How to choose air conditioner: Full guide to home comfort in 2026

Many still believe that air conditioning is a luxury for a few hot summer days, but in 2026 it is one of the smartest investments in the energy efficiency and daily well-being of the house. We know that the question of how to choose air conditioning can be confusing, because technical parameters and the wide offer tend to cause unnecessary anxiety. You probably worry about whether the chosen equipment will be powerful enough, how electricity bills will actually increase and whether neighbours will not complain about external block noise. These are reasonable concerns that we hear in the Kommodus team every day, helping customers across Latvia to create the ideal microclimate in their homes.

This guide will help you understand the technical details of air conditioning, calculate the required capacity precisely and choose the most energy efficient solution for your unique situation. We will look at what SEER and SCOP indicators actually mean, how the new European F-gas regulation affects the longevity of the equipment and which should be prepared directly before the installation process begins. We will then find a clear list of criteria that will allow you to make a well-considered decision so that your home will be pleasantly cool in the hottest afternoons and energy efficient at the frowning interseason evenings.

Air conditioning types: Which solution is suitable for your home?

When choosing the most suitable cooling device, the first step is to understand what Air-conditioning types The most popular choice for houses and apartments is the wall split systems. They consist of two blocks, ensuring high efficiency and very low noise level. If you want to cool several rooms, but do not want to take the facade space with several outdoor blocks, the multi-split system is the ideal solution. It allows to connect up to five internal units to one powerful outdoor unit. In thinking about how to choose air conditioning that will serve in the long term, it is also worth considering the ability of the equipment to function as an efficient heating complement in the interseason.

Split-system vs. Mobile Conditioner

When you wonder how to choose air conditioning for your apartment, mobile devices often seem to be the fastest solution because they do not need assembly. However, in practice they are much more noisier, reaching up to 50 to 65 dB, and their cooling capacity is lower. The warm air outlet is usually drawn through a window that allows the conductor to re-enter the room. In contrast, the split-system internal unit works almost seamlessly, often not exceeding 20 dB. Such systems are more energy efficient in the long term because they work on the principle of a closed cycle and maintain the temperature set accurately without excessive consumption.

Conditioner or air-air heat pump?

Many customers ask what the difference between these units is in cooling mode. Technological solutions work very similar, but air-air heat pumps are especially optimised for working at low outdoor temperatures. AlpicAir equipment is a great example that can efficiently heat the house even at -25 degrees. If you plan to use the device as the main heating source in winter, rather than only cooling in summer, the heat pump will be a smarter choice. Kommodus engineers will help you to assess which option is financially more advantageous for your home area. Air-air in the heat pump guide.

Capacity calculation and energy efficiency: How do we not pay for invoices?

A skilled choice of power is the key to comfort without unnecessary spending. The basic law is simple: 1 kW of cooling power per 10 square meters. However, everything is a little more complicated in life. If your home has large windows on the south that heat up in summer, or weak insulation, the power reserve will need to be increased by at least 20%. Also, account should be taken of the electrical devices in the room, such as computers that emit extra heat. Nowadays it is no longer worth looking at the old on/off type of equipment. Invertor technology allows the compressor to work in a variable mode, which not only saves electricity, but also significantly prolongs the life of the equipment.

How to calculate required power (BTU and kW)

Understanding how to choose an air conditioner, you will face two units: kilowatts (kW) and BTU. BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a historical indicator where 9000 BTUs correspond to about 2.5 kW of power. Here is a quick guide according to the space:

• Up to 25 m2: 2.5 kW (9000 BTU)
• Up to 35 m2: 3.5 kW (1200 BTU)
• Up to 50 m2: 5.0 kW (18000 BTU)

Remember that these are calculations for a standard ceiling height of 2.7 meters. If the ceiling is higher, the room's cubicle increases and will need a more powerful device.

Energy efficiency labelling and real consumption

SEER is a seasonal energy efficiency ratio in cooling mode. This indicator shows how efficient the machine works throughout the summer. The higher the number you pay for each cooling hour. A+++ class models with SEER above 8.5 initially cost more, but they pay off in a few seasons due to lower electricity consumption. If you are not sure about the specifics of your room, AlpicAir Equipment offers an excellent balance between capacity and energy efficiency for any housing.

Key functions and smart technologies in 2026

Today, the air conditioning is no longer just a box on the wall that blows cold air. Thinking about how to choose air conditioning, smart technologies have become a standard for every user in 2026. Wi-Fi controls allow you to turn on cooling while still on the way to get the cooler to the home. Another practical nuance is the function of "I-Feel." It ensures that the unit measures the temperature where the remote is located, not at the ceiling where the air is always warmer. Also, you cannot forget about the noise level. For the bedroom, we recommend choosing models with "Mieg mode" with operation not exceeding 20 dB. It is quieter than the whisper and will not even interfere with the most sensitive sleep.

