices for maintaining an air conditioner. However, it is sometimes useful to entrust the work to a pro. A device with a cooling capacity greater than 12 kW must be inspected by a competent technician every five years, according to the decree of March 31, 2010. Periodic maintenance by a professional will also extend the life of the unit.
An unpleasant odor from an air conditioner can be a sign that it is not being maintained properly. This can happen when the unit's filters are dirty and the air temperature and humidity in the room are high. To solve the problem, in this case, it is sufficient to carry out maintenance. However, a bad smell can also occur after a short circuit. Here, calling a professional is the best solution.
First, check the various connections and the circuit breaker. In case you are unable to identify the source of the malfunction, it is advisable to call a qualified professional. Without some knowledge of the unit, you risk aggravating the problem by trying to repair it yourself. Maintaining your air conditioner regularly helps you limit the risk of breakdown.
To sleep well, you need your air conditioner's noise level to be below 30 dB. However, a mobile air conditioner usually produces noise between 40 - 60/0 dB. In this sense, for the bedroom or for an office, wall-mounted models are to be preferred. An air conditioner with a night/silence mode is also a solution to consider.
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