There are alternatives to air conditioning that are more economical and more environmentally friendly. However, if you decide in favour of an air conditioning system anyway, there are a number of solutions. In any case, you should expect your electricity consumption to increase by 15 to 25 %.

Maintenance is essential for air conditioning systems. It must be carried out regularly to avoid the risk of infection and guard against over-consumption

Portable installations

Portable appliances do not need to be fitted. These units cost as little as EUR 400 to EUR 600, not including VAT. You can put them in one room and then in another, as required. The disadvantages of mobile appliances are the noise they make and their relative inefficiency. The condensation is evacuated through a hose at a half-open window. Leaving a window half open doesn’t help you keep your interior cool. This is on a par with leaving a window constantly open during winter in a heated room with the radiator all the way up. Neither very economical, nor particularly environmentally friendly…

Fixed installations

Fixed appliances have to be installed by a professional. This may involve a considerable amount of work, including in particular drilling through the walls. The cost is also relatively high, at between EUR 1,500 and EUR 5,000 depending on the size and capacity of the appliance, and the area to be air conditioned. Benefits: these are powerful, efficient units, tailored to the rooms they are intended to cool. Drawbacks: ceiling repairs, authorisations you may need to apply for, etc.

Monobloc air conditioning units

As the name indicates, a monobloc air conditioning unit consists of a single piece which includes the refrigerating unit. They may be fixed or portable. Their capacity is limited, which is why they are most often used as a back-up air conditioning system or for small areas. The hot air is removed from the room and evacuated outside via a hose.

Split system air conditioning units

The principle of the split air conditioning unit is based on the fact that consists of two separate parts: the refrigerating unit outside and the blower or blowers inside. The advantages are greater efficiency and less noise for the user, as the noisy part of the installation is outside the home.

These units are usually fixed.

• The mono-split system is the simplest split air conditioning unit. It is designed to air condition one room or a small area.
• The multi-split system consists of various blowers connected to one another. Such systems can be used to provide air conditioning in several rooms autonomously, with each unit operated individually.

To cool a room of approximately 12 m², a so-called “mono split” unit will do. If you are cooling several rooms, or a bigger open space, you need a “multi-split” system, whereby several indoor units can be connected to one outdoor unit - the compressor.

Reversible heat pumps

Some heat pumps are reversible. They can produce heat or cold as required. They can be used as air conditioning units, even if they are less efficient than an air conditioning system. The air is freshened rather than cooled.

Reversible heat pumps have two big advantages:

• They consist of a two-in-one system, which saves space.
• They are more environmentally friendly than a conventional air conditioning unit.