Summer heat can turn an apartment or house without air conditioning into a scorching oven. Hot air accumulates, temperatures rise, and you feel like you're in the Sahara right at home. A quick escape can be a mobile air conditioner. How do you choose the right model and what criteria should you consider when selecting one?
Why Choose a Mobile Air Conditioner?
A mobile air conditioner is an excellent solution for anyone who wants to quickly cool a specific room or smaller space – without complicated installation. It's a more affordable and simpler alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.
Main Advantages of a Mobile Air Conditioner
- Easy Installation: You don't need a specialist, drilling, or construction work. Just plug it into an outlet and vent the hot air through a window.
- Portability: Thanks to its wheels and compact design, you can move the air conditioner as needed – in the living room during the day, for example, in the bedroom at night.
- Affordability: Lower purchase price compared to built-in solutions.
- Ideal for Rentals: No interventions to the property, no worries about installation.
In short, if you're thinking about what air conditioner to choose for a panel apartment, brick apartment, or house, mobile models are often the best and most practical choice.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner: 6 Key Parameters
When deciding how to choose an air conditioner for your apartment or house, don't just focus on the brand and price. Parameters that determine whether the unit will effectively cool the room and not just blow air loudly without effect are also crucial.
1. Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner determines how large of a space it can effectively cool. If the capacity is too low, the unit will run constantly but won't reach the desired temperature. Air conditioner capacity is given in BTUs or kW. A simple rule applies: the larger the room, the higher the capacity needed.
Roughly:
- Room up to 20 m² → 7,000–9,000 BTU
- Room up to 30 m² → 10,000–12,000 BTU
- Room up to 40 m² → 13,000 BTU and above
For example, the Salente SummerICE9 mobile air conditioner has a capacity of 9,000 BTU and is suitable for smaller rooms or apartments. The Salente SummerICE12 has a capacity of 12,000 BTU and is ideal for larger rooms or interconnected spaces.
2. Energy Efficiency
Every extra degree on the thermometer means longer air conditioner operation. Therefore, when considering which mobile air conditioner to buy, choose models with low power consumption. An energy class of A or higher will ensure the unit doesn't unnecessarily consume electricity.
Tip: With Salente products, low power consumption is a given – you'll appreciate this when you get your electricity bill.
3. Noise Level
If you plan to have the air conditioner in your bedroom or office, noise level plays a crucial role. Cheaper models can be disruptive during operation, especially at night. Look for air conditioners with a noise level of around 50–55 dB or less.
4. Hot Air Exhaust
A mobile air conditioner needs a hose to exhaust hot air outside – typically through a slightly open window. Air conditioners with an window insulation kit have higher cooling efficiency. This prevents warm air from flowing back into your home.
5. Condensate Drainage
Water generated by cooling (condensate) is collected in a tank in some models, which you need to empty regularly. Better models have automatic condensate evaporation, so you don't have to worry about it.
6. Extra Features You'll Appreciate
You can choose from many mobile air conditioners on the market that have additional features. For example, our Salente mobile air conditioners have a 3-in-1 function. In addition to cooling the air, you can use them as an air dehumidifier and as a fan.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Air Conditioner and How to Avoid Them
Choosing an air conditioner isn't just about picking the "cheapest" or "most powerful" one. Many people make mistakes when buying, which then lead to disappointment with the results.
1. Undersized Air Conditioner Capacity
A customer chooses a model that doesn't have enough capacity for the room size. The air conditioner then tries to cool constantly, runs at full power, but doesn't lower the temperature as it should. The result is noisy operation, higher energy consumption, and dissatisfaction.
How to avoid this? Before buying, calculate the room area and also consider other factors:
- Ceiling height (the higher, the larger the air volume)
- Room orientation (e.g., south-facing = more sunlight)
- Number and size of windows
2. Incorrect Hot Air Exhaust Solution
The air conditioner hose isn't properly vented outside. Sometimes it's just loosely placed in the window or even directed into another room. This means the hot air escapes insufficiently or partially returns, and the cooling effect is minimal.
The solution is an window sealing kit, which helps ensure no heat returns inside. If possible, you can also run the hose through a permanent opening (e.g., a ventilation hole in the wall). Always ensure the shortest and most direct hose routing – the longer and more bent it is, the worse the efficiency.
3. High Electricity Consumption
A cheaper model might save you money upfront, but its operation could cost you much more during the summer. Older or inefficient units can have unnecessarily high electricity consumption.
If you're still unsure which mobile air conditioner to choose, the answer is simple. Choose based on the space's needs, noise requirements, consumption, and user comfort. Salente mobile air conditioners offer an ideal combination of functionality, performance, and practicality, making them a great solution for any apartment or house.
What Air Conditioner Brand to Choose? Opt for Proven Quality
There are many brands and manufacturers on the market, but not all offer an ideal balance of price, performance, and ease of use.
Salente air conditioners excel in:
- Simple operation
- Quality construction and long lifespan
- Quiet and efficient operation
- Favorable pricing considering performance and features
Furthermore, they blend perfectly into modern interiors, and thanks to their smart functions, they won't limit your daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What air conditioner for an apartment?
The simplest choice is a mobile air conditioner. It doesn't require installation, is easy to move, and a capacity of around 9,000–12,000 BTU is sufficient for rooms up to 30 m².
What air conditioner for a house?
Choose models with higher capacity (12,000+ BTU) that can handle larger and interconnected spaces. A mobile air conditioner is suitable for localized cooling of a bedroom, office, or children's room.
What's better? A fan or an air conditioner?
It depends on what you expect from cooling. A fan only circulates the air, so it can provide short-term refreshment, but it won't lower the room temperature. If the air is hot, it just circulates it further. An air conditioner, on the other hand, actively cools the air and genuinely lowers the room temperature.
