Air Conditioner for an Apartment: A Complete Guide to Comfort and Choosing the Right System in 2026

Did you know that over the past five years the number of tropical nights in Latvian cities has increased by almost 40%, turning many homes into exhausting heat traps? We all know the unpleasant feeling when, during a summer heatwave, even fully open windows provide no relief and merely let in street noise and dust. A new air conditioner for an apartment has become a necessity rather than a luxury, yet we understand that concerns about complicated approvals and high electricity bills often cause people to delay.

In this guide, we will dispel the myths and provide a clear action plan so that you can welcome the summer of 2026 in complete comfort. You will learn everything about calculating the correct capacity for every square metre of your room and receive practical advice on how to obtain approval for the installation quickly and legally from the building manager. Every day, the Commodus team helps customers “pull together” so that technology works in their favour. We will examine how to choose an energy-efficient solution that protects your budget and creates an ideal indoor climate without unnecessary worry.

Key takeaways

• Learn why controlling temperatures above 25 degrees is critical for sleep quality and productivity in modern, well-insulated homes.
• Understand the main differences between quiet split systems and mobile solutions so that you can make an informed decision about cooling your space.
• Learn a simple capacity calculation formula to ensure that the selected air conditioner for your apartment can cope effectively with heat even on the sunniest days.
• Find out about the essential legal steps and approval procedures with the building manager so that the installation is lawful and trouble-free.
• Discover how a full-service approach, from the initial consultation to regular maintenance, ensures the longevity and maximum energy efficiency of your unit.

Why is an air conditioner for an apartment a critical investment in home comfort?

Modern energy-efficient homes are built like thermos flasks. This is excellent in winter, when heat must be retained, but in summer the same insulation becomes a trap. When the sun heats the walls and windows, the heat remains inside and even the cool night air cannot lower the room temperature. In this situation, an air conditioner for an apartment is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for normal daily life. By understanding how air conditioning works, it becomes clear that it is not simply about cold air, but about transferring energy and regulating humidity to create a suitable living environment.

At Commodus, we see customer priorities changing every day. People no longer want simply to “catch a breeze” through an open window, because in an urban environment this also brings noise, dust and exhaust fumes. Intelligent climate control differs from ordinary cooling by maintaining a stable temperature and clean air without draughts. It is a long-term investment that prevents the home from overheating and protects furniture and electronics from excessive humidity.

The impact of climate change on Latvian summers

Data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre show that the frequency of heatwaves has tripled over the past 30 years. At the end of the previous century, days above 30 degrees were rare; today they are normal every summer. Forecasts for 2026 indicate that this trend will only intensify. Passive solutions such as blinds or fans can no longer provide comfort when the outdoor temperature remains above 28 degrees for several consecutive days. In such conditions, a correctly selected air conditioner for an apartment becomes the only guarantee of high-quality sleep and productivity.

Health benefits: more than just cool air

Air temperatures above 25 degrees have a significant effect on the human body. Studies indicate that cognitive performance falls by approximately 10% for every degree above this threshold. However, modern units offer much more than a reduction in temperature:

• Optimal humidity level: Air conditioners effectively remove excess moisture, reducing the risk of mould and making breathing easier.
• Advanced filtration: HEPA and plasma filters capture up to 99% of microparticles, including bacteria and viruses.
• Protection against allergies: During the flowering season, filtration systems remove pollen from the air, helping people with allergies feel safe at home.

At Commodus, we are ready to “pull the comfort load” together with you by offering solutions designed to last for years. Our experience shows that timely installation of a climate-control system is one of the best gifts you can give to your health and peace of mind. In urban environments, where the air is often polluted, an air conditioner acts as a powerful barrier between you and environmental irritants.

Types of air conditioners for apartments: split systems versus mobile solutions

When choosing the most suitable cooling unit, it is important to understand that every home is unique. At Commodus, we see every day that what works perfectly in a new-build development may not be the best option for a historic building in the city centre. The main choice is usually between fixed split systems and mobile units, each of which has its own role and application.

Advantages and installation considerations of wall-mounted split systems

Wall-mounted split systems have become the gold standard in Latvian apartments. They consist of two units: a quiet indoor unit and a powerful outdoor unit. This design provides maximum comfort without unnecessary indoor noise. These are the main reasons why this air conditioner for an apartment is the best investment:

• Inverter technology: Modern units no longer operate on a simple “on or off” basis. The inverter adjusts output smoothly, helping to save up to 30% of electricity compared with older-generation models.
• Acoustic comfort: Every decibel matters in a bedroom. High-quality systems operate at 19–22 dB. This is quieter than rustling leaves and ensures undisturbed sleep even on the hottest July nights.
• Design integration: Models for 2026 are no longer merely white boxes. Matt black, silver and even fabric-finished units are available, allowing them to blend naturally into a modern interior.

