General ASWX12KECA 1.5 HP R32 Full DC Inverter Cooling and Heating Window Split Air Conditioner

For a master bedroom that needs both cooling and heating, consider the General ASWX12KECA 1.5 HP cooling and heating window split air conditioner. Compared with the same brand's 1.5 HP window unit, the outdoor unit is smaller in width, height and depth, suited to window ledges.

Outdoor unit 218mm shallower than the same brand's AMWB12NID

AMWB12NID is the same brand's 1.5 HP inverter window unit, with a body 708mm deep; this outdoor unit is shallower, and also 60mm narrower and 7mm lower, taking up less window ledge space. Installation is easy and, depending on the actual situation, scaffolding may not be needed.

Heat pump heating 3.60kW, cooling 3.20kW

Heating works on the heat pump principle, drawing heat from outdoor air into the room. It can heat when the outdoor temperature is between 0 and 24°C; the lower the temperature, the more heating capacity falls. The outdoor unit defrosts automatically when frost forms, during which the indoor unit may pause airflow for up to 15 minutes.

Both cooling and heating hold an EMSD Grade 1 energy label, which you can use to compare power use with other air conditioners.

Recommended for 120 to 150 sq ft, powerful mode cools or heats quickly

The recommended range is an initial reference only. Occupancy, sunlight and insulation all affect the cooling actually needed. Rooms facing west, on a top floor or often used by many people may need higher cooling capacity, so assess your actual conditions before buying.

When you get home and want the room cooler or warmer quickly, switch on powerful mode, which runs at maximum output and the strongest airflow and switches off automatically after 20 minutes or when the room reaches the set temperature. Energy-saving mode limits maximum output to about 70% of normal operation to reduce power consumption.

Compressor in the outdoor unit, indoor unit quiet mode only 22dB(A)

The indoor unit has 5 fan speeds. Quiet mode is 22dB(A) when cooling and 23dB(A) when heating, suited to bedrooms at night.

With outdoor unit quiet operation on, the compressor speed is reduced and the fan runs slower. Operating capacity falls as a result, but outdoor unit noise is reduced.

The sleep timer can be set from 30 minutes to 9 hours. In both cooling and heating, the set temperature is adjusted gradually over time and operation eases off so you sleep comfortably. The on/off timer lets you preset the switch-on and switch-off times within 24 hours to suit your daily routine.

7 up-down airflow positions, triple filters remove dust and odours

The horizontal louvre has 7 positions and swings up and down automatically; left-right airflow is adjusted by hand. Auto airflow adjustment lets the computer regulate airflow according to room temperature changes, so you need not adjust it manually each time; the auto open/close louvre closes when the unit stops and opens when it starts.

Of the triple filters (antibacterial, apple catechin and negative-ion deodorising), the apple catechin filter removes fine particles and dust from the air by static electricity, while the negative-ion deodorising filter uses ceramic to release ions that break down odours absorbed on the filter. The panel can be removed for washing, making day-to-day care easy.

In humid weather, switch to independent dehumidifying mode, which runs at low fan speed to regulate room humidity. After a power cut, the air conditioner restarts automatically in its previous mode when power returns. The remote control is backlit, so it is easy to use with the lights off.

Before you buy

• Dimensions (W x H x D): outdoor unit 500 x 368 x 490mm, indoor unit 840 x 268 x 203mm; measure the width, height and depth of the window ledge before installing.
• Whether scaffolding can be avoided depends on the actual situation.
• Powered from the indoor unit (220V single phase); maximum refrigerant piping length 5m, maximum height difference between indoor and outdoor units 3m.
• Weight: indoor unit 8.5kg, outdoor unit 25kg.
• Warranty: 1-year full unit, 3-year compressor; in years 2 to 3 only the compressor itself is replaced free of charge, while inspection, labour, refrigerant recharge and other parts are charged separately. The warranty card must be returned, or the product registered online, within 14 days of purchase.
• Other options: General also offers the 1 HP ASWX09KECA, the 2 HP ASWX18KECA and the 1.5 HP cooling-only ASWX12CECA.