How to choose an air conditioner for a flat: a practical guide

Four things decide the choice of an air conditioner for a flat: the type of unit, the right output, noise and where the outdoor unit can go. If you think them through in advance, you will avoid the most common disappointments – an air conditioner that cannot keep up, disturbs your sleep or cannot be installed where you wanted it.

1. Type of air conditioner: wall-mounted unit or multi-split

Most flats get a wall-mounted split air conditioner – one indoor unit on the wall and one outdoor unit. If you want to air-condition several rooms, for example the living room and bedroom, consider a multi-split system, in which several indoor units connect to one outdoor unit. We explain the differences in detail in the article Split or multi-split air conditioning: the differences and when to choose which.

2. Output based on the room, not on a guess

The output of an air conditioner does not depend on floor area alone. A south-facing room with large windows needs more than a north-facing room of the same size. In our design we consider the ceiling height, orientation, glazed area, insulation, and the number of people and appliances. Read more in the article What air conditioner output do I need? What it depends on.

3. Noise – especially important for a bedroom

If the air conditioner is going in a bedroom or child’s room, look at the noise level of the indoor unit at its lowest fan speed. Manufacturers state it in their technical data sheets. A night or quiet mode, which many models have, also helps. You will find tips in the article A quiet air conditioner for the bedroom: how to choose and set it.

4. Where the outdoor unit will go

In a flat, the outdoor unit is most often on a balcony, loggia or facade. You need to think about:

• enough space for airflow,
• access for servicing,
• condensate drainage,
• the rules of the apartment building – in many buildings the consent of the manager or owners’ association is required.

We describe the procedure for apartment buildings in the article Consent to install an air conditioner in an apartment building: what to arrange.

5. Features worth having

• Inverter compressor – smooth output control and a more even temperature.
• Heating – an air conditioner can also heat in spring and autumn.
• Mobile control – selected Daikin models can be controlled through an app.
• Air filtration – different models have different types of filters.

6. Installation in an occupied flat

Installing one wall-mounted air conditioner in normal conditions usually takes one day. Before installation it is a good idea to clear the space under the indoor unit and access to the balcony. We describe how installation works in a prefab apartment block in the article Installing an air conditioner in a prefab apartment block in Bratislava: what to arrange and how it works.

7. Which model to consider

Models differ mainly in efficiency, noise, features and appearance. For an overview, based on the manufacturer’s data:

• Daikin Sensira – a reliable basic wall-mounted unit,
• Daikin Comfora – a compact unit, also suitable above a door,
• Daikin Perfera – higher efficiency and air purification,
• Daikin Emura and Daikin Stylish – designer units for visible places.

8. Questions to ask yourself before enquiring

• Will I use the air conditioner only in summer, or for heating too?
• Is one room enough, or will I want others over time?
• Am I allowed to have an outdoor unit on the balcony or facade?
• Where can the pipes run so they are not in the way?

The answers make both the design and the quote much simpler. You will find the procedure on the Air conditioner installation page.

Summary

An air conditioner for a flat should suit the room, the way you use it and what the building allows. We work exclusively with Daikin units and will help you choose both the model and the output. See the Daikin air conditioners page or request a free quote.