Choose an air conditioner that will warm you in winter

Ballu ECO Pro BSWI-09HN1/EP/15Y 27 m²

The products of the Ballu company, named after the Phoenician god of the elements, attract with low prices. Devices from the ECO PRO series are among the most affordable inverter air conditioners for heating in frost down to -15°C. Moreover, even the "younger" model BSWI-09HN1/EP/15Y with a heating power of 2.8 kW is able to "warm" rooms up to 27 sq. m. m.

The advantage of Ballu over other inexpensive models is the presence of a “warm start” function when working in sub-zero temperatures. When you start the air conditioner, the air circulation in the room starts with a delay of several minutes - when the device starts to heat it up to a level comfortable for people. As a result, they do not have the feeling of a cold draft.

The BSWI-09HN1, traditionally for entry-level equipment, has some features "cut down". So, it is equipped with an ionizer, but it lacks filters for air purification, and this has become a reason for criticism from buyers. The owners are also unhappy with the nuances in ergonomics (for example, the lack of backlighting of the remote control screen). Noise (from 24 dB) and energy efficiency indicators are slightly worse than those of expensive models, but they are quite consistent with the price of $400.

An interesting feature of Ballu is the I FEEL climate control system. The temperature sensor is built into the remote control, not just the indoor unit. The device measures the temperature in the room at the level of people, and not under the ceiling. This allows residents to more correctly control the microclimate in summer and winter. It is also convenient that the manufacturer has provided for self-cleaning of the indoor unit - the risk of mold and odors is minimized.

Cooper&Hunter Arctic CH-S09FTXLA 26 m² Price from 21 242 up to 30 216 ₴ →

In 2015, Cooper&Hunter expanded its range of heat pumps with the new Arctic Inverter series. In terms of key parameters and equipment, the novelties are almost as good as devices from the well-established Arctic Design series, but cheaper than them. Cooper&Hunter CH-S09FTXLA will be a good choice for small spaces and budget buyers.

It is not only about saving when buying, but also with the further use of this technique. Heating with a heat pump will be more economical than with oil, convector and other heaters. At an average cost of 600 watts per hour, the inverter device “produces” almost 3000 watts of thermal energy in heating mode. The CH-S09FTXLA has the highest energy efficiency rating (A+++) for heating. This means that among air conditioners it is one of the most practical solutions. Models from Japanese brands with such indicators are more expensive.

Cooper&Hunter will not let you freeze in frosts down to -25 °C, and not -15 °C like most analogues. The manufacturer took care of the “frost resistance” of the device : it will endure a harsh winter and will not cause problems for the owners. For example, compressor and tray heating is provided, as well as an automatic defrosting system, which is activated by a signal from a temperature sensor. Moreover, the manufacturer claims that the CH-S09FTXLA is ready to work with voltage drops from 96 to 260 V. So, problems with electricity will not interfere with it.

Cooper&Hunter CH-S09FTXLA out of the box is ready to purify the air from dust, etc. (electrostatic filter) and produce negative ions (Cold Plasma module). The owner, if desired, can use other filters, such as carbon, which eliminates unpleasant odors. But they are not so easy to find on sale.

Daikin Sensira FTXB20C/RXB20C 20 m² Price from 25 190 up to 32 198 ₴ →

Owners of apartments and offices with an area of 15-20 sq. m. you should pay attention to the Daikin FTXB20C / RXB20C. This novelty of 2015 from a well-known manufacturer has a good balance of qualities: low noise level, operation in heating mode even in 15-degree frost, two filters, economical energy consumption.

Buyers in the reviews note that they prefer this model because of the popularity of the Japanese brand and its European, rather than Chinese production. If the authority of Daikin is not in doubt, then the situation with the “origin” of the device is not so unambiguous. The assembly of this equipment is carried out in the Czech Republic, and components are used in Chinese and Japanese production. The outdoor units of the FTXB-C series are better than others adapted to work in changeable weather due to anti-corrosion treatment.

Its buyers have no complaints about the build quality, noise level and other parameters of the Daikin air conditioner. They also note that the device can work as a fan - without heating or cooling the air. The disadvantages of the owners include a "rustic" design and the lack of backlighting at the remote control, which, however, is typical for solutions with such a cost. But the lack of an LED display with temperature display, like many competitors, can be assessed as a drawback.

Unlike flagship Daikin products, the FTXB-C models do not have such "chips" as smartphone control or a presence sensor in the room. At the same time, the FTXB20C is not deprived of the functions that have already become basic for air conditioners in 2015: a comfortable sleep mode, a timer with a start delay of up to 24 hours, etc. So when buying a device, you will get everything you need and will not overpay for optional (and sometimes - contrived) "bonuses". At the same time, you will save on energy - Daikin consumes less energy (up to 600 W) than most heat pumps from other brands.

Gree Change Pro GWH09KF-K3DNA5G 26 m² Price from 9 923 up to 17 800 ₴ →

The Change Pro series of the Chinese manufacturer Gree includes four devices with similar capabilities, but with different capacities - for working in rooms of 26, 35, 52 and 64 square meters. m. Distinctive features of the line are the ability to work at low temperatures (up to -15 ° C) and the affordable price inherent in most Chinese models. By the way, Gree has even more affordable models from the Change series, which work for heating when the thermometer shows at least minus seven.

Thanks to its special design, the GWH09KF-K3DNA5G will endure the winter without any problems: the outdoor unit is protected from icing and is equipped with a “winter” kit. Frost protection does not guarantee 100% results, but there will be fewer icicles on the air conditioner than usual.

Thanks to the winter set, the device, unlike others, can even work in the "cooling" mode in cold weather. Finally, Gree in the standby heating mode will not allow the room to overcool. This is true if the heating does not work stably in it or it does not exist at all.

GWH09KF-K3DNA5G has a couple of weaknesses when compared with competitors. Gree will use about 30% more energy to cool and heat than more advanced devices. The minimum noise level (25 dB), though not much, but still higher than that of expensive models. The difference is negligible - just a couple of dB. However, those who are looking for a silent air conditioner should be aware that there are quieter split systems on the market.

Fujitsu Airflow Nordic ASYG09LMCB/AOYG09LMCBN 25 m² Price from 46 500 ₴ →

Few manufacturers produce air conditioners that are positioned as an alternative to traditional heating systems. Model ASYG09LMCB/AOYG09LMCBN from Fujitsu is one of these and is able to replace central heating in an apartment.

ASYG09LMCB/AOYG09LMCBN is Fujitsu's most affordable and least powerful heat pump. Unlike the flagship models Deluxe Slide Nordic, it does not have many additional "chips", for example, there is no filter clogging indicator and a people presence sensor in the room. The main thing is that the manufacturer has retained key advantages: low noise level (21 dB), air purification from microorganisms, mold and odors, inverter control of the compressor and fans. The only thing missing is an LED display, which is typical of all Fujitsu "winter" models.

The manufacturer declares that Airflow Nordic is ready to work in the Scandinavian countries and gives a 5-year warranty on this equipment. Fujitsu is able to work on heating in a wide temperature range - from -25 ° C to + 24 ° C. It should be noted that a standby heating mode is provided, which prevents the premises from “freezing” without heating.

The ASYG09LMCB heat pump consumes a relatively large amount of energy for heating - an average of 750 watts. At the same time, Fujitsu's heating power (3.2 kW) and air circulation rate (750 m³ / h) are better than most air conditioners. This will manifest itself as faster air heating and better heating of the room in frosty weather.

A significant drawback of Fujitsu Airflow Nordic is its high price ($1000). Such a purchase will be justified if you plan to take care of heating and cooling on one device both in severe frosts and on hot days.