Why correctly size your AC?
In Morocco, air conditioning is near-essential from June to September in most major cities (Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fès). Incorrect sizing has two costly consequences:
Under-sized
Runs continuously at 100%, never cools enough, consumes huge amounts of electricity and wears 2-3× faster.
Over-sized
Short cycle (starts/stops too often), doesn't dehumidify properly, room cold in stages, compressor wears prematurely.
How to read BTU?
Air conditioners are sold in BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) — the cooling power. Moroccan reference:
| Model | Suitable room | Installed price (MAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 000 BTU (1 CV) | Bedroom 12-18 m² | 5 000 – 9 000 |
| 12 000 BTU (1,5 CV) | Bedroom/living 18-28 m² | 7 000 – 12 000 |
| 18 000 BTU (2 CV) | Living room 28-40 m² | 10 000 – 16 000 |
| 24 000 BTU (2,5 CV) | Large living room 40-55 m² | 14 000 – 22 000 |
| 36 000 BTU (3 CV) | Open space 55-80 m² | 20 000 – 32 000 |
Reliable brands in Morocco
The following brands offer solid after-sales service and available parts:
- • Daikin — high-end reference, efficient Inverter
- • Mitsubishi — exceptional reliability, silence
- • Toshiba — good value for money, mid-range
- • LG — design, connected options
- • Fujitsu — excellent in multi-split
- • Samsung — smart features, affordable
- • Midea / Haier — credible entry-level
- • Avoid no-name brands: rare parts, failing after-sales
Frequently asked questions
Inverter vs On/Off: what's the difference?
An Inverter compressor adjusts its speed on demand (modulates its power) — 30-50% savings vs On/Off, silence, reduced wear. An On/Off starts and stops fully (consumption peaks). At equal power, Inverter costs 15-25% more to buy but pays off in 2-3 years of regular use. Always choose Inverter in the Moroccan climate.
What energy class to aim for?
Minimum A++ (SEER ratio > 6). A+++ is even better but 20-30% extra cost. Avoid A or B: 10-year consumption largely exceeds the extra cost of an A++ model. EER (cold) and COP (heat) coefficients should ideally be > 4.
Ducted or wall-split?
Wall-split: unit visible on wall, simple installation, 5,000-20,000 MAD per room. Ideal for renovation or tight budget. Ducted: unit hidden in false ceiling, total invisibility, silence. Cost +40-60% and requires sufficient false ceiling (25cm min). Ideal for high-end new villa.
What maintenance to plan?
Filter cleaning every 15-20 days during use (5 min). Full annual maintenance by pro: circuit tightness check, evaporator and condenser cleaning, fluid charge check. Count 400-800 MAD/year per split, 800-1,500 MAD/year for ducted. Mandatory to maintain manufacturer warranty.
Can you cool the whole house with a multi-split?
Yes. A multi-split allows connecting 2 to 5 indoor units on ONE single outdoor unit — aesthetic (a single box outside) and more discreet. Limit: rooms share the same mode (all cooling or all heating). Budget 25,000-60,000 MAD for 4 rooms. Beyond 5 rooms: prefer ducted or VRV.