If you select a lesser unit to regulate a room, it’s likely not to achieve a comfortable cooling temperature. If you choose a bigger unit, it will cool your room faster,leaving the humidity in the air.
Doing it right will give you the ability to enjoy a good air conditioner and help you chill during the sweltering summer heat.
The air conditioner is rated in BTU. It usually ranges from 5,000 BTUs which are small powered to 36,000 BTUs. The size of a room is a determining factor in choosing the right BTU for your home. The best way is to calculate the square footage.
Calculating Square Footage of Your Room
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Calculation is a critical factor and should not be ignored. It involves a bit of measurements and geometry. If you are not up to the task, requesting assistance from a professional is the right way to go. The first step in choosing a room air conditioner is measuring your space to calculate square feet.
The square or rectangular formula is the one applied in most cases.
Air Conditioner Sizes
The BTU is an extent of the ACs heating and measuring aptitude. The known standard for an AC requires around 25 BTUs per square. Below are the BTUs required depending on the size of a room?
150 to 350 sq. Ft. = 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs
400 to 700 sq. Ft. = 9,000 to 14,000 BTUs
750 to 1,000 sq. Ft. = 15,000 to 18,000 BTUs
1,200 to 1,400 sq. Ft. = 21,000 to 23,000 BTUs
1,600 to 2,700 sq. Ft. = 25,000 to 36,000 BTUs
Selecting the BTU Rating of Our Room Air Conditioner
Below are some of the factors that are known to influence calculation of an accurate BTU:
- The height of the room ceiling – a normal ceiling is usually around 7 to 8 feet. If the ceiling is slightly advanced, then BTU is also adjusted
- Room Sunlight Coverage – the BTU of a room which gets sunlight needs to be increased. While a room which doesn’t get sunlight, the BTU should be decreased
- Occupancy level- the number of people staying in a home also counts. The BTU of around 500 should be added to each occupant
In a room that doesn’t have an air conditioner or needs several to be more relaxed, a portable AC is needed. They are fitted at homes, work stations and schools. You should be able to know the details and energy condition for the right portable air conditioner.
The mentality of buying the biggest portable air conditioner since big is best shouldn’t be advised. The best technique is determining room size.
The Budgeted Amount
When going for a cost-effective AC, then windows are the best. It contains standard features such as the adjustable thermostat and desired features include air purification and onboard heating modes. It’s upon you to choose the qualities that suit you best.
The kind of windows in your House
The nature of windows in a home can determine the type of air conditioner to install. If you have sliding and double-hung windows, then a portable air conditioner is the best choice. Window air conditioners are best fit in a vertical-sash window. Though a customized window can also take portable AC.
The other types of air conditioners such as mini-split and through-wall, can be installed without a window.
Efficiency in the Energy Capabilities
An energy-efficient air conditioner is a plus when deciding. Efficient conditioners are environmentally friendly and are branded energy star qualified. They are fitted with timers that control the temperature. They consume less energy but are still effective at cooling the room.
Portable room air conditioners
Some portable conditioners are not energy star qualified. Much energy is used to cool the room. Such a conditioner uses a lot of energy but is less powerful than through-wall and windows air conditioners. In the process of cooling the room, it sometimes creates negative pressure in the room.
The reaction leads to the warm air surrounding the room to enter. Instead of cooling the room, the response counteracts the cooling process. The cooling process becomes less effective. Portable air conditioners require lots of BTUs to be effective.
Its efficiency and effectiveness are also affected if the installation is not done correctly. A smaller portable air conditioner also lowers effectiveness. A model’s energy-efficient ratio can be used to evaluate conditioners. The EER can quickly determine the amount of BTUs required.
EER is directly proportional to the effectiveness of a conditioner. The lower the EER the lesser the effectiveness. Most efficient portable air conditioners are those that can be installed in any place and cools faster.
Window Air Conditioner
Window conditioner is the most effective and preferred system. It’s powerful and energy-efficient in all the conditioners available. When choosing the windows conditioner, check its EER measurements.
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Cooling and Heating Units
PTAC is the kind of conditioner found in working stations, apartments and hospitality areas. Many units of this conditioner can be controlled in a single location. Installation of PTAC can be done through the windows and walls.
A room that gets warm compared to the average room temperature requires more BTU capacity. The measurements of BTUs per square feet is followed to the latter because it can help in achieving the desired air conditioner. Deciding on the best conditioner can be confusing and demanding at the same time.
With many factors influencing your choice, the above tips are meant to guide and make it easy for you to decide on the perfect cooling system. Consider them and get value for your money.
