With so many people dropping by our thread in TPC asking for recommendations, naisip ko na gumawa ng mini-roundup ng 1hp inverter aircons to help potential buyers come to a decision sooner.. This is by no means an authoritative guide, so please take it with a grain of salt.. First part is for Window-Type and the second part is for Basic and Standard Split-Type units.
So here is my roundup of the 1HP window-type inverters that are currently available in the market.. (in no particular order!)
1. Panasonic CW-XS108VPH
https://www.panasonic.com/ph/consumer/air-conditioners/window-airconditioner/inverter/cw-xs108vph.specs.html This thing should be on top of any buyer's list. Despite being overdue for a compressor (and refrigerant) update, this thing is still one mean dual fan machine that leads the market in durability and value. I’ve seen this unit being sold for 28k which leads me to think that they will be updating this unit soon.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.8
Refrigerant – R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 375 x 700
2. LG LA100EC
LG LA-100EC LG's compact unit has a lot of features in a small package. Wifi, Dry Mode, Sleep Mode, and and Energy Saver that you will usually find only on a split-type unit are standard. Efficiency is a bit low which is typical of compact units. BTW, it has a 0.75hp sibling in case your room is a bit on the small side.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.1
Refrigerant - R32
Size (WxHxD) - 497 x 317 x 623
3. LG LA100EL
LG LA100EL Of course LG also has a full-sized unit that has high efficiency values on top of wifi, dry mode, and sleep modes. Great value unit in spite of not having an auto air swing!
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.42
Refrigerant - R32
Size (WxHxD) - 600 x 380 x 630
4. Koppel KV09WR-ARF31
Koppel Page Here Homegrown aircon manufacturer Koppel joins the fray with their own high-efficiency unit that's most probably a rebadged Midea FP-51ARA010HEIV-N4 with a modified touch panel, IR receiver, and front grille. They're more expensive than the Midea units but they're more powerful on paper. Be warned as a busted PCB can easily set you back by 20k resulting in a spectacular loss for anybody.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.5
Refrigerant - R32
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 400 x 670
5. Gree KX-25i / U-J09-6DR
Gree PH Page Chinese aircon leader Gree has the local distinction of being the most rebadged window-type unit available. They may look plain, but these units are no slouches in the performance and durability departments.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.82
Refrigerant - R32
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 375 x 708
Known variants:
- KOLIN KAG-110RSINV 1.0 HP;
- Everest ETIV10AWD/G 1HP;
- Sharp AF-X10SCF 1HP;
- FUJIDENZO IWAR-90G 1.0 HP;
- Tosot TJC09VRZ;
- American Home AHAC-WTI1000IOX;
- Imarflex IAC-100WRi-KA;
- Homemate HGWT-I-100R ;
- York YWJF09-HRORX;
- Samsung AW09AYHGAWKNTC ;
- Unitech UT-GJC09VR <-- Cheapest! Available exclusively in Unitop branches!
6. TCL TAC-09CWI/W
Emilio S. Lim page TCL is the second most affordable unit in our roundup; it won't burn a huge hole in your pocket, but will require the largest hole in your wall as It's as big and powerful as the 1.5HP of other brands. Get it while it's still cheap!
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.3
Refrigerant - R32
Size (WxHxD) - 660 x 430 x 680
7. Hitachi RA-10HV
https://www.familyapplianceph.com/product/ra-10hv/ This is the single-blow successor of the first WT Inverter aircon that was introduced in the country. It retains the chassis and layout of the original but adopts a single side discharge vent and loses the heating function to bring down costs. Dual fans, dry mode, and unique aesthetics highlight this unit. Efficiency ratings are top notch but be warned that there have been owners who have reported costly front panel PCB failures due to defective design.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.5
Refrigerant – R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 600 x 410 x 795
8. Hitachi RA-10HVQ
RA-10hvq This is Hitachi's uber compact unit that still has more impressive numbers than the LG compact. Small size and unique metallic blue finish highlight this unit. This has been verified to be a single fan unit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT6czqiezos Be warned however that there have been owners who reported having multiple issues that run up costs to the tens of thousands primarily due to a poorly-designed front panel. BTW, it now also has a 0.75hp sibling in case your room is a bit on the small side.
