Alaska Air Conditioner Review: Inverter, 12 ACS, and 9 ACS Models Compared

This article provides an in-depth review of Alaska Air Conditioners, including the Alaska Inverter and non-inverter air conditioners.

Alaska is a South African brand that specializes in providing high-quality and affordable air conditioning units. The company offers a wide range of cooling solutions, including sleek split-system units, ducted and commercial under-ceiling and cassette units, with the option of fixed speed (non-inverter) and inverter air conditioners.

Alaska air conditioners are a popular choice among consumers due to their efficient performance and price effectiveness. This is apparent with the backdrop of the spiraling cost of energy in South Africa.

Essentially, these are entry level air conditioners with a wide range of options so consumers can find the perfect air-conditioner to meet their needs. With the intelligent sourcing of quality components, Alaska produces reliable air-conditioners that have elegant designs, and wall-to-wall features – such as heating, cooling, Wi-Fi, soft start up, timer, self-cleaning, and quiet operationality.

Overall, Alaska Air Conditioners are a reliable and affordable choice for consumers looking for quality cooling solutions. With a wide range of options to choose from, consumers can find the perfect air conditioner to meet their needs and budget.

When it comes to air conditioning, Alaska has a range of options to choose from. Their air conditioners are known for their sleek design, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. In this section, we will provide an overview of the different types of Alaska air conditioners available on the market.

Alaska Fixed Speed Non-Inverter Air Conditioners

These air conditioners are still the more popular choice because of their lower prices, easy maintenance, reliability, and greater resistance to damage arising from electrical outages or loadshedding.

Alaska Inverter Air Conditioners

Alaska has upped their game with the inverter air conditioners. This is evidenced by the provision of a better 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty.

These air-conditioners yield a 30 to 35% saving on power consumption. Whereas a standard fixed speed air conditioner’s compressor shuts down and starts up at a fixed-speed several times through the cooling period of a room, the inverter air-conditioner’s compressor does not shut down, instead it works at a variable speed being provided with the correct amount of power to regulate the temperature desired in a room. In keeping with world-wide trends, there is a great demand for inverter air-conditioners.

Residential Air Conditioners

There are 4 categories of mid-wall split unit air conditioners available namely:

1. The standard white non-inverter (fixed speed) air conditioner (CH, SH, AX models)
2. The “mirror” model non-inverter (fixed speed) air-conditioner (MIR model)
3. The standard white inverter air conditioner (DC Model)
4. The “mirror” inverter – a grey indoor unit with a dark mirror front panel (MIW model)

1. The Standard White Non-inverter (fixed speed) Air Conditioner (CH, SH, AX models)

Alaska offers a wide range of mid-wall split unit air-conditioners with options to suit the customer’s needs and pocket.

For very small kiddies rooms or little offices less than 16 sq m, Alaska has the 8081 btu or 9000 btu air-conditioner. The 10407 btu or 12000 btu air-conditioners are perfect for bedrooms or enclosed offices of up to 19 sq. m and 23 sq. m respectively.

The 16407 btu and 18000 btu units are very popular for the living-rooms of smaller apartments, and the bigger 20550 btu, 24000 btu, 28000 btu and 32000 btu are designed for large residential living-rooms or open-plan spaces.

These white non-inverters or “fixed speed” air conditioners are regarded as standard air conditioners and are still the most popular choice with customers.

In-Depth Reviews

2. The “Mirror” Model Non-Inverter (Fixed Speed) Air-Conditioner (MIR model)

Alaska has wow ’ed the South African market with its modern aesthetically pleasing “mirror” mid-wall split air-conditioners.

These air conditioners have sleek, elegant indoor units with designer expressions in grey or dark grey, and dark mirror front panels.
More importantly they are reliable, efficient air conditioners with a good warranty back-up, and at a budget price. There is literally nothing in the market to match these models in their price category.

3. The Inverter – White Air Conditioner (DC Model)

With the high cost of energy world-wide, the buzz word in air conditioning is “inverter”. The inverter air conditioner saves 30 to 35 % on power consumption and is ideal for someone who sleeps the night through with the air conditioner running, or where an air conditioner is used for more than approximately 8 hours per day (e.g. a commercial environment).

These air conditioners are increasingly being installed in residences and small offices alike. The compressor works on a variable speed with the correct amount of measured power being given to the compressor to regulate the desired temperature set for the room.

