There are many factors to consider if you’re in the market for new air conditioning. You’ll want to consider the unit’s size, cooling capacity, and brand reputation. Plus, you’ll need to take into account its price.
Size
If you are looking for an air conditioner to help you beat the heat, consider the size of your room before buying a unit. The size of your room is influenced by the number of people living in it, the style of windows it has, and your surroundings.
The average room has about 25-30 percent thermal transference from the windows. This means that a high-efficiency window atop a well-insulated home will cool faster than an A/C unit in a poorly insulated room.
You should also consider how much sun the room receives during the day. For instance, a room that gets full sun during the day should require about 10 percent more BTU’s than a room with only half the sun.
Another thing to consider is the type of outlets available. Some units need a 20-amp outlet, while others can be run on a 15-amp circuit.
According to a home authority expert, If you are looking for the most energy-efficient A/C, then check the Energy Star certification of your model. Most states offer rebates on Energy Star models, which use less electricity than their conventional counterparts.
You may want to install a smart window air conditioner that lets you control your units via an app on your smartphone. These units also come with a host of other functions, like scheduling and eco-modes, as well as remote controls. Comparing these models from the same manufacturer is a good idea to ensure you get the best deal.
The size of your room will be the biggest factor in determining what A/C to buy. However, you should also look at your room’s surrounding environment, as well as the activities you perform in it, to determine what is the most appropriate cooling solution.
BTUs
If you have decided to buy a window A/C, then you have to choose the right size. The wrong size will create uncomfortable hot and cold pockets and increase your electric bill. In addition, you will waste energy by running your unit continuously. This is because it needs to run to cool a larger space.
To determine the right amount of BTUs, you must measure your room. Measure the width and length of your room. You will then multiply these measurements to find the BTU output.
Most window A/Cs come with an installation kit. These kits include side panels for an airtight fit and sill brackets to hold the unit. Using this equipment can make a big difference in the efficiency of your unit.
When choosing a BTU level, remember the sun your room receives. A well-shaded room should have a reduced BTU output. Similarly, rooms exposed to direct sunlight should have increased BTU’s.
For example, an average-sized living room can handle about 6600 BTUs. However, a kitchen should have more than twice the BTUs.
The number of people you have in your home will also influence the size of the A/C you purchase. For instance, if you have two adults living in your home, you will need to increase your BTUs by 600 per person.
Another thing to consider is the ceiling height. Typically, the minimum height of a standard room is eight feet. Moreover, older buildings usually have higher ceilings.
Once you have measured the square footage of your room, you can use a sizing chart to calculate the appropriate BTUs. Alternatively, you can use an online calculator.
Cooling capacity
Most window A/C models are designed to fit into standard double-hung windows. Alternatively, some can be fitted into a custom-created wall space.
Window A/C units are typically less than one ton. The unit’s cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units per hour. Generally, you need at least 20 BTUs of cooling per square foot of living space. This number can be calculated by multiplying the length and width of the room.
Choosing the proper window air conditioner for your home requires a little knowledge of its operation. First, consider how much heat you generate in the room. A well-insulated room is easier to cool. Also, the room’s size and shape determine your unit.
For example, a kitchen will need a larger unit to cope with the heat. A ten-foot-by-ten-foot kitchen is a good candidate for a 12,000 BTU window A/C.
On the other hand, a large room with many windows and a high ceiling will require a much bigger unit. Similarly, a room that gets a lot of direct sunlight should have a 10% increase in its cooling power.
You may need to move the A/C twice a year. It’s best to do this in the spring and in the fall.
To measure the energy efficiency of a window A/C, look for the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The EER is a ratio based on the amount of energy used to cool the air and the time it takes to do so. Some states offer rebates for Energy Star-rated models.
Other factors to consider include the number of windows and the room’s square footage. Choosing the right size is the key to getting the most for your money.
Cost
The cost of window A/Cs vary widely based on several factors. This includes the unit’s wattage, cooling capacity, the number of hours used, and its price per kWh.
Generally, a 10,000 BTU window A/C will cost around $89 per year in electricity. The cost of running a window AC increases with the size of the room. For example, a 400-square-foot room requires an 8,000 BTU window A/C.
To calculate the running costs of a window A/C, you must determine the amount of time the A/C will be in use and the cost of electricity in your area. You can use a calculator to do this. It uses the energy consumption data from ENERGY STAR, which is a reliable data source for this type of appliance.
In the US, the average cost of a kWh is $0.15. To calculate the cost of running a window A/C, you must take the average cost of a window A/C at a maximum wattage and divide by the number of hours it’s used.
If you want to know the cost of running a window A/C, use the ENERGY STAR running cost calculator. You can input the manufacturer’s listed wattage, the duration of use, and the currency symbols.
When you’re calculating the cost of running a window air conditioner, be sure to account for the fact that the initial hour of operation tends to be the most expensive. That’s because the initial usage hour is the most electricity demand.
While the average running cost for a window air conditioner is about $0.13, it’s possible to find the lowest cost per day. Using the ENERGY STAR running cost tool, you can compare the running costs of different units and decide which is best for you.
Conclusion
So, these are some factors you need to consider when choosing a window air conditioner unit. We hope this guide was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading!
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