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.3
Refrigerant – R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 470 x 340 x 600
9. Hitachi RA-10HSV
RA-10HSV brochure Hitachi intends to further solidify their hold on the compact segment by releasing the cheaper HSV variant. It is another single fan unit to cut costs, and even has 0.60HP and 0.75HP capacities for small rooms. AVOID AT ALL COSTS as not only it is susceptible to the front panel PCB failing prematurely, it operates like a conventional aircon resulting in high electric bills! Watch this video if your don't believe me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcpKJH8uDCY&t=1s
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.9
Refrigerant – R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 470 x 340 x 600
10. Fujiair FWI-29CSI
FUJIAIR FWI-29CS1 Another entry in the local market is this unknown Japanese brand which makes its units in Taiwan, Thailand and China. This was originally rebadged by Fujidenzo in 2014 as the handsome IWAR-2910 (P32k!) but replaced later on by the Gree oem IWAR-90 (27k! only) to be more competitive. BTW, they also have a 0.75hp unit but it uses the same chassis and is a bit pricey. It's good but expect parts to be costly. Get it if you can get one being sold for less than 28k!
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.4
Refrigerant - R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 400 x 630
Known variant: FUJIDENZO IWAR-2910
11. Midea FP-51ARA010HEIV-N4
FP-51ara010heiv-n4 The Chinese OEM of Concepcion Industries flexes their muscle with this updated no-frills unit. Very efficient yet very affordable, it actually presents a very attractive proposition for any buyer. It's also the second most rebadged unit in the local market.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.0
Refrigerant - R32
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 400 x 670
Known variants:
- Hyundai HAC-W10INV-A;
- Matrix MX-INV1100;
- American Home AHAC-WINV1000M;
- XTREME XACWT10i;
- Crowne Aire 1hp;
- York YWJF09ZT–MBORX;
- Dowell ACW-2i-1000RT;
12. Carrier WCARH009EEV
Carrier wcarh009eev The outgoing model from Concepcion Industries is still a value-packed unit with a Premium Filter, Sleep Mode, Dry Mode, Econo mode, and even throws in their patented ESP (energy-saving plug) for good measure! Aside from lagging behind in environmental friendliness, their units are on the pricey side despite having Midea components inside.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.36 (converted from 13.3 SEER)
Refrigerant - R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 375 x 637
14. Condura WCONH09EEVI
Condura-wconh09eevi The stripped down version of the Carrier unit is a no-frills unit that practically looks the same. Good thing they didn't remove the ESP! Sadly, it's still on the expensive side when compared to the other units available in the local market.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.36 (converted from 13.3 SEER)
Refrigerant - R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 375 x 637
15. Carrier WCARJ009EEV
Carrier Aura 1hp Concepcion Industries refreshes their trusty unit by changing the face but keeps everything else. Still with 8-in-1 Premium Filter, Sleep Mode, Dry Mode, Econo mode, and even throws in their patented ESP (energy-saving plug) for good measure! Clearly just a cosmetic change from the previous model as almost nothing has changed. Bad value for the price if you ask me.. Meh.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.8
Refrigerant - R410a
Size (WxHxD) - 560 x 375 x 647
16. Midea U FP-51ARA010HEIV-U5
Midea U Midea pulls a rabbit out of the hat and finally brings the Midea U to our shores after less than a year from the North American release! Compact size, beautiful and unique aesthetics, wifi connectivity, and super quiet operation thanks to its unique U-shaped chassis and dual fans make this unit a really interesting buy. You can still use it for regular WT aircon provisions but it really shines for houses with windows that slide up and down.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.88
Refrigerant - No data
Size (WxHxD) - 490 x 345 x 560
Reminder: Be aware that upgrading from a conventional unit to an inverter unit can be a bit of a challenge. You will still need to add some allowance to your installation hole as these units are bigger and need to be installed at a backward 5deg tilt to allow for good drainage. Also, if your old aircon didn't need a support bracket, these units need one as they can be very long and heavy. Lastly, if your room doesn’t have an aircon outlet with a dedicated breaker at the distribution panel, you will most likely need to have an isolation breaker and supply line installed by a competent electrician.
