Choosing The Right Sized Window AC Unit
Window AC units are perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy way to stay cool this summer. If you are looking to use a window air conditioner to stay cool, it is time to invest in one of the many available today. Window ACs come with three important factors that should be considered when deciding between brands:
- Size
- Features, and
- Energy-savings capabilities.
Determining The Right Window AC Size
It’s easy to save money on your air conditioning bill if you choose the right-sized unit. Remember, an oversized AC will be less effective because it won’t have time to remove all of that humidity from the room before running out of coolant. The most energy-efficient AC is one that matches its size with square footage so make sure not to get too big, or else your bills might skyrocket!
The size of the AC unit you will need depends on several factors. For example, how large is your room? And what activity typically occurs in that particular space? Now grab some paper and pencils for this DIY project!
The first step to determining which window ac unit will work best for you is understanding where you’ll use it. The next thing we’re going to do is measure out our room with an accurate tape measure, so then you can figure out what size windows air conditioner would suit your needs perfectly!
- Measure the length and width of the room.
- Calculate the square footage of the room.
- Multiply the square footage by 20 to determine the number of BTUs in the table below.
- Adjust as follows:
- Shaded room – reduce capacity by 10%
- Sunny room – increase capacity by 10%
- If more than 2 people regularly use the room, increase the capacity by 500 BTU’s per person
- If the unit is in a kitchen, increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs
- Round the answer down to the nearest thousand BTUs. That is the capacity you need for the room.
What Other Features Do You Want?
Connected functionality allows you to use your smartphone or another device to control your home’s temperature with just a tap remotely!
Some models of ACs give consumers even greater comfort and savings by giving them remote access over their units from anywhere in the world via Wi-Fi! You can set up an easy schedule so that it will only be on while you’re not at home, which is great if there isn’t any need for cooling all day long.
- Environmental Stewardship. Room air conditioners offer a more sustainable way to cool your home. EPA-approved refrigerant R32 is used in these ACs as it has two thirds less of an impact on climate change than the standard and ENERGY STAR rated models have been designed with efficiency in mind too, which means they use even less electricity when you’re trying to get that perfect temperature indoors!
- Look for certifications like ENERGY STAR or Green Seal. The energy efficiency of your HVAC unit is directly related to the air leaks in it. These can be minimized by looking for ENERGY STAR certified models, which have been independently tested and verified as saving up to 12% more than standard units. Certified models come with clearer instructions, better materials that improve sealing around the unit, and tight-fitting side panels, so you don’t end up losing money on a leaky model!
- Variable Speed Technology. A conventional air conditioner’s compressor works at full capacity when the room thermostat indicates that it needs cooling and off when it has achieved your desired temperature. In contrast to this method of operation, a room air conditioning unit with an efficient variable output can vary its speed to regulate the temperature without needing expensive components like a condenser or evaporator coil. As you move closer to both extremes on a thermometer during summertime hours (from hot weather), these units can slow down their performance until they achieve the perfect balance between efficiency and comfort for occupants–without sounding like industrial machinery!
What Energy Savings Are Available?
When the temperature reaches its peak, don’t just settle for a crummy AC – trust your climate to ENERGY STAR! Room window AC units that have earned EPA’s label use up to 12% less energy than standard models and with improved insulation can prevent costly air leaks. With this in mind, you will usually spend less than $100 a year on one while helping protect our environment; what better way is there?
