Split air conditioning: how to choose the right one?

How does your split air conditioner work?

Split or monoblock: what difference does it make to you?

The main difference between these two systems lies in their design. The monoblock concentrates all its components in a single device. The split system, on the other hand, intelligently distributes its components between two units:

• The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser. It removes heat from your home.
• The indoor unit contains the evaporator and fan that circulate cool air throughout your room.

This separation brings you immediate benefits. The noise level is significantly reduced since the noisy compressor remains outside. Energy efficiency is also improved thanks to reduced heat loss.
 

The aesthetic aspect is another major advantage. The slim, discreet indoor unit blends harmoniously into your interior design. There is no need to drill a large hole in the wall as with a monobloc unit: only a small passage is required to connect the two units.

Reversible air conditioning: cooling and heating all year round

Most modern split air conditioners are reversible. Your unit cools in summer and heats during the cold months. This versatility is based on a simple but effective thermodynamic principle.

The process involves four key steps:

1. The gaseous refrigerant is sucked in by the compressor.
2. Compression raises its temperature and pressure.
3. The condenser cools the gas, which releases its heat to the outside.
4. The fluid returns to a liquid state and passes through the internal evaporator.

For heating, a valve simply reverses the circuit. The indoor unit becomes the condenser, and the outdoor unit becomes the evaporator. This system captures heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, and distributes it throughout your home.

The coefficient of performance in heating mode can exceed 3. In concrete terms, for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, your air conditioner produces more than 3 kWh of heat. This efficiency far exceeds that of conventional electric radiators.

Choose the split system that's right for your home

Your split air conditioning system can take different forms depending on the layout of your home. Each solution has its own advantages for your everyday comfort and can be adapted to specific needs.

Mono-split or multi-split: which configuration should you choose?

The mono-split system consists of an outdoor unit connected to a single indoor unit. This configuration is ideal for cooling a main room or a small apartment. An economical and easy-to-install solution, it meets essential needs without technical complications.

The multi-split system allows you to connect several indoor units (up to 5 or 6 depending on the model) to a single outdoor unit. This solution offers independent temperature control in each room. Particularly suitable for homes, this system allows you to adjust the comfort level according to the use of each space.

In terms of budget, expect to pay between €800 and €1,500 for the outdoor unit of a multi-split system, plus €250 to €850 per indoor unit. This higher initial investment pays for itself thanks to superior energy efficiency in the long term.

Some scalable multi-split systems allow you to add indoor units over time, as your needs evolve.

The different models of indoor units

Your indoor unit can take several forms to fit perfectly into your interior.

The wall-mounted split system remains the most popular choice. Mounted high on the wall (at least 6.5 feet above the floor), it blends discreetly into your living spaces. Simple installation and minimal space requirements make it a versatile solution for most areas.

The console looks similar to a traditional radiator. Installed on the floor or at the bottom of a wall, it is suitable for rooms with specific constraints. Its dual air flow (at floor level and in the center in heating mode) makes it effective in conservatories or converted attics, spaces that are prone to temperature fluctuations.

The ducted air conditioner offers maximum discretion. Completely concealed in a false ceiling, only the air vents remain visible. This system allows several rooms to be treated simultaneously with even air distribution. Its more complex installation means it is mainly intended for new buildings or major renovations.

The cassette is installed in the ceiling or in a false ceiling. It diffuses air directly into the room with a wide range and high flow rate on four sides or 360°. The preferred solution for large areas such as offices or shops.

Mobile split: temporary or backup solution

The mobile split air conditioner combines the advantages of a conventional split system without the need for permanent installation. It consists of two separate units connected by refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit is placed on a window sill or balcony, while the indoor unit is placed on the floor in the room to be cooled. The connections are thinner than those of monobloc units, which limits heat loss.

Its main advantage lies in acoustic comfort, as the noisy unit is located outside. However, its high cost (rarely less than €1,500) and lower performance compared to fixed split systems make it more of a temporary solution.

