Everything you need to know about floor standing AC units

Thinking about cooling your home but feeling lost in the sea of AC options? Floor-standing air conditioners might be the hidden gem you’ve been overlooking. With the abundance of air conditioners on the market and new variants constantly emerging, it can be overwhelming. 

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Floor-standing units offer an alternative solution, combining features of traditional ACs and portable coolers. They’re more effective than fans but may not be as powerful as window ACs. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about floor-standing AC units.

What are floor-standing AC units?

Floor-standing air conditioners are cooling appliances that are typically mounted (or positioned) on or near the floor. Unlike wall-mounted units, which are affixed higher up on walls, floor-standing ACs are placed closer to the ground. These units are particularly popular in homes with limited wall space or high ceilings as positioning makes them easy to access and maintain.

Differentiation from wall-mounted units

1. Placement: Floor-standing ACs sit on the floor or are installed close to it, while wall-mounted units are fixed higher up on walls.

2. Space Considerations: Floor-standing units are ideal for spaces with little available wall area or where wall installation is impractical.

3. Access and Maintenance: Their lower positioning makes them easier to reach for cleaning and maintenance.

4. Aesthetic Variation: Floor-standing ACs offer a different aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the room’s design.

5. Cooling Capacity: Both types have similar cooling capabilities, but floor-standing units can be advantageous in specific scenarios, like cooling a relatively smaller area or room.

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Working principle

Floor-standing air conditioners work much like other AC systems. Warm air is drawn from the room through an intake. Inside the unit, a refrigerant and condenser coil cool this air. The pleasant, cooled air is then blown back into the room for your comfort.  Meanwhile, the heat extracted during this process is expelled outside through a venting kit, typically positioned in a window or wall opening. For added convenience, most floor-standing ACs come with a remote control featuring an LCD display, allowing you to adjust settings from the comfort of your couch.

Advantages of Floor-Standing AC Units

1. Powerful cooling capacity: Floor-standing air conditioning units are designed with a larger capacity for cooling compared to their window-mounted counterparts. This makes them particularly well-suited for spacious rooms with high ceilings. They can effectively remove warm air and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the entire area, ensuring consistent thermal comfort even in expansive environments.

2. Improved air circulation for high-ceiling spaces: Traditional air conditioners may struggle to distribute cool air effectively in rooms with high ceilings. Floor-standing units, however, address this challenge by employing powerful fan systems designed to create strong air circulation. This ensures that cool air reaches all areas of the room, including the upper portions, preventing the formation of uncomfortable temperature pockets and fostering a more uniform cooling experience.

3. Easier installation compared to some wall-mounted units: The installation process for floor-standing air conditioners is often simpler compared to certain wall-mounted units. Floor-standing models typically require minimal modifications to your existing structure, and they can be positioned and operational relatively quickly. This can lead to cost savings on installation fees and minimise disruption to your living space.

4. Enhanced air distribution with auto-swing blinds: Some floor-standing AC units boast advanced features like auto-swing blinds. These automatically adjust their direction at regular intervals, ensuring that cool air is distributed evenly throughout the room. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments and creates a more comfortable and consistent cooling experience for everyone in the space.

5. Low-maintenance design: Floor-standing air conditioners are generally recognised for their low-maintenance requirements. They typically only require routine cleaning of the air filters to maintain optimal performance. This simplifies the upkeep process and reduces the need for frequent professional servicing, contributing to overall cost-effectiveness.

Disadvantages of floor-standing AC units

1. Space consumption and movement obstruction: Due to their size, floor-standing AC units can occupy a significant amount of floor space. This can be a disadvantage in smaller rooms where maximising usable area is crucial. Additionally, their placement might obstruct movement patterns within the room, potentially causing inconvenience when navigating the space.

2. Aesthetic considerations: The design of floor-standing AC units might not always complement all types of decor. Their utilitarian appearance might clash with certain interior design styles, especially those prioritising a minimalist or streamlined aesthetic.