4. The “Mirror” Inverter with a Grey Indoor unit and a Dark Mirror Front Panel (MIW model)

This air-conditioner provides the best of both worlds – energy efficiency matched with aesthetically good looks.

The demand for these air conditioners has been phenomenal. These units are economically priced and are underpinned with a good warranty.

Comparing Cooling Capacities of Alaska models

Non inverter mid-wall split units

The Alaska CH and SH models are entry level air conditioners. The indoor unit is a standard white. The warranty on these air conditioners is a 1-year parts warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty (subject to an annual service by a registered air-conditioning technician)

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating for these models are:

• CHO9 / SH09 – 8081 btu. (maximum coverage up to 16 sq. m)
• CH12 / SH12 – 10407 btu (maximum coverage up to 20 sq. m)
• CH18 / SH18 – 16720 btu (maximum coverage up to 33 sq. m)
• CH24 / SH24 – 20302 btu (maximum coverage up to 40 sq. m)
• CH36 / SH36 – 31195 btu (maximum coverage up to 60 sq. m)

The Alaska AX series has slimmer white indoor unit with a higher btu rating and is priced slightly higher than the SH and CH series. The warranty on these air conditioners is a 1-year parts warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty (subject to an annual service by a registered air-conditioning technician).

The BTU (British thermal unit) rating for these models are:

• AX09 – 8598 btu. (maximum coverage up to 16 sq. m)
• AX12 – 11874 btu. maximum coverage up to 23 sq. m)
• AX18 – 17115 btu. (maximum coverage up to 34 sq. m)
• AX24 – 20305 btu. (maximum coverage up to 40 sq. m)

The Alaska MIR “mirror” series has a grey indoor unit with a dark mirror front panel. These air conditioners are aesthetically good looking and have a full conventional btu rating. There is no product on the market to match these air conditioners within their price range.

The warranty on these air conditioners is a 1-year parts warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty (subject to an annual service by a registered air-conditioning technician).

The BTU (British thermal unit) rating for these models are:

• MIR12 – 12002 btu. (maximum coverage up to 23 sq. m)
• MIR18 – 18001 btu. (maximum coverage up to 35 sq. m)
• MIR24 – 24004 btu. (maximum coverage up to 47 sq. m)

Inverter mid-wall split units

The Alaska inverter DC series is a standard white inverter air-conditioner. This is an efficient air-conditioner that is Wi-Fi compatible. A Wi-Fi dongle for this air conditioner is an accessory which is available.  This air-conditioner has a 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty (subject to an annual service by a registered air-conditioning technician).

The BTU (British thermal unit) rating for these models are:

• DC09 – 9000 btu. (maximum coverage up to 17 sq. m)
• DC12 – 11680 btu. (maximum coverage up to 23 sq. m)
• DC18 – 17358 btu. (maximum coverage up to 34 sq. m)
• DC24 – 22550 btu. (maximum coverage up to 45 sq. m).
• DC32 – 32000 btu. (maximum coverage up to 60 sq. m)

The Alaska Inverter MIW – This has a grey or dark grey indoor unit with a dark mirror front panel and is Wi-Fi compatible. This air-conditioner has a 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty (subject to an annual service by a registered air-conditioning technician).

The BTU (British thermal unit) rating for these models are:

• MIW12 – 11680 btu. (maximum coverage up to 23 sq. m)
• MIW18 – 17358 btu. (maximum coverage up to 34 sq. m)
• MIW24 – 22550 btu. (maximum coverage up to 45 sq. m)

You can view our entire range of Alaska Aircons and order online right here.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing an Alaska air conditioner is a straightforward process. Like any air conditioner, an Alaska air-conditioner should be installed by a professional installer. The air-conditioner is provided with a manual which includes the instructions for installation. The packaging of an Alaska mid-wall split air conditioner includes the indoor (evaporator) unit with the bracket, the outdoor (condenser) unit, a 3m pipe kit which includes the communication cable, “Armaflex” lagging, and a hand-held remote. The installation of an Alaska air-conditioner is simple and is easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for trouble-free air-conditioning.

As with any air-conditioner, regular maintenance such as cleaning the filters, regular servicing and monitoring the refrigerant levels is essential for the air conditioner to function at peak performance.

All Alaska air conditioners are backed by a comprehensive parts warranty and a compressor warranty subject to the air conditioner being serviced annually by a registered air conditioning technician.

