Cool your home without building work or surprises
Work out the cooling power you need and choose between a split, a portable or a no-works option, with clear figures in euros.
How much cooling power does your room need?
Fill in the details of the room you want to cool. The calculation starts from the 100 frigories per m² rule installers use in Spain, with the usual adjustments.
Cooling power needed:
2,000frigories/h
That is 2.3 kW
A 2.5 kW split or a 9,000 BTU portable
This is an approximate estimate. The marks on the scale are common split sizes. For a whole home, ask the installer to calculate it on site.
Start with your situation
- I rent my homeWhat you can use without changing the property, and what needs your landlord’s signature.
- My building won’t allow anything on the facadeOptions that don’t need an outdoor unit on the wall.
- I’m worried about the billWhat each unit costs to run per month, worked out with your tariff.
- I want cooling in summer and heating in winterHeat pumps: one unit for the whole year.
Split, portable or portable split
All three cool a room, but they differ a lot in installation, permissions, noise and running costs.
| Criterion | Split | Portable | Portable split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Certified installer and an outdoor unit | None: the hose goes out of the window | The outdoor unit hangs from the window, with no drilling according to manufacturers |
| Permissions | Your building, if on the facade, and your landlord if you rent | None | Usually none; check if the unit is visible from the street |
| Noise in the room | Low: the compressor is outside | High: the compressor is inside | Low: the compressor stays outside |
| Efficiency | The highest | The lowest, especially single-hose | In between, closer to a split |
| Approximate price in Spain | €600 to €1,650 installedDomestic 1x1 split | From about €180 | More than a portable |
When a split is worth it
It’s the most efficient and quietest option, but it needs professional installation and, in many buildings, your community’s permission.
- You’ll live in the home for several years.
- You can fit the outdoor unit with permission.
- You want cooling and heating from one unit.
Guides to help you decide
- Split air conditionersSizes, installed price, efficiency and what to ask the installer.Buying guide
- Portable air conditionersSingle or dual hose, real output, noise and venting the hose.Buying guide
- Cooling without building workEvery alternative when you can’t install a split.Comparison
- Air conditioner running costsWork out the monthly cost with your power, hours and tariff.Calculator
- Permissions: renting and communitiesWhat Spanish law says if you rent or live in a block of flats.Regulations