It’s hot even if it’s not officially summer yet, and therefore temperatures can only rise further, unfortunately. For many it is necessary to air condition their home or work environment, but to buy a new one it is essential to know how to choose the best one for your needs and the environment. Here is a small practical guide, together with some of the best devices of 2026.
What is an air conditioner (and what is the difference with an air conditioner)
As Assoclima explains, an air conditioner is an appliance capable of cooling and/or heating the air of an internal environment using a vapor compression cycle generated by an electric compressor.
This category also includes appliances that also act as dehumidifiers, purifiers, fans or equipped with an auxiliary electrical resistance to enhance the heating functionality, as well as appliances that can use water for evaporation at the condenser level, provided that the appliance is able to operate without the addition of water, i.e. using only air.
An air conditioner, on the other hand, is a more advanced device, capable of setting a precise temperature and also controlling the humidity and quality of the air, often also offering the heating function (heat pump).
Generally they all exist in either a fixed version, i.e. those that must be fixed to the wall, or mobile ones, and normally the fixed ones are more efficient, less noisy and less expensive than the mobile ones.
How to keep our device efficient and healthy
Ideally, an air conditioner/air conditioner should be installed high on the wall, away from heat sources (such as lamps or appliances) and particularly humid areas, in order to better distribute the fresh air in the room and ensure efficient operation.
Very important: air conditioning equipment must be cleaned with specific products: the filters, in fact, especially if the devices are used very frequently, can become clogged, accumulate dust but also be ways of spreading viruses and bacteria. For this reason, during periods of intensive use, it is advisable to clean the filters every month.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to periodically check the refrigerant gas level and rely on a qualified technician at least once a year for a complete check-up of the system. Regular maintenance not only improves the efficiency and also extends the life of the air conditioner, it is important for our health
But be careful: if you live in a condominium, it is important to check the condominium regulations before installation, because there may be limitations regarding the distance from neighbors’ balconies, or aesthetic constraints linked to the decoration of the facade. So, before making the purchase, let’s inform ourselves well to avoid wasting money.
How to choose the best appliance for us
We are tempted to choose the air conditioner based on the price, and it is understandable, considering that this is generally not very low. But in reality there are various factors that must be taken into consideration, both environmental but also strictly economic.
In fact, for example, an initially cheaper but inefficient air conditioner could increase our bills more than a more expensive one and therefore this evaluation must be made before purchasing.
Generally then, the highly energy efficient models (in class A++ or A+++) are also better for the environment, equipped with refrigerant gases with low climate impact. And this guarantees a truly sustainable purchase.
Furthermore, not all devices are suitable for all environments: first of all, it is necessary to check their capacity in relation to the dimensions of the interiors to be air conditioned. But it’s not just a question of size: if we need to install the air conditioner in the bedroom or in other environments where particular quiet is required, it is essential to purchase a low-noise model. The best performing models can also operate with a noise level of less than 20 decibels, guaranteeing peace and tranquility if we need to sleep or perhaps work and therefore concentrate.
The last but not the leastit is important to check whether our new appliance is compatible with photovoltaic systems: being able to power the air conditioner with renewable energy, in fact, reduces their environmental impact but also our bills.
The best air conditioners and air conditioners 2026 (chosen by the GreenMe editorial team)
Solstice air conditioner by Midea
The Solstice air conditioner by Midea, available in a power range from 2.6 kW to 7.0 kW, is designed for residential and professional environments that require high performance, energy efficiency but also a modern and refined aesthetic (even the eye wants its part).
What makes it very versatile (a non-negligible feature considering that external conditions could change) is the presence of AI Ecomaster, an advanced artificial intelligence system that analyzes and learns usage habits, environmental conditions and users’ comfort needs.
This is not just a quirk, it has a decidedly advantageous practical impact: in fact, thanks to the processing of billions of data, the air conditioner automatically optimizes operation in real time, improving energy efficiency without the need for an Internet connection. The tests carried out demonstrate additional energy savings of up to 30%, maintaining high performance and constant comfort throughout the year.
Speaking of the difference between a simple air conditioner and an air conditioner, this device integrates Air Magic+, an air purification system with a negative ion generator that helps neutralize up to 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens present in indoor environments.
And which guarantees a more natural and uniform distribution by directing the cooling towards the ceiling to avoid direct jets on people (which is absolutely to be avoided for our health). In heating mode, however, the deflector orients downwards up to 180°, distributing the heat more evenly from the floor upwards and creating a more natural and enveloping sensation of comfort. Furthermore, the Solstice is equipped with the integrated Smart Kit and can be managed via the Midea SmartHome app, which allows you to remotely control the air conditioner and its functions in a simple and immediate way, also monitoring energy consumption and receiving personalized suggestions to optimize efficiency.
