AC essentials
What size air conditioner do you need? Why does it need maintenance? What is R32? A clear, concise guide to choosing and operating the right system for your home with confidence.
The right capacity is key to energy-efficient, comfortable cooling.
There is no single official sizing chart for split air conditioners that everyone uses, but the trade relies on proven rules of thumb. The figures below are practical recommendations for Hungary’s climate, used by manufacturers, retailers and installers alike.
With normal ceiling height (2.6-2.8 m), average insulation and orientation:
Good to know
This is a starting point, but it works well in 95% of cases. A site survey is always worth using to confirm the exact capacity.
This is useful for unusual ceiling heights, such as three-metre or loft-like spaces. Multiply the room volume by 40-50 W:
30 m² × 2.7 m = 81 m³ × 45 W = approximately 3.5 kW
Certain conditions call for an increase over the baseline:
It runs at maximum continuously, leading to high consumption and weak cooling.
It switches on and off frequently. This weakens dehumidification and can create a draught.
Our method
Capacity (kW) is approximately room volume (m³) × 0.045, then adjusted with the factors above. This results in a stable, economical size.
Five reasons why an annual air-conditioner inspection pays off, and what happens when it is missed.
Dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and fungi can easily accumulate on the indoor unit’s heat exchanger, fan and condensate tray. These can cause unpleasant odours, allergy symptoms and respiratory problems. Professional cleaning removes this biological contamination.
“An air conditioner does not cause a cold, but the mould growing inside it can.”
A dirty heat exchanger can reduce cooling and heating efficiency by as much as 10-30%. A maintained unit reaches the desired temperature faster, uses less electricity and runs more quietly.
Depending on model and use, annual savings of HUF 10,000-20,000 are possible.
Without maintenance, the compressor is overloaded, fan bearings become dirty and condensate cannot drain. Regular cleaning and inspection greatly reduce the likelihood of failure, potentially extending operation from 8-12 years to 15+ years.
Many manufacturers require maintenance by a professional at least once a year. Checking refrigerant level and ruling out leaks are also important under F-gas regulations.
“Without maintenance, the manufacturer’s warranty may be lost.”
During maintenance, the technician checks electrical connections, signs of overheating, the condition of condenser motors and fans, as well as leaks and fittings. This helps prevent fire and electric-shock risks and costly damage.
Residential use
At least once a year
Ideally twice: spring and autumn
Office · shop · continuous operation
2-4 times a year
Based on the level of use
What to remember as a customer:
Why is an air conditioner better today than it was 10 years ago?
People do not buy an air conditioner to save the planet. They want a more comfortable, economical and modern home. The good news is that modern technology makes this possible with an ever-smaller environmental impact.
Most people do not choose a new air conditioner because they are interested in the composition of the refrigerant. Comfortable summer cooling, effective winter heating, lower running costs and convenient control matter more. Yet air-conditioning technology has also made huge environmental progress in recent years, alongside becoming more comfortable and economical.
Today’s modern systems:
A significant share of current residential air conditioners uses R32 refrigerant. Its key advantage is a substantially lower global-warming potential (GWP) than earlier-generation refrigerants, while systems still operate highly efficiently. This benefits both the environment and the user: modern technology generally means better performance and lower energy use.
The European Union aims to gradually reduce the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a high environmental impact. As a result, the industry is already developing next-generation refrigerants. In the coming years, residential air conditioners are expected to use new refrigerants that are even more favourable environmentally.
New technologies also bring new challenges. Some next-generation refrigerants may be more flammable, so their safe use will require specialist design, installation and expertise.
What does this mean in practice?
Buyers have no reason to worry. Just as R32 technology has been safely adopted in everyday life, the entire air-conditioning industry is preparing for new refrigerants. When choosing a modern air-conditioning system today, you are choosing a technology that continues to adapt to future environmental expectations.
In Edison Home’s view, a good solution is comfortable, economical and responsible at once. Modern air conditioning is no longer a luxury item; it is an essential part of an efficient, healthy and future-ready home.
