Learn how to properly size a window air conditioner for the room you want to cool.
Choosing a window air conditioner unit can be difficult if you don't know what you are looking for. This is because there are several different brands and sizes.
The most important thing to consider when buying a window a/c unit is the number of btus. If the number of btus is too small for the room you want to cool, the temperature in that room will not change. If the unit has too many btus, the temperature in the room will drop but the unit will very likely freeze up.
To determine the number of btus you will need, you must first determine the square footage of the room you want to cool. You do this by multiplying the lenght of the room by its width. For example, if you have a 12x12 room, the room would be 144 square feet.
Next you must determine determine what type of home you live in. If your home is on a slab, multiply the square footage of the room by 30. If your home is on piers, multiply the square footage of the room by 40. If you live in a moblie home, multiply the sqaure footage by 50. If you are wanting to cool a room in a beach house, you must multiply the room's square footage by 60. This will give you the number of btus that you will need to cool an average room in your home.
Some rooms require additional btus though. For example, a kitchen is always harder to cool than a normal room because of the oven and stove. Because of this, you should add 4000 additional btus. If the room you want to cool is located on the west side of your home, you should also add 4000 additional btus. This is because that room will get more sunlight throughout the day and this will make it harder to cool. For each window over 2 that the room has, you should add an additional 1000 btus. If the room you want to cool is located upstairs, add an extra 4000 btus. Another feature that requires additional btus are high ceilings because this creates extra area to cool. For each 2 feet higher than an 8 foot ceiling add 1000 additional btus.
Now add all of the needed btus together and this will give you the total number of btus that you will need to cool your room.
Another important thing that you must consider is the type of plug that the air conditioner has. There are 4 different plug types that different air conditioner sizes require. If you do not have the same type of outlet in your room as the unit you select, you must either choose another unit or have a new outlet installed at your home.
Remember that cost is not the most important thing. It is better to spend a little more and get the correct size than buying the least expensive unit because it will be a waste of your money. Choose wisely and you should live comfortably in your cool room.
