subject: The Right Air Conditioner Unit for the Right Spot in Your Home [print this page] The Right Air Conditioner Unit for the Right Spot in Your Home
Can't take the heat of summer? If you are thinking of buying an air conditioner unit for your house, you have several factors to consider. Other than the brand of the air con, you need to consider the size of the room, type of activities in the room, power consumption and type of unit itself.
The three general types of air cons are the window, centralized, and portable models. The window unit can be installed on the window sill, or on a prepared hole on the wall. Centralized units use an air ventilation system which is usually routed to the attic. On the other hand, portable models need no installation since they can be carried around. You just need wall outlets to power them.
If you wish to cool a single room for just sleeping or resting, the window type will work best for you. A centralized air conditioner unit is recommended for large house, with an existing air vent system. You need to construct and air ductwork for a centralized cooling system to work. Lastly, portable models can be moved around, but you have to regularly empty the drain.
Other than the model type, you have to know an air con's cooling power. This is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The choice depends on the size of the room. For example, if a room has a floor area of 150-300 square feet, you need a 5000-BTU air con. If the floor area is about 700 square feet, you need about 14,000 BTUs. If the room receives long hours of sunlight, the BTU must be increased by 10%. If the air con will be installed in the kitchen, about 4000 BTUs must be added.
Also take note that a window-type air-con is designed to cool a close room. Don't expect that it will cool down hallways if you install it on a corner. A centralized air conditioner unit is more appropriate in simultaneously cooling connected hallways. However, other than BTU, a numerical value called "tonnage" should be considered for centralized types. Consult your contractor or electrician regarding this value.