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Split-type aircons have gone a long way from the chunky cooling boxes that just cooled your room. Today's basic units have smart features that window-types can only wish they could offer. Some standard features are: Econo Mode, Sleep Mode, Dry Mode, Auto mode, Timer modes, Soft Startup, and even smart protections that keeps it running for a short while after you turn it off.
The first part was a mini-roundup of window-types to help potential buyers.. This part is for split-type units. Again, this is by no means an authoritative guide, so please take it with a grain of salt.. The following is my roundup of the BASIC / STANDARD 1HP split-type inverters that are currently available in the market. If you're looking for premium models, this is not the roundup for you.. (in no particular order!)
1. Mitsubishi SRK10YL-S / SRC10YL-S
MHI SRK10YN-S Mitsubishi is crawling back into the RAC (Residential Air Conditioner) market with designs that your Tito would surely fawn over. They might not be much to look at, but you can be sure that they will get the job done.
EER (KJ/HW) – 12.7
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features – It’s a Japanese brand
2. Gree U-W09-3DR
Gree PH site Gree split-type units are also some of the most commonly-rebadged units on the local market. Gree-branded units don't come cheap as these are the current-generation units while rebadged units are typically 1 generation older. Rebadged Gree Livo units can be as cheap as 21k!
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.55
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - Also available in Black;
3. Panasonic Aero Standard CS-PU9VKQ
Panasonic Aero Standard It's not pretty. It's not cheap. But it sure is efficient at cooling your room! It's not much of a looker, but you can be sure it's a performer!
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.64
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - It's made by Panasonic, it must be good!
4. LG HSN09ISS
LG Standard 1hp LG goes on the offensive with their white plastic box. Armed with an efficient dual-rotary compressor, this highly understated unit is a market favorite thanks to its competitive pricing. Be warned however that LG units can be prone to minor problems that can be annoying but fixable. You're almost sure to call in a service technician at some point of its service life. Good thing that LG parts are comparatively cheaper and won't really cost too much to repair.
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.6
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - Diagonal squirrel fan; Dual-rotary compressor; 10-years compressor warranty
5. Daikin D-Smart FTKQ25QVM
Daikin Tri-Fold link This is the basic D-Smart unit that will allow you to experience what it's like to own a Daikin. It's not smart like Nicola Tesla, but smart enough to answer your cooling needs without you worrying about anything else. Pricey but worth it!
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.72
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - 0.75HP variant; Wide operating voltage; 3-years PCB warranty
6. Daikin D-Smart Queen FTKQ25TVM
Daikin Tri-fold link This is the standard D-Smart unit that was previously being sold as a premium unit but has since been re-classed to gain more market share. What it lacks in pomp it more than makes up for in quality and durability!
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.5
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - 0.75HP variant; Wide operating voltage; 3-years PCB warranty
7. Midea FP-53AST010KEIV-W4 / FP-53AST010KEIV-B4
Midea Basic Units The Chinese OEM of Concepcion Industries shows off their basic inverter unit with its high EER and 2 color choices. They're not cheap but aftersales support is very strong thanks to local partner Concepcion Industries.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.1
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - Available in Genesis White and Mirror Black
8. Samsung Standard Inverter AR09MVFHHWKNTC
Samsung Standard Inverter Samsung's basic inverter unit is as basic as they come. Cheap price with low efficiency. They ditched the triangle design for a more conventional one with not much else on offer.
EER (KJ/HW) - 10
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - 10-years compressor warranty; Voltage guard
9. Samsung Basic S-Inverter AR09TYHYEWKNTC
Samsung Basic S-Inverter Looking for something cheap? Then look no further! At a little below 20k, this is definitely Samsung's assault at the local aircon market. Cheap as it is, EER is a bit low. Tempting? Surely. But be warned that you often get what you paid for in the end..