When planning your purchase, it is essential to consult a specialist to calculate the correct capacity and energy efficiency according to the room area and window orientation. If the apartment has several rooms, a multi-split system can connect up to five indoor units to one outdoor unit while preserving the appearance of the building façade.

Mobile air conditioner: temporary solution or credible alternative?

A mobile air conditioner often appears attractive because of its lower initial cost, but it presents several technical challenges. It is suitable where the installation of a split system is prohibited, for example in rented properties or buildings with restrictions relating to a historic façade.

The main obstacle is the hot-air exhaust hose. If it is simply placed through a partially open window, new heat enters the room and forces the unit to operate at full output, significantly increasing electricity bills. You must also account for the noise, because the compressor is located inside the room, and for the regular emptying of the condensate tank. It is a practical “here and now” solution, but rarely forms the basis of long-term comfort.

An air-to-air heat pump is often a smarter choice than an ordinary air conditioner. It not only cools in summer, but also provides efficient heating in autumn or spring when central heating has not yet been switched on. In Latvia, where winter temperatures may fall below -25 degrees, a high-quality heat pump provides independence and year-round warmth.

For more than a decade, the Commodus team has been “pulling together” with customers, providing a complete service from the first consultation to regular maintenance. If you are unsure which air conditioner for an apartment is best suited to your situation, explore our extensive range on commodus.lv, where you will find solutions for every preference and budget.

How to choose the correct capacity and energy efficiency

When choosing a unit, capacity is the first indicator to consider. The standard formula used by most specialists is straightforward: 1 kW of cooling capacity for every 10 square metres of floor area. However, at Commodus we know that real life is slightly more complex. Actual requirements depend not only on area, but also on your daily habits and the technical characteristics of the home. If the ceilings are higher than the standard 2.7 metres or powerful electrical appliances operate continuously in the room, the basic capacity may not be sufficient to provide the desired cooling.

Capacity calculation: do not be misled

An undersized air conditioner for an apartment will operate at its limit while attempting to reach the set temperature. This means not only higher electricity bills, but also accelerated component wear. The unit will simply “burn out” sooner than expected. An oversized unit creates a different problem: frequent switching on and off. This cycling damages the compressor and prevents effective control of indoor humidity.

Particular attention must be paid to solar exposure. If the living-room windows face south, add a 20–30% reserve to the calculated capacity. Afternoon sunlight is the main reason why units fail to cope with the heat. Our experience shows that it is better to choose a slightly more powerful inverter model that can adapt its operation flexibly than to economise on capacity and later be disappointed with the result.

Energy-efficiency classes and operating costs

When reviewing the technical specification, look for SEER, the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio for cooling, and SCOP for heating. The higher these values, the more economical the unit will be in the long term. The difference between A++ and A+++ units may appear small at the time of purchase, but it becomes noticeable during operation. A+++ units are approximately 20% more efficient, which represents a significant saving in the context of energy prices in 2026.

A practical example for an average 50 m² apartment in Latvia:

• Cooling costs during the hottest summer month with an A++ unit generally do not exceed EUR 20–35, assuming an electricity price of around EUR 0.20/kWh.
• Using the same unit for heating during the transitional season, in September or October, can save up to 60% compared with conventional electric heaters.
• A modern air conditioner for an apartment functions as an air-to-air heat pump, providing warmth even when the outdoor temperature is -15°C.

Smart features are no longer merely a luxury. Wi-Fi control allows you to switch on cooling remotely while travelling home from work, preventing the apartment from overheating. Adaptive sensors, such as the “I Feel” function, measure the temperature where the remote control is located rather than near the ceiling. This helps the unit operate more accurately without wasting energy cooling an empty room. Commodus is always ready to help with these calculations so that your choice is well-founded and safe.

Installation and approvals: what is permitted and what is not?

Once the right air conditioner for the apartment has been selected, the stage begins where expectations often meet legislation. Many buyers mistakenly believe that they may do anything within their own property, but the façade of an apartment building is jointly owned. This means that any work changing the building's external appearance must be approved. If you live in a historic centre or a listed building, the rules are even stricter and mounting an outdoor unit on the façade is usually prohibited.

The smartest way to avoid disputes is to place the outdoor unit on the floor of a loggia or balcony instead of fixing it to the wall. This does not visually damage the façade and often helps to avoid complicated approval procedures. The second critical point is condensate drainage. A modern, neighbour-friendly solution directs condensate into the sewerage system using a dedicated pump. Water dripping onto pedestrians or neighbours' window sills is the quickest route to complaints and a visit from the municipal police.

