1. What types of air conditioning are there?

There are several ways to use air conditioning in your own home. On the one hand there are the high-quality split systems, which have to be permanently installed, and on the other hand mobile air conditioning units. They have the advantage that they can always be used exactly where they are needed. They are also cheaper to buy. Split devices, on the other hand, are more expensive. Added to this is the assembly, which must be carried out professionally. But they are much more energy-efficient, which can quickly pay off with intensive use.

1.1. split devices

Split devices consist of at least two parts; namely an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Warm air is sucked in by the indoor unit, which sends it to the outdoor unit (a refrigeration compressor) via a hose. A disadvantage is the wall breakthrough that is necessary for this. This variant is therefore only possible in your own home or in consultation with the landlord. However, they are also more energy-efficient than other devices, which pays off in the long run and with high consumption. Look at yourself for example Panasonic energy efficient air conditioners in this regard.

“We bought a split system years ago and we really do very well with it. Especially over the hot summer, this is already very often in use. Of course we had to clarify this with the landlord because of the breakthrough, but that was fine. It was important to us that the power consumption was kept within limits and we accepted higher acquisition costs for this…”

Multi-split units have one outdoor unit and several indoor units. They can cool several rooms simultaneously and evenly, but are very expensive to install.

Further information on the technology and the current market situation can be found here: https://www.diekaelte.de/sites/default/files/ulmer/file_173031.pdf and https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-htw/frontdoor/deliver/index/docId/374/file/OpReeBeK2.pdf

1.2. fans

Fans score with lower costs and energy efficiency. For many, they are perfectly adequate on hot summer days. A fan does not cool down the warm air, but the draft makes the temperatures appear a lot more pleasant.

1.3. Mobile air conditioners

Mobile air conditioners can be used very flexibly in the various rooms, but have an increased power consumption. The cooling capacity is also lower than that of a permanently installed device. However, if a fixed device seems too exaggerated because you would not use it every day, the mobile air conditioner may be ideal.

1.4. monobloc plants

A monobloc system is attached to the open window and pumps warm air from inside through a hose to the outside. However, warm air constantly comes back into the room through the slightly open window, from which the hose protrudes to the outside. This type of air conditioner therefore constantly fights against heat, which arises in the first place because of them. This is not very efficient, the power consumption is also relatively high and the device itself is relatively loud.

There are also monoblock devices without an exhaust hose. However, these consume just as much electricity and are also quite loud. Nevertheless, these devices also have advantages, because they are cheap to buy and easy to install. A socket is more or less sufficient for commissioning.

2. Power consumption of the different air conditioners

In most cases, air conditioners will always consume a relatively large amount of electricity, no matter which model you choose. Of course, it always depends on the individual use, but you usually have to reckon with 170 euros in electricity costs per year for an air conditioner. Of course, there are also more energy-saving models, but they are more expensive to buy. And there are cheaper models, but they have an increased power consumption. Before buying, you should definitely compare different models, including the respective power consumption.