EER (KJ/HW) - 10.8
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - Triangle design; Durafin flat pipes; 10-years compressor warranty
10. Condura Prima Max Inverter FP-53KXV009313
Condura Prima Max Budget brand Condura touts this as proudly made (assembled?) by Filipinos.. though most probably with Chinese-made Midea components.. It has decent figures but is being sold for an arm and half a leg despite being locally made. Build quality is decent but the price is just a buzz-kill.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.1
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - Made by Filipinos for Filipinos!
11. Hitachi Royal RAS-10HTP
Hitachi Royal Philippine assembled Hitachi is touted as using "Full DC" but still needs to be connected to AC mains to work. The unit's stellar EER rating is really something to marvel at. Sadly it's not as attractive as their window-type aircon but at least it doesn't look like something that came out of a Chinese factory.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.8
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - 0.75HP variant
12. Carrier Alpha FP-53GCVBE010-303P
Carrier Alpha Carrier's basic unit isn't so bad. It's actually priced cheaper at 32k than their window-type aircon! Sadly though, there are a lot of cheaper options that are more efficient. But if you factor in their nationwide network of service centers, owning one can be a worry free experience.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.8
Refrigerant - R32
Notable features - Double clean system
13. Carrier Crystal 2 FP-53GCVBS010
Carrier Crystal 2 The old Crystal unit looked like an Alpha fitted with a 3k premium filter. So they came out with a chunkier looking unit but with a lower price tag than the outgoing model. This is a basic unit that is specifically marketed for families with sensitive babies or for people that have immuno-compromised respiratory systems.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.9
Refrigerant - R32
Notable features - Double clean system; Premium air filter
14. Haier HSU-10TSV13(DC)-SC
Haier PH site Haier is better known in the PHL for cheap TV's and Refrigerators. The brand is recently on an offensive as this is on sale for only 16k! (unit only!) https://asianhomeappliance.com/home/detail_item/9835 Availability has improved but still expect to have problems later on with parts and service as there are still probably not that many authorized service centers at this time.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.5
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - All copper pipes, high EER
15. Kolin KSM-IW10-6H1M
Kolin Split Aircon 1hp Local brand Kolin ensures their presence in the sub-30k segment with this 28k unit. Clearly a rebadged Midea but with a decent price, the ionizer that is usually found on premium units is a smart move for the brand. Not bad actually. It just might cost a pretty penny to have it installed though as they rarely come with free installation.
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.6
Refrigerant - R410a
Notable features - Ionizer
16. Gree U-W09-3DR-DC
Gree PH site Gree finally releases a full-DC unit for the standard market and it seems to be the 3rd-generation Livo. Understated looks but the specs on this unit are something to marvel at! It uses R32 refrigerant and has an outdoor unit that you only see used by premium units! A real monster!
EER (KJ/HW) - 14.8
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - Largest outdoor unit; Highest EER among standard units!
17. AUX F-Series ASW-09A2 FADI
AUX F-Series Newcomer from China is out to prove themselves in the local market. At 28k, these guys have an uphill battle especially against units from Gree, Samsung, and LG. Early adopter feedback is positive so far and did I mention that their units supposedly come with a 5-year warranty that includes the PCB?! Very enticing!
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.6
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - 5-years warranty on parts; 10-years warranty on compressor
18. Hisense AS-09TR2S
Product Link This brand is better known for their affordable TV's but is quite a big company in China where it came from. This unit is rather affordable as there was a cash buyer who paid just 21.2k for his unit. Still very limited availability unlike their TV's.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.5
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - none
19. Whirlpool SIA90B
Whirlpool PH site American appliance brand Whirlpool is down to pasting their brand on Chinese oem appliances. This is likely a rebadged Hisense unit after a thorough google search of their remote. Dunno about parts availability as there might not be that many authorized service centers outside of Metro Manila. And typical of Whirlpool-branded units, this isn't cheap at 31.5k cash.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.09
Refrigerant - R410a
Notable features - 1w standby power; 3-in-1 filter
20. Chigo Pura CHG-S156I100A
Chigo PH site Relatively unknown here in the PH, the brand is actually well-known in China where it competes with Gree, Midea, and the other Chinese makes. And instead of the standard white boxes that everybody is selling, Chigo sells some rather curvy evaporator units for 27k. Still a lot cheaper than the Midea and Haier units.
