![]() Unless the space you're installing your air conditioner in has a dedicated electrical line, take note of the unit's amps, ranging from 5 to 15 or more. ✔️ Amperage: Many rooms have circuits rated for a total of 15 amps of electricity. Here are some terms that you should be aware of when shopping for an air-conditioning unit: Near the kitchen with lots of heat-generating appliancesĬonversely, if you’re in a particularly well-shaded room you can reduce capacity.you live in Florida or Arizona or have lots of windows) High traffic, because more people means more heat generated.High ceilings, which create more space that needs to be cooled.You’ll want to size up if your AC is in a room with: In general, err on the side of slightly larger to ensure comfort. If a unit is too strong, you’ll waste unnecessary power, too weak and you’ll continually run the machine on full power and never feel cool enough. In general an air conditioner needs roughly 20-25 BTU for each square foot of living space. So an AC that previously had a 14,000 BTU ASHRAE rating may now have a DOE rating closer to 10,000 BTU to more accurately reflect cooling in a range of conditions.ĭetermine what unit to buy based off of the room size. Take note: New SACC ratings (based on revised testing guidelines) will show maximum BTUs to be lower than previous ratings. This is a rating in BTU/hour that is meant to more accurately portray the capabilities of the machine by providing a weighted average based on a variety of test conditions, not just an average use case (think a combination of normal usage, muggy day, a particularly hot or dry day, etc.). The new standard introduces a new rating, the Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity (SACC). However, the Department of Energy (DOE) introduced new standards that were published March 2020, and are required effective on and after January 10, 2025. In general, the larger the room, the more BTUs you need. Previously, this was indicated with a measurement in British Thermal Units (BTUs) based on American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) testing standards. In general, most models list their cooling capacity to help you gauge the right unit for the size room you have. This makes it challenging to compare specs across comparable units and brands. Right now, we are in a transitional time period in which the measurements from unit to unit are not consistent as a new standard is coming into place. How do I find the right air conditioner for my room? Price: From about $700 for a unit that will cool a a 150- to 300-square-foot room to $1,000 or more to cool a 500-square-foot room. ![]() ![]() Exhaust tube must be installed each time it's moved.Higher-priced than comparable window units.Readily fits in more window sizes/types than traditional window units.$430 at Amazon $696 at Walmart $499 at Home Depot Credit: Whynter This is a mobile air conditioner on wheels that can be rolled from room to room and includes a tube to exhaust heat out of a window or through an opening in a wall. Price: Like wall-mounted models, these range roughly $400 for a unit that will cool a 400- to 700-square-foot room to $700 or so for a unit that will cool/heat a 1,000 square-foot room. You may need a dedicated 220-volt circuit.Usually lack window installation kits (nuts, bolts, and frame needed to secure the unit in a window).Versatility is ideal can suit a rental apartment window now, or a home wall installation later.This versatile type can be temporarily installed in a window or permanently mounted in a wall. Price: From roughly $400 for a unit that will cool a 400- to 700-square-foot room to $700 or so for a unit that will cool/heat a 1,000 square-foot room. Many models don't include the exterior metal sleeve, so you'll need to purchase it separately (costing $50 to $100).Installation can get costly - you must cut an opening through an outside wall, and larger units may require installation of a dedicated 220-volt line.Wall-mounted units also come in cooling-only or cooling/heating varieties. These air conditioners are permanently mounted by attaching a metal sleeve through the wall and sliding in the AC chassis from inside. ![]() Go up to $800 and you can get a unit that cools and heats a 700- to 900-square-foot room. Price: From less than $200 for a unit that will cool a 100-square-foot room to $400 for a unit that will cool a 200- to 500-square-foot room. ![]() $268 at Amazon $279 at Walmart $289 at Home Depot ![]()
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