Split Air Conditioner - BreezeIN-AI Series
A split air conditioner consists of an indoor unit in the room and an outdoor unit on the façade, connected by a refrigerant pipe. It cools in summer and heats during the transitional seasons, as the same technology works in both directions. The sets shown here are from TCL and Hantech, range from 9,000 to 48,000 BTU and all use the refrigerant R32.
Which capacity suits the room
The cooling capacity is stated in BTU per hour on the unit. In terms of kilowatts, 9,000 BTU is approximately 2.6 kW, 12,000 BTU is approximately 3.5 kW, 18,000 BTU is approximately 5.3 kW and 24,000 BTU is approximately 7 kW. For large or open-plan layouts, there are floor-standing units with 24,000 and 48,000 BTU. For each class, the manufacturers specify a recommended maximum room size in the technical data sheet:
| Performance class | Cooling capacity, converted | Recommended room size up to |
|---|---|---|
| 9,000 BTU | approx. 2.6 kW | 16 m² |
| 12,000 BTU | approx. 3.5 kW | 22 m² |
| 18,000 BTU | around 5.3 kW | 33 to 35 m² |
| 24,000 BTU | around 7 kW | 45 m², 50 m² as a floor-standing unit |
| 48,000 BTU (floor-standing unit) | around 14 kW | 95 m² |
The appropriate class is not determined solely by the square metreage. An attic, large south-facing windows, poor insulation and appliances that give off heat in the room significantly increase the demand. The exact cooling and heating capacity is specified in the technical data sheet for each model.
Efficiency: SEER, SCOP and energy class
Two key figures on the energy label indicate how energy-efficient an appliance is. The SEER (seasonal cooling efficiency) describes efficiency when cooling over the course of a season, whilst the SCOP (seasonal heating efficiency) describes efficiency when heating. The higher the value, the more cooling or heating is produced from one kilowatt-hour of electricity. The figures here range from 6.1 to 8.5 for the SEER and from 4.0 to 4.7 for the SCOP. For cooling, they achieve energy classes A+ to A+++, and for heating A+ or A++. The highest SEER of 8.5 is achieved by the TCL VoxIN, TCL FreshIN and Hantech H-Plus ranges.
Heating with a split air conditioner
All sets have a heating function. According to the technical data sheet, depending on the model, the units operate in heating mode down to an outside temperature of −15, −20 or −25 °C. A SCOP of 4 means that, on average over the heating season, one kilowatt-hour of electricity is converted into around four kilowatt-hours of heat. As a supplement to the existing heating system and for the transitional period, the split air conditioner is therefore an economical source of heat. If the whole house is to be heated throughout the year, a heat pump is the more suitable option.
Quick-Connect or standard installation
Some of the kits are designed as Quick-Connect systems, such as the TCL BreezeIN and Hantech Elite XA21: the refrigerant pipe is pre-filled at the factory and connected to the indoor and outdoor units via quick-connect couplings. The pipe in these kits is five metres long; the data sheet does not specify any greater length.
In a standard installation, the pipe is laid on site, evacuated and topped up if necessary. According to the data sheet, pipe lengths of up to 25 metres are possible; for floor-standing units, the lengths are 15 and 50 metres. Work on the refrigerant circuit must be carried out by personnel certified in accordance with the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573.
Professional installation and certification upon purchase
Split air conditioners are filled with a fluorinated refrigerant. For their sale, Article 11(7) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and Section 15(3) of the ChemKlimaschutzV require proof that a certified specialist company has been commissioned to carry out the installation. The quick-connect coupling in a Quick-Connect set makes connection easier, but the unit remains filled with R32. For details on how we request proof of this after you have placed your order, please see Professional installation of your air conditioner.
One room or more
A split system serves exactly one room. If several rooms are to be connected to a single outdoor unit, the solution is a multi-split air conditioner, in which several indoor units operate with a single outdoor unit. If a wall duct is not possible – for example, in a rented flat – the only option is a portable air conditioner with an exhaust hose.
What’s included in the sets
Each set contains an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Most come with a three- or five-metre refrigerant pipe; the Hantech H-Pro series also includes a mounting bracket. The sets in the Hantech Elegant series do not come with an installation kit. Some models can be controlled via Wi-Fi and an app and offer features such as ‘I-Feel’, where the temperature is measured at the remote control rather than at the unit itself, or an evaporator self-cleaning function. Copper pipework and brackets for retrofitting are available amongst the installation materials for air conditioners, condensate pumps and other accessories in the air conditioning accessories range.
Frequently asked questions about split air conditioners
Can I install a split air conditioner myself?
Not entirely. The connection and commissioning of the refrigerant circuit must be carried out by a certified specialist firm, and you must provide proof that you have commissioned them at the time of purchase. This also applies to quick-connect sets, as these are also filled with R32.
What BTU rating do I need for my room?
As a guide, manufacturers recommend 16 m² for 9,000 BTU, 22 m² for 12,000 BTU, 33 to 35 m² for 18,000 BTU and 45 m² for 24,000 BTU. Attics, south-facing windows and poor insulation generally mean you should opt for the next larger rating.
Can a split air conditioner provide heating in winter?
Yes. All units have a heating function and, according to the technical specifications, operate at outdoor temperatures as low as −15, −20 or −25 °C, depending on the model. The SCOP ranges from 4.0 to 4.7.
How loud is a split air conditioner?
The technical data sheets for wall-mounted units specify a sound pressure level of 19 to 31 dB for the indoor unit and 47 to 59 dB for the outdoor unit. The values for each fan speed are listed in the technical data sheet for the individual model.
How long can the refrigerant pipe be?
Five metres for Quick-Connect sets. For standard installation, the data sheets state that wall-mounted units allow up to 25 metres, whilst floor-standing units allow 15 or 50 metres.
How many rooms can one set serve?
A split system cools and heats one room. For multiple rooms connected to a single outdoor unit, there is the multi-split air conditioner.