Cool the rooms that need it the most by choosing the right amount of air conditioner BTUs Need to cool off? Cooling just one or two of your most frequently used rooms can reduce the load on your whole house unit, which may lead to lower power bills. This guide will tell you which type of air conditioner is best for your home. Tip: Take note of the voltage of your new unit. UL requires that only 115-volt models using more than 7.5 amps be connected to a standard single outlet. Models that are 208/230 volt require one of three branch circuit power supplies. Keep your home safe and do not exceed the recommended voltage or amps for your electrical circuit. Window, Freestanding, and Built-In Units Air conditioners perform three basic functions: lowering the air temperature, removing air moisture, and filtering the air. Window units are the most popular because they are affordable and easy to install. Some models can also double as a heater. Most can be installed in either a single- or double-hung window and typically come with accordion panels to ensure a secure fit.

Models designed for sliding windows require a support that can be attached to the exterior of your home. Freestanding portable air conditioners can be moved between rooms. They have a standard window venting kit for the exhaust, much like a clothes dryer is vented. Most portable units have reservoirs that need to be emptied periodically, although some come with optional hookups for a drainage hose. Other models evaporate much of the moisture as exhaust, greatly reducing the number of times you need to empty the container. Portable units can be heavy and are less efficient than newer window units. Built-in air conditioners can be installed in your wall for permanent placement and can provide both cold and hot air. They are ideal for areas of your house that may not be connected to the central heating and air system, such as a garage. Built-in wall units are more expensive than window units and they require opening a hole in an exterior wall, but they don’t take up window space and allow for a more airtight and secure fit.

Larger units may require professional installation. If you’re considering a home remodeling project or room addition, mini-split heating and cooling systems can save you the expense of installing ducts, which are necessary for most traditional HVAC systems. Mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular and are a great solution for homes without ductwork. Cooling Capacity & BTUs Choosing the right BTU, or British thermal unit, for your room size will make sure get the most energy-efficient cooling system for your home.portable ac unit smells bad The BTU rating is a number that essentially tells you how quickly and effectively a unit can cool a room. lg 9000 btu portable ac unitRatings generally range from 5,000 BTUs to more than 20,000.2000 ford focus ac compressor location

A unit with too few BTUs may not be able to cool a large space efficiently, while an oversized air conditioner in a small space will cycle on and off, wasting energy and decreasing the unit's ability to adequately dehumidify the room. It’s important to consider factors such as ceiling height, room insulation, sun exposure, location and your area’s climate when choosing a unit with the right BTU rating. All air conditioning units are labeled with their EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). Units with higher ratings offer lower greenhouse emissions and monthly electric bills. EERs range from 8 to 11.5. The Home Depot carries several models that are Energy Star rated. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on new air conditioners for more information. Before You Buy Checklist 1. Calculate your room size 2. Check your connections 3. Measure to fit Multiply the room length by the room width (in feet) to get the square footage of the area to be cooled.

Check out your power source (nearby outlet) and make sure to match the unit to that outlet. Measure the height and width of the opening and check the dimensions of the AC unit you select to be sure it will fit.Window air conditioners are designed to cool one or multiple rooms that don't have access to adequate cooling. There are many things to consider when shopping for a window air conditioner, like size and maintenance. To learn more, here are 5 things to consider when shopping for a window AC: Cooling capacity should be your first consideration before buying a window AC. Cooling power is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, per hour–the basic measure of thermal energy. For the best efficiency and effectiveness, stick with a unit that has a BTU level designed to fit your space. A window AC with too little BTU power will run continuously to try to cool a large space and, in the process, will eat up your energy budget. A window AC that's too large for your space won't cool and dehumidify your space evenly, leaving your room air susceptible to uncomfortable hot and cold pockets.

To find your ideal cooling capacity, calculate the size of the space you want cooled in square feet. Then use the chart below to find the right amount of BTUs. Area To Be Cooled (Sq. Ft.) Capacity Needed (BTUs Per Hour) For a more detailed estimate, take these factors into consideration, too: To view available window ACs for your space, check out our options for these spaces: Most window AC models are designed to fit inside standard double-hung windows. For step-by-step directions on how to install one through a window, check out our video and article on How to Install a Window AC. However, many models can also be installed inside a custom-created wall space with special mounting hardware. This is a useful alternative if your window's dimensions are too small or too large or if you don't have vertical sash windows. When completely installed–whether in a window or through a wall–the window air conditioner will sit level inside the opening, with the warm air exhaust system facing outside and the cooling system facing inside.

In addition, many window air conditioners feature a slide-out chassis and a rugged mounting sleeve that stabilize and secure the unit, while giving you easy access to it for maintenance. All window air conditioners come with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for installation. Because window air conditioners are more powerful than other common household appliances, make sure your existing electrical system meets the needs of the unit's electrical requirements. Most room air conditioners operate on 115-, 125- or 220-volt circuits. ACs with cooling capacities below 15,000 BTUs usually run on standard residential (115- to 125-volt) circuits. Window ACs with cooling capacities above 15,000 BTUs usually run on 220-volt circuits. With these models, you may need to install special electrical wiring or seek out an electrician to assist you. Electrical requirements–including voltage, amps, and watts–will be listed in the specifications. In addition, the correct plug face type may be pictured or listed by its NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) classification.

In general, window air conditioners are a more economical choice than central air conditioners. They cost less to purchase and–if sized correctly–are cheaper to operate over the long-term. To gauge a unit's energy efficiency, look for two things in the product's specifications: Energy Star rating and/or EER number. Energy Star-rated room air conditioners use approximately 10 percent less energy than comparable models and save you money on operating costs. These efficient ACs also have features that give you better control over operation and energy output. These include programmable timers, digital thermostats, and multiple cooling speeds. Most states also offer rebates for customers who purchase an Energy Star model. An EER (or Energy Efficiency Ratio) measurement tells you how many BTUs the unit uses for each watt of power. Use this as a rule of thumb: the higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should shop for a room air conditioner that has an EER of at least 10.0 for the best energy- and cost-savings.

Friedrich window air conditioners are known for both their high EERs and Energy Star-qualified operation. Window air conditioners require periodic maintenance to keep them in top condition. They can be vulnerable to outside dirt and debris, which can accumulate inside or on the back. In addition, dust and particles will build up on the air conditioner's air filter overtime. If left untreated, all of these things will eventually combine to reduce the effectiveness of your air conditioner. To ensure long-lasting operation, clean it thoroughly at least once per year. A window AC with a slide-out chassis make this convenient because all you have to do is slide the unit out to access it. Most air filters are washable with mild soap and water. For specific maintenance tips for your model, refer to your owner's manual. For protection from pests, some room ACs, like the Friedrich Kuhl Series, are equipped with mosquito traps that allow condensation to flow outside without letting insects inside.