A small air conditioner will struggle to keep a space at appropriate temperatures. A model that is too large can chill a room too rapidly without removing enough humidity, leaving you uncomfortable and clammy.
Finding the proper air conditioner size is critical since each home is unique, and the size of your central air conditioner will be determined by variables other than the size of your house. These elements include the kind of roof, the height of the ceiling, the number of windows, the type of insulation, the heat transmission of the walls, etc. Typically, the size indicated in the manufacturer’s specifications does not take these aspects into account and may thus be wrong.
Choose wisely, and you’ll feel great—and save money, too. Consumer Reports puts air conditioners through their paces in rooms the same size as the ones they’re supposed to cool. This makes it easy to choose the ideal model for your requirements.
What Size Air Conditioner Do You Need?
Every room in the house has a distinct purpose. This means that the temperature in each room varies. Furthermore, persons who use those rooms have varying expectations of how cool the space should be.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms tend to be small, usually no more than 100 to 200 square feet. This reduces cooling needs. At the same time, people sleeping in the room need a reliable cooling system for better sleep.
For small- or medium-size bedrooms, use a window unit A/C in the 5,000, 6,000, or 7,500 BTU category.
Home Offices
Home offices are typically small, but they use more air conditioning than a typical bedroom. A typical home office is 100 to 200 square feet. While you don’t want to be cold, you also don’t want to wake up the whole house with the blower running. A unit in the 5,000 to 7,500 BTU category is ideal.
Living Rooms
Living rooms are the hubs of activity in the home. This is where we watch TV, hang out with friends, and play games. They are typically 400 to 600 square feet. If you have guests over, crank it up and go with a larger model. Otherwise, a 7,500 to 12,000 BTU unit will work well.
Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchens and dining rooms are typically larger than living rooms at 600 to 700 square feet. Many people enjoy spending time here, but it can get hot when the stove is on. Large windows and ceiling fans help make this room comfortable. A window unit AC in the 5,000 to 9,000 BTU category is ideal.
AC Money-Saving Tips
Newer versions are less expensive to operate due to stricter government energy regulations for window air conditioners. Look for a unit with an Energy Star designation and an EER of 10 or above. Your operational expenses will be lower if your EER is greater. Every model in CR’s air conditioner ratings has an EER of 10 or above.
Keeping your air conditioner in good working order might also help you save money. Look for a model with an easy-to-remove filter for frequent cleaning. An air conditioner that has a filthy filter has to work harder.
Many air conditioners include a timer that may be set to chill a room before you arrive home. Some even offer a smartphone app that you may use if you forget to do it before you leave the house.
Conclusion
Window air conditioners have come a long way over the years, and many people find them to be a good fit for their home cooling needs. After all, they are the most affordable option.
With the information above, you should find the best window air conditioner for your needs. Just follow our simple buying guide, and you’ll be cool in no time.
Mainline Heating and Air has been providing reliable heating and AC service in Alabaster, AL, and surrounding areas since 1989. We offer top-notch HVAC products like air conditioners and handlers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, heat pumps and gas furnaces, tankless hot water heaters, UV lights, and filtering systems. Call us now to request an estimate.
