Questions on Air Conditioner Type: "Aire Split"

[Lucas61]

Hello All,

For those of you who own or have experience with this item, I need a thumb nail sketch of the basics.

We want to buy our first A/C. This type, that is ubiquitous here in hotel rooms and offices as well as in China and Viet Nam, where I have traveled, I don't recall ever seeing, if rarely, in the U.S. or other First World countries. This AC type seems very effective, so I have no idea why there is this disparity between developing and developed countries. Doesn't make sense.

When I see one of these, it seems to be a self-contained unit on a wall but must have a means of venting heat. How does that venting work and how complicated can it be to do the kind of preparation necessary for that venting? And where is the motor? In the unit or elsewhere?

And example of this type I see advertised at Radiocentro and the brand is Midea. In general, what is the price range and what are the best brands?

In addition, and sorry about so many questions, this unit will be used in one large bedroom only with no windows. Would that make a difference in the specs and cost as regards output? And, oh, oh, another question: Cost of electricity?

Much, much appreciated.

Be safe and enjoy.

 

[cavok]

That's the evaporator unit that you're looking at on the inside wall. Outside is the compressor unit that vents the heat.

 

[rubio_higuey]

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[Lucas61]

That's the evaporator unit that you're looking at on the inside wall. Outside is the compressor unit that vents the heat.

O.K. Good. I could never understand why these units were so expensive when I thought that the entire unit was the evaporator. It seemed like an amazing A/C in one small unit that you just hang on your wall. Now I know.

First thing that comes to mind is that just as we have our inverter locked into a custom built iron cage to prevent theft, that we are going to have to do the same here, if it's on the roof, and that that will be an additional expense. True?

 

[Lucas61]

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rubio_higuey, you Gold is fully deserved. This is exactly what I need to learn the basics. I didn't even know the name of this type in English. Thank you.

 

[Cdn_Gringo]

First thing that comes to mind is that just as we have our inverter locked into a custom built iron cage to prevent theft, that we are going to have to do the same here, if it's on the roof, and that that will be an additional expense. True?

Installation will require 220V electrical service to the install location for the compressor, a hole drilled in the wall for the tubing from compressor to evaporator, a place for the condensate to drain to that won't mold or pool. Can be mounted high up on a wall using brackets but seems normal for people to take some steps to keep the outdoor until from growing legs and walking away.

 

[cavok]

O.K. Good. I could never understand why these units were so expensive when I thought that the entire unit was the evaporator. It seemed like an amazing A/C in one small unit that you just hang on your wall. Now I know.

First thing that comes to mind is that just as we have our inverter locked into a custom built iron cage to prevent theft, that we are going to have to do the same here, if it's on the roof, and that that will be an additional expense. True?

Depending on where you live, yes, you might want to put a cage around the compressor unit. In the condo where I live, nobody has done that and not one has ever been stolen in 15 years. A house/villa is different, but as mentioned, there are options to mount it on the outside wall or roof.

 

[rubio_higuey]

Installation will require 220V electrical service to the install location for the compressor, a hole drilled in the wall for the tubing from compressor to evaporator, a place for the condensate to drain to that won't mold or pool. Can be mounted high up on a wall using brackets but seems normal for people to take some steps to keep the outdoor until from growing legs and walking away.

Just as a side note, there are now many 110V split AC systems, definitely for 9K and 12K BTUs. Maybe not on higher BTU end (24K, 36K), but on the lower end and middle, there definitely are.

 

[melphis]

The main reason you don't see split many units in " first world countries" is most of those countries have cold winters and have central heating units or furnaces. It's more economical to install an AC unit to a furnace and have it blow either hot or cold air depending on the season, than run a separate system.

You still have a AC compressor on the outside of your house but they are usually square as opposed to a rectangle. Also they are quite often placed where you can't easily see them.

 

[Lucas61]

Installation will require 220V electrical service to the install location for the compressor, a hole drilled in the wall for the tubing from compressor to evaporator, a place for the condensate to drain to that won't mold or pool. Can be mounted high up on a wall using brackets but seems normal for people to take some steps to keep the outdoor until from growing legs and walking away.

