Floor-standing Air Conditioners Without An Air Duct: How To Choose A Portable Room Air Conditioner For A House And An Apartment Without Going Outside? Owner Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

Floor standing air conditioners without duct are a "lightweight" version of traditional split systems and are rapidly gaining popularity. Unlike stationary counterparts requiring professional installation, these portable devices are very easy to operate, efficient in use and do not require large financial investments.

Features and working principle

Floor-standing air conditioners that do not have air ducts are considered a fairly popular type of home climatic equipment. This is due to the deterioration of people's well-being during the heat and the need to create comfortable conditions in the room. Mobile air conditioners effectively cope with this problem, creating a favorable microclimate and maintaining it for a long time.

The floor-standing air conditioner without duct is a medium-sized portable unit that can be easily moved to the desired location. Installation of such systems does not require violation of the integrity of partitions and walls, as well as the installation of a massive block on the facade of the building. This becomes possible due to the fact that the compressor of the device is already built into its housing and forms a single monoblock with it. In order to start the unit, you just need to plug it in and set the required parameters.

The principle of operation of a floor-standing air conditioner without an air duct is based on the evaporation of liquid. The device is equipped with a capacious reservoir and a porous filter with high hygroscopic properties ., that is, it absorbs and retains water well. A compact pump delivers water to it from the reservoir, and a built-in fan blows it with a powerful jet of air. As a result, the moisture evaporated from the surface of the filter absorbs enough heat, making the room air cool.

The efficiency of cooling largely depends on the level of humidity in the room - the higher it is, the less intense the evaporation from the filter, and the slower the cooling of the air. To avoid this effect it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room, or use a model with a dehumidification function … In this regard, the use of devices without corrugation in basements and blind spaces is not recommended. At the same time, the use of floor air conditioners is advisable in rooms with an area of no more than 25-30 m2.

Floor standing models consume a small amount of electricity, which compares favorably with their stationary counterparts. On many units, thermal power is indicated not in kilowatts, but in British units - BTU / h. Most appliances on the market have a thermal output of 7000 to 24000 BTU / h, where 1 BTU / h corresponds to 0.293 W . Unlike classic air conditioners, mobile models are more sensitive to environmental conditions, so the amount of electricity consumed per hour depends on external factors: weather conditions outside the window, the size of the room, the number of people in it, the presence of heat sources in the room, the design features of housing (the amount windows and doors).

Knowing the power of the device, you can make simple calculations and find out how much its work will cost during the month . For example, if the device consumes 0.5 kW and operates 8 hours a day, then it will consume 4 kW, which in monetary terms is about 16 rubles. Thus, his work will cost about 500 rubles a month.

Many models of floor standing appliances can be used not only for cooling, but also for space heating. However, the heating mode can be turned on only if the outside air temperature does not fall below zero.

Pros and cons

Like any other type of HVAC equipment, floor-standing air conditioners without an air duct have their strengths and weaknesses.

Below are the positive aspects of these compact, but at the same time effective models

• The most important advantage of floor-standing units is called the gradual cooling of the room air temperature to a comfortable + 23 degrees Celsius, which is accompanied by a gradual normalization of humidity. It is impossible to catch a cold next to such a device. This favorably distinguishes floor models from stationary models, contributing to their greater popularization.
• Air conditioners are very easy to operate, which is not difficult for children or the elderly. The latest models are equipped with a remote control, while the earlier ones have a panel with buttons located directly on the body.
• Thanks to the use of ordinary tap water as a refrigerant, the floor-standing models are completely environmentally friendly and are suitable for people suffering from allergic diseases.
• Portable air conditioners work quite quietly, which allows them to be installed in bedrooms and in nurseries without fear of disturbing the sleep of household members.
• Most models are equipped with small castors to make it easier to move the appliance around the room and make it easy to change the installation location.
• Many modern models are equipped with a set of options, which allows them to be used as a heater, fan and ionizer. Moreover, some models have an ice container, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the time required to lower the temperature. Such devices are capable of cooling a room by an average of 5 degrees in half an hour.
• Mobile air conditioners are much cheaper than traditional models and consume much less electricity.

The disadvantages of floor-standing units without an air duct include lower efficiency in comparison with stationary split systems, the need for constant monitoring of the water level in the tank and the impossibility of effective use in rooms over 30 m2. Besides, appliances not equipped with an ice container take a long time to cool the room … However, many users regard this moment as a blessing, since a too rapid decrease in temperature will inevitably lead to a cold.

