Fifty-eight out of one hundred is the highest score obtained in the laboratory test that Altroconsumo dedicated to fixed air conditioners without an external unit, a category that promises to solve the problem of the motor to be installed on the facade but which, given the data, still pays a heavy price in terms of efficiency.
The analysis examined three monobloc models: the Argo Apollo 12HP, the Innova 2.0 12HP and the Olimpia Splendid Unico Pro 35HP EVAN, as reported by Altroconsumo. Products designed for those who cannot, or do not want, to install an external unit, such as those condominiums with particularly restrictive regulations, listed properties and historic centres, where the facades of the buildings do not (always) touch each other.
A single block, with all the necessary compromises
The absence of the external unit implies the installation phase, because the devices must still be fixed close to a perimeter wall, given that they require two holes towards the outside, one for air intake, the other for expulsion. These are therefore not devices that can be placed freely on any internal wall. Then there is a technical issue that weighs more than others, namely that the entire refrigeration circuit, including the compressor, remains inside the house: in traditional split air conditioners the compressor lives outside, isolated from the house, but not here. The two structural limits of the category arise from this, which we can summarize as higher noise and lower efficiency compared to a split with external unit.
Argo Apollo 12HP: the most balanced
With a score of 58 out of 100, the Argo Apollo 12HP takes first place thanks to a mix of normal performance and exceptional ease of use. In cooling, the real power is close to the declared one, with an efficiency slightly below average, while for heating it is the model that convinces the most, with the best energy efficiency in the comparison. It also gets the best rating for perceived comfort, thanks to well-calibrated air distribution. The Achilles’ heel remains the noise, which is high even at minimum speed, a flaw common to all three models tested. The remote control, although intuitive, does not indicate the status of the batteries or some active functions such as swing. On a technical level we have R32 refrigerant gas, nominal power of 2.35 kW in both cooling and heating, energy class A/A, declared noise level of 56 dB, weight of 36 kg. Suitable for rooms of up to 25 square metres, with an indicative price between 750 and 850 euros, it is the cheapest of the three.
ARGO APOLLO 12 HP – Air Conditioner Without External Unit, 2.35 kW, Heat Pump, R32, WHITE
Innova 2.0 12HP: the best in cooling, the worst in heating
Score of 54 out of 100 for the Innova, which stands out above all for its summer performance: real power close to the declared one and excellent energy efficiency. In heating, however, it is the least powerful of the group, with an output of under 2 kW, sufficient only for medium-small rooms. The sore points concern the acoustics, among the worst in the comparison and without a silent mode, and usability: the remote control and timer are not very intuitive. The refrigerant gas is always R32, the nominal power is 2.33 kW in cooling and 2.31 kW in heating, the energy class A+ for summer, the declared noise level of 58 dB. The price rises significantly: between 1,400 and 1,700 euros.
Innova – Monobloc air conditioner without external unit 2.0 INNOVA – 12 HP, Matt white, In stock
Olimpia Splendid Unico Pro 35HP EVAN: the most powerful on paper, the last in the ranking
The Olimpia Splendid model closes the ranking, with 49 out of 100, despite being the one with the highest nominal power among the three. In cooling, the actual yield was lower than declared, with only reasonable efficiency; in heating, however, it offers good power (2.35 kW), also suitable for larger environments. The perceived comfort is the lowest in the test and the dehumidification is not very convincing. What saves it is the ease of use: remote control with well-designed keyboard and display.
R32 refrigerant gas, cooling power up to 3.1 kW, energy class A, declared noise level of 59 dB. Indicative price between 1,600 and 1,800 euros, the highest in the selection.
Olimpia Splendid Air Conditioner Without External Unit Unico Pro 35 HP EVAN Inverter, Heat Pump, Integrated Wi-Fi, 3.5 kW, Silent Mode and Touch Display – 02239
How much you lose compared to a traditional split
The data that best summarizes the limits of the category concerns efficiency at high external temperatures. At 30°C, the tested models reach an efficiency equal to approximately half that of the split air conditioners with external unit present in the Altroconsumo comparator, and approximately a third compared to the most efficient model overall. However, they remain a cut above monobloc laptops, even if the direct comparison between the two categories is not methodologically correct: they are in fact tested with different protocols. In short, the underlying message is that monoblocks without an external unit work, as long as you accept their limitations. If you are looking for the most discreet solution possible in a condominium with strict regulations you will still find an acceptable compromise. On the contrary, having the option to choose a traditional split, you will hardly find technical reasons not to do so.
To compare all the models analyzed, you can use the Altroconsumo comparator.