Legal aspects and permits

Under the Apartment Property Law, installing a unit on the façade requires the consent of 51% of the neighbours. This is the first step before any drilling begins. The next stage is simplified renovation documentation, or a certification card, prepared by a certified designer and submitted to the municipal construction authority. An illegal installation may result in an administrative fine of up to EUR 500 and a mandatory order to remove the unit at your own expense within 30 days.

Technical installation: why it should not be entrusted to an acquaintance

A high-quality installation takes an average of 3–5 hours and allows no shortcuts. Professional installers must use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture from the system before releasing the refrigerant. If this is not done, compressor life is reduced by 40% and the unit loses efficiency after the first season. At Commodus, we know that precision is essential, so we use diamond-drilling technology with an industrial dust extractor, keeping your rooms clean even after substantial work.

• Warranty: The manufacturer's warranty remains valid only when installation is carried out by a certified company.
• Leak-tightness: Correctly connected copper pipework prevents leakage of expensive refrigerant.
• Safety: Correctly selected fixings ensure that the outdoor unit, weighing 25–40 kg, remains securely in place even during severe storms.

Remember that an air conditioner for an apartment is a long-term investment in your peace of mind. We believe that “pulling together” and doing the work correctly the first time is far more economical than correcting mistakes later. If you want a pleasant indoor climate without worries about paperwork or defective installation, entrust the process to experienced specialists.

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Why choose Commodus for your apartment?

When selecting the most suitable climate-control solution for a home, experience is decisive. Since 2010, the Commodus team has helped thousands of Latvian families find the right balance between modern technology and everyday comfort. We are not merely equipment retailers. We are your partners, “pulling together” with you from the first idea until the unit begins looking after your wellbeing.

Our work is based on a complete service cycle. This means that we assume full responsibility for every stage. It begins with an in-depth consultation in which we assess the apartment layout, solar exposure and energy-efficiency requirements. We continue with precise installation and conclude with regular maintenance. This ensures that your selected air conditioner for an apartment will serve for decades rather than only a few seasons. We offer only proven equipment from leading global manufacturers, ensuring that every project is unique and tailored specifically to the characteristics of your rooms.

Our team's expertise

Our team consists exclusively of certified installation specialists, whose industry experience often exceeds ten years. This enables us to find solutions even in the most complex situations, such as historic buildings in Riga or new developments with strict façade restrictions. We do not recommend the most expensive unit in the catalogue. We recommend what your floor area and lifestyle genuinely require. Contact our specialists for a consultation!

Warranty and after-sales service

A high-quality air conditioner for an apartment is an investment in your health and productivity. Regular maintenance preserves the value of this investment. Cleaning dust filters and checking the refrigerant level are critical to the longevity of the unit. Commodus responds promptly to technical problems because we understand how important peace of mind is during the hottest summer days.

We believe in transparency. To make your decision easier, we have developed a practical tool. The Commodus heating and cooling calculator provides a clear preliminary understanding of the required capacity and potential costs before your first call to our specialist. We work to provide long-term peace of mind rather than merely a quick result today.

Our energetic team is not afraid of challenges. Whether you live in a small studio apartment or a spacious penthouse, we will find a way to “catch the breeze” and turn it into pleasant cooling. The trust we have built since 2010 is our greatest asset, and we will be pleased to demonstrate it in your project as well.

Create your ideal home climate with the experts

Comfort in your home is not a temporary indulgence, but a significant investment in wellbeing and productivity. A correctly selected air conditioner for an apartment provides not only pleasant cooling during hot summers, but also efficient supplementary heating and cleaner air every day. The key is to find the correct balance between unit capacity, energy-efficiency class and proper placement in the room. The approval process must not be overlooked either, as it is an essential prerequisite for long-term peace of mind in Latvia's urban environment. We understand that these technical matters may seem complicated, which is why we are ready to assist at every stage.

For more than 15 years, the Commodus team has helped Latvian families “pull the comfort load together” by offering proven and modern solutions. We employ certified engineers and installation specialists who understand every technical detail and the latest legal requirements. Visit Latvia's largest showroom for energy-efficient equipment to receive a personal consultation and see the units in operation. We believe that high-quality equipment and professional workmanship are the best guarantee of peace of mind. Let us begin working on your project today so that heat never again interferes with your rest.

Choose your ideal air conditioner from the Commodus catalogue!

Frequently asked questions about air conditioners

Is neighbours' consent always required to install an air conditioner in an apartment?