Another significant disadvantage of floor-standing models is their ability to significantly humidify the room during their work. This requires regular ventilation of the room, otherwise the appearance of mold and mildew is guaranteed.

For this reason, floor samples should not be installed in wet areas such as bathrooms and showers, nor should they be used in closed, unventilated areas such as storerooms and basements.

Rating of the best models

The modern HVAC equipment market presents a wide range of floor-standing air conditioners without an air duct.

Among domestic samples, it should be noted Kibor 30 unit , produced by the company of the same name. The device has a high cooling capacity, which is provided with an air flow of up to 1300 m3 / h. This is made possible by the use of a state-of-the-art twin-turbocharged tangential supercharger. The device is equipped with a built-in heater, therefore it is suitable not only for cooling the room, but also for heating it. The model has two heating modes - 1150 and 2100 W, it is capable of increasing the temperature in the room by 5-10 degrees compared to the initial one.

Due to the installation of a large water tank with a volume of 10 liters, the air conditioner can be operated in fairly large rooms with an area of up to 30 m2. The device is equipped with an ionization function designed for refreshing and antibacterial treatment of indoor air . The set of the air conditioner includes a remote control with a range of up to 6 m. Among the options are the presence of a sound reminder signal, a memory function and a timer that allows you to program the device for automatic shutdown. The model has a low power consumption in cooling mode, which is only 130 W, and can operate in three modes. The device operates on a 220-240 V network, weighs 10.2 kg, is produced in dimensions 37, 2x36, 4x82, 8 cm and costs 19,900 rubles.

No less popular Chinese model Ballu BPAC-07 CM has a cooling capacity of 2.05 kW , while consuming 0.78 kW, and is perfect for home, summer cottages, retail space or office. The device has a low noise level of 45 dB, in addition to heating and cooling the air, it filters and purifies it. The device is designed to work in rooms no more than 20 m2, is available in sizes 27x69, 5x48 cm and weighs 25 kg.

Of the options, it should be noted the function of adjusting the fan speed, which allows you to adjust the power of its operation, as well as the ability of the air conditioner to work not only for cooling, but also for dehumidification. Moreover, the model is equipped with a washing filter, high-quality LCD display and an electronic thermostat … The warranty for the air conditioner is 2 years, the cost is from 13,500 to 16,800 rubles, depending on the supplier.

The mobile model of the Swedish brand Timberk AC TIM 9H P4 is made in China and has a mechanical control . The device is used for cooling, heating and dehumidification of room air in rooms up to 26 m2. To reduce the noise load, the air conditioner housing is equipped with a 1 cm thick soundproofing layer, and the rapid heating / cooling technology helps to change the air temperature in a matter of minutes.

The heat flow rate corresponds to 9 BTU, the air capacity is 360 m3 / h. The air conditioner is available in dimensions 30x45, 5x63 cm and weighs 23 kg. The model is equipped with rotating wheels, thanks to which it can be easily moved to the desired place . The model has an automatic condensate evaporation function, is equipped with a highly efficient Tesom compressor and consumes very little electricity. The cost of the device is 17,100 rubles.

Portable American model Honeywell ES800 is a lightweight and compact device capable of operating in cooling, humidification, purification and ventilation modes. Parameters are set by means of a remote control equipped with on / off buttons, a timer, a blower speed regulator and a thermostat control key. The device is designed for rooms no more than 20 m2, has a noise level of 9 to 55 dB, depending on the selected mode and is able to lower the air temperature in the room in just 15 minutes. The model is equipped with an 8-liter water tank, is equipped with honeycomb honeycomb and carbon filters for air purification, and is characterized by low energy consumption (36-70 W). Such an air conditioner costs 19,900 rubles.

The budget model from the Indian manufacturer Symphony Diet 8i is intended for home use and is effective in small rooms up to 18 m2. The power of the device is 125 W, and the volume of the water tank is 5.5 liters. The air conditioner is equipped with a remote control, has a digital touch control panel and is very quiet. In addition, it practically does not take up space in the room, consumes little energy and uses water sparingly. The model is equipped with automatic blinds and rotating castors for easy movement around the apartment. The range of the air-cooling flow is 7.5 m. The device is produced in dimensions of 30x33x73 cm, operates on a voltage of 220-230 V and costs 11,600 rubles.