MSZ-LN Kirigamine and MSZ-AY from Mitsubishi Electric
The air conditioners of the MSZ-LN Kirigamine series, available in 3 different sizes, 25, 35, 50, and in 3 colors (Ruby Red, Onyx Black and Pearl White) and compatible with the majority of existing arrangements, are particularly recommended because they are characterized by high energy efficiency (class A+++) and very low noise, as well as the possibility of obtaining excellent air quality and using a remote control system (wi-fi) and appreciate an elegant design.
In particular, the 3D I-see Sensor monitors the temperature of the environment and the position of people and, with the help of a double deflector, optimal air distribution is guaranteed, avoiding hitting the occupants with direct air flows, which are harmful to health as well as annoying.
The MSZ-AY model, equipped with R32 refrigerant, guarantees class A+++ in cooling (sizes 25 and 35) and A++ in heating. The completely horizontal flow avoids annoying currents and thanks to the presence of motorized horizontal and vertical oscillation it is possible to direct the air in any direction.
These devices are also particularly silent, reaching just 18dB(A), but these are particularly recommended for the bedroom, as they are equipped with a night mode: by activating it, the LED brightness is reduced, the “beep” sound is deactivated and the sound emission of the external unit is lowered by a further 3dB(A).
Furthermore, they all integrate Plasma Quad Plus active filtration, capable of reducing indoor pollutants, bacteria, viruses, odors and fine dust up to PM 2.5, and Double Barrier Coating technology, with which the internal components are treated with a second protective layer that prevents the deposit of dust and impurities even after long periods of time, as in the case of intermediate seasons, reducing consumption and the frequency of maintenance of the unit.
Vitoclima 300-S KOMBI and 232-S monosplit by Viessmann
The Vitoclima 300-S KOMBI model is truly very versatile, this is its strength: it can in fact heat, cool and produce hot water at home with a unique, efficient and space-saving system. Furthermore, the system is configured with the utmost ease: heat and cold are generated by the reversible heat pump air conditioner Vitoclima 300-S by Viessmann, a multisplit system with energy class A++/A+ which allows you to connect up to 3 internal units to a single external unit, positioned on the terrace or in the garden, which can also be of different types, depending on the characteristics of each individual room to be air conditioned.
Being able to also produce hot water is an advantage that should not be overlooked: in fact, the texts indicate that by using a high efficiency inverter air conditioning system and heat pump like this one to cover the heating (electricity expense of 625 euros/year) and for hot water (expenditure reduced to just €127/year), the total costs drop to 752 euros per year.
Furthermore, thanks to the efficiency of the Viessmann solution (which cuts heating costs by 36% alone) and the optimization of hot water production, a 50% saving on the bill is achieved, which means 764 euros per year.
Focusing now on its advantages in summer, the air conditioning module is also equipped with integrated cold plasma technology to sanitize the air in the home, which is based on the natural process of air ionization, effective in reducing pathogens in the environment, especially bacteria, which are particularly resistant (tests indicate that the presence of pathogens in the environment is reduced by 91% in just 2 hours).
The Vitoclima 232-S monosplit model is equipped with R32 refrigerant gas, very important for guaranteeing the A+++ class in both cooling and heating, and, like the previous device, has cold plasma or NTP technology (not thermal plasma), capable of reducing the presence of pathogens in the environment by up to 91% in just 2 hours.
The device is therefore an air-to-air heat pump with inverter technology: unlike the old traditional on/off systems, which always work at maximum power and then turn off when the set temperature is reached, the compressor equipped with an inverter continuously modulates its speed based on the real heat requirement.
This, in addition to being a more environmentally friendly operation, involves a reduction in energy consumption (even by 35/40% according to the latest simulations), an improvement in comfort thanks to a more stable temperature, a reduction in noise and less wear of the components (which translates into further long-term savings thanks to a reduced frequency of maintenance).
To give a concrete economic example, a Vitoclima 232-S class A+++ air conditioner can cut energy costs for air conditioning by up to €200/year compared to an old system with on-off technology in an 80 m2 apartment.
Furthermore, the air conditioner is compatible with photovoltaic systems, always recommended regardless to reduce our environmental impact but also the bills at the end of the month.
And, among other things, the internal unit of this model is also available in black, not obvious but suitable for environments with more bold and modern furnishings.
Furthermore, in this period, Viessmann has activated the “Coupon for the Climate 2026” promotion, which allows you to obtain an Amazon gift voucher of up to 100 euros by purchasing and installing an air conditioner from the Vitoclima range by 31 August 2026.