Yes. In most cases, approval is mandatory because the building façade is considered jointly owned property. Under the Apartment Property Law, you must obtain the consent of at least 51% of apartment owners, documented in minutes of a general meeting or a written survey. If the building is a protected cultural monument, approval from the National Heritage Board will also be required.

In addition to the neighbours' consent, simplified façade-renovation documentation must be prepared and submitted to the local construction authority. This process ensures that the outdoor unit does not damage the appearance of the building and is securely fixed. Our experience shows that properly prepared documentation protects against unnecessary stress and possible penalties in the future.

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner in an apartment in 2026?

Installation costs depend on the complexity of the work, the materials used and the distance between the indoor and outdoor units. Standard installation, including drilling one hole through the wall and installing up to three metres of pipework, generally starts from EUR 350 in Latvia. The final estimate is also affected by the need for a lift or industrial-rope-access services on higher floors.

We always recommend inspecting the site before work begins so that the required fixings and services can be calculated accurately. High-quality installation ensures the longevity of the unit, so economising on certified installers often creates greater costs in the long term. Every project is individual, and we help find the best balance between cost and efficiency.

Can an air conditioner heat an apartment in winter?

A modern air conditioner for an apartment is a fully functional air-source heat pump that heats rooms efficiently even when the outdoor temperature falls to -25°C. This function is particularly useful in spring and autumn, when central heating has not yet been switched on but the home is already becoming chilly and damp. In heating mode, the unit consumes up to four times less electricity than conventional electric heaters.

When an air conditioner is used for heating, the indoor air warms very quickly because the warm airflow is distributed actively. It is an economical and convenient solution that helps maintain comfort throughout the year. It is important to choose a model specifically designed for a northern climate to ensure stable operation during severe frost.

How often should an apartment air conditioner be serviced?

Preventive maintenance should be carried out at least once a year, ideally in spring before the hot season begins. If you also use the unit regularly for heating during winter, we recommend an inspection twice a year. Regular filter cleaning and antibacterial treatment prevent mould and unpleasant odours from developing in the indoor unit.

During maintenance, the technician also checks the refrigerant level and the tightness of all connections, which are essential for efficiency. Dust and fluff accumulating in the outdoor unit can cause the compressor to overheat and wear prematurely. Timely care is the best way to avoid expensive repairs during the peak of the summer heat.

Where is the best place to install the indoor air-conditioning unit in an apartment?

The indoor unit should be installed on a wall approximately 10–15 centimetres below the ceiling to ensure unrestricted air circulation. The main rule is to avoid directing the airflow towards places where people remain for long periods, such as above the head of a bed, a sofa or a desk. This helps prevent draughts and discomfort.

The optimal location allows cooled air to spread freely throughout the room without obstacles such as cupboards or curtains. When planning the position, we also consider the location of the outdoor unit so that the services route is as short and visually unobtrusive as possible. Correct placement ensures an even temperature and quiet operation.

Is a mobile air conditioner sufficiently effective for a two-room apartment?

A mobile air conditioner is generally intended to cool one room and can rarely provide comfort in two rooms simultaneously. Its cooling capacity is usually sufficient for an area of up to 25 square metres, while doorways and walls significantly restrict air circulation. These units are also considerably noisier than fixed systems.

The greatest challenge is the hot-air exhaust hose, which must be routed through a window and often reduces cooling efficiency because heat enters through the opening. If you require high-quality climate control throughout the apartment, a multi-split system with several indoor units is the better choice. A mobile solution is suitable as a temporary option or for rented accommodation where façade installation is not permitted.

What is the permitted noise level for an air-conditioner outdoor unit?

Latvian regulations state that noise in built-up areas must not exceed 55 decibels during the day and must remain below 45 decibels at night. Modern, high-quality outdoor units operate within a range of 48–58 decibels, comparable to a moderate conversation. When choosing a unit, it is important to review the manufacturer's technical data and select one of the quieter models.

To reduce vibration and noise, we use special rubber anti-vibration mounts during installation. This is important not only for your sleep but also for good relations with neighbours, as noise can lead to complaints. A correctly installed, high-quality unit operates unobtrusively without causing discomfort to the surrounding environment.

Does an air conditioner consume a lot of electricity?

A modern air conditioner for an apartment is highly energy-efficient thanks to inverter technology, which adjusts compressor speed to the actual requirement. An A+++ unit consumes an average of 0.4–0.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity in maintenance mode. This means that on a hot summer day the cost of comfort is comparable to running a refrigerator or computer.

Electricity consumption is also affected by the set temperature difference between outdoors and indoors, so it is advisable not to set the indoor temperature more than 5 degrees below the outdoor temperature. Smart controls allow you to programme the unit and reduce bills by a further approximately 20%. We help select models that are kind both to the environment and to your budget.