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.95
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features -High density Vitamin C filter
21. Sharp AH-XP10VF
Sharp PH site This must be the cheapest Japanese-branded aircon in this roundup. At only 26k, it even comes with free installation thrown in for good measure. Sharp isn't known for excellent aircons in the PHL, but in Japan it's one of the most trusted appliance brands.
EER (KJ/HW) - no data
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - 0.5ºC Temperature Increments
22. TCL TAC-09CSA/KEI
TCL TAC-09CSA/KEI This is probably the second cheapest inverter split-type aircon in the local market as you can find online sellers of this unit for only 21k with installation! ! I think it's slightly better in quality than Samsung's basic unit, but with few authorized service centers outside NCR plus, buyers might have some trouble later on getting parts and service.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.6
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - Wide operational voltage;
23. Koppel Super Inverter KV09WM-ARF21C2
Koppel PH site Homegrown aircon manufacturer Koppel doesn't sell a premium unit for the residential market and is more visible in the commercial market. Their filter is similar to the one on the Chigo Pura and is priced similarly too at 27.5k! The condenser unit grill however tells me that this is a rebadged Midea unit. I came across an owner who swears that this aircon is absolute rubbish. Be warned.
EER (KJ/HW) - 12
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - Hydrophyllic fins; High Density Vitamin C filter
24. Fujiair FS-25L2A-1C
Product link Japanese brand Fujiair is rather hard to come by as it is quietly being sold online by only 1 HVAC company. Ascets Corp. FB page Similarly hard to find as their window-type unit, this aircon will be a gamble for anybody outside of Metro Manila to buy. It's not cheap, and the only user feedback I got about it was that they're just so-so in performance.
EER (KJ/HW) - 12.2
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - none
25. TCL TAC-09CSA/SMI
SM Appliance site This unit is exclusively being sold only in SM Appliance centers hence the "SM" in its model name. Everything in the spec sheet is practically the same as the KE unit except being touted as "full DC inverter" but this is never mentioned in the TCL site.. The evaporator unit looks different but I think they're just the same banana.
EER (KJ/HW) - 11.6
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - Wide operational voltage;
26. AUX J-Series ASW-09A2 JADI
AUX J-Series Newcomer from China is really out to prove themselves in the local market with their standard unit. At 30k, it's not a bad deal especially with that EER rating! Early adopter feedback is positive so far and did I mention that their units supposedly come with a 5-year warranty that includes the PCB?! Very enticing!
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.4
Refrigerant – R410a
Notable features - 5-years warranty on parts; 10-years warranty on compressor
27. Panasonic Aero Deluxe CS-XPU9WKQ
Visit product page It's still looks plain but don't let its understated looks fool you. It's not cheap for a standard unit but it sure is efficient at cooling your room thanks to PAM technology. This deluxe model gets you NanoE for better air quality but with no increase in efficiency.
EER (KJ/HW) - 13.64
Refrigerant – R32
Notable features - NanoE technology
What about the other brands like Imarflex, Qube, Everest, Fujidenzo, American Home, Unitech, Tosot, Matrix, OX, Homemate, etc.? They're all just pasting their brand names onto oem units from the big Chinese makes. Are they any good? They're not bad actually. Remember that China has been manufacturing most of the world's equipment for the past two decades and product quality has steadily risen since. Now if you really want to find out the oem of the rebadged unit in question, all you have to do is to search the internet for what brand has a matching remote control. Another technique would be to scour the archives of Chinese manufacturers and have a look at the units that they sold in the past years as rebadged units are often from previous product generation of those manufacturers.
Reminder: Be aware that buying a split-type aircon costs more than just the sticker price. Some units come with “free installation” while many do not. Also, be prepared to shell out more cash for the: 1. delivery charge; 2. supply wire; 3. isolation breaker; 4. outdoor unit mounting bracket; 5. excess copper tubing; 6. PVC drain pipe; 7. Masonry works. Make sure to ask the seller as to what are included and what are not. =)