Performance and Efficiency

The components of Alaska air conditioners are intelligently sourced from OEM manufacturers who supply parts and components to produce internationally branded air conditioners. Hence the performance and efficiency of Alaska air conditioners is highly rated. These air conditioners are designed specifically for the Southern African weather conditions.

There are 3 key factors to ensure that an Alaska air conditioner will work perfectly:

1. To match the size of the air-conditioner to the specifications of the room.
2. Install the air conditioner correctly. It is important to utilize a professional installer.
3. Regularly service and maintain the air-conditioner.

Design And Features

Alaska air conditioners are known for their sleek and elegant designs and have all the “bells and whistles” expected from any modern generation air conditioner. The compact frame of the evaporator (indoor unit) and modern minimalistic design of these air conditioners blend seamlessly with the wall and décor of a room. The grey units with dark mirror front panels, are aesthetically pleasing and provides a “designer” touch of to any room.

Besides their excellent looks and functionality, Alaska air conditioners boast excellent features such as:

1. Ergonomically space saving designs.
2. Energy efficient air-conditioning that would not compromise your electricity costs.
3. Modern “ghost” LCD displays for easy navigation with a remote control.
4. Quiet operation for convenient, non-disturbing usage in homes and offices.
5. Mid-wall split units target rooms to be cooled with individual control.
6. Compressors that work quickly to reach the desired temperatures for heating and cooling.
7. Sleep mode for quiet operation at night.
8. Timer setting to schedule on/off times.
9. Auto restart function that enables the air conditioner to restart after a power outage and restores the previous settings.
10. Self-cleaning function that improves overall efficiency and reduces the build-up of mold.
11. Effective evaporator filters that are user friendly to clean.

Comparing Alaska Models

The Alaska Air Conditioner brand offers a range of products, including the Alaska 12 ACS Air conditioner and the Alaska 9 ACS Air conditioner. Both models come with a sleek and elegant design and offer heating and cooling functions with a soft start-up and quiet operation. The DC Inverter Series is also available, which is a mid-wall split unit consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit (condenser).

The Alaska 12 ACS Air conditioner is a 12000BTU model, making it ideal for medium-sized rooms. It has a cooling capacity of 3.5kW and a heating capacity of 3.8kW. The unit has an energy efficiency rating of A++, which means it is highly energy efficient and can help reduce energy bills.

The Alaska 9 ACS Air conditioner is a 9000BTU model, suitable for small-sized rooms. It has a cooling capacity of 2.6kW and a heating capacity of 2.8kW. This unit also has an energy efficiency rating of A++, making it an energy-efficient option.

Competitor Comparison

When compared to other air conditioner brands in the market, Alaska Air Conditioners offer a wide and competitive range of products. Alaska has made enormous progress in the South African market with a national footprint in a niche market providing entry-level efficient, cost-effective air-conditioning solutions.

Alaska provides budget, entry level white mid-wall split units and elegant “mirror” units for residences and small offices with an option of a fixed-speed or inverter air-conditioner. Simply put, there is nothing to match these air-conditioners on the market, within their price category.

Currently, the Alaska air-conditioners are up there, with the rest of the internationally branded air-conditioners and getting the job done.

Consumer Insights

Customer Satisfaction

Alaska air conditioners have received positive feedback from customers. Many customers are satisfied with the cooling performance and energy efficiency of the Alaska Inverter air conditioners. They appreciate the quiet operation of the units and the sleek and elegant design of the indoor unit.

Customers and installers have also praised the installation process of the Alaska air conditioners. They found it to be quick and hassle-free. Moreover, the competitive pricing of Alaska air-conditioners matched with a valuable warranty provides peace of mind for customers. Alaska air conditioners have established a strong reputation in the market for their quality, performance, and affordability.

Market Reception

The Alaska air conditioners have been well-received in the market. The 12 ACS (11680 BTU) Alaska Midwall Split Unit Airconditioner – Inverter has been particularly popular among customers. It offers a powerful cooling capacity and energy efficiency.

The Alaska 9 ACS air conditioner has also been well-received. It is a cost-effective mid-wall split air-conditioning unit that offers reliable performance.

Overall, Alaska air conditioners have established a strong reputation in the market for their quality, performance, and affordability.

