How to Choose an Air Conditioning System for an Apartment?

Introduction
Comfortable microclimate in an apartment is an important component of comfort and health. Modern air conditioning systems not only cool the air in hot weather, but also can purify it, regulate humidity, and even heat the room in the off-season.
When choosing an air conditioning system, it is essential to consider:
✔ The size and layout of the room.
✔ Aesthetic requirements – how to hide the air conditioner so that it does not spoil the interior.
✔ Energy efficiency – how economically the equipment consumes electricity.
✔ Noise level – it is essential that the system works quietly and unobtrusively.
Let's consider which air conditioning options are suitable for an apartment, their features, and how to make the right choice.
1. Multi-split systems vs. central air conditioning
Multi-split systems: pros and cons
💠 What is it?
A multi-split system consists of one outdoor unit and several indoor units that are installed in different rooms.
🔹 Pros:
✅ One outdoor unit – the facade of the house will not be cluttered with multiple devices.
✅ Possibility of individual temperature control in each room.
✅ Suitable for already completed repairs, as it does not require complex installation.
🔸 Cons:
❌ The length of the pipelines is limited – it is not always possible to install the system in large apartments.
❌ It is not possible to simultaneously turn on cooling in one room and heating in another.
❌ The more indoor units, the higher the load on one outdoor unit.
Central air conditioning: pros and cons
💠 What is it?
A central air conditioning system is connected to hidden air ducts that distribute cooled air throughout the rooms.
🔹 Pros:
✅ Invisibility of the system – air ducts are hidden behind the ceiling, no external units.
✅ Unified climate control – you can set a comfortable temperature for all rooms at once.
✅ Quiet operation – the main equipment is located outside the living rooms (on the attic, in the technical room).
🔸 Cons:
❌ Requires a thoughtful project at the stage of repair – it is difficult to install in a ready-made apartment.
❌ More expensive in installation and maintenance.
❌ May occupy useful space in the ceiling space.
👉 Conclusion:
- Multi-split system – the optimal option for apartments where repairs are already completed or no complex redevelopment is planned.
- Central air conditioning – the ideal solution for spacious apartments, but requires design at the stage of construction or major repairs.
2. Through air conditioning without visible blocks
For those who want to get rid of traditional air conditioners, there are alternative solutions that provide cooling without bulky indoor units on the walls.
What options are there?
🔹 Channel air conditioning systems
— Installed behind suspended ceilings.
— Air is distributed through small ventilation grilles.
— Completely hidden communications.
🔹 Fancoils
— Work on the principle of central air conditioning, but take up less space.
— Often installed in special niches.
— Possibility of individual temperature control in each room.
🔹 Chiller-fancoil systems
— Allow not only cold but also warm air to be supplied.
— Ideally suited for large apartments with high ceilings.
— Completely hidden installation.
👉 Conclusion:
If it is essential to maintain interior cleanliness and get rid of classic wall units, it is worth considering channel air conditioning or fancoils. These systems are invisible but provide a high level of comfort.
3. Air purifiers and air ionization
Modern air conditioners not only cool the air but also can purify it from pollutants, allergens, and bacteria.
What functions are important for health?
🔹 Air filtration
— HEPA filters capture dust, allergens, pet hair.
— Carbon filters eliminate unpleasant odors.
🔹 Air ionization
— Charged ions help purify the air from bacteria and viruses.
— Improve well-being and reduce stress levels.
🔹 Humidification
— Modern air conditioning systems can maintain optimal humidity levels (40-60%).
👉 Conclusion:
If the air in the apartment is dry or polluted, it is worth choosing a system with high-quality filters, air ionization, and humidification.
4. How to hide the air conditioner in the interior?
Design plays an essential role in choosing an air conditioning system. Standard wall units do not always fit into a modern interior.
How to hide the air conditioner?
📌 Integrate into furniture – the unit can be hidden behind decorative panels or hidden in a cabinet.
📌 Use channel air conditioning – air is distributed through small grilles in the ceiling.
📌 Place in the ceiling area – the air conditioner can be hidden behind a stretch ceiling, leaving only narrow air ducts.
📌 Paint in the color of the walls – modern air conditioner models are released in different colors to minimize visibility.
👉 Conclusion:
If you want to maintain clean design without extra details, it is worth considering hidden solutions – channel systems, built-in modules, or air conditioners disguised in the interior.