Proper Air Conditioner Sizing
It’s important to choose the right size window air conditioner for your room. A unit that is too small may not be able to completely cool the room, while one that is too large will be less efficient. First, determine the approximate square footage of your room.
Next, choose a unit with a BTU rating that is appropriate for your room based on the square footage. A BTU rating indicates the amount of heat an A/C can remove from a room.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing the appropriate unit:
- 150 to 350 square feet: 5,000 to 8,000 BTU
- 350 to 550 square feet: 8,000 to 12,000 BTU
- 550 to 1,050 square feet: 12,000 to 18,500 BTU
- 1,050 to 1,600 square feet: 18,500 to 25,000 BTU
For added efficiency, consider factors that may reduce or increase the cooling need, such as how much shade or sun your room receives, how tall your ceilings are and if there are any additional open areas. Keep in mind that as the BTU rating increases, so will the size and weight of the air conditioner. You also want to consider how energy efficient the air conditioner is.
Window Air Conditioner Features
Once you’ve determined the best window air conditioner size for your needs, it’s time to think about what features you’d like in your unit. Here are some common window air conditioner features:
- A programmable timer lets you set the unit to turn on and off at specific times, helping you reduce energy consumption.
- Smart air conditioners can be controlled via your phone and connected app.
- Mechanical controls allow you to manually adjust fan speed and cooling level with ease.
- Electronic controls allow you to set a specific temperature for the air conditioner to maintain. There are window air conditioner models that can gradually ramp up their cooling. This keeps the temperature mild while reducing noise at night.
- A remote control enables you to adjust settings and turn the air conditioner on and off from across the room. Some remotes also function as portable temperature sensors to keep your room evenly cooled, activating the air conditioner when the air around the remote reaches a specified temperature.
- Filter sensors let you know when the air filter needs cleaning for better air quality.
Helpful Ways To Help Your A/C Cool Your Home
- Make sure air can flow freely around the entire air conditioner. Keep the unit clear of obstructions, such as bushes that could get caught inside of the A/C. Make sure indoor items such as furniture are clear of the unit.
- Keep the cool air in the room by closing fireplace dampers and floor or wall registers. Consider closing your shades or blinds when it’s sunny outside as long as the airflow isn’t blocked.
- Maintain correct insulation and weatherstripping throughout your home.
Window Air Conditioner Maintenance
Regular air conditioner maintenance ensures that your new window unit will remain efficient for years to come. Always remember to unplug your air conditioner before performing maintenance.
You should regularly perform the following tasks:
- Clean or replace the air filter regularly. A clean air filter keeps your A/C efficient and reduces dust. Extend the life of an air conditioner filter by vacuuming or washing it with water and mild soap. Allow it to dry before reinstalling.
- Wipe down the cabinet gently as needed, avoiding the control panel.
How Do Window A/C Units Work
A window air conditioner, also known as an A/C, conveniently cools a single room. It can be an easy-to-install alternative to a central air conditioning system if you don’t need to cool the whole house.
Most window air conditioners have multiple operating modes. The cooling mode reduces the temperature and humidity of the room’s air and then recirculates it with a fan.
Some models allow you to select from several preset cooling levels to help you keep your room at a climate that’s right for you. Other models let you set a desired temperature for the unit to maintain. The air conditioner operates using a sensor, turning off when the air reaches the preset level. When the actual temperature rises above the specified setting, the unit starts cooling the air again.
The fan-only mode uses less energy because it doesn’t use A/C. Instead, the unit circulates and filters the air in the room much like a fan would. Some window air conditioners even have a heating mode. As with the cooling function, you set the desired temperature, and the heating system cycles on and off to maintain it.
