subject: Window Units - Tips For Buying [print this page] If you live in a home without central air conditioning, you are likely to turn to window units instead for your air conditioning needs. Many people do this because it is difficult to install central air if your home is not designed ahead of time for it. Using window units is flexible as well, because you can place them where you want them, adjust them as such, and you can take them out when not in use. Window units come in many sizes so you'll want to choose carefully and then install them safely.
Energy efficiency is measured by the golden tags of the Energy Guide folks. Each of the air conditioner window units has a tag displaying their EER, or Energy Efficiency Rating. Nine or higher is the government's requirement for window units, but 10.5-11 is where you will start to see the price tag go up as the energy efficiency goes up with it. It is important to find a balance of energy efficiency and price. Remember that the price tag of energy should be considered too.
So, if you are going to buy window units this year, you should go get them early. Don't wait until it is 95 degrees outside with 80 percent humidity, especially if your room to cool isn't that big. The small and inexpensive air conditioners go fast. The measurements used for window units are BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units, and the bigger your space, the more BTUs you will need to cool that space. You must first determine the square footage of the room you are going to cool and then go shopping with a rough drawing. The specialist at the store will be able to help you look. Many of the air conditioner boxes have the specifications on the box. For example, a room that is 300-350 square feet should purchase a unit that is 8,000 BTUs.
There are just a few considerations beyond square footage that affect the BTU size you will need. If your space is heavily shaded, you should subtract ten percent off the capacity requirement, and do the opposite if your space gets an abundant amount of sun. Window units being used in the kitchen should be purchased at the rate of 4,000 BTUs higher than recommended, and at a higher rate of 600 BTUs per person if more than one person is often in the room. Follow these tips for your air conditioning needs and you'll be sure to pick out the right air conditioner for your space.