Conclusion

After reviewing the Alaska Air Conditioner products, it is clear that they offer a range of quality air conditioning solutions. The Alaska Inverter Air Conditioners are a great choice for those looking for energy efficiency and quiet operation. The DC Inverter Series, in particular, provides a sleek and elegant design with heating and cooling functions.

For those who need a larger cooling capacity, the Alaska 12 ACS Air Conditioner is an excellent option, with a cooling coverage of up to 21m2. Additionally, the Alaska 9 ACS Air Conditioner is a more affordable option that still provides reliable cooling for smaller spaces.

Overall, Alaska Air Conditioners offer a variety of options to meet different cooling needs. With their focus on energy efficiency and quiet operation, they are a great choice for those looking for a reliable air conditioning solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the energy consumption, of a 12000 BTU inverter air-conditioner compare with that of a non-inverter (fixed speed) air-conditioner?

According to Alaska Air, the DC Inverter Series air conditioners are designed to be energy efficient, using less energy than non-inverter air conditioners. The compressor of a fixed speed air-conditioner works on a stop-start principal – starting up on a fixed speed at full power and shutting down several times though the cooling period. The compressor of the inverter does not shut down and is fed with a measured amount of power to regulate the temperature of the room. This translates to an average saving of 30 to 35% of power consumption.

How does the performance of Alaska air conditioners compare to other brands?

Alaska air conditioners are known for their quiet operation and energy efficiency. Whereas Alaska air conditioners are entry level air conditioners, they have excellent parts and components and if they are correctly matched to the specifications of a room, installed correctly by a professional installer, and serviced regularly, then these air conditioners will work efficiently and get the job done! 

According to Makro of the Massmart Group, Alaska’s mid-wall split unit air conditioner has received a 5-star rating from their customers. Alaska air conditioners have made substantial inroads into the South African market and are seen being installed side by side with famous international brands

What is the appropriate room size for a 12,000 BTU air conditioning unit?

A 12,000 BTU mid-wall split unit air-conditioner is the most popular size of air-conditioner demanded. These air-conditions are installed in standard sized bedrooms and individual offices.

A 12,000 btu air conditioner is suitable for an enclosed room size of 16 to 24 sq meters.

However, the appropriate room size may vary depending on various factors, such as the insulation of the room, the heat load from windows, any appliances generating heat in the room and a heat absorbing roof-slab.

How do the prices vary between different BTU models of Alaska air conditioners?

The prices of Alaska air conditioners vary depending on the BTU models. According to Makro, the 12,000 BTU Alaska Midwall Split Unit Air Conditioner is priced at R 12,499.00. The prices of other BTU models of Alaska air conditioners may vary. You can view our entire range of Alaska Aircons and order online right here.

Can I find a user manual for my Alaska air conditioner online?

Yes, user manuals for Alaska air conditioners can be found online. The user manual for the 12 ACS (11680 BTU) Alaska Midwall Split Unit Air Conditioner can be found here.

What are the features of the remote control for Alaska air conditioners?

The features of the remote control for Alaska air conditioners will vary depending on the model.

The most common features are:

• On and off button (usually a different colour than the rest of the buttons). Once the unit is turned off the existing setting is saved and activated again once the air conditioner is turned on.
• Up and down temperature setting. Up to increase the temperature and down to decrease the temperature. Minimum selection is 16^o and the maximum is 32^o
• Mode. This button is used to select the air conditioner’s different operations. Here you could select the cooling, heating, auto, dry of fan function.
• V-sweep, H-sweep or Swing button. This is activated to control the oscillating louver of the indoor unit. Note that most models only have a functional vertical V-sweep operation.
• Turbo. This activates the fan to work at full speed for powerful cooling.
• Speed. This button facilitates the selection of the fan speed required – low, medium and high.
• Sleep or Quiet button. This is used to run the fan at a very low speed for sleeping at night.
• Timer. This function is used to program the air conditioner to turn on or off at or after a pre-set time.
• Feel. This gives a measurement of the temperature when activated.
• Display. This button is activated to show or turn off the display on the indoor unit.
• Health. The activation of this button helps to filter out dirt and airborne viruses.
• Eco. In this mode the air conditioner automatically adjusts the temperature, fan speed and run-time to configure the optimal reduction in energy consumption during a cooling cycle.
• Clean. When this button is activated, and upon the air-conditioner being turned off, the unit goes into heat mode with the indoor fan running slowly to dry any moisture and prevent the build-up of mould.