Preferred Air Conditioners Recommended by NBC Select Editors, Suitable for Spaces of All Sizes
Looking for the best air conditioner for your space? Here's a lowdown on what you need to know.
To find the perfect air conditioner for your digs, consider the following factors: room size, room type, and additional cooling requirements. Follow this step-by-step guide to select the right AC unit for your specific needs:
- Determine Room SizeGet the square footage of your room. This is essential for figuring out the BTU requirements.
- Match Room Size with BTU Recommendations
- Small Rooms (100-300 sq ft): 5,000 to 7,000 BTU
- Medium Rooms (300-500 sq ft): 8,000 to 12,000 BTU
- Large Rooms (500-1,000 sq ft): 12,000 to 24,000 BTU [1][3]
For metric measurements:- Small Rooms (10-15 sq meters): 4,000 to 5,500 BTU- Medium Rooms (15-25 sq meters): 5,500 to 7,500 BTU- Large Rooms (25-35 sq meters): 7,500 to 10,000 BTU- Extra Large Rooms (35-45 sq meters): 10,000 to 14,000 BTU
- Consider Room Type
- Bedrooms: Require less cooling compared to living areas.
- Living Rooms and Dining Areas: Generally need more cooling due to size and occupants.
- Kitchens: Add 1,200 BTUs due to heat from appliances [2].
- Account for Additional Cooling Needs
- Occupancy: Increase BTUs by 380 for each person typically occupying the space [2].
- Windows: Add 1,000 BTUs for each window [2].
- Insulation and Ceiling Height: Better insulation and higher ceilings can reduce BTU needs; consult a professional for personalized adjustments [1][3].
- Sun Exposure: Rooms with significant sunlight may require more cooling power [3].
- Consult a ProfessionalFor precise calculations, think about hiring an HVAC pro who can analyze your unique situation, taking local climate conditions, home layout, and other factors into account [1][4].
By following these steps, you can find an air conditioner that perfectly suits your space, offering efficient cooling and comfort. Good luck!
Sources:[1] https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/air_conditioners/[2] https://www.dposition.com/air-conditioning/choose-right-size-air-conditioner-unit/[3] https://www.consumerreports.org/air-conditioners/air-conditioning-101-buying-and-installing/[4] https://www.epa.gov/energy/energy-efficient-air-conditioners-and-heat-pumps
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