What sort of air conditioner do I need?

The answer to this question depends on what type of environment you are trying to cool. For instance, an office has higher heat gains than a lounge due to more electrical equipment and people occupying the space.

A room with a large south facing window is going to become hotter on a sunny day than a room with a north facing window and will therefore demand a more powerful air conditioner.

The information below gives details on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of air conditioner we offer and gives an indication of what type of situation they are suitable for.

Wall-mounted split air conditioners

Advantages:
Powerful outputs to cool large areas
Very quiet operation
Lots of features and functions
Attractive and unobtrusive designs
Good air distribution

Disadvantages:
Needs to be professionally installed
More expensive than portable or window units
Has separate internal and external units that must be joined requiring drilling and permanent fixing

Suitable for:
Lounges, bedrooms and other rooms that require quiet cooling, and any large area up to 64m2. Areas bigger than this can be accomodated with multiple units.

Portable air conditioners

Advantages:
Cheap to buy
No installation required - simply turn on and vent exhaust hose
Great temporary cooling solution that can be stored when not in use
Ideal for spot cooling a single area
Portable - can be used in more than one area

Disadvantages:
Quite noisy
Not suitable for large areas
Need to leave a window or door open to vent exhaust hose
Some models build-up condensation in a tank that needs to be emptied regularly

Suitable for:
Economic cooling of small rooms up to 38m2 or spot cooling an area, for instance a desk, in a larger space.

Through-the-wall / Window air conditioners

Advantages:
Cheap to buy
Relatively easy DIY installation
One self-contained, integral unit
No condensation tank to empty
No need to leave window or door slightly open

Disadvantages:
Quite noisy
Not suitable for large areas
Must be installed on an external wall

Suitable for:
This type of unit is ideal for conservatories as it can be installed through the top of the brickwork below the windows. It is also suited to installation through a sash window - simply sit it on brackets and close the window on to it. Other popular installations include portacabins, stationary caravans and small offices.