If you prefer to always view the website in English, please click here.
How to choose air conditioning: a complete buyer's guide (2026)
If you are thinking of installing air conditioning, it is normal to have questions: what capacity do you need, what type of unit to choose, how much energy does it use, or whether it is worth opting for an inverter model?
The good news is that you do not need to be an expert to get it right. In this guide, we explain the main factors you should consider to choose the most suitable system for your home, balancing ultimate comfort with maximum energy efficiency.
Quick answer: how many solar panels a home needs
Before deciding which air conditioning to buy, it is worth knowing the most common systems on the market. The choice will depend on how you plan to use it, the characteristics of your home, and your budget.
|
Type |
Efficiency |
Installation |
Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Split |
High |
Professional |
Everyday home use |
|
Compact or window |
Medium |
Simple |
Specific situations |
|
Portable |
Low to medium |
No fixed installation |
Occasional use |
In addition to square metres, factors such as orientation, ceiling height, insulation, and glazed areas also play a key role.
If you want to look into this calculation in more detail, you can read our article on what electrical capacity your home appliances need.
Air conditioning energy label: SEER and SCOP
The air conditioning energy label is essential for comparing different models and estimating their actual consumption.
In addition to the energy rating, it is worth looking at two fundamental indicators: SEER and SCOP.
What is the SEER?
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the seasonal efficiency of the system when operating in cooling mode.
The higher this value, the less electricity the unit requires to cool your home.
|
SEER value |
Efficiency level |
|---|---|
|
Less than 5 |
Low |
|
Between 5 and 6.5 |
Adequate |
|
Between 6.5 and 8.5 |
Good |
| More than 8.5 |
Excellent |
What is the SCOP?
The SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) measures the efficiency of the system when operating in heating mode using a heat pump.
|
SCOP value |
Efficiency level |
|---|---|
|
Less than 4 |
Low |
|
Between 4 and 5 |
Good |
|
More than 5 |
Excellent |
If you are looking for a unit to use all year round, it is advisable to consider both indicators.
Other key factors when buying air conditioning
Beyond capacity and energy efficiency, there are other aspects that can make a difference to the unit's performance.
The property's thermal insulation
A well-insulated home needs less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in both summer and winter.
Orientation and sun exposure
South- or west-facing homes usually receive more solar radiation during the summer months and require greater cooling capacity.
Windows and glazed areas
Windows are one of the main sources of heat gain. The larger the glazed area, the higher the thermal load of the room.
Local climate
Heating and cooling needs are not the same in a coastal city as they are in an inland area with more extreme temperatures.
Does the appliance include a reverse heating function (heat pump)?
A heat pump allows you to cool in summer and heat in winter with the same unit.
It is an increasingly popular solution due to its efficiency and versatility. You can find out more about this technology in our article on what a heat pump is and how it works.
Inverter systems: what they are and why they are worth the investment
Inverter technology is now a standard in efficient air conditioning.
Unlike traditional systems, it regulates the compressor speed rather than continuously turning the unit on and off.
What benefits does it offer?
- Lower energy consumption.
- More stable temperature.
- Greater thermal comfort.
- Less noise.
- Longer equipment lifespan.
In most cases, the initial investment is offset by medium-term energy savings.
Grants and subsidies for buying air conditioning in 2026
Air conditioning grants depend on each autonomous community and the currently active calls for applications.
Currently, many subsidies are linked to improving energy efficiency and installing heat pump systems.
Before buying, it is a good idea to check:
- Regional energy efficiency programmes.
- Home renovation plans.
- European funds for energy efficiency.
- Grants for replacing old equipment.
Conditions change periodically, so we recommend consulting official sources prior to installation.
What temperature should you set your air conditioning to?
Once you have chosen the right unit, using it correctly is essential to optimise consumption.
According to IDAE recommendations, the recommended air conditioning temperature in summer is between 23 °C and 25 °C.
Keeping the thermostat within this range allows you to enjoy a comfortable temperature without driving up energy costs.
Furthermore, it is worth remembering that every degree below 24 °C can increase electricity consumption by approximately 8%.
To further improve efficiency, we also recommend:
- Cleaning the filters regularly.
- Preventing cold air from escaping by closing doors and windows.
- Using blinds or curtains during peak solar radiation hours.
- Carrying out regular maintenance on the unit.
If you want to continue reducing consumption, we recommend reading our tips on saving energy with your air conditioning.
FAQs on how to buy air conditioning
Which air conditioning system uses the least energy?
Split units with inverter technology and high energy efficiency are the most efficient.
What is a good SEER rating for air conditioning?
A rating of 6.5 or above is considered efficient, while anything over 8 is highly efficient.
Is a split or a portable unit better?
A split unit is more efficient, quieter, and more cost-effective. Portable units are only recommended for occasional use.
Is a heat pump worth it?
Yes. It allows you to heat and cool your home all year round with a single system.
How much does air conditioning consume per month?
This depends on the unit's capacity, hours of use, and efficiency. Maintaining a suitable temperature and carrying out proper maintenance helps reduce consumption.
Find the air conditioning that best suits your home
Choosing air conditioning does not have to be complicated. Ultimately, it is about finding one that fits your home, how you plan to use it, and the everyday comfort you are looking for.
If you get it right from the start, you will notice the difference in both consumption and comfort.
If you are browsing your options, you can explore Endesa's air conditioning range and compare different solutions based on your property type.
And to ensure the unit runs smoothly for longer, you can rely on our air conditioning maintenance service, which helps maintain its performance and prevent usage problems.
{{content.phone.title}}
{{content.phone.text}}
{{content.phone.phoneText}}
{{content.form.title}}
{{content.form.text}}
{{content.form.success.title}}
Take a minute to find the product that best suits you:
{{firstStep.title}}
Take a minute to find the product that best suits you:
{{title}}
{{content.phone.title}}
{{content.phone.text}}
{{content.phone.phoneText}}
{{content.form.title}}
{{content.form.text}}
{{content.form.success.title}}
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Take a minute to find the product that best suits you:
{{title}}
{{content.phone.title}}
{{content.phone.text}}
{{content.phone.phoneText}}
{{content.form.title}}
{{content.form.text}}
{{content.form.success.title}}
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Comparison of Electricity and Gas Tariffs
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Do you want to see all our offers?
Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you:
{{firstStep.title}}
Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you:
{{title}}
{{content.phone.title}}
{{content.phone.text}}
{{content.phone.phoneText}}
{{content.form.title}}
{{content.form.text}}
{{content.form.success.title}}
Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you:
{{title}}
{{content.phone.title}}
{{content.phone.text}}
{{content.phone.phoneText}}
{{content.form.title}}
{{content.form.text}}