The split air conditioner is a model composed of at least two units, like its name – from the English term to split (separate) – proves it. It includes an outdoor unit, which evacuates the hot indoor air and which captures the calories from the outdoor air if the device is reversible, and one or more indoor units which capture the hot and humid air and diffuse cool or warm air. Practical, aesthetic and comfortable for all members of the family, the split air conditioner can be adjusted according to your wishes. Let’s discover its characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
What are the characteristics of the split air conditioner?
The split air conditioner is a device that consists of two distinct categories of units connected by an electrical connection:
- one to six indoor units each equipped with an evaporator to capture the air to be heated or cooled and a fan that diffuses the cold or hot air in the room,
- an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, an expander and a condenser which transforms the steam into water.
The different elements that make up the split air conditioner operate on the principle of the thermodynamic cycle. The air is heated or cooled using a refrigerant which circulates between the indoor and outdoor units in isolated refrigeration links.
There are four categories of split air conditioner:
- The mobile split air conditioner : its indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit by means of a simple flat evacuation duct which allows it to remain mobile, in particular with its wheels to facilitate its movements. It is practical, but it remains unattractive.
- The fixed split air conditioner : this wall-mounted model is more discreet since the ducts are integrated into the wall. Reversible, it also captures the calories in the outside air to transmit them to the diffuser in order to heat the room in winter. It can be monosplit (with one indoor unit) or multisplit (with several indoor units, one per room to be heated or cooled).
- The ducted split air conditioner : even more discreet and aesthetic, this air conditioning only reveals the air vents.
- The air conditioning cassette : fixed to the ceiling, it saves space.
What are the advantages of the split air conditioner?
The split air conditioner has many advantages.
- real power : this model of air conditioner is particularly effective for cooling a large room and an entire house. The monosplit is capable of ventilating a volume of 40 m² while the multisplit device allows the units to be distributed in the house to cool it entirely from a single compressor.
- A low noise level : indoors, the operation of the split air conditioner is silent, which is really comfortable in everyday life.
- Easy maintenance : regular maintenance of the split air conditioner is made easier thanks to the fact that its air filters are removable and washable.
- An aesthetic device : discreet, the split air conditioner blends into the house, in particular thanks to its invisible ducts and cables.
- Year-round comfort : reversible split air conditioners heat the house in winter and cool it in summer. These 2-in-1 devices are very practical thanks to their dual function. In addition to the space saving they offer, they help maintain a good indoor temperature throughout the year and save money in use, at a rate of 20 to 25% less in terms of energy consumption. .
- Independent management : the split air conditioner allows easy management of the temperature since it is possible to adjust it for each room independently of the others. Ideal to respect the comfort and needs of everyone in the house!
What are the disadvantages of the split air conditioner?
Although it is very attractive, the split air conditioner has certain disadvantages to be aware of.
- An expensive device : the installation of the split air conditioner is more expensive, in particular because it requires several units and that it requires the services of a professional, which entails additional cost due to the payment of the labor. Indeed, the handling of the liquid refrigerant can only be entrusted to a refrigeration engineer.
- A noisy outdoor unit : if sound comfort is guaranteed indoors, the same is not true outdoors. Indeed, the compressor (motor) is located in the outdoor unit and is relatively noisy, which can disturb the neighborhood during its operation.
- Constraining work : the installation of this type of air conditioning requires work, in particular the creation of openings in the wall(s) for the passage of the ducts which connect the units. An additional cost is therefore to be expected.