Air quality and filtration systems

Modern equipment is equipped with multi-stage filters that are a real rescue for people with allergies or asthma. HEPA filters effectively hold off fine dust, while silver ion and plasma filters help neutralize bacteria and unpleasant aromas. Although the conditioner cleans the internal air, it does not supply oxygen from the outside. Therefore, for maximum comfort and health we recommend to consider modern ventilation systemswhich will ensure continuous fresh air flow without swiveling windows.

Design and integration in interior

We care not only about technical performance, but also about how the equipment looks in your living room. AlpicAir Air Conditioners distinguished by minimalistic design and compact sizes. They are available in different colour shades, allowing the equipment to fit in organically in both classical and modern interiors. If you are planning to repair and do not know how to choose air conditioning that will not damage the aesthetics of the room, our engineers will help to find the most discrete location. select AlpicAir models in our catalogue.

Professional installation and maintenance: The basis of longevity and warranty

Even the best equipment will not be able to provide the comfort expected if it is installed in a careless way. Thinking about how to choose an air conditioner, it has to be understood that assembly is not a place to try to save. Since March 2024 the European F-gas regulation states that only certified specialists may work with cooling agents. A handy assembly not only cancels the manufacturer's guarantee, but also creates serious risks of leakage that harms the environment and your wallet. Commodus masters will take care of the whole process, from a precise positioning plan to the start-up of the system, ensuring that the equipment works with maximum return.

Assembly process and most frequent errors

The incorrect choice of the internal block site is one of the most common mistakes made by inexperienced masters. If the air flow is directed directly to the sofa or bed, it will cause discomfort and health problems. In turn, the poorly fixed external block can create unnecessary vibration and noise that will interfere with the neighbors. Professional assembly includes mandatory vacuuming of the system and leak check. This guarantees that there is no moisture or air left in the system, which are the main reasons for premature wearing the compressor and higher electricity consumption.

Why choose a full service company?

By choosing Commodus as your partner, you gain peace of mind in the long term. We are not only selling quality AlpicAir Air Conditioners, but also take full responsibility for their operation throughout the entire life-cycle. This means that one responsible party performs engineering design, assembly and also routine maintenance. Before each season it is important to clean filters and check system pressure to ensure that the equipment works effectively. Our personal approach and experience since 2010 allows us to find the best solution for each home. Contact our engineers and we will help you to understand how to choose air conditioning that will serve perfectly for many years.

Create the perfect climate in your home today

The main thing is to remember three whales: precise power calculation, high SEER energy efficiency indicators and smart control functions. Now, once you have gained clarity about it, how to choose air conditioningProfessional and certified assembly will ensure that the equipment works with full return without creating unnecessary noise or unforeseen costs.

Our certified assembly specialists work in all stages of the project, while professional engineering consultations will help to avoid mistakes during the design phase. We believe that each project is unique, so we ensure personal approach and peace of mind about the result in the long term. Choose your ideal air conditioner in Commodus catalog! We will make sure that your home is a pleasant cool summer and cozy heat in the interseasons.

Frequently asked questions about air conditioning selection

How much does it cost to install air conditioning in Latvia?

The costs of installing a standard split-type air conditioner in Latvia usually vary from 400 € to 600 €. The final amount depends on the complexity of the installation, the required length of the pipe and the specifics of the facade material. It is important to choose certified specialists, as incorrect installation can result in leaks of the refrigerant and cancel the manufacturer's warranty. Professional assembly ensures the energy efficiency of the appliance and peace of mind for its longevity throughout the lifetime of use.

Can air conditioner serve as the main heating source in winter?

Most modern air-air heat pumps are air-air-air heat pumps that can heat the rooms, but not all models are suitable for the harsh winters of Latvia. If you plan to use the equipment as the main heating source, you need to choose special models adapted to the northern climate that work effectively even at -25 degrees. Standard conditioners are best served as an addition to the interseason when central heating is not yet turned on, but in the rooms get cold.

How often should air conditioning filters be cleaned?

In the home environment, cleaning of air conditioner filters should be performed at least once a month during the active season of use. It is a simple process that you can do yourself by washing the filters under running water. Once a year, before the beginning of the summer season, professional maintenance is required. During this time, specialists disinfect the internal block, check the stress pressure and the leak-proof system to guarantee smooth operation and prevent the occurrence of unpleasant aromas.

Can air conditioning be installed in the apartment without coordination?

The terms of harmonisation vary depending on the municipality and where the external block is to be located. If the equipment is installed on the facade visible from the public outdoors, the building board generally requires harmonised documentation. In any case, apartment houses must receive the consent of the apartment owners, because the building facade is a joint property. Before you buy the equipment, we recommend consulting our specialists on how to choose the air conditioning and its correct location.

What is the difference between the conditioner and the recuperation system?

Air conditioning mainly cools or warms the air in the already existing room, but does not provide the flow of fresh oxygen from the outside. In contrast, recuperation systems are ventilation units that remove air from the premises and provide fresh outdoor air while maintaining heat. When thinking about choosing air conditioning for your home, remember that for maximum comfort and healthy microclimate it is best to combine cooling equipment with effective ventilation solution.