So the mercury’s rocketed and you’ve decided it’s time to invest in an air conditioner. Luckily, we’ve breezed to the rescue with a guide to the best models available, whether you’re keen to cool down an overheated office space, sleep soundly with a breath of fresh air, or splash out on an all-singing, all-dancing piece of kit which will clean your air as well as cooling it. Wall-mounted air conditioners are best suited to larger properties, and will generally cost significantly more.
This is because there’s more tech involved, and you’ll also need to get these models professionally installed. It’s also important to remember that, although they take up less floor space, they’re more likely to stand out. While brands such as Samsung and Daikin are known for producing wall-mounted air conditioners which are compact, slimline and could even be described as stylish, we’ve yet to come across an air conditioner which we’d describe as a thing of beauty.
The good news? There are plenty of options for those who feel their walls are for art, not air conditioning units. Standalone devices are easy to install (although most have a duct which will need to be fed through a window or wall), easy to move from room to room (unlike a wall-mounted air conditioner, which will be fixed in one place) and easy to control, whether it’s with an app or the included remote controls. Our testing, during a particularly muggy week in June, prompted several revelations.
To start with, air conditioners which come with window kits – panels with a pre-cut hole in, through which the duct can be fed – are a godsend, especially if you’re not DIY-savvy. A good set of sturdy castors minimises the hassle of rolling standalone units from one room to another, and air-purifying filters which help clean the air are well worth the money, especially in households with someone who suffers from allergies. WiFi connectivity and the ability to control your air conditioner through an app can also be incredibly useful.
“In today’s world, where technology and ease of use are key, wifi connectivity is a definite game changer,” says Stephan Lang, Split and Sky Air Specialist at Daikin UK. “Our conditioners can be operated remotely using the app on your smartphone or tablet. This means you can programme your air conditioner when you’re not at home, or have the luxury of turning it on and off from the comfort of your own bed.
” Stephan also suggests looking for air conditioners with air purification filters, the gold standard of which is a titanium apatite filter. “These won’t only trap most microscopic airborne particles, but will help to break down odours and absorb and deactivate bacteria.” Another important point to consider? While there are certain advantages to wall-mounted conditioners, be aware that they come with extra costs, and often require some rather heavy-duty external fittings.
“Fixed air conditioning units can be great, but they need to be professionally installed and once installed, you cannot move them to another room or house,” says Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco. “Think carefully before you install it and find out if you need permission for the siting of the external kit before going ahead. Be prepared to pay for servicing and maintenance going forward, and remember that while a wall-mounted air conditioner will be quieter than a portable air conditioner, it won’t be as versatile.
” See our tried and tested reviews of the best air conditioners..