3. Potential for lower efficiency: While some floor-standing ACs offer good efficiency, they may generally fall short compared to certain high-end wall-mounted units. These advanced wall-mounted models might incorporate more sophisticated technologies that contribute to superior energy efficiency. This could translate to higher operating costs for floor-standing units in the long run.

Things to consider when buying a floor-standing AC unit

Selecting the ideal floor-standing AC unit requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it effectively cools your space while fitting your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key elements to guide your purchase:

1. Room size and cooling capacity: This is paramount. Floor-standing AC units are rated by their British Thermal Unit (BTU) cooling capacity. Measure your room’s square footage and consult BTU charts to determine the appropriate capacity for efficient cooling. Remember, higher ceilings often necessitate a higher BTU rating.

2. Noise level: If you plan to use the AC unit in a bedroom, noise level becomes a critical factor. Look for units with decibel (dB) ratings that fall within a comfortable sleeping range. Consider models with features like a “sleep mode” that reduces noise output during nighttime operation.

3. Features for convenience and comfort: Several features can enhance your experience with a floor-standing AC. Auto-swing louvers or blinds ensure even air distribution throughout the room. Timers allow for pre-programmed cooling cycles, offering convenience and potentially reducing energy consumption. A remote control provides easy operation from a distance, adding comfort and user-friendliness.

4. Energy Efficiency Rating: Look for units with a high Energy Star rating. This signifies superior energy efficiency, translating to lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental impact. While the initial cost of a high-efficiency unit might be slightly higher, the long-term savings on energy consumption can be significant.

5. Budget: Floor-standing AC units come in a variety of price ranges. Determine your budget beforehand and choose a unit that offers the desired features and capacity while staying within your financial limitations. Consider the trade-off between upfront cost, energy efficiency, and long-term savings when making your decision.

Installation and maintenance tips for floor-standing AC units

Installation

1. Location, location, location: Select a flat, level surface with ample airflow around the unit. Avoid placing it near heat sources or directly in sunlight. Ensure there’s at least 12 inches of clearance around the unit for optimal performance.

2. Drainage considerations: Most floor-standing ACs have a condensate drain hose. Depending on the model, you might need to connect it to a drainpipe or other appropriate drainage location to prevent water accumulation. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

3. Power up: Once positioned correctly, consult the manual for electrical connection instructions. Ensure the unit is plugged into a properly grounded outlet with sufficient voltage capacity.

Maintenance

1. Filter first: Regular cleaning of the air filter is essential for maintaining optimal performance and efficiency. Consult the manual for the recommended cleaning frequency (usually bi-weekly during peak usage) and cleaning method (washing or replacing). A clean filter ensures clean air circulation and prevents dust buildup that can hinder airflow and cooling capacity.

2. Cleanliness counts: Wipe down the unit’s exterior with a damp cloth periodically to remove dust and grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the unit’s surface.

3. Clear the inlet/outlet: Periodically check the air inlet and outlet grilles for obstructions like dust, debris, or furniture placement too close to the unit. Ensure proper airflow for optimal cooling performance.

What is the difference between floor-standing AC units and portable AC units?

Opting for a floor-standing AC unit offers a permanent solution similar to central air conditioning. These powerful units cool large spaces efficiently thanks to their two-part design with an indoor and outdoor unit. While requiring professional installation and limited flexibility, floor-standing ACs make up for it with long-term energy savings due to their superior efficiency.

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On the other hand, portable AC units prioritise convenience. Their self-contained design with wheels allows you to move them from room to room for targeted cooling. Setting them up is a breeze, typically requiring just venting out a window with a hose. However, this venting comes at the cost of some cooling efficiency and might block part of your window. While less powerful than floor-standing models, portable ACs are ideal for smaller rooms that need occasional cooling. Keep in mind that their lower efficiency might lead to higher electricity bills in the long run.

In conclusion, floor-standing AC units are a viable choice for cooling spacious rooms or areas with high ceilings. They offer strong cooling capacity, easy installation compared to some wall-mounted units, and good circulation with auto-swing louvers. However, they take up floor space, may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, and might be less efficient than some high-end wall-mounted units.