The choice of your configuration depends on your space constraints, your budget, and your comfort needs. A careful assessment of these factors will guide you toward the system best suited to your situation.

Choosing your air conditioning system: the criteria that really matter

Your split air conditioning system must perfectly match your needs to provide comfort and energy savings. We help you identify the three essential criteria that determine the success of your choice.

Calculate the right power for your home

Sizing your air conditioner correctly ensures that it operates efficiently without consuming too much energy. A unit that is too small will run continuously and wear out quickly. A model that is too powerful will cost you unnecessarily.

Here's how to calculate the power required based on your home's insulation:

• BBC housing: 65 W/m²
• RT2020 or RT2012 housing: 75 W/m²
• Recently renovated housing: 100 W/m²
• Old house (>10 years old) without renovation: 125 W/m²

Let's take a concrete example: to cool a 20 m² room in an old, uninsulated house, you will need approximately 2.5 kW of power.

A more accurate method takes into account the volume of the room. Apply this formula: 100 W per square meter or 45 W per cubic meter, then add 300 W per window. For our 20 m² room with a height of 2.50 m and one window, you will get a minimum power of 2.55 kW.

Are you opting for reversible air conditioning? Increase this power by 15% to ensure efficient heating even during the coldest periods.

Control your consumption with the right energy class

The efficiency of your air conditioner is measured using two key indicators:

• The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) for cooling
• The SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance) for heating

These figures indicate the ratio between the energy produced and the energy consumed. A SEER of 6 means that your appliance produces 6 kWh of cooling for every kWh of electricity used.

The energy label classifies appliances from A+++ (very efficient) to D (inefficient). For cooling mode, here are the correspondences:

• SEER > 8.5: Class A+++
• SEER between 6.1 and 8.5: class A++
• SEER between 5.6 and 6.1: Class A+

Prioritize acoustic comfort according to your needs

The noise level determines your peace and quiet on a daily basis. This feature, which is often overlooked, deserves your full attention.

For a bedroom, do not exceed 20 dB, which is equivalent to the rustling of a leaf. For a living room, 35 dB is acceptable.

The indoor units of split systems generally operate between 18 and 25 dB at low speed. This is much quieter than monobloc air conditioners, which often reach 50 to 55 dB.

Also consider the outdoor unit, which produces between 42 and 56 dB. Choose its location carefully to preserve your peace and quiet and that of your neighbors.

Recent models often offer a "silent mode" or "night mode" that further reduces noise pollution. Ideal for enjoying a restful sleep even on the hottest nights!

Modern technologies to consider

Today's split air conditioners offer features that go beyond simple cooling. We present technologies that can significantly improve your daily comfort while reducing your energy bill.

Inverter technology: guaranteed savings

Inverter technology completely changes your air conditioning experience. Unlike traditional units that constantly turn on and off, Inverter models adjust their power to the actual needs of your room.

The principle is effective: your air conditioner automatically adjusts its speed to maintain the desired temperature. This smart control offers concrete benefits:

• A reduction in electricity consumption of up to 30% compared to a conventional air conditioner.
• Increased comfort thanks to a stable temperature, without unpleasant fluctuations
• Faster heating of the room
• Quieter operation, particularly noticeable in bedrooms
• Extended compressor life

Inverter devices limit the consumption peaks characteristic of frequent restarts. While a standard model can restart up to 8 times per hour, an inverter air conditioner only needs to restart 1 or 2 times, thereby reducing motor wear.

Connectivity and smart control

Connectivity is becoming a valuable asset for your air conditioning. Many manufacturers offer WiFi modules that allow you to control your device remotely via a smartphone app.

LG, Atlantic, Daikin, and other major brands offer their own remote control solutions.

