FAQ

How does an air conditioner work?
Is this easy to use?
Saving energy?
Air quality?
Is air conditioning noisy?
And the environment in all this?
General misconceptions about air-conditioning

How does an air conditioner work?

Air-conditioning is a simple idea, and a widely tested and very reliable environmentally friendly technology. An air-conditioner operates on the same principle as a refrigerator. The system is based on the use of a refrigerant circulating in closed loop inside the air conditioner, and which absorbs the heat (calories) present in the room to eject them outdoors. In winter, by reversing the operating cycle, the air conditioner "pumps" calories from the outdoor air to restore them indoors. The system can even operate with outdoor air temperatures as low as -15°C. This is known as a "Heat Pump" system and is a genuine heating system offering the same performance as traditional systems, but at a lower cost. There are 4 separate operating phases: The compressor compresses the refrigerant and raises its pressure and temperature. While passing through the condenser, the heated refrigerant yields part of its calories to the hot surroundings with a lower temperature. The expansion phase reduces the pressure of the fluid, and consequently its temperature. When it passes through the evaporator, as its temperature is lower than the cold surroundings, the fluid picks up calories and cycle starts again.

The 4 air conditioner operating phases

Top of the page

Is this easy to use?

Yes, the majority of Airwell air conditioners AIRWELL are equipped with an infra-red remote control to make everyday use that much easier.

With their compact and ergonomic design, Airwell infrared controls offer excellent user comfort. Combining modern design with high technology, these very easy to use remote controls have a range of up to 8 m and offer a host of functions.
With these remote controls, users can select the operating mode (Heating-Cooling-Dehumidification), choose the set temperature point, fan speeds or air sweeping options and also programme a host of advanced functions such as:

• Night running. This function adapts the temperature for ideal night time rest conditions for the user and contributes to energy savings. Both in Heating and in Cooling mode it is possible to programme 3 set temperatures automatically. Energy consumption reductions amount to 7% per degree, representing considerable savings.
• "I FEEL" function”. This innovation from the Airwell R&D department enables the temperature measurement point to be transferred for improved temperature control.
• Programming. The microprocessor automatically manages air conditioning for maximum user comfort. The Timer enables the unit to be programmed to switch itself on and off as and when required, thereby contributing to optimal energy consumption.

RC4 infrared remote control	RC5 infrared remote control	RC7 infrared remote control	RCW infrared remote control

Top of the page

Saving energy?

Thanks to the thermodynamic technology used in air conditioning systems, it is possible to recover the natural calories present in the air or the ground. Accordingly, this technology enables you achieve a significant reduction in your heating bill while benefiting from the comfort of air conditioning, particularly during the summer.

In order to validate these claims in real conditions, Airwall has carried out field studies in partnership with technical engineering and design offices, energy suppliers and equipment manufacturers. The studies have been conducted in three different regions, for a house with a surface area of 100 m², with all available types of heating systems. The results are as follows:

For heating alone, on average, an air conditioning system will save you:

• 50% compared with an all-electric heating system.
• 35% compared with an oil-fired heating system
• 8% compared with a gas-fired heating system.

A Heat Pump air conditioning system (heating and cooling) enables you to:

• Save 25% compared with an all-electric heating system.
• Save 8% compared with an oil-fired heating system.
• Benefit from the comfort of air-conditioning for just €0.65/m² /year more than your gas heating bill.

Top of the page

Air quality?

As we spend 22h out of every 24h indoors, we must pay attention to the quality of our indoor atmosphere.

Nowadays, air conditioning goes far beyond its original function of just maintaining a comfortable air temperature and makes it possible to decrease the air's relative humidity.

Controlling air quality also means removing unpleasant odours, reducing static electricity and preventing the appearance of dust mites.

These factors genuinely contribute to improving the quality of the air that we breathe and participate in safeguarding our health.

Consequently, air quality is one of AIRWELL's priority concerns and our engineers endeavour to develop high performance systems to be integrated into our appliances.

• Standard filters or pre-filters: eliminate the largest particles (dust or other impurities). They are re-usable (cleaned with soapy water) and a warning light tells you when they need cleaning.
• Active carbon filter: Specially designed to neutralise unpleasant odours (tobacco, cooking, domestic pets), this photo-catalytic type filter should be placed in the light every 6 months to restore optimal efficiency.
• Active electrostatic filter (ESF): With this filter, electrically charged particles are attracted by a series of polarised plates that trap and collect dust, pollens, mites, bacteria, tobacco smoke, etc. Its original efficiency can be restored simply washing it with water.