220V ??? Etc. Oh, hell, this is getting a lot more complicated than I imagined and this may not be for me. When you say "can be mounted high up on a wall" are you referencing the compressor? If so, doesn't the heat exhaust to the same space as the providing the cool air?

Does there exist any technology between the fan and this unit that would provide some relief? I see these portable coolers that have wheels and you just plug into 120V. But I'm thinking they are a waste of time . . .

Thank you for the critical information re: 220V line, so I don't get in over my head . . .

 

[Big]

no duct work required with a split is a huge advantage, just a copper tube, they are very efficient

 

[Lucas61]

Just as a side note, there are now many 110V split AC systems, definitely for 9K and 12K BTUs. Maybe not on higher BTU end (24K, 36K), but on the lower end and middle, there definitely are.

Thank you for this. You may have saved the day. When I had understood that a 220V line was necessary, I though that this would be a dealbreaker. Now you tell me that there are 110V split AC systems. I need to learn about the BTU spec. I'm sure I will find out more about that in the links you provided and I can also easily check it out on the internet. It seems to be the basic unit that determines output in terms of cooling. That's a guess from the top of my head.

One advantage that we have is that we want AC ONLY for our son's bedroom as it has no windows, is very hot, and a fan doesn't help much. So once I better understand the specs, could be that we could purchase a cheaper unit with lesser BTU's.

 

[Lucas61]

no duct work required with a split is a huge advantage, just a copper tube, they are very efficient

Copper tube between the evaporator and the compressor?

 

[cavok]

220V ??? Etc. Oh, hell, this is getting a lot more complicated than I imagined and this may not be for me. When you say "can be mounted high up on a wall" are you referencing the compressor? If so, doesn't the heat exhaust to the same space as the providing the cool air?

The compressor unit is mounted on the outside wall.

Does there exist any technology between the fan and this unit that would provide some relief? I see these portable coolers that have wheels and you just plug into 120V. But I'm thinking they are a waste of time . . .

Most of them are noisy and inefficient. I wouldn't recommend getting one.

Thank you for the critical information re: 220V line, so I don't get in over my head . . .

Don't go with a 110V unit. 220V is more efficient and will cost you less to run. It's not complicated at all.

 

[Lucas61]

The main reason you don't see split many units in " first world countries" is most of those countries have cold winters and have central heating units or furnaces. It's more economical to install an AC unit to a furnace and have it blow either hot or cold air depending on the season, than run a separate system.

You still have a AC compressor on the outside of your house but they are usually square as opposed to a rectangle. Also they are quite often placed where you can't easily see them.

What are the choices for placement of a split AC compressor other than the roof (which I want to avoid due to theft--and there is definitely theft in the area where I live)? Got you point about location of units in the world. Split units seem more designed for warm/hot countries that do not need heating and therefore do not need a centralized system.

 

[cavok]

Split systems are more common here because electricity is much more expensive. With a central system, you're cooling the entire house. With split systems, you can cool just the room(s) you're using. Also, it's expensive and usually impractical to install a central system after the fact.

 

[Big]

Copper tube between the evaporator and the compressor?

Yes. If your casa (apt or house) is concrete\cement a split is your only option unless you want a window unit. You can also place your outdoor unit 45 to 50 feet from the indoor cooler which gives you options. The outdoor unit must be on a flat and secure surface.

 

[cavok]

Copper tube between the evaporator and the compressor?

There are actually two copper tubes - a high pressure line going to the evaporator and a low pressure line returning to the compressor.

 

[ese tipo]

If whatever room you are looking to cool is small enough and you don't have a 220 volt service at your property than by all means go with a 120 volt unit.It is a common misconception that a 240 volt unit will be more efficient and or will save you electricity.wattage is wattage is wattage. European household appliances are 220 volt but their rated wattage is the same IE 1800 watt hair dryer,600 watt coffee maker,1200 watt microwave.Whenever you increase Voltage you decrease amperage (indirectly proportional) the only savings that come into play is wire size and less current draw on your service.

So what in a nutshell does my mumbo jumbo get at? You shouldn't be concerned with 220 vs 110 if indeed the room you'll be cooling is small enough so that either 9k or 12k BTU mini split will serve your purpose.

 

[JD Jones]

You also should seriously consider an Inverter split A/C. They are much cheaper to operate whether they are 110 or 220.