These connected systems offer you freedom of use:

• Turn your air conditioning on or off remotely to prepare for your return
• Schedule time slots that fit your lifestyle
• Monitor your energy consumption
• Receive alerts in case of malfunction
• Create custom scenarios according to your needs

Some models are now compatible with voice assistants such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You can control your air conditioner with your voice using simple commands such as "Alexa, set the temperature in the living room to 68°F."

Additional features for your well-being

Modern air conditioners offer features that improve your indoor air quality.

Dehumidification (Dry mode) reduces humidity without necessarily lowering the temperature. This function is particularly useful during the off-season. Air passes through the indoor unit where moisture condenses before being removed. Maintaining a humidity level between 35 and 60% prevents mold growth while improving your comfort.

Air purification is a considerable advantage, especially for people with allergies. Some models include:

• Activated carbon filters to eliminate odors
• Electrostatic filters against dust, pollen, and bacteria
• Advanced filtration systems capable of removing fine particles

Some air conditioners incorporate UV-C technologies that can neutralize up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air.

Other features include the presence detector, which automatically adjusts operation based on room occupancy, automatic error diagnosis for easier maintenance, and night mode, which gradually adjusts the temperature and noise level to promote quality sleep.

These options can make a significant difference to your everyday comfort and are worth considering when making your choice.

Installation and regulations to be aware of

The installation of a split air conditioning system requires strict rules to be followed. We explain the key points you need to know for a compliant and efficient installation.

Unit placement: rules to follow

The positioning of the units follows specific rules. The indoor unit should be placed 2 meters above the floor, 150 centimeters below the ceiling, and 200 centimeters away from the walls.

For the outdoor unit, allow for a well-ventilated space with at least 30 cm around the device. In terms of neighbors, the Urban Planning Code requires a distance of 3 meters from the property line, but professionals recommend 6 to 7 meters to avoid any noise pollution.

Regulation of refrigerants

Refrigerants are subject to strict regulations to limit their environmental impact. The F-Gas III regulation, applicable since March 2024, gradually reduces the use of fluids with high global warming potential.

Your installation requires periodic leak checks if it contains more than 5 tons of CO2 equivalent fluid or more than 2 kg of HCFCs. These checks take place every 3 to 24 months depending on the load and detection systems.

Maintenance of your air conditioning system is mandatory every two years for standard units, and every year for those containing more than 2 kg of refrigerant. In a rented property, this maintenance is your responsibility as the tenant.

Control the costs and maintenance of your air conditioning system

Want to enjoy your split air conditioning system for years to come while keeping your budget under control? We can help you achieve this with practical maintenance advice and a clear overview of the costs involved.

Maintenance: a few simple steps to save money

Regular maintenance allows you to preserve the performance of your air conditioner while avoiding costly breakdowns. Cleaning the filters remains the most important step: do this every 2 to 4 weeks during periods of intensive use. Carefully remove the filters, vacuum them, then wash them with warm soapy water before drying them completely.

Also regularly check the condensate tray, where water can stagnate and create an environment conducive to bacteria growth. These simple steps will extend the life of your equipment and maintain optimal air quality.

Choose the split air conditioning solution that's right for you

Choosing a split air conditioning system guarantees you optimal thermal comfort all year round. Not only is it practical for cooling your home in summer, it is also economical for efficient heating in winter!

Inverter technology is now an essential choice. It allows you to significantly reduce your electricity bill while enjoying quiet operation. Options such as air purification and connectivity improve your daily life without complicating use.

We recommend that you plan for an overall budget that includes purchase, installation, and regular maintenance. Available subsidies, such as EEC bonuses and reduced VAT, can help offset this investment. The services of a certified professional are required to ensure proper and safe installation.

A properly sized and maintained split air conditioner will provide you with years of comfort. It also adds value to your home while respecting the environment thanks to new, less polluting refrigerants.

Your satisfaction will depend mainly on how well the features of the appliance you choose match your actual needs. Take the time to carefully assess your space constraints, budget, and expectations in terms of thermal comfort.