Multi-split systems for 3 rooms

Owners of three-room apartments know that the capacity of one air conditioner is not enough for all premises. Since the split system consists of an outdoor and indoor unit, the purchase of equipment for each room separately entails the installation of three enclosures on the outer walls of the house, each of which will require a through hole in the load-bearing wall. A multi-split system will help to avoid blocking blocks, allowing up to 16 indoor units to be connected to one outdoor unit. The article will focus on connecting HVAC equipment for 3 rooms.

The need to install a multi-split arises in cases where the goal is to maintain comfortable climatic conditions throughout the apartment, and not in a separate room. Of course, you can put 3 autonomous air conditioners, but if the neighbors or the user himself is against disturbing the exterior of the building, you will have to purchase a multi-split system. It will have only one outdoor unit, which, in addition to the facade of the house, is mounted on the roof, in the basement, in the utility room, in the public walkway, on the balcony and other suitable places.

When placing an outdoor unit, consider the noise it makes and the need for fluid drainage. If you choose for installation between closed and open space, it is better to give preference to the second one, since in conditions of good ventilation, the system works better and more durable.

Multi-split systems are of several types - with one, two or three compressors.

• In a system with one compressor, any number of room units can be operated, but their total capacity should not exceed the capacity of the outdoor unit. Such a system works simultaneously for cold or heating.
• Block hair dryers of a multi-compressor system with different lines operate in each room in independent modes. In addition to the main control panel, with the help of which the same microclimate is established in the entire apartment, there are control panels for each indoor module, they are configured during the installation of the general system. With their help, an individual temperature regime is set.
• Three compressors in one external multi-split unit, connected in one line, operate in individually set modes: heat, cold, dry.

Multi-split systems are equipped with conventional or inverter compressors. The latter work more economically, they are able to independently change the temperature regime in each room to a predetermined level, depending on the number of people in the room, the sunny side and other factors, redistributing heat or cold in different rooms.

Indoor units can be divided into the following types:

• wall-mounted;
• floor and ceiling;
• roof;
• channel;
• columnar;
• cassette;
• console.

The outdoor unit is a condensing unit, while the indoor unit (air conditioner) is related to the evaporative equipment. The outdoor unit provides refrigerant movement in a closed system. It consists of:

• a compressor that compresses the working substance;
• a heat exchanger, the so-called condenser;
• expansion coil (choke), expanding the refrigerant.

The indoor unit (evaporative equipment) converts the refrigerant from liquid to gaseous state while absorbing heat. The indoor module includes a fan, a set of air filters and a coil that cools the working medium.

Heat-insulating, power supply and drainage lines, air ducts (pipes for the promotion of freon) connect the external unit with indoor hair dryer units. The refrigerant is a heat carrier that, under pressure, can change its state from liquid to gaseous, thereby affecting the temperature environment in the room.

When calculating the capacity of a multi-split system for air conditioning over large areas, you need to remember that the total capacity of all indoor units should be 15-20% less than the external unit, the increased load will affect the quality of work. In addition, the following factors are taken into account when calculating the power:

• area of ​​rooms;
• heating system;
• north or south side of the windows;
• thermal insulation capabilities of the walls of the house;
• operating mode;
• the length of the air ducts - the longer it is, the more active the power of the units in remote rooms should be.

Multi-split systems are used to create a favorable microclimate in rooms with different sizes. Such equipment has many advantages:

• the appearance of the facade of the house does not spoil the accumulation of outdoor blocks;
• a common unit is able to serve air conditioners in three rooms with a joint area of ​​up to 100 sq. m;
• thanks to the multi-split system, in which the outdoor unit is reduced to one, the cost of its maintenance is reduced: replenishing with freon, cleaning filters, preventive inspection;
• electricity is connected to only one outdoor compressor unit, from where it is distributed to the room units;
• it is possible to control the entire system from anywhere in the house using the main control panel, as well as regulate the hair-dryer units with individual control panels;
• inverter multi-splits are economical due to their ability to redistribute heat and cold in different rooms;
• the noiselessness of the indoor units is due to the external compressor, which is quite noisy;
• modules for a split system, unlike conventional air conditioners, are endowed with a variety of shapes and sizes, which allows you to choose a product for every taste.

In order to objectively assess the operation of the equipment, in addition to the advantages, it is worth considering the negative points:

• if the external unit fails, all air conditioners in the house stop working;
• in a system with one compressor, all hair dryers can simultaneously work only for cold or heating;
• the system is difficult to install due to the long length of air ducts and other communications;
• the cost of a multi-split system is higher than that of stand-alone air conditioners.

You can purchase a multi-split system complete with external and internal blocks from the same brand. Or choose an external unit first, and then, based on its parameters and calculating the capacity of the room modules, buy them for each room separately. When choosing equipment, you should decide on your preferences and pay attention to the following parameters:

• choose a conventional or inverter compressor;
• understand for yourself how many compressors an external unit should contain;
• calculate the required capacity for servicing 3 rooms and not overpay too much;
• find out the noise level of the outdoor unit;
• inquire about additional capabilities of the equipment;
• when choosing room modules, you should decide in advance on their type: wall, floor, ceiling and so on;
• when buying, you need to check the equipment for possible marriage, view the complete set of fixing devices, filters, make sure that you have a winter kit.

As for the models, you can pay attention to the following lines:

• if the choice fell on an inverter air conditioner with good power, but economical, models Daikin 3MXS68G, Daikin 3MXS40K, RAS-3M26GSV-E, developed by Toshiba, are suitable;
• if you need a system with many functions, connecting blocks with self-control, it is better to pay attention to the MXZ-3D54VA model from Mitsubishi Electric;
• Mitsubishi Heavy SCM50ZJ-S and SCM60ZJ-S models boast an ideal price-quality ratio.

When deciding to buy a multi-split system, you should know that it will cost more than an autonomous installation of air conditioners in each room. This is due to the complexity of installation, since the length of all lines (for freon, condensate drainage, electric cable) is quite significant. In addition, the external unit itself weighs more than 50 kg. The entire system has complex control over maintaining the indoor climate. The possibility of individual control of air conditioners in each room is ensured by fine tuning of the compressor and fans.

Choosing a multi-split system, it is better not to save money, to give preference to proven brands.

The external node is installed outside the living area. Each room is equipped with a separate block-hair dryer. Air ducts are laid between all modules, electrical wiring that supplies the system and is responsible for its control.

When the outdoor unit is assembled, it is equipped with a compressor. You will also need a fan, condenser and other additional items. During installation, the following actions are performed:

• first, the external block is fixed on the front wall;
• bring electricity to it;
• then they are engaged in the preparation and installation of connecting pipes;
• lead electric cables to block-hair dryers;
• connect all communications with external and internal units;
• fill the line with refrigerant;
• check the tightness of all connections.

The system is ready for air conditioning, it can safely last 10 years. But with proper installation, timely technical inspection and maintenance, the equipment can always be used for up to 15-20 years.

For information on how to install multi-split systems, see the next video.