Selection Tips

When choosing an air conditioner without duct there are a number of important points to consider.

• The power of the device must strictly correspond to the size of the room for which it is purchased. Otherwise, the operation of the unit will be ineffective and the room will not be cooled properly.
• Noise load is also an important parameter. If the device is bought for a children's room or bedroom, then it is better to choose models with several noise modes or the Sleep function.
• The functionality of the device must also be considered. Many models, along with the main function - air cooling, are able to purify, ionize and heat it. Therefore, the purchase of one multifunctional device will eliminate the need to purchase several units.
• It is better to choose air conditioners with an insulated water tank or with an ice container. This significantly speeds up the process of cooling the room and increases its efficiency.
• It is advisable to purchase products from well-known companies that have been producing climatic equipment for more than one year and value their reputation. These include Samsung, Electrolux, Ballu, Honeywell, Kibor and other well-known companies in the world market.

How to use?

The rules for operating air conditioners without an air duct are very simple. The device is sold ready-to-use and only needs to be screwed on the wheels . To do this, put it on a flat surface, install the rollers in the nests and fix it. Then open the water container and fill it according to the declared volume up to the maximum mark (MAX). In the future, make sure that the water level does not fall below the minimum mark, but ideally is in the middle between the MAX and MIN marks. This completes the preparation of the air conditioner, and the device can be started up. To do this, the plug is plugged into a 220 V socket, and the start button on the panel or remote control is turned on. After that, the indicator should light up, which means that the device is ready for operation.

In order for the operation of the air conditioner to be long and safe, it is necessary to adhere to some rules

• It is forbidden to open and repair the device yourself. In the event of a breakdown, you need to contact the service center.
• Operation of air conditioners without bringing the pipe to the street is unacceptable in a humid room.
• In case of accidental overturning of water on the body of the device, you must immediately unplug from the socket and dry the unit. In addition, the unit must be disconnected from the mains when not in use.
• It is prohibited to install air conditioners near sources of open fire, as well as in the immediate vicinity of heating devices.
• During operation, the air conditioner must be located strictly on a horizontal surface, as the inclination of the case may cause water to overflow over the edge of the tank.
• During operation, the unit must never be covered with paper, cardboard, cloth or other thick materials. The ventilation openings must always be kept open. Otherwise, the appliance may overheat and ignite.
• It is forbidden to place various objects on the air conditioner, as well as shake or turn it over. In case of contamination of the case, washing should be carried out with a soft sponge and liquid detergents. The use of gasoline, toluene and other corrosive substances is strictly prohibited.
• For an unobstructed air flow to the air conditioner, its installation must be carried out at least 15 cm from the wall and pieces of furniture.
• If you do not plan to use the air conditioner in the near future, you must drain the water from the tank and wipe it dry.
• A couple of times a month, it is recommended to drain the water from the container and clean it from sediment and plaque.
• Do not use the device with a damaged plug or cord, or use it for other purposes.
• If there are small children in the house, do not leave them alone with the device turned on.
• Store the air conditioner in a cool dry place away from sunlight and direct heat sources.

Review overview

According to most owners, air conditioners without an air duct are a good invention and allow you to effectively cool the room in hot weather. Consumers note the mobility and low weight of the models, which allows them to be taken with them to the office and to the country . In addition, many are attracted by the absence of the need for complex installation, regular maintenance and expensive repairs, as well as the relatively low price.

but along with numerous positive reviews, there are also negative … So, many users are unanimous in the opinion that floor-standing models are significantly inferior in efficiency to stationary air conditioners and cannot provide adequate cooling in extreme heat. However, this complaint occurs mainly where people have used low-power models, designed for a small square, and installed them in larger rooms.

Another disadvantage of some models is called too cold outlet air flow ., which does not allow, for example, letting a small child go to the floor or, in general, being in the same room with air conditioning. Many mothers write that they are forced to first cool the room, turn off the device, and only after that start the baby. The noise level of some devices is also too high, even in the Sleep mode. Young mothers also complain about this, who cannot put their children to sleep under the noise of an air conditioner.

In general people are happy with their purchase, they believe that the units are fully consistent with their price … And although one does not have to wait for the capabilities of stationary air conditioners from them, they cope with the cooling of small areas, as well as with heating, purification and ionization of air, they cope perfectly well.

There is even more interesting and useful information about floor standing air conditioners without an air duct in the video.