Interested in keeping your house comfortable over the summer? There is quite a bit to consider when you are purchasing a new air conditioner. Some households might be fine with a window unit, while others need a fully portable air conditioning option. With a little bit of education, choosing the air conditioning system that is right for your space is a simple matter.
Getting Started With Air Conditioners
Modern single room air conditioners do a great job of cooling a home for a reasonable price. When the option you choose is sized correctly, you'll be able to handle a room of almost any size. Simply multiply the width of the room by the length of the room by 20 to figure out what BTU rating you need to cool your space. Add extra for sunny rooms or rooms with high ceilings, and double the result if you are using a portable air conditioner instead of a window unit.
The Types Of Air Conditioners Available
Air conditioning systems you can add to your home come in two basic types: window air conditioners and portable air conditioners. Window units need to be secured in a window with part of the unit hanging outside to vent hot air. Portable air conditioners use a hose to vent air and sit in your home on wheels.
Window Air Conditioners
- Small Air Conditioners - These air conditioning systems are designed for cooling rooms smaller than about 300 square feet. They offer a range of 5,000 to 6,500 BTU/hr and cost much less than larger units.
- Medium Air Conditioners - This category covers air conditioning units that range from 7,000 to 8,200 Btu/hr. They can generally cool rooms up to about 400 square feet and cost more than small AC units. This air conditioning unit size is also a little bit harder to install and remove than a smaller AC.
- Large Air Conditioners - Large AC window units cover everything up to about 12,500 BTU/hr. These bulky options are capable of cooling spaces up to about 650 square feet, though they have trouble cooling small spaces without leaving them feeling humid.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioning units use hoses and simple window inserts designed for all window types to vent hot air. Some send water through the vent hose, while others require water to be emptied from a reservoir once every few hours. Portable AC units come in all the sizes of window AC units, but it takes a BTU/hr. rating twice as high to cool the same space so they are far less energy efficient.
Features
- Airflow Direction - Every air conditioning system has a different set of internal levers for pointing the air at the right place. Make sure the setup for the air conditioning system you are interested in can aim airflow to where you need it to go.
- Control Options - Some air conditioning systems come with shape and button differences designed to make running the system easier. There are also air conditioner options that include a remote control for running the system without standing next to it.
- Energy Use Options - Energy saver options can turn the fan off when the compressor isn't on in order to lower your power bill. Some air conditioning systems also come with a timer that will allow you to cool the room right before you get home to save money.
- Dehumidifying Setting - Sometimes the simplest and most comfortable way to cool a room is simply by pulling out the humidity. Many higher end portable and window air conditioning systems come with a dehumidifying setting that improves efficiency by pulling water out of the air.
The Brand Names In Air Conditioners
There are a wide variety of brands producing portable and window air conditioners. You'll find most options are made by Friedrich, Frigidaire, GE, Goldstar, Haier, Kenmore, LG and Sharp. Each of these brands has one or two major chain stores they sell at, and all of them have a range of energy star certified units at a range of prices.
Air Conditioner Shopping Tips
These simple tips will make sure you get the right air conditioner for your space.
- Measure your space and think about whether you need a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner.
- Don't buy a BTU/hr rating that is higher than what you need.
- Research the unit you want before you buy it for efficiency, noise and dependability.
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