A compressor for a split air conditioner is one of the most important working parts. And the most expensive one. Its price sometimes amounts to 75% of the cost of the entire device. Read on to find out which compressors are installed on the best split-system air conditioners.
Functions and types of split air conditioner compressor
A compressor is required to compress the refrigerant and increase its pressure and temperature.
It is the main element of any air conditioner or refrigerator. In a split air conditioner, the compressor is located in the outdoor unit. The average compressor life is 7 to 10 years.
According to the method of action and power, the following types of compressors of split-system air conditioners are distinguished:
- rotary;
- screw;
- spiral;
- piston,
- centrifugal.
In domestic and semi-industrial air conditioners, split compressor systems are most often installed rotary hermetic. The capacity of such installations does not exceed 9 kilowatts.
Centrifugal and screw compressors are used in very powerful and efficient installations. They can be disassembled and repaired, unlike the rest, which only need to be replaced.
Reciprocating compressors
Inexpensive split-system air conditioners, as a rule, are equipped with reciprocating compressors. The low cost also speaks of the low reliability of such systems. Knowing this, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for his brainchild for only 12 months.
The system is outdated and cannot withstand the power of modern units, however, purchasing the cheapest split air conditioners, you can run into such a structure. The unreliability and low efficiency is due to the intense friction to which the internal parts of the device are subjected. All parts wear out much faster. Already in the second year of operation, the owners will notice that the piston split air conditioner cools the air much weaker.
If the refrigerant pressure is exceeded, the parts are subjected to even greater stress, risking breakage.
Experts recommend purchasing a split system air conditioner with a reciprocating compressor to choose a model with a good power reserve.
Thus, the entire resource of the equipment will not be used up and its service life will be somewhat extended.
Rotary compressors
They are very easy to manufacture, lightweight, inexpensive, and very powerful. Therefore, most modern air conditioners with split systems are equipped with rotary compressors.
The best split-system air conditioners get a compressor that changes the engine speed, that is, the cooling capacity changes.
