Comparison Daikin Comfora FTXP20M/RXP20M 20 m² vs Daikin Comfora FTXP20L/RXP20L 20 m²

The maximum and minimum level of noise produced by the air conditioner during operation; for split and multi split systems (see "Type"), by default, it is indicated for the indoor unit, and the data for the outdoor unit can be specified in the notes.

The noise level is indicated in decibels; this is a non-linear unit, so it is easiest to evaluate this parameter using comparative tables — they can be found in special sources. Here we note that, according to sanitary standards, the maximum level of constant noise for residential premises is 40 dB during the day and 30 dB at night; for offices, this figure is 50 dB, and in industrial premises higher volume levels may be allowed. So it is worth choosing an air conditioner according to this indicator, taking into account where and how it is planned to use it.

As for specific numbers, among the quietest modern air conditioners, there are models with a minimum performance of 23 – 24 dB, 22 – 21 dB, and sometimes even 20 dB or less. However, units at 31 – 31 dB and 33 – 34 dB are not uncommon; such loudness, usually, does not create discomfort in the daytime, but at night it is no longer desirable. However, in some cases, a louder air conditioner may be the best choice: noise reduction affects the cost, sometimes quite noticeably, and if the device...is not planned to be turned on at night, you can not overpay for additional noise reduction.

The seasonal SEER cooling factor provided by the air conditioner.

The meaning of this parameter is similar to the cooling coefficient — EER (see above): we are talking about the ratio of useful power to spend, and the higher the coefficient, the more efficient the device is. The difference between these parameters lies in the measurement method: EER is measured for strictly standard conditions (outside temperature +35 °C, workload 100%), while SEER is closer to reality — it takes into account seasonal temperature fluctuations (for Europe) and some other specific points, such as the increased efficiency of inverter compressors. Therefore, since 2013, it is customary to use SEER as the main parameter in the EU; this parameter was also adopted for air conditioners supplied to other countries with a similar climate.

Seasonal heating coefficient SCOP provided by the air conditioner.

Like the COP (see above), this parameter describes the overall efficiency of the air conditioner in heating operation and is calculated by the formula: thermal (useful) power divided by electricity consumption. The higher the coefficient, the more efficient the device, respectively. And the difference between COP and SCOP is that COP is measured under strictly standard conditions (outside temperature +7 °C, full workload), and SCOP takes into account seasonal temperature fluctuations (for Europe), changes in air conditioner operating modes, the presence of an inverter and some other options. Thanks to this, SCOP is closer to real indicators, and since 2013 this coefficient has been taken as the main one in the territory of the European Union. However, this parameter is also used for air conditioners supplied to other countries with a similar climate.

The seasonal energy efficiency class that the air conditioner complies with in cooling operation. Initially, this parameter was designated in letters from A(the most economical indicator) to G (the most expensive); however, more efficient classes than A appeared later — A+, A++ and A+++(the more pluses, the higher the energy efficiency).

This parameter is directly related to the value of the SEER coefficient. For more information on this factor and how it differs from the EER, see "Seasonal Cooling SEER Ratio". Here we note that each class has its range of SEER values; detailed correspondence tables can be found in special sources.

Other things being equal, more energy-efficient air conditioners are more expensive, but the difference can be recouped as it uses less electicity.

The seasonal energy efficiency class that the air conditioner complies with when operating for heating. Initially, this parameter was designated in letters from A(the most economical indicator) to G (the most expensive); however, more efficient classes than A appeared later — A+, A++ and A+++(the more pluses, the higher the energy efficiency).

This indicator is directly related to the value of the SCOP coefficient. For more information about this coefficient and how it differs from the COP, see "Seasonal heating SCOP". Here we note that each class has its range of SCOP values; detailed tables can be found in special sources.

Other things being equal, more energy-efficient air conditioners are more expensive, but the difference can be recouped as it uses less electricity.

A small screen installed on the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Such a display usually has basic functionality and displays a limited set of characters - numbers, some letters, sometimes also individual graphic icons. However, even such a screen can display quite a variety of information: set temperature, operating mode, timer settings, filter status, error codes, etc. Thanks to this, control is more convenient and visual.

