Technicians advise against portable air conditioners even though sales have soared by 30%

PalmaHeatwaves have caused a 30% increase in the sale of portable air conditioners, but industry professionals warn that they are not a good option. The Balearic Association of Technicians in Energy, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (ABTECIR) warned this Thursday that these units, which have become a quick solution because they do not require installation, are inefficient and increase energy consumption.

The increase in sales has been detected throughout Spain and, according to the president of ABTECIR, Pep Maria Rigo, it is due to an impulsive purchase to combat the heat. He also relates it to difficulties in accessing housing and to the fact that many people who rent opt for non-permanent, low-cost solutions. However, the entity advises against this option because these devices need to keep a window open to expel hot air, which ultimately reduces their efficiency.

ABTECIR has also noted a 13% increase in the sale of "split" type units that do not require professional installation. According to Rigo, these units can end up causing problems related to design, poor maintenance, or deficient installation, as aspects such as the necessary power, electrical installation, or pipe dimensions are often not taken into account.

Poor maintenance

Therefore, the entity has emphasized the importance of resorting to a professional for both the installation and maintenance of the equipment. Poor maintenance, they assure, forces the appliance to work harder than it should, reduces its efficiency, and shortens its lifespan. Likewise, ABTECIR has warned that, according to government data, 90% of buildings in the Islands are poorly insulated, making it difficult to cool homes during the summer.

In this regard, board member Antoni Bisbal has highlighted that only 188,000 of the nearly 620,000 homes in the Balearic Islands have an energy certificate. Of these, 89% have a rating lower than C. As he explained, if these homes reached this category, 23% of CO₂ would be saved, a percentage that would reach 43% if the energy rating were higher.

Ceiling fans

As an alternative, the association recommends ceiling fans to complement air conditioning and reduce its consumption. It also insists that each home has different needs and that it is important for a professional to assess which system is most suitable before installation. Along the same lines, it asks for caution with information circulating on social networks.

Finally, ABTECIR has warned that there is a shortage of specialized professionals. In Mallorca, only 137 places are offered for the intermediate level of Technician in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Installations, a figure that it considers insufficient to cover the peak demand in the summer months.

The entity has also pointed out that European regulations on refrigerants may, in some cases, require the complete replacement of air conditioning systems, although it emphasizes that each installation will have to be evaluated individually.