Which Air conditioner to buy?

[NetJunkie]

14 hours ago, Cadbury said:

Get one of marginally bigger capacity than you think you need. 

 

Why? All I read says that is a waste of money and lowers the comfort level due to humidity build up.

 

https://www.airspecialist.com/articles/bigger-ac-better/

 

http://www.envirotechair.com/blog/air-conditioning-service/why-a-bigger-air-conditioner-is-not-always-better/

[bankruatsteve]

For what it's worth... I've always gone with a smaller unit than recommended (or from 'calculator') and never an issue.  As for the current crop of inverter models, there's probably not much difference between the major brands these days.  I would make serviceability a major factor in choice.  IE: if you would have to order parts from China to fix something, that may not be the best choice.

[Fruit Trader]

29 minutes ago, NetJunkie said:

Why? All I read says that is a waste of money and lowers the comfort level due to humidity build up.

Not so important with inverter AC's.

[sometimewoodworker]

22 minutes ago, NetJunkie said:

 

Why? All I read says that is a waste of money and lowers the comfort level due to humidity build up.

 

https://www.airspecialist.com/articles/bigger-ac-better/

 

http://www.envirotechair.com/blog/air-conditioning-service/why-a-bigger-air-conditioner-is-not-always-better/

With you on that certainly for non inverter models, as with those bigger than you need is worse for comfort with higher than comfortable humidity and yoyoing temperatures. Almost all Thai recommendations are significantly higher than the optimum. 

 

With an inverter AC it's a different case as they just run slower rather than switch off, but I don't know if at the slower speed they are still dehumidifying, if they don't then the recommendation would be the same "never oversize your AC"

[QPRFC]

I'm a huge Daikin favourite, fitted 4 units 9 years ago and all are going strong. 

Clean the filter yourself twice a year and you'll be happy. 

Daikin only make air con and so concentrate 100% on their core business. 

[Fruit Trader]

22 minutes ago, sometimewoodworker said:

With an inverter AC it's a different case as they just run slower rather than switch off, but I don't know if at the slower speed they are still dehumidifying, if they don't then the recommendation would be the same "never oversize your AC"

The compressor variable speed motor adjusts refrigerant flow in an attempt to bring output in line with demand. Condensation will continue to form on the evaporator and reduce humidity.   

[moontang]

3 hours ago, Tracyb said:

Samsung inverter head units difficult to access filters for cleaning.

agree 100%.

[SteveMack]

Hi Everybody, Could someone explain to me the difference between Inverter and non Inverter Air-cons ? and their function, ? Thanks

[moontang]

3 minutes ago, SteveMack said:

Hi Everybody, Could someone explain to me the difference between Inverter and non Inverter Air-cons ? and their function, ? Thanks

inverters run at typically 0,33,67,100% power....non inverters run at 0,100....obvious energy savings, especially eliminating the start ups.  

[SteveMack]

10 minutes ago, moontang said:

inverters run at typically 0,33,67,100% power....non inverters run at 0,100....obvious energy savings, especially eliminating the start ups.  

 

10 minutes ago, moontang said:

inverters run at typically 0,33,67,100% power....non inverters run at 0,100....obvious energy savings, especially eliminating the start ups.  

Thank You.

[Crossy]

Inverter units CAN save you money, but, despite the hype, there is no guarantee that they WILL save you money.

 

Also, it is important to note that they are more expensive to fix if they go wrong.

 

If you are in an area with iffy power, lots of brown outs or lightning surges I would avoid an inverter unit.

 

[khunPer]

I have very good experience with Mitsubishi "Mr:Slim" inverters – 7 pcs. running without any problems or service, apart from cleaning, in 8-years – mainly look at inverter aircons if you wish to save saving electric usage, it can be worth the extra initial installation costs...?

 

EDIT: And I'm in an area with "iffy power, lots of brown outs or lightning surges", but I have Over-voltage/Under-voltage protection switches on the main aircon power groups...?

[Fruit Trader]

11 minutes ago, khunPer said:

EDIT: And I'm in an area with "iffy power, lots of brown outs or lightning surges", but I have Over-voltage/Under-voltage protection switches on the main aircon power groups...?

What are the under/over voltage protection switches on AC power groups? Sounds complex.

[moontang]

in a few more years, you will only see inverters.  Most of the fridges are inverter now, for about the same as a non inverter was five years ago...cutting yearly power usage from 500 to 265..,for a nice two door.  The protection against surge/spike is getting better...I think it is always best to turn that stuff off before the power goes out. often there is warning.

[Crossy]

15 minutes ago, Fruit Trader said:

What are the under/over voltage protection switches on AC power groups? Sounds complex.

Not really, you need one (or more) of these https://www.aliexpress.com/item/40A-230V-Din-rail-automatic-recovery-reconnect-over-voltage-and-under-voltage-protective-device-protector-protection/32812947642.html which will disconnect the supply if it goes out of range.

 

 

However that won't protect you from surges.

 

For which you need one of these https://www.aliexpress.com/item/CHINT-NU6-II-2P-15-40KA-275V-Low-voltage-Surge-Arrestor/32808432014.html

 

And, of course, you need a man who knows how to hook it all up.

 

[khunPer]

23 minutes ago, Fruit Trader said:

What are the under/over voltage protection switches on AC power groups? Sounds complex.

Thanks for your comment.