Top of the page

The air conditioning is noisy?

Since 1999, the standard acoustic pressure level generated by a domestic air conditioner is limited to 35 dB (A)

Over the past ten years, thanks to the progress made by AIRWELL in terms of soundproofing, air conditioning noise levels have decreased considerably.
Currently the noise level is equivalent to that of a micro-computer, not forgetting that, in a noisy and polluted environment, air conditioning enables you to keep the windows closed.

Air quality also means silence.

AIRWELL has focused on the choice of its components as a way of achieving even quieter air conditioning.

>> Fans
In our outdoor units, some of the noise reduction solutions integrated in our systems include: helicoidal fans made of sound-absorbing materials, aerodynamic design, rounding-off the leading edge of the fan blade, studies on the optimum number of blades required and lower rotational speeds.

In the indoor units, the growing use of aerodynamically-designed and large diameter tangential fans improves the heat exchange process and decreases the noise level, to create a comfortable and quiet environment.

>> Compressors
Rotary and SCROLL compressors are being increasingly used in air conditioners as they offer higher energy efficiency and are quieter than traditional compressors.
In addition, INVERTER technology offers closer control over fan operating speeds and provides for increased flexibility and quieter operation.
Compressors are also getting smaller and result in more compact designs that blend in better with their surroundings.

Top of the page

And the environment in all this?

The energy efficiency categories in Cooling and Heating modes only apply to Splits and Multisplits

Top of the page

General misconceptions about air conditioning

"Air conditioning is expensive"

The cost of air conditioning depends on the layout of the premises.
You can find good air conditioning systems for as little as a few hundred euros, including installation. Moreover, you can start your installation by just air conditioning one room (living room, bedroom) before extending it to cover the rest of your home. Finally, you can achieve substantial savings on your heating bill with a Heat Pump air conditioning system (3 kWh of heat recovered for every kWh of electricity consumed)..

"Air-conditioning relates only to new buildings"

An AIRWELL solution exists for your project, both for new and existing properties.
Whether you live a large or average-size property in the town or in the country, in a house or an apartment, with a modern or traditional interior, AIRWELL has the right solution for you. Moreover, the systems offered by AIRWELL are easy to install in both new and existing properties with the minimum of work.

"Air conditioning carries bacteria and encourages the spread of Legionnaires' disease"

Legionnaires' disease only spreads in the presence of stagnant water and this is impossible in systems with closed-loop water systems or air distribution systems.
In addition, air-conditioning does not just cool the air (or heat it, in the case of Heat Pump appliances), it also purifies it.
Thanks to their sophisticated filtration systems, AIRWELL air conditioners remove smoke, pollens and other impurities from the air that are often the cause of allergies and respiratory problems.
Air conditioning filters the air and captures particles and bacteria. It minimises dust settling on the floor and furniture, helps to clean the air and, consequently, contributes to healthy living.

"Air-conditioning is only useful in the summer"

With Heat Pump air conditioning, the system will provide all year round comfort for an additional installation cost of just around 10%. It fulfils two functions: cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Over time, Heat Pump air conditioning proves to be extremely economical.

"Heat Pump air conditioning is just a temporary means of heating"

Heat Pump air conditioning is a fully-fledged heating system.
During the winter, in heating mode, you can heat your home with air conditioning in the same way as a traditional heating system. You will enjoy unequalled air quality and evenly-distributed warm air. The system even operates at outdoor temperatures as low as - 15°C.

"Temperature changes are bad for your health"

Extremely hot days are harmful to health. To combat the heat, our body directs our blood supply towards the skin and, accordingly, our muscles and cardiovascular system receive a lower blood flow. This can lead to faintness, tiredness and a marked slowdown in activity, particularly with children and the elderly.

For this reason, air conditioning is a positive contribution to our wellbeing and, in reality those illnesses attributed to air conditioning are actually due to poor system maintenance or incorrect settings.
They often originate in centralised, run-down and poorly-maintained installations.
In contrast, an individual air conditioning system installed and regularly maintained by an approved professional will create a clear improvement in your health: better air quality, better resistance to stress and less fatigue
The regulation system included with every system enables you to programme the temperature that is just right for you.

In the summer, to avoid a feeling of moving from a hot to a cold environment when entering or leaving a room, the indoor temperature should be set no lower than 7°C to 9°C below the outdoor temperature.

Top of the page