— Hidden display. When switched off, the hidden info display blends in with the surface design of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and remains invisible. In active mode, the characters on the screen are visible through a certain place in the texture and all the necessary information is displayed on the display. On most models, the screen can be turned off using the remote control, and this feature can often be set to automatically hide after a certain period of inactivity, which will be useful at night.

The maximum height difference allowed for split system units. For multi splits (see "Type"), in this case, we mean the difference in height between the highest and lowest unit.

When installing units at different heights, a pressure difference arises in the system — the greater the height difference, the greater this difference, and if it is too large, the system will not be able to work normally.

The maximum allowable length of the refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor and indoor unit of a split or multi split system (see "Type"). The length of the tubes is implied in one direction, from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit (or vice versa).

In most modern air conditioners, this parameter is about 15 – 20 m or even more, so problems with the maximum length can only arise if the units are far from each other. It is technically possible to use tubes longer than the maximum allowed, but this will affect the efficiency of the air conditioner and may require refilling the freon.

Types of additional filters that the air conditioner is equipped with (in addition to the simplest mechanical filters that are in all models).

We emphasize that we are talking about the filters supplied in the kit; some models allow you to separately purchase additional elements for air purification, but this possibility is not taken into account in this case. As for specific options, the most popular in modern air conditioners are various antibacterial filters(including catechin elements and UV lamps), fine cleaning devices (including HEPA filters), antifungal, anti- allergic, deodorizing and formaldehyde filters, as well as elements, which combine several functions at once — plasma (electrostatic) and catalytic. Here is a detailed description of each of them:

— Plasma (electrostatic). These filters are based on the saturation of the air with negatively charged ions. Thus, a similar element also works as an ionizer (see "Functions"), even if there is no full-fledged ionizer in the design. As for air purification, plasma filters can quite effectively destroy harmful microorganisms, destroy some harmfu...l substances, and also trap particles of dust, smoke, soot, etc. These particles acquire a charge under the influence of ionized air and are attracted to the filter plates.

— Fine cleaning. This term usually refers to advanced mechanical filters that provide air filtration at a microscopic level. The effectiveness of such devices may be different; it should be specified separately in each case. Also note that the HEPAs described below are also, in fact, fine filters; however, they use a specific principle of operation and are initially characterized by high efficiency. Therefore, the presence of HEPA filters is indicated separately.

— HEPA filter. A special kind of mechanical fine filter. Due to the special design of the microchannels through which air passes in such a filter, such devices can trap particles much smaller than the diameter of the microchannels. For comparison: the effectiveness of a HEPA filter is estimated by its ability to retain contaminants with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns (with such particles, such a filter is the least effective), while the size of most bacteria starts at 0.5 microns. By efficiency, such filters are divided into classes; nowadays, HEPA classes from 10 (detains at least 85% of the mentioned particles) to 14 (filtration efficiency reaches 99.995%) are relevant.

— Catechin. It is a variety of antibacterial filters described below, created based on catechins, natural organic substances with a powerful antioxidant effect. Such filters are highly effective in combating bacteria and viruses. However, they are not cheap; in light of these features, they are shown in a separate category.

— Catalytic. Most often, this term means photocatalytic, or zeolite filters — devices that work due to a special substance (photocatalyst) and UV radiation. Under the influence of such radiation, the catalyst decomposes the organic matter that falls on it into simpler substances — usually water and carbon dioxide. This technology allows you not only to remove harmful impurities from the air (and at the level of individual molecules) but also provides a good bactericidal and antiviral effect. At the same time, such a filter practically does not require maintenance: the photocatalyst is not consumed during operation, and the reaction products freely escape to the outside. On the other hand, the price of such elements is quite high.

— Antibacterial. Various filters are designed to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms — viruses, fungi, etc. The specific principle of operation, the level of efficiency and maintenance rules for such filters may be different, these details should be specified in the documentation for the air conditioner. However, if air disinfection is of fundamental importance to you, such a filter will come in handy. We note only two points in this regard. Firstly, catechin elements are usually not included in this category, although they have the same purpose (see above); secondly, not every antibacterial filter can effectively fight viruses — this point needs to be specified separately.
It is also worth considering that no matter how effective the air conditioner filters are, thorough air disinfection is not its main task; specialized devices should be used for these purposes.

— Antifungal. A specialized filter for removing harmful fungi from the air, such as mould. The antibacterial devices described above also have this function to one degree or another; however, this type of filter is much more efficient in this regard. On the other hand, the need to fight intensively with fungi does not arise so often, and for other cases, the same antibacterial filters are usually quite enough. So antifungal elements in modern air conditioners are used quite rarely.

— Anti-allergic. Filters designed primarily to remove pollutants from the air that cause allergies: plant pollen (including from indoor plants), dust mites, particles of pet hair, etc. The specific principle of operation of such filters may be different, but it is worth clarifying separately. So, in relatively inexpensive air conditioners, the simplest mechanical cleaning is usually used, and the term "anti-allergenic" is more of a marketing ploy than a real description of the filter's specialization. More advanced models often include more advanced technologies, such as an enzyme filter that decomposes allergens into simple, harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.

— UV lamp. A lamp that treats the air passing through the air conditioner with UV radiation. This treatment provides a bactericidal effect: ultraviolet light neutralizes most bacteria, viruses and fungi. However, the efficiency of such lamps is not particularly high. Nevertheless, they are a great addition to an antibacterial filter. And even without such a filter, the quality of air purification from an air conditioner with a UV lamp will be higher than that of a similar model without such a lamp.
Separately, we emphasize that this function should not be confused with the catalytic (photocatalytic) filter described above — UV lamps have a much simpler design and principle of operation.

— Deodorizing (charcoal). A specialized filter is designed, among other things, to combat unpleasant odours. It acts at the molecular level, passing ordinary air and absorbing molecules of substances that create unpleasant odours; of course, it is also capable of retaining larger particles, such as smoke. Activated carbon is most often used as a filter element — hence one of the variants of the name; there are filters based on other substances. However, they also have similar properties. Note that in any deodorizing filter, the working element must be changed periodically. When the resource is exhausted, it becomes useless and can even release harmful substances itself.

— Formaldehyde. Specialized filter for removing formaldehyde and some other harmful organic compounds (eg. ammonia, benzene and/or hydrogen sulfide) from the air. The source of such substances can be both external pollution (for example, emissions from industrial enterprises), and some items in the room itself: new furniture or curtains, some types of floor and wall coverings (immediately after application), spoiled food, cigarette smoke, etc. n. The principle of operation of filters of this type may be different. The most commonly used so-called cryocatalytic element, in which the catalyst decomposes organic matter into simpler harmless components and then restores its properties due to cold when the air conditioner is cooling. In addition, many catalytic (photocatalytic) filters have similar capabilities (see above), so one such element can be claimed in the characteristics as two types of filters at once — both catalytic and formaldehyde.

In addition to the varieties described above, other types of filters can be found in modern air conditioners, in particular:

— Air cleaner. The general name used for different types of filters. This term often denotes the simplest elements of coarse cleaning (for advertising purposes — so that the list of filters in the characteristics is larger). However, there is another option — devices created based on specific proprietary technologies and not fitting into any of the varieties described above; such devices can combine several functions (for example, fine filtration and antibacterial effect).

— Dust filter. Most often, we are talking about the simplest mechanical filter that traps dust and other relatively large particles. Almost all modern air conditioners are equipped with such devices. However, in some models, the presence of dust filters is specified separately — mainly for advertising purposes.

— With vitamin C. A filter that saturates the air with vitamin C. It is believed that such an addition has a positive effect on immunity and skin condition; there is no unambiguous evidence for this. However, in conditions of vitamin deficiency, such an adaptation will definitely not be superfluous.

— Preliminary. Mechanical coarse filter installed in front of the main set of filters. It detains relatively large contaminants, preventing them from reaching other filter elements. At the same time, the design of the preliminary filter, usually, is as simple as possible, and its maintenance is limited to periodic shaking or washing.

— Ionic (for example, Smart Ion, etc.). Usually — the same electrostatic filter (see above), however, is presented under one brand name or another.