 

No it quite simple. I have three main fuses for aircons on each of the three phases (L1, L2, L3), and each has an automatic Over-voltage/Under-voltage protection with a connected on/off magnetic relay (due to higher power consumption than the internal voltage-protector switch safely can handle). In case of voltage problem the aircons on the single phase with a problem are switched off for a preset number of minutes, selective from 1 to 5 minutes.

 

Very useful when living in an area with "iffy power, lots of brown outs or lightning surges"...

The image shows simultaneous voltage deviations on two phases, and the "over voltage" and "under voltage" protection, preset at "18" (percent or volt, I'm not sure), they are placed inside a box with a door, as it's not something you normally should pay attention to.

 

Furthermore each aircon has it's own fuse/circuit breaker, as I have 7 aircons in total; if you have 3 aircons (or less) of course no additional fuses are necessary.

? 

[observer90210]

Most global brands seem to be the same level and mainly look for the inverter. I would rather see how the after sales service is in my area, availability of spares, if the service chap is efficient and honest or trying to rippoff every falang in his way ?..... as in Thailand, things radically can change from one town to another.

[moontang]

more and more, you need factory service, as the gas topper guys don't have the controller boards that all the newer ones have.

[Fruit Trader]

34 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Thanks for your comment.

 

No it quite simple. I have three main fuses for aircons on each of the three phases (L1, L2, L3), and each has an automatic Over-voltage/Under-voltage protection with a connected on/off magnetic relay (due to higher power consumption that the internal voltage-protector switch safely can handle). In case of voltage problem the aircons on the single phase with a problem are switched off for a preset number of minutes, selective from 1 to 5 minutes.

 

Very useful when living in an area with "iffy power, lots of brown outs or lightning surges"...

 

Furthermore each aircon has it's own fuse/circuit breaker, as I have 7 aircons in total; if you have 3 aircons (or less) of course no additional fuses are necessary.

? 

Its good to auto disconnect bad power as long as its set to sensible limits and existing equipment protection has been considered.

 

Most inverter ACs will detect out of range input voltage in their early stages and most have a decent operating range.

 

If you want to protect from transient voltage surges you will require something a lot faster than over/under relays.
 

[Pib]

2 minutes ago, moontang said:

more and more, you need factory service, as the gas topper guys don't have the controller boards that all the newer ones have.

Not so much factory service....just technicians that know how to order/get parts from the manufacturer/service center.

 

Here in Thailand that may mean needing to order the part from the service center which may be located in Bangkok.

[Fruit Trader]

11 minutes ago, Pib said:

Not so much factory service....just technicians that know how to order/get parts from the manufacturer/service center.

 

Here in Thailand that may mean needing to order the part from the service center which may be located in Bangkok.

The AC parts delivery network is a well oiled machine in LOS. Not much waiting if its a popular brand. 

[Petchou]

carrier are amazing their inverter series do great job and are very Silent.   

[grkt]

Any brand that has a service center around.

 

 

[bermannor]

Have a look into Haier, a chinese manufacturer with excellent prices.

Run 2 years without any problems.

[MyFriend You]

On 6/7/2018 at 4:39 PM, Crossy said:

Inverter units CAN save you money, but, despite the hype, there is no guarantee that they WILL save you money.

 

Also, it is important to note that they are more expensive to fix if they go wrong.

 

If you are in an area with iffy power, lots of brown outs or lightning surges I would avoid an inverter unit.

 

Quote

If you are in an area with iffy power, brown outs

...................that would be 75% of Thailand.

[Jack Harrow]

You have to choose the air conditioner according to your goals. For example, if you do not want to mount the appliance in your room, you can choose a portable air conditioner. Then to select the best read review of ventless portable air conditioner. Personally I prefer the brand Honeywell, their air conditioners are silent and not too expensive.

[moontang]

11 minutes ago, Jack Harrow said:

You have to choose the air conditioner according to your goals. For example, if you do not want to mount the appliance in your room, you can choose a portable air conditioner. Then to select the best read review of ventless portable air conditioner. Personally I prefer the brand Honeywell, their air conditioners are silent and not too expensive.

Swamp coolers become worthless with humidity..and would only cool to about 29 in a bkk apartment in March or April...

[Yellowtail]

On 5/15/2019 at 7:27 PM, moontang said:

Swamp coolers become worthless with humidity..and would only cool to about 29 in a bkk apartment in March or April...

Depends on what your goal is. If you want to introduce fresh air into an air-conditioned building, they work well for filtering and pre-cooling the outside air. 

 

Also good as humidifiers. 

[moontang]

12 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Depends on what your goal is. If you want to introduce fresh air into an air-conditioned building, they work well for filtering and pre-cooling the outside air. 

 

Also good as humidifiers. 

I have owned 6 homes in the desert.. one was evap only.. Swamp works in a vented environment, ac works in a sealed environment.  The swamp mentioned would only be recirculating air from inside.  

[Yellowtail]

9 hours ago, moontang said:

I have owned 6 homes in the desert.. one was evap only.. Swamp works in a vented environment, ac works in a sealed environment.  The swamp mentioned would only be recirculating air from inside.  

Swamp forces fresh, cooler air into the building, unless you are talking about the portable junk. 

 

Consumer AC (generally) only recirculates and cools the air inside the building

 

Commercial and industrial AC often (per code) must introduce fresh air into the return. This air can be filtered, pre-cooled and humidified using an evaporative system prior to entering the system.