A poorly chosen air conditioner does exactly what you don’t want: it uses too much energy, doesn’t cool well, and is constantly noisy. The market offers numerous options with significant variations in price and performance, which makes it difficult to make informed decisions. This guide will help you choose wisely.
What type of system do you need?
To cool a single room (bedroom or living room), a single-split system is the preferred option: one indoor unit and one outdoor unit, quiet and efficient. For three or more rooms, a multi-split system offers better integration, with multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit, though it requires a higher initial investment.
What really matters in a spec sheet
- Capacity: it must be suited to the size of the room. Oversized units waste energy; undersized units fail to provide the desired comfort
- Energy class: the differences between classes represent over a hundred euros annually in energy consumption
- SEER and SCOP: efficiency metrics for cooling and heating, respectively—the higher, the better
- Noise level: below 25 dB for bedrooms; up to 30 dB in living rooms and common areas
- Inverter technology: standard in high-quality units, reduces energy consumption and continuously stabilizes the temperature
Extra Features
Additional features that can make a difference in your choice:
- Night mode with automatic noise reduction
- Programmable timer
- Dehumidification — very useful during the summer months
- Wi-Fi control for home automation
- Air purification filters (such as Mitsubishi’s V Blocking Filter)
A decision for many years
Well-selected and properly installed equipment lasts between 10 and 20 years. Annual maintenance—filter cleaning, refrigerant checks, and electrical inspections—significantly extends the unit’s lifespan. Improper installation compromises efficiency, can cause refrigerant leaks, and voids the equipment warranty.
LEFE performs certified installations for equipment using fluorinated gases (Decree-Law No. 145/2017), ensuring legal compliance and optimized performance throughout the equipment’s lifespan.
