Every Year we get many questions about which Air-conditioner to buy. The most important questions, will it cool the room effectively?
There are lots of variables to consider when choosing a room AC – number of windows, number of people in the room, which direction the room is facing, ceiling height, etc.
The get the most out of your purchase consider the list below:
1st Step: Measure Your Room Dimensions
Use a ruler and determine the square footage of the room (multiply length x width). This gives you the total square foot.
For example. Living Room that is 20 by 10 equals 200 square feet.
This chart from Energy Star can help you find the right size room air conditioner to meet your needs.
|
Area To Be Cooled (square feet) |
Capacity Needed (Btu’s per hour) |
|
100 to 150
|
5,000 |
|
150 to 250
|
6,000
|
|
250 to 300
|
7,000
|
|
300 to 350
|
8,000
|
|
350 to 400
|
9,000
|
|
400 to 450
|
10,000
|
|
450 to 500
|
12,000
|
|
500 to 700
|
14,000
|
|
700 to 1,000
|
18,000
|
Note that bigger is not better. An A/C unit that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, using too much energy and causing unnecessary wear on the electrical components and increase your energy bills.
Step 2: Measure the Window Dimensions
Most window air conditioners are designed to fit double-hung windows. Measure the inside dimensions. Take an exact measurement, not just an estimate.
Write down your different room dimensions and window measurements with you when you go shopping.
Step 3: Check Your Power Supply
What kind of plug is your wall outlet? Make sure the circuit can handle the operation of the unit. Smaller ones work with a standard 115-volt outlet. Larger 115-volt units may need a dedicated circuit. The largest AC units require a 230/208-volt circuit.
With these information, your air-conditioner purchase